Before You Buy Another Storage Bin, Pro Organizers Want You to Ask Yourself These 7 Questions

You’ve likely been there before: You’re walking down an aisle of your favorite home organization store when you come across an inspired display of bins and baskets that has you imagining a neater, more organized version of your home. But before adding any new organizing tools to your cart, professional organizers recommend pausing to ask yourself a few key questions first. 

The goal isn’t to limit yourself completely but to pause for a quick gut check. According to organizing experts, your honest answers can reveal whether a tool will truly solve your storage problem, fit your space, or work with your current routine. Ultimately, this thought process can help you save money and only purchase tools that add long-lasting function and value. Below, pros reveal what you should ask yourself before adding anything to your cart.

Do I Have a Designated Spot for This Item?

Every organizing item you buy should already have a defined spot; otherwise, the new addition risks disrupting your current system. “With so many beautiful and functional organizing products available, it’s easy to grab something that makes you ‘feel organized’ but isn’t actually the best fit for your needs,” says Christina Lee, a professional organizer and the co-founder of Graceful Spaces Organizing. “The result? Underutilized space and systems that don’t fully serve you. Especially in smaller spaces or areas with a large inventory, every square inch matters.” 

Before purchasing, Lee says to do a little research (or lean on the expertise of a professional organizer) to ensure you’re choosing solutions for a space with a clear need. Once you have picked the problem location, proceed to the next question. 

Have I Set Goals and Routines for This Space Yet?

The right organizing products can help a home run smoothly, but only when they’re paired with sustainable systems and habits. “Unfortunately, one of the number one things we hear from clients is ‘I bought all of these baskets and bins and have organized this space over and over, but it never stays organized,’” says Lee. “This typically happens when purchasing product is done before, or in place of, routines and habits.” 

Lee encourages her clients to start creating an organizing routine by first:

• Assessing the goals of the space, like long-term storage, a daily drop zone, or a work area
• Determining which items need to be in the space to support the goal 
• Figuring out who will use the space and how they find success organizing

“After these steps are done, you will be in a much better position to intentionally choose organizational products for your space,” says Lee. 

Have I Measured the Space and Checked for Duplicates?

It’s tempting to jump straight to bins and baskets, but without assessing the space first, you risk buying products that don’t actually fit, literally. “Often, we buy new bins or baskets before checking what we have. It is important to take inventory to prevent duplicate purchases and keep clutter from sneaking back in,” says Lee. “Without proper measurements and a clear purpose for each item, you run the risk of ending up with one-off pieces that don’t truly serve your space or your goals.” 

Lee recommends first removing items for donation, trash, or relocation elsewhere in the home, then taking stock of what remains. “This ensures you’re purchasing product that is the right size for your actual inventory, not just what you thought you had,” she says. “And if the space is one that naturally evolves over time (think kids’ rooms, pantries, or seasonal storage), be sure to factor in room for growth and flexibility when selecting product.”

Will I Actually Put This Storage Solution Together? 

Think about it: When do you have time to complete assembly or learn to use the item in question? “Put your BFF next to you. Would she be rolling her eyes at you for even looking at this project or cheering you on telling you to make sure to take a video so you can show her how to do it?” says Lee. “A product might look nice, but if it’s not simple to assemble, too small, hard to open, or awkwardly shaped, it won’t support your organizing system. Function should always come first.”

Does This Product Enhance My Life or Add More to Manage?

Not every stylish basket will make life easier, especially if children are involved. “The goal of organization is to streamline your routines, create boundaries, and make life easier for everyone in the household,” says Lee. “Before you purchase, assess how the space is truly used, who interacts with it, and what daily, weekly, or even seasonal rhythms play out there. The right product should support those rhythms, not complicate them.” 

For example, Lee says a system that requires extra steps for your kids to put away their things, or a container that looks beautiful but isn’t practical to access, may ultimately create more friction than flow. “Organizational products should feel seamless, enhancing the way you move through your day rather than becoming one more thing to maintain,” she says.

Can I Add to This Collection Over Time?

Consistency can matter just as much as style when buying organizing products for the long term. “Choosing product from a retailer with consistent, reliable inventory (like The Container Store or Target) ensures that if you ever want to expand your system, or need to replace a piece, you can find the exact match,” says Lee. “Otherwise, you’re left with a mix of mismatched products that don’t create the cohesive system you were aiming for.”

Am I Being Tempted by a Sale or Trend?

Trust us: There are plenty of trending gadgets and viral storage tools that are not worth the investment, especially if you are buying them on a whim. “Amazon ads and influencers make it very easy to see gadgets and tools that promise to solve problems, but often the truth is the gadgets can become another problem,” says Lee. “The underlying issue is the lack of enforcement of a routine or habit.”

As far as scoring a good deal, Lee says “girl math” can feel good in the moment, but it can easily lead to more clutter. “If you haven’t already had your eye on an item and know it is going to be a long-term success, then it may be an impulse to avoid,” she says.