Disguised Storage - Decorganize®
In our last blog, we talked about products that do double duty. Like storage ottomans and mirrors with hooks for jewelry. We love storage that doesn’t look like storage. We love ways to disguise storage, to make it look like it fits right in. In fact, that is what our company specializes in doing well.
We call it Decorganizing® - organizing with decor.
While we see many websites that call attention to putting organizing bins and containers front and center, some using rainbow storage themes, that’s too much visual energy and distraction for us. We tend to prefer subtle colors, as we explained in our blog, How Do I Organize and Declutter By Myself?, and hidden storage. Some storage, like canisters, is beautiful when placed on a countertop. Some things, however, look better when they take a backseat. Either way is fine, it’s personal preference, and we are happy to help you organize no matter what your style. We are always available to help with in-home or virtual sessions.
Decorganizing® Saves You Money
One reason we believe in decorganizing® is because it cuts down on cost. If you must purchase an ottoman, and you have allocated a certain amount in your budget for that piece, then it serves you well to purchase a storage ottoman. Purchasing a storage ottoman allows your budget to stretch further. The same is true with other types of storage, for example, hooks on a wall that double your efforts. Not only can you find a really attractive piece for your wall, but you can also use it to store things like hats and lightweight jackets. If you’re like some people we know, you can coordinate your hats or jackets to your room’s color scheme to create a visually appealing piece that contributes to your overall aesthetic. It’s a little trick that goes a long way.
Other things we use as decorganizing® objects are storage trays. I have a little tray in my guest bedroom that sits on a shelf for when visitors stay overnight. It allows them to take off their earrings or a watch, for example, and retrieve it when it’s time to pack up. I purchased this tray from Arhaus, and it’s just perfect. It wasn’t super expensive. It is well-made and looks like decor. When I have someone visit, they can unpack everything, even smaller items, and feel comfortable knowing where they stored these items in my home.
Other items that we use to decorganize® are attractive, square or oblong boxes, with a bottom hole to hide cords that go to a television. Threading them through the box allows for something visual to block a cord - it stays out of site. No one sees the cord. Instead, they see an attractive object that looks like part of the decor, and doesn’t detract from the room.
Decorganizing® - Office Storage
I purchased most of my office furniture to fit pre-measured storage boxes so that my credenzas actually function well and keep things out of sight. In my credenzas I fit my filing boxes, allowing me to keep decor items displayed on open shelving. I love to display beautiful pieces in my office, and having my credenzas do double-duty allows me to accomplish this. I am also able to put away office supplies in my credenza’s drawers so that I can keep my desk neat and orderly.
Tips and tricks to store your office clutter.
At The Uncluttered Life®, we have many little tips and tricks for office storage, since a lot of people now work from home. More and more we hear that there is a blending of personal time and work time, and it’s important to make sure that one does not overtake the other. This is work-life balance and hard for many people to accomplish. For this reason, we want work items to be put away when the work day is finished. We specialize in home office organizing, and should you be overwhelmed by the combination of personal time and work, we are happy to help.
There are subtle things you can do throughout your home to blend storage and decor, as we say, decorganizing®, so that your home does not feel like The Container Store® showroom. Subtle decor-storage items can make a world of difference, and contribute to your home or office’s aesthetic. It is just a matter of smart planning and creative purchasing on your part.
We offer years of professional organizing experience.
If you get stuck, we are always happy to help figure out the best way to work around an obstacle. With years of professional organizing experience, we can come up with a good solution. Give us a call if you want to talk things through. We are available for virtual visits that make product planning and organizing fun and easy to do.