Boxing Match: The right storage boxes

Need help clearing clutter and creating a cleaner look? Utilize boxes.But beware – all boxes are not created equal.Some are for storing, some for sorting, and some for showcasing. Find boxes that will help you do whichever task needs to be accomplished. For storage, make sure they’re strong and sturdy, and don’t forget to label them effectively. For sorting, make sure they’re big enough, but not too cumbersome to carry from room to room. For showcasing, make sure they’re stylish. Lately, a trend has developed to put great-looking storage containers on display, creating an interesting accessory while keeping necessities close at hand.Name that roomRooms that don’t have a specific purpose often become dumping grounds for clutter. Before you begin de-cluttering, go through your home room by room and determine how you want to use each space. Identify which items support the purpose of the room and which ones should be moved elsewhere. Keep a few boxes handy so you can easily transport smaller items to their appropriate rooms.Freeze easy Clear containers, like plastic shoeboxes, work great at keeping small items organized in the freezer. They’ll stay put rather than slip all over each other. Many freezers come with dividers. Have a look at your manual to see if you have the option of ordering these from the manufacturer.Cohesive = Calm. Create both impact and a sense of calm by choosing baskets or boxes in a similar style to use throughout your home. Whether you like wicker or leather, brightly coloured or neutral, consider buying extras as you may not be able to find the same ones again later.Photos taking over your space?Don’t let your photos become damaged and forgotten by leaving them piled in grocery bags or scattered in various places. Gather them up and use acid-free photo boxes to organize and enjoy them for years to come. Just one of these boxes often holds about 1,000 photos, so it’s a real space saver as well. Create broad categories for each box and label the outside. Next, use the divider cards that come with these boxes to create subcategories. For example, a broad category could be Vacations and subcategories within that could be Disney World 1999, Eastern Caribbean Cruise 2001 and Summer Resort 2002. Alternatively, you could file photos chronologically with each box representing a specific year.Divide and conquerAnytime you have a vast open storage area (like a chest), think of creative ways to subdivide it to keep it organized. Break big areas into smaller ones by using containers of various sizes. You can reuse the packages that regular household items come in: tissue boxes, cheque boxes and baby-wipe containers. In addition, you can subdivide using drawer dividers, shelves and stacking trays.Collections or clutter?If your collections are hidden away and forgotten in the corner of your closet, they’re clutter. Collections have their place but they need to be displayed in a way that reflects their meaning to you. If they bring you pleasure, bring them out of hiding and give them a place of honour. Whether you collect coins, cards or cameras, you’ll get more enjoyment from your collection if you display the items as a group. Small items can be mounted and framed in shadow boxes, which can hang on the wall or sit on a table. Larger items stay dust-free when they’re displayed in a shelving unit with glass doors. Avoid crowding them – items are more esthetically pleasing when they have some breathing space around them.