The One Box That Will Revolutionize The Way You Declutter Your Closet

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Have you repeatedly tried to declutter your closet but still find it inexplicably full after just a few days or weeks? This could be because it gets packed with items that no longer fit, garments you are hoping will come back into fashion, or pieces that are only used on very specific occasions. One type of clothing that falls into the final category is vacation wear.

If your closet is full of swimsuits, sun hats, and flip-flops, moving them to a different location can help you fulfill your dream of having a more organized and clutter-free closet. But you don't want those items to get lost in your attic or basement because this can make it hard to find them when you're packing for a trip. So, where should you move your vacation wear to get it out of your closet while still keeping it easily accessible? As described in a Good Housekeeping article that looks at expert tips from stylist and author Annmarie O'Connor, a "vacation box" could be the perfect solution for this conundrum. This trick works exactly how it sounds — designating one specific box to hold all of the items that are only used on vacation. This is a great way to make it easier to access the everyday items in your closet without having to wade through the sandals, sunglasses, and sundresses that you only need for holidays. But how should you go about packing a vacation box, and where should you keep it once it's finished to help you maintain a clutter-free home?

To start crafting your own vacation box, you'll first need to choose an appropriate container. If you plan to gather your whole family's vacation items in one, you will probably need a larger box to fit both existing items and any extras you pick up later on. A plastic box — like this Sterilite Latching Storage Bin — is likely a better option than a cardboard one as it can be cleaned out if any stray sand or water from your last vacation ends up in it. To minimize how often you have to clean the box, however, it may be a good idea to get in the habit of washing all your vacation items as soon as you return before packing them away again. The clear plastic of this bin is also helpful for this trick because it enables you to quickly spot what is inside, making it easy to locate when you need it. If you find that the straps of your swimsuits get tangled up in your sandals when you begin packing your vacation box, you could also utilize drawer separators to split up different items within the box.

Once you have packed your clean, separated items into the container, where should you put it? Well, you may want to consider using some hidden storage solutions for your vacation box. Given that it is not needed as often as everyday items, it doesn't need to be in the more prominent areas of your home. For example, you could place the box under the bed, in furniture designed for storage such as hollow ottomans or coffee tables, or under the stairs.