think INSIDE the box….with The Container Store

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“An Organized Life is the only life worth living.”

Just kidding.

I did not make up that quote.

This is my heavy duty, all-purpose, plastic shopping bag….only a buck ninety-nine.

What a deal.

Truth-be-told, there are many of these bags scattered here and there…. in my car trunk, my closet, and my office.

I even give these bags away as gifts!  For Real.

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 At the beginning of my blog, I wrote 2 articles on:

Clearing the Clutter: Parts 1 & 2

in the category of Simplification: Downsizing Lifestyle.

I said it then…and I’ll say it now.

I have an ongoing struggle with simplifying my daily lifestyle.

We live in a complicated world – but that still doesn’t deter me from attempting to forever go back to the basics.

The absolute first step toward living in the Land of Less…

is to get ORGANIZED.

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On that note – I’d like to share some of my storage solutions with you today.

 After you have cleared your clutter per my original articles…

You will want to store your treasured belongings in a logical system.  Right?

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Good News.

There is a store designed for the Overachievers of Organization.

Do you aspire to create a Perfectly Planned Place to live?

Introducing ~ The Container Store.

You’re in luck.  There’s a Summer Sale in progress.

Just got my copy in the mail!

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 I have selected a few of my favorite items to share this morning.

 These are shoe/handbag bins.  But who’s to say that’s the only purpose for this product?

 I bought 2 kits (8 compartments)  to use as shelving in my closet.  I got a bid for built-in shelves for my ‘Writing Room’ and nearly fainted when I got the estimate.

These Container Store ‘shelves’ work perfectly for an attractive alternative to expensive built-ins.

They give an undefined closet the nice and neat cubbies needed for organized storage.

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This artistic metal structure is described as a magazine rack.

But I am here to tell you that I bought 2 of these wonderful ‘vertical displays’ to hold my tutoring supplies.

Each students has a dedicated tray.

  I can see all of my materials in one quick glance.

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These canvas bins are everywhere in my home.

And I sent a couple of them to my sons’ apartments.

Sturdy and Stylish….these bins are a necessity for organizing t-shirts, shorts, work-out clothes, gloves & scarves, and an assortment of socks.

A simple way to store just about anything and everything.

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Cute Cubes.

Notice the packages on the 2nd shelf in the photo.

These cubes are easily collapsible into a small square.

Do you know what I use the mesh cubes for?

Linens.

I have  6 cubes in my hall linen closet:

Guest Sheet Sets / Lake House Sheet Sets / Lightweight Afghans / Everyday Sheet Sets / Extra Pillowcases / Master Bedroom Sheet Sets

Now, when I open the door to my linen closet, I can easily find exactly what I need.

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elfa Systems

In my former home, I installed (Yes, me.  It was very simple to do.) a small elfa system in my son’s bedroom closet.

Ever since – we have been sold on this storage system.

The elfa drawers are still used in my two sons’ apartments and the dorm frig unit on wheels is a great way to elevate a typical mini-refrigerator.

I know what you might be thinking.  My Obsessive-Compulsive tendencies do spill over into my sons’ apartments.  And they are kind enough not to say a word about it….and perhaps, they even appreciate my efforts.

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Hanging Shoe Storage.

I do use this product for its original purpose.

Our foyer closet used to have a big basket full of shoes.  It was frustrating and inefficient.  So, I found this nifty answer to our problem.

In addition to shoes, some of the slots are used for hats & visors and other whatnots.

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I saved the best for last.

Last week, I bought another case of these plastic boxes – (men’s shoebox size).

I own every shape and size of these essential containers.

Here’s a small sample of some of the things I store in them.

Over-the-Counter medicine.  Make-up.  Hairclips. Extra contact lens. Toys for future Grandkids. Toiletries in duplicate like shampoo, bar soap, etc.  Tutoring supplies. Picture hanging nails and brackets.  Memorabilia from my boys’ school days. Office supplies like extra staples, tapes rolls, pens, etc.  Christmas ornaments.  Ribbons and gift wrap.  My hot glue guns. Rehearsal Dinner and Mother of the Groom supplies.

You name it.

We store it…. in these ‘gotta-have’ containers.

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Organization is a process.

And it could be a lengthy one at that.

Be Patient with yourself.

Be Proud of your Progress.

And never make Perfection a measurement for your success.

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Please note:

I have been a customer of The Container Store forever.

My merchandise has been purchased over years and years.

Begin buying the items within your monthly budget:  Start small.

Gradually accumulate the products which address your most pressing organizational needs.

Good Luck to you!

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 It goes without saying….but I need to say it anyway.

I do not review, promote or pitch any product, book, gadget, etc…for a fee. If I like it…saves money or time…and helps make life easier or better in some way, I’ll share my findings with you! 

And my family does not own The Container Store.  You have no idea how much I wish we did.