Organization: the Magic of Matching Bins in the Basement

This so dorky, but I am going to dedicate a blog to the magic of having matching bins in the basement - or the garage, or the attic for that matter; really anywhere you have the need for large storage.

Blame it on hyper-consumerism, or even sentimentality; most Americans have a need for storage above and beyond utilizing the cabinets and closets in their home. So, what does this generally look like? Items get placed in containers; boxes, bins, etc.. I am a firm advocate for plastic storage bins with lids that match. Let me tell you why…

Having matching plastic bins with lids brings an entirely new level of organization to a home.

Yes, I am talking about the same size and color (solid, not see-through or opaque). Why? Because it alters the visual of a space for the better. Take a basement full of miscellaneous bins and stack them up. Ok, it looks tidy because things are put away out of view, but take that same grouping and put it in matching bins and it looks remarkably nicer. This is all about the visual.

Note: generally, a small to medium size bin is best. (The large ones get far too heavy to move/lift unless you have superpowers of the Incredible Hulk.) And, while cardboard boxes are ok, they are not nearly as durable. They don’t always hold their shape over time and contents can get ruined if water comes into play.

If you really want to take it to the next level (yes! yes!), instead of scribbling what the contents are on a piece of tape and fixing it to the bin, grab your computer and quickly type up a list of contents and save it. Then, affix a clear sleeve with an adhesive back to the outside of the bin (think what you’d use for a UPS, FedEx mailer – easily purchased on Amazon.com) and slip the paper inside of it. Since you have a working, saved document, you can change out the list with ease whenever you need and it will always be perfectly legible.

Yes, moving all your storage to matching bins is an investment up front. But, chances are, you’ll be looking at those bins for years and years to come – and, no matter if/when/where you move, they will always create visual continuity for you.