Decluttering Before Organizing: Why Buying Containers Won't Fix Your Clutter Problems

Recently, I worked with a wonderful client on decluttering and organizing her closet. One thing she has been struggling with is shoes. There were shoes in many different places—some neatly tucked into clear plastic shoe containers and some scattered on the floor. She also had a pile of empty shoe containers taking up space. She told me she bought the bins because her shoes felt out of control, and she thought containers would help. This makes sense, right?

But here’s what actually happened:

• Many of the shoes that were put in boxes were never worn again. They were out of sight, out of mind.

• The empty containers became clutter themselves, waiting to be used “someday.”

• Her closet ended up feeling more overwhelming, not less.

This happens all the time. We’re told that buying pretty storage is the answer to clutter, but the truth is, containers don’t solve the problem—they just rearrange it.

The Problem with Containers

1. They hide rather than help. Once something is in a bin, it’s easy to forget it exists.

2. They take up space. Empty or half-used containers can add just as much clutter as the items themselves.

3. They don’t address the real issue: too much stuff. The cause of clutter isn’t a lack of bins; it’s having more stuff than your space can comfortably hold.

Why Decluttering Before Organizing Works

The real solution is to declutter before you organize. Pare down until you have only what actually fits your space and your life. When you have fewer things, everything can be visible and easy to reach, and you will naturally feel more organized. Even if you never buy another bin.

Here are a few strategies that work better than buying a bunch of containers:

• Start with less. Let go of items you don’t use, don’t love, or don’t need.

• Give what remains a home. Every item should have a clear, logical place to live.

• Use limits. Instead of stuffing more into bins, use the boundaries of your shelves, drawers, or racks to guide how much you keep.

When Containers Do Help

Once you’ve pared down, containers can absolutely play a role. They’re great for keeping small items together, setting clear limits, and giving your space a tidy, streamlined look. But they should be the finishing touch—not the starting point.

The Takeaway

Organized clutter is still clutter. If you’re tempted to buy more bins, pause and ask yourself: “Do I need a container, or do I need less stuff?”

Most of the time, the answer is less. When you declutter first, you free yourself from the excess—and only then will a container truly serve its purpose.