There are two schools of thought on whether or not boxes are good organizational tools. On one hand, they can help with organization, and on the other, they can be a source of chaos. It really all depends on how you use them.
Do this
Boxes can help with organization when they have a clear purpose. When using them for storage, make sure the boxes will stack will and are clearly labeled.
Having “to go” boxes will help you keep your specific tasks organized. For example, establish a box for bill paying. Into it will go your checkbook, address labels, stamps, a calculator, pens and a small notepad. Everything is in one place. You can even grab the box on your way out. A doctor’s waiting room or the waiting room at the mechanic’s shop are two great places to catch up on those bills. Other to go boxes may include activities for the kids (such as small toys, crayons and coloring books), birthday cards, craft kits and more.
Purchase decorative boxes (or decorate them yourself) that can be displayed and incorporated into your living space. This way, you won’t have to worry about a separate storage area and everything will be conveniently accessible.
Don’t do this
Don’t buy lots of boxes before you know what will be going into them. You may find that you need something different to fit your needs. Buying everything ahead of time may cost you money and add to the clutter.
Don’t toss things willy nilly into plain boxes. This is a sure way of never seeing that stuff again. You’ll have no way of knowing where anything is, and the clutter will tend to pile up. Many people toss things into boxes when they are expecting company and then never actually go back and organize anything. Then the boxes themselves get tossed into a closet or room, making things even worse.
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