The Popular Organization Hack That Creates A Cluttered Eyesore

Part of organizing and decluttering is figuring out where everything goes. Bins and baskets can help with that, giving you the perfect-sized space to fit your materials and designate a specific spot where every item goes. Clear acrylic containers are often used in organization-based TV shows when it comes to picking out tools for this level of detailed organizing. For example, HGTV's Nate Berkus has shown us how clear bins in the bathroom can make your life a breeze. However, they may not be as useful as you want. In fact, if you aren't careful, they could actually make your clutter look worse.

You see, acrylic containers are incredibly popular and do provide some genuine benefits to organizing. They give you a place to arrange similar small items, and you will see everything you placed in the container at a glance. This makes it easier to know what is inside and where certain items may belong without having to dig around. It's even more beneficial for items you use often, like craft products and makeup. Because they are clear, though, the objects inside are on display just like if they were sitting plain on a shelf — if everything isn't perfectly organized and placed just right, it's still going to make your space look like a mess.

Unfortunately, a tidy, structured array of items on display behind the clear acrylic walls is rarely a reality with these bins. Most people don't have time to stack and re-stack items on repeat whenever they buy something new or use an item. After a while, those bins will end up looking like an ignored junk drawer in your kitchen. The only difference is that clear acrylic bins give away all of your dirty little secrets. There are some very specific tips for making clear storage containers work for your pantry and the rest of your home if you want them to look nice, but they're not always practical. Additionally, because you can see through them so clearly, it will be more obvious when there are crumbs, bits of debris, or dust, meaning that you'll have to regularly clean the inside and outside to keep them looking pristine. When your home is already busy and chaotic, this could just add another chore to your already full list. With acrylic bins often being pricier than other storage containers, it pays to be aware of issues like these before buying any for your organizing needs.

Bins as a whole are also a little problematic if your main goal is to declutter. You may think that you're decluttering when you're buying bins to put your items in, but in reality, all you are doing is organizing the clutter. If you don't stay on top of it, you'll just end up using them as an excuse to hold more items, leading to a bigger problem down the road.

The ideal solution is to reduce the number of bins and containers you own altogether. This will force you to pay attention to what you have in your home and may help you slow down when it comes to buying more items. However, if you do still need something to help you stay organized, try to find options other than clear bins. Opaque, labeled plastic containers are an option but not always pretty in main spaces. Woven baskets come in all shapes and sizes, which makes them a fun addition, while cloth storage bins conceal stored items and look great in an open space. Some even have zippers so you can't see inside once they are closed. There are also nice-looking collapsible bins that fold up when they are not in use to save more space. 

Like the clear acrylic containers, you can find options in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Get a set that fits the design of your home and is exactly what you need to stay organized. Then, use them with other sensible decluttering solutions, like some of the storage hacks HGTV stars swear by, to keep everything accessible, easy-to-find, and looking good at all times.