Clear Bins, Clear Minds
- Rachel Harvey
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 12
Why Clear Bins Are the Storage Hack You Didn't Know You Needed
Do you have doom piles taking over your house because you have no idea where to put everything? Or maybe you've been frantically searching for that one thing you know you have, but it seems to have disappeared into the void of your home?
We've all been there!
There are countless reasons why we end up disorganized, but let’s be real, that’s not why we’re here today. Whatever the reason behind the mess, you’ve recognized the problem, and now it’s time to recover and reorganize because let’s admit it: your current system isn’t cutting it.
So, what now? You’ve got options, but if you’ve been struggling with staying organized (especially if you have ADHD), clear bins might just be your new best friend.
You’ve probably heard the names: Marie Kondo, The Home Edit, The Container Store, and countless other influencers are talking about the benefits of clear bin organization. But there’s actual science behind why this works—and it’s not just about aesthetics.
Here’s why: We make roughly 35,000 decisions a day. Yep, 35,000. And constantly deciding where to put things or how to organize them drains your mental energy. By the time your brain is exhausted, you might be tossing things into piles as a shortcut because, well, it’s easier than thinking. But when everything has a designated spot in a clear bin, you eliminate those doom piles for good.
Cluttered spaces can elevate stress and anxiety levels, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t need more of that in my life. Clear bins give your space a sense of order, which in turn can help reduce those negative effects.
How To Get Started:
Okay, I know organizing can feel like an overwhelming task (especially for someone with ADHD), so let's break it down into manageable steps.
First things first: Pick ONE space to work on. It's easy to bounce around from room to room, but resist the urge. If you find something that needs to go to another room, put it in its own bin and deal with it later.
And while you’re at it, consider buying the clear bins you’ll need for the space before you dive in. Trust me, it’ll save you some frustration down the road. You’ll need to make sure the bins fit your shelving unit or closet, so measure before you go on a shopping spree! Here are a few examples and actual ones I have used in my home.
Decluttering: The Hard Part
This is where having a bin in advance can really help. You’re going to stick to the size of the bin, which can be a helpful constraint. The hardest part of organizing? Decluttering. We all have stuff we don’t use or plan to use. Now’s the time to let go. You can use Marie Kondo’s method and ask, “Does this bring me joy?” But, let’s be honest, you might need a break halfway through (I know I’ve done it), and that’s okay. Just come back to it with fresh eyes.
Here are a few helpful questions you can ask yourself to make the process a bit easier:
General Decluttering Questions
Do I use this regularly? (And if not, when was the last time I used it?)
Would I buy this again today?
Is this item adding value to my life?
Do I have multiples of this? (And do I really need them all?)
Does this item have a designated place in my home?
Is it expired? (Seriously—check the makeup, food, and medicine. Expired stuff is more harmful than helpful.)
Emotional Attachment & Sentimental Items
Am I keeping this out of guilt or obligation?
Does this item bring back happy memories, or am I just holding onto it because I feel like I should?
Can I take a photo of this instead of keeping the physical item?
Would someone else benefit from this more than I currently do?
Clothing & Wardrobe Decluttering
Do I feel confident and comfortable when I wear this?
Have I worn this in the past year?
Am I holding onto this just in case I lose/gain weight?
Does this fit my current lifestyle?
Paperwork & Miscellaneous Items
Is this document necessary, and can I store a digital copy instead?
Is this something I need to keep for tax or legal purposes?
Would I even notice if this item were gone?
Future Mindset
Will keeping this help me move forward, or is it holding me back?
If I were moving tomorrow, would I take this with me?
Does this item fit the version of myself I want to be?
The Bin Strategy
Now that you’ve hopefully cleared out some items, it’s time to organize what’s left into bins. This part is the fun part because bins help limit the amount of stuff you have—and because they’re clear, you can easily see what’s inside and check if you have space for more. And let’s be honest: how many times have you impulsively bought something from the Target dollar section, only to get home and realize you don’t have anywhere to put it?
Once your bins are full, label them. I can’t stress this enough. Having labels reduces decision fatigue and helps you easily grab what you need when you’re running late and don’t have time to dig through every bin. You don’t need fancy, expensive labels either, affordable label maker works just fine!
Why wait?
So, this week, pick a space that’s causing you extra stress and start organizing. Life’s too short to add unnecessary chaos to your day when a little organization can make things easier.
And remember, don’t overthink it. Start small, get rid of what’s unnecessary, and let the bins work their magic. You’ve got this!
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