Things You Should Never Buy to Help You Organize

Keep your home organizing costs down by never buying these things to help you. 

When embarking on an organizing project, items to help you organize are often purchased without careful planning and forethought. This can lead to a waste of money and time. I have assembled a list of the most common things to avoid buying (and doing) to make sure your project isn’t doomed from the start. 

Here are things you should avoid buying when getting organized: 

Too Many Bins or Baskets 
It can be tempting to buy a lot of bins or baskets to help you organize, but it's important to make sure you really need each one. Don't buy more than you can fill, otherwise they'll just take up unnecessary space. Plan so you know what you need and make sure everything you purchase is returnable. 

Organizers That Don't Suit Your Items 
Make sure the organizers you buy are appropriate for the items you are storing. For example, don't buy small containers for large items or open containers when closed ones are appropriate. It is easy to use what you have when you are near the end of the project. Using the wrong organizer for the wrong items will result in sloppy and sometimes non-functional use. 

Organizers That Don't Stack Well 
If you are short on space and even if you’re not, it's important to choose organizers that stack well to make the most of your vertical space. Avoid organizers that are too top-heavy or unstable. And remember to always stack the heavier ones on the bottom. 

Organizers That Don't Have a Lid 
Avoid organizers that don't have a lid or a way to close them. This will help keep your items dust-free and protected. Especially when storing items in a garage or attic. It will also help in the unfortunate instance of a water leak. I have found this an all-too-common occurrence and am quite happy to see a container with a lid. 

Organizers That Are Not Transparent 
Transparent organizers make it easier to see what's inside, which can save time and reduce frustration when you're looking for something. It shouldn’t be a game of hide and seek every time you need to find something. No matter how well an organizer is labeled on the outside, it is still necessary to look inside. 

Organizers That Are Not Durable  
Make sure the organizers you buy are made of high-quality materials that will hold up over time. Cheap, flimsy organizers are more likely to break or fall apart, which can be frustrating and costly in the long run. Don't buy organizers that are just temporary fixes. Instead, invest in high-quality organizers that will last and work well for the long term. 

Trendy Organizing Gadgets  
Avoid organizers that are too complicated or require a lot of assembly. Select organizers that are easy to use and maintain. Avoid buying trendy gadgets that claim to be organizing solutions but may not actually be practical or effective for your needs. 

Impulse Purchases 
Resist the urge to buy things just because they're on sale or look appealing. Stick to your organizing plan and only purchase items that genuinely serve a purpose in your home. The saying “if it’s free; it’s for me” is not always true. Just because you are getting a deal, it doesn’t always mean you are getting a bargain. 

The key to a successful organizing project lies in thoughtful planning and selecting the right organizers to suit your specific needs. Avoid common pitfalls such as purchasing too many bins, using inappropriate organizers, or falling for gadgets that don't truly serve your purpose. Remember to prioritize functionality, durability, and practicality in your organizing solutions, and resist impulse purchases that may only clutter your space further. By carefully considering the organizers you choose and staying focused on your organizing goals, you'll create a more efficient and streamlined space that stands the test of time.