Closet Storage Solutions: Boxes vs Baskets — Which is Better for Organizing?
In the long-standing debate between which is better for organizing, boxes or baskets, boxes win hands-down. Every time! You might ask why I am so adamant about this, and the answer comes down to a simple matter of geometry: it is nearly impossible to put two baskets together without creating an awkward, wasted gap.
When you have a lot of items to store, you need every inch of that storage area to work for you. No space should go unused. Boxes butt up next to each other perfectly and fit neatly on a shelf, creating a clean and streamlined look. I love boxes or bins because they work every time. Period. Baskets, while aesthetically pleasing in some settings, simply do not offer the same level of efficiency.
Why the KonMari Method® Favors Box Storage
Marie Kondo loves boxes, too. She speaks the language of boxes through her various product lines, many of which are featured on her website and at The Container Store®. At The Uncluttered Life®, we agree with her completely. There is no better way to organize than to have uniform boxes waiting to be filled. They are practical, reusable, and take up much less physical volume than bulky baskets.
We are especially fond of Diommell boxes that feature zippers at the bottom. These are a dream for versatility; when we want to change up a drawer layout and don’t need a specific container, we can unzip the back, flatten it, and store it away without adding to the clutter.
The Art of Folding: To Fold or To Hang?
When I was first reading Marie Kondo’s books, I was fascinated by her approach to organization. I must admit, the concept of folding sort of baffled me at first. I had never actually preferred folding my clothes, so I was mesmerized by how she could transform large, bulky sweaters into perfect little packages ready to be tucked away in a drawer.
I still find that process incredible! Today, clients often ask me to show them how to fold clothes, and I do it with great joy. Marie Kondo has truly cornered that market and taught consultants her famous vertical folding technique, which allows you to see everything you own at a glance.
However, I am still a little on the fence about folding every single item. I think in some situations, I still prefer to hang things in my closet because it allows me to visualize my wardrobe a bit better. That is the beauty of the KonMari Method®—you are free to fold things as you see fit for your lifestyle.
I personally fold things like leggings, especially my yoga leggings, as well as underwear and socks. These items fit so neatly in little boxes that I love to open my drawers just to see how pretty they look. Nothing makes me happier! An added benefit of this system is that I can always tell when something is in the wash or missing because there is a clear, empty space in the box. You simply cannot achieve that level of accountability with hanging clothes unless you strictly allow only one hanger per item, which is a rule I personally follow.
Maximizing Every Inch: Why Boxes Win the Space Race
We have taught several classes on the Marie Kondo philosophy and the KonMari Method®. When we pose the question to the audience about whether boxes or baskets are superior, we often get funny looks when we say "boxes."
We watch people tap their feet or shift back and forth in their chairs. We know exactly what is happening: prior to coming to our class, they likely went out and purchased a whole bunch of "pretty" baskets to start their organizing journey. We also know that after the class, they are going to go home and realize we are right.
You cannot put two round or tapered baskets together and utilize the maximum amount of space available on a shelf. The baskets don’t fit together, they don’t line up, and they create "dead zones" of unused space. For those who are serious about the Marie Kondo organizing method, this is not a win.
Purchasing the Perfect Storage is Key
Using the KonMari Method®, we help you imagine your ideal lifestyle first. After that vision is set, it is time to declutter so that there is less to put away. This is the stage where you decide if what you own truly "sparks joy."
Only after decluttering is it time to purchase the right type of storage. Our goal is for everything to have a designated home at the end of the day, leaving your "put back" box or tote empty so you can feel total peace and ease.
Using her method, combined with our own professional tweaks, we can organize:
Playrooms and Toy Zones: Keeping small parts contained and accessible.
Home Offices: Streamlining paperwork and supplies.
Kitchens and Pantries: Creating a visual inventory that prevents overbuying.
Garages and Upper Shelves: Utilizing every vertical inch of your home.
Lately, we have been focusing on closet overhead space. We have found excellent boxes for that area that truly work. These specific boxes feature clear windows, they stack securely, and they fit perfectly on those hard-to-reach upper shelves. They come in multiple sizes and colors, allowing for a customized look that matches your decor.
Storage Choices and the Impact of Decorganizing®
It might sound minor, but these small decisions have a huge impact on how your organization functions long-term. Through the creative use of products and our signature decorganizing® (decor organizing) approach, we help you solve almost any organizing challenge.
We are experts at making the most of your space, whether you are:
Empty Nesters: Looking to downsize or repurpose a bedroom after a child leaves for college.
Home Sellers: Needing professional home staging to maximize appeal.
New Parents: Preparing a nursery for a new arrival.
Growing Families: Transitioning spaces from toddler-friendly to teenager-approved.
Recent Movers: Unpacking and organizing your new home from day one.
Let Us Help You Organize Your Space
We would love to help you virtually to figure out your organization goals, space challenges, and style preferences. From there, we will design the best method for your home to make sure you love every minute you spend in it.
If you’re not in the DFW Metroplex, or if you are a DIY enthusiast who just needs a little professional direction, we are available to answer questions through our virtual organizing services. We can help you get your space decluttered and organized with perfectly selected storage containers—boxes, no doubt!—that keep every room in your house in perfect order.