A Case For Thrifting

I don't know about you, but I really do get a little thrill  when I see those Pinterest perfect images of neatly arranged, uniform canisters with tidy labels marching across their faces.  There is just something about that ORDER that is pretty darn appealing. But listen.  Isn't it kind of bonkers to pay so much money for stuff to house our stuff?  Didn't we just declutter?  And now we are being nudged to feel the need to spend a bundle on the latest line of vessels to keep things organized and magazine worthy. Also, this new organizing system is probably made of plastic, wrapped in plastic, and brought home from the store in one of their giant plastic bags.  Something feels off here!  

So here is my take on how to organize your lovely, useful, and necessary objects.  First, let's see what you already have on hand.  I will wash, shine, and clean up items  that my clients find they already have after a good declutter, and put these items to use in new ways.  This saves money and is better for the planet.  Sometimes more vessels are needed to properly finish organizing. This is when I like to go to the thrift store first.  So many things made long ago are just better quality. I would like to highlight wicker, wood, glass, metal, ceramics, and canvas, as these materials are a fantastic alternative to plastic and can often be found second hand.  It does take time and a keen eye while on the hunt, but I do usually find what I need for a client this way, and it is so much better for their budget and is vastly more sustainable and gives a project a little more soul as well. 

Of course, sometimes new products are necessary. When this is the case, I urge folks to go with non-plastic materials. And then there are the times that call for plastic, such as weather-tight bins for example.  If these are needed, then by all means get the best quality you can afford so it will not need to be replaced, and shop for them locally if that is accessible for you.  If you have a decluttering project on your horizon, remember to first shop what you've got, and then if you need more, don't be afraid to thrift.  There is possibly even more beauty in a row of thrifted jars, baskets, or wooden crates than in those slick plastic bins after all.