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Have you seen those amazing photos on Pinterest with the matching bins that makes everything look so put together? Me too! And guess what, I hate them. Now you are probably asking why! They look so amazing and clean and fresh. Yep they do and I have nothing against how they look and everything to do with how they function.
When you put that fabulous look in front of it being incredibly functional, it is NOT a sustainable way to organize. However both can definitely be done. You can have a completely functional yet beautiful space. But you need to first make it functional and usable before you worry about making it look fabulous. So let’s talk about the basics of making that happen.
Think of Organizing like Marketing
Organizing is like marketing. Donald Miller from StoryBrand has taught me you want clarity over cleverness in marketing. In Organization you want function over fabulous (looking). When organizing if you put that perfect Pinterest look in front of being functional. Your space will never be usable. The point of organizing is to make your life easier. If you focus first on it looking fabulous you will not have a completely functional space.
Know Your Organizing Style
Next we want to establish what type of organizing works for you. The key starts with understanding if you do better with Open or Closed Storage. From there you can see what type of storage you should focus on.
Open Storage Suggestions
If you like open storage you will want to focus on beautiful ways to display the items you have. I recommend focusing on clear acrylic display & storage items. This will keep the visual clutter to a minimum and create that zen look with your items still on display and easily accesible!
Closed Storage Recommendation
When you prefer a cleaner look and do not like to visually see every last item in your space, its a must to utilize great labeling system. Utilizing labels that can be erased or a system that will allow that label to be replaced is a must! Things will change and items will move. Therefore you want to keep your system fluid.
Grouping is Essential
A must do for any organizing project whether it be your kitchen, craft room or closet. Grouping like items together will not only help you know what you have but it will also help your space look and feel cleaner. It’s one of the keys to having an organized & beautiful space.
There is no one size fits all with organizing. It’s a puzzle that needs to be solved! There are people who absolutely love solving that puzzle and some who think its a headache. But hopefully these tips will help you get started. By giving your organizing style a lot of thought before you go and buy all the bins. You will end up with a functional, beautiful and most importantly useful space!
Kelly says
I’m closed storage all the way! I’m in the process of building a new desk packed with drawers, and cupboards with doors as I move vertically. I have enough spots to show cute projects, but I do not want to see all my tools and supplies. That happens anyways, especially with any horizontal surface. Wish me luck!
Andrea says
I knew we were kindred spirits after you showed your space! I have more out then I would like but it’s not practical to put the rest away.
I can’t wait to see this new desk! You all are talented woodworkers so I am sure it will be amazing. Good luck!