Frequently Asked Questions
Always begin with a fierce purge. Following the KonMari method, pull everything out of the space and evaluate each item. Only after you have reduced the volume should you measure for bins and shelves.
Yes, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. Clear acrylic (like those sold at the Container Store) allows you to see inventory at a glance, preventing you from over-purchasing items you already have hidden in the back.
By maximizing vertical space. Utilize heavy-duty overhead ceiling racks for seasonal items, and install track systems or pegboards on the walls for tools and bikes. Keep the floor as clear as possible.
Clean all garments before storage. Use vacuum-sealed bags to reduce bulk, then place them in opaque canvas bins on the highest shelves of your closet or under your bed.
Standard closet wire shelving holds about 40-50 pounds per linear foot if installed correctly into studs. For garages, always opt for industrial steel shelving rated for 1,000+ pounds per shelf.
Decant dry goods into airtight containers with silicone seals (e.g., OXO Good Grips Pop containers). Keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry pantry environment.
While not strictly necessary, labeling opaque bins is highly recommended. Labeling clear bins is helpful for uniform ingredients (like differentiating baking powder from baking soda) and helps other household members maintain the system.
Instead of stacking shirts flat on top of one another, you fold them into small rectangles that stand upright in a drawer. This allows you to see every shirt simultaneously and pull one out without ruining the stack.