How to Find & Purchase Containers For Your Home Like A Professional Organizer
Buying organizing containers can feel much harder than it should.
How many do you actually need? Will they fit? Should you grab a few from Walmart, or splurge at The Container Store?
In this workshop, Johamy, founder of JO Organizing, shares the same simple process she uses with clients to help them find the right containers for their homes.
Watch the workshop below, then keep reading for our tips and takeaways.
Ultimate tips from a professional organizer for buying the right containers for your home
Hey! Have you gotten that idea of buying new containers for your home because you saw something on sale? Or maybe you looked at a Pinterest or Instagram post with a nice and almost magazine-perfect home?
Honestly, buying the “right” containers can feel way harder than it should. How many do you actually need? Will they fit? Is it okay to grab a few from Walmart or should you splurge at The Container Store?
If you’ve ever stood in the organizing aisle staring blankly at shelves of bins, you’re not alone. In fact, we hear these questions from our clients all the time and this post is here to clear things up once and for all.
We hear these questions from our clients all the time:
How many do I need?
Will they fit?
Which ones should I buy?
Do I really need the expensive ones?
Whether you’re organizing your pantry, garage, or closet, here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect containers for your space (and your budget). But here is the most important thing to remember: You should not start with the containers. You should start with the space.
A good organizing system is not about having the most beautiful bins. It is about creating a system that works for your home, your family, and your daily routines. If you would rather have a team help you create that system, learn more about our professional organizing services.
A Quick Note From Our Founder
When I started my organizing business back in 2016, I had three boys under the age of two and a newfound love for folding tiny onesies.
That love grew into a business that now operates in Texas, Utah, and Arizona. What started as solo Saturdays has become a full team of organizers helping people like you find more peace in their homes. One of the most common problems we help solve? Picking the right containers.
And after years of organizing homes, I have learned that buying containers is not about filling your cart with every pretty bin you see. It is about creating a system that makes your life easier.
How do you choose the right containers for your home?
Before you start shopping, take a moment to understand your space. A quick photo, accurate measurements, and a clear idea of how you use the space can make choosing the right containers much easier.
Before you buy anything:
The goal isn't to fill your home with bins.
The goal is to create a system that makes it easier to find things, put them away, and keep your space working for your family.
Think About Function First
The right container depends on what you are storing and how the space is used. A pantry needs different containers than a garage. A family closet needs different solutions than a guest room.
Think about:
1️⃣ What are you storing?
2️⃣ Who uses it?
3️⃣ How often do you reach for it?
4️⃣ Is it heavy or breakable?
5️⃣ Will it be visible or hidden?
The way you use the space matters just as much as how it looks.
Choose Containers That Fit and Feel Right
Once you know your measurements, think about the container itself.
Material
Plastic, acrylic, woven, wood, and rope all serve different purposes.
Shape
Straight edges can help maximize shelf space.
Rounded baskets can work well for softer items like blankets, towels, or linens.
Color + Texture
Think about the feeling you want the space to have.
Clean and modern?Soft and neutral?Colorful and playful?
Durability
Invest more in containers that get touched every day for hidden or occasional storage, you may be able to spend less. The most expensive container is not always the best container, the best container is the one that fits your space and works for the way you live.
Create a Budget Before You Shop
A simple starting point is:
Around $300 per space
For example:
1️⃣ $300 for a pantry
2️⃣ $300 for a closet
3️⃣ $300 for a garage
This is only a starting point. Some projects may need more, while others may need much less.
Start with your needs and create a budget around them.
You can also learn more about JO Organizing and our professional organizing services.
Shop Smart
You don't need to buy everything from one store.
Some places JO recommends include:
1️⃣ Amazon — variety and convenience
2️⃣ Target — affordable options and sales
3️⃣ The Container Store — specialty products and a large selection
4️⃣ Walmart — budget-friendly options
And one of our biggest tips:
Try one before buying 20, make sure it fits. Make sure you like using it, then buy more.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
PRO TIP: Buy A Few Extras
You may need more containers than you expect, especially if you are organizing a space that could change over time. If you find a good deal, buying a few extras can be helpful, but always keep your receipts.
If a container doesn't work in the original space, you may be able to use it somewhere else or return it.
Do not let unused containers become their own clutter problem.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Choosing the right containers can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make your home work better for your whole family.
You don't have to figure it all out alone.
If you're not sure where to start, JO Organizing is here to help whether you need guidance choosing storage solutions or want support organizing the whole space. No pressure. No judgment.
Just a little help creating a home that feels lighter and easier to live in.
The right containers are not about having more stuff. They're about creating a system that works for your life.
When your space is set up with intention, everyday tasks can feel a little easier. Start small. Measure carefully. Choose what works for you and whenever you're ready, JO Organizing is here to help. 🤍
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