If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the storage aisle at Bunnings or Kmart, clutching a basket and wondering, ‘Will this actually fit in my pantry?’—you’re not alone.
Many of us have fallen into the trap of buying storage containers on a whim, only to discover later that they don’t fit, don’t suit, or simply add to the clutter we were trying to conquer in the first place.
But what if we told you there’s a better way? Professional organisers have a few tried-and-tested tricks up their sleeves to ensure every storage purchase is a winner—and we’re here to share their secrets.
1. Declutter first—always!
It might sound obvious, but the number one rule before buying any new storage is to declutter.
Take everything out of the space you want to organise and be ruthless. Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love this? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
Why is this step so crucial? Because buying storage before decluttering is like buying a bigger suitcase instead of packing lighter.
You’ll end up storing things you don’t need, and your new containers will quickly overflow. Plus, you’ll save money by not buying storage for items you’re just going to toss anyway.
2. Measure twice, buy once
Once you’ve whittled down your belongings, it’s time to measure the space you want to organise.
Grab a tape measure and jot down the width, depth, and height of your shelves, drawers, or cupboards. Don’t forget to account for any awkward corners or hinges!
Professional organiser advice: Don’t just eyeball it. ‘It is really essential to do those things before shopping because otherwise you’d just be left with storage products and most people don’t return things that they don’t need,’ says expert organiser Harte.
She’s seen it all—clients who buy first, only to discover their new containers don’t fit, or worse, just add to the mess.
3. The paper template hack
Here’s a clever trick you might not have tried: make a paper template of your storage space.
Use newspaper, baking paper, or even old wrapping paper—whatever you have on hand.
Cut it to the exact size of your shelf or drawer, then take it with you to the shops. This way, you can test out containers in-store and see exactly how many will fit.
This hack is especially handy for drawers, which come in all shapes and sizes. ‘You think, ‘I’m going to fit 10 of these containers,’ but then you go home and they actually don’t,’ Harte says. With a paper template, you’ll know for sure.
Think outside the (storage) box
Now that you’re ready to shop, here’s one more pro tip: don’t limit yourself to storage products designed for a specific room. Some of the best storage solutions are hiding in unexpected places.
For example, Harte swears by a narrow plastic divider bin from the makeup section at Kmart for organising pantries.
There’s also a makeup shelf with a little drawer that’s perfect for storing spices and those pesky little bags of seasoning.
Office organisers can work wonders in the kitchen, and kitchen caddies can be brilliant in the bathroom.
The key is to look at all your options and think creatively. Just because something is labelled ‘for makeup’ or ‘for stationery’ doesn’t mean it can’t solve your storage woes elsewhere in the house.
Why it matters
Getting your storage right isn’t just about having a tidy home—it’s about making your life easier.
When everything has a place, you’ll spend less time searching for things and more time enjoying your space. Plus, you’ll avoid the frustration (and expense) of buying containers that don’t work.
By taking simple yet thoughtful steps before buying storage, it’s possible to make smarter choices that save both time and money.
These insights may help anyone looking to get more organised, no matter the space or budget. And remember, a little planning goes a long way. Happy organising!
What’s your go-to tip for organising a space? Have you ever bought storage items that didn’t quite work out? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Also read: Tackle your toughest organising challenges with this $19 item from The Reject Shop
