The Container Concept

Often I hear clients and people I meet say, "I am just not an organized person," or... "My house is too small, there is nothing I can do."

I used to be unsure what to say in response. I knew they could be organized with the right tips and assistance no matter the size of their home. But I didn't know how to explain it to them....

Then I came across this video on YouTube by Dana White and it became the perfect response to many comments and questions I get, not just those two.

My answer from now on will be, "Have you tried The Container Concept?"

What is The Container Concept?

How do you implement The Container Concept?

Putting this concept into action is simple when you utilize these three steps:

1. Choose a container that you think will work to store that category of items. It should be large enough to fit most of the items in the category, but also comfortably fit inside the larger container around it (aka the shelf, closet, or house).

2. Put your favorite or most important items of that category into the container first and then fill until there is no more room. Anything that doesn't fit has to be decluttered (trash, donate, or sell).

3. If you absolutely MUST keep the rest of the items that don't fit, perhaps you need a bigger container for that category OR you may need to split that category into two more specific groups and have two containers. WARNING: Be careful not to just get a second container whenever your first choice doesn't fit everything. The whole point of The Container Concept is to keep your items based on the space you have, rather than keeping everything no matter the space they take.

4. Then, whenever you receive a new item of that category, rather than getting a bigger container, starting another container, or (worst case) just leaving the new item laying around, look at what you have in the existing container and take something out so you can make space for the new item. It's the one-in-one-out rule.

Here are a few examples to get your imagination going:

Your house or apartment (no matter it's size) is the container inside which all your possessions should comfortably fit. Therefore, if you don't have a comfortable amount of space for a piece of furniture or any large item or collection of items, then you need to either not get that new thing OR you need to get rid of something else large to make room. A storage unit, new shed out back, or filling up your balcony or patio is not the solution! Keep all your items inside your one big container where they belong.

Your pens should all fit in one small cup, bag, drawer organizer, or box. If you have pens spread all over the house in various containers, collect them all, find one container that you think will hold enough pens for your needs (depending on what you use pens for you may need more or less) and then put your favorites in first and then throw away or donate the rest.

Your books should fit on one shelf or bookcase. Choose your container (the number of shelves probably) and then organize your favorite books onto the shelves until there is no more room, then donate the rest.

Your pots and pans should all fit into one or two cupboards. Choose your container, put your favorite pans in first, and then declutter any pans that don't fit.

I hope this new way of thinking about organizing and decluttering helps you improve your home and life.

Let me know in the comments: What is one category that's taking up too much space in your house where you can try using The Container Concept? I'd love to know how it goes!

Wishing you the best on your decluttering journey,

P.S. Here is the YouTube video where I learned this concept. Dana gives a great visual explanation if you're still a bit unclear on The Container Concept: