Containment is part of the organizing process. Containers are good storage options, but is content always easy to access? This is a question to consider based on the type of storage option. Storage criteria may be different for each organization solution, but ease of access should be a priority.
Containers or containment come in all shapes and sizes. Every box, container, basket, shelf, drawer, coat rack, cabinet, pantry, closet, and room in your home is a container, just like your own home. How we organize these containers determines ease of access.
Most containers have lids. Some have hinges that are permanently attached. Others may have a snap-on lid, which could be left off. Other containers, perhaps a rack, basket, or repurposed item, will have no lids at all.
How you use the container, whether it has a lid or not, will determine how easy it is to access the contents. The concept of a good organization solution must take into account that you can find what you need, when you need it, and easy access for quick retrieval. If it’s cumbersome to get into a bin to retrieve an item, you’re less likely to stick with this solution.
Obviously, open containers are easier to access your content than closed containers. As you determine your containment needs, I encourage you to use open containers whenever possible for easy access.
The following list provides scenarios and tips on how to use open containment for easy access.
When stacking multiple containers containing similar items, such as inventory or overflow, remove the top container lid. You can easily access the contents. When that container is empty, replace the lid and move it to the bottom of the pile. Then remove the lid from the top container.
Drawers – Use drawer dividers for small items like empty check boxes. Yes, some people still write checks, jewelry boxes, or glasses of yogurt. If they have lids, remove them so you can easily access the contents of each container. Real drawer dividers work well in the kitchen for utensils of various sizes.
Shelves and Hooks: They are great for hanging just about anything in any room inside or outside your home. Kitchen utensils, brooms, pots and pans, jewelry, backpacks, bags, hand tools, and garden tools are just a few examples that can be easily accessed by hanging from a shelf or hook. Various types of shelves and hooks work great for organizing a garage.
Over-the-door storage – There are so many storage options that hang over a door. These products have shelves, hooks, or pockets and come in a variety of materials. They can be used in any room that has a door, although a sliding door will not work. You can see the content at a glance and select what you need quickly.
Hanging Files – This one really is a no-brainer. Hanging files should be kept in a filing cabinet or bag, but paperwork is easily accessible either way. The way you organize the paperwork in these files allows for a speedy recovery system.
Organize Products – Here’s another no-brainer. There are so many organization products on the market that make it easy to access. They are designed that way on purpose. Many office products that hang on the wall or are placed on a desk are usually open for easy access.