I was recently on the gram (it’s what the kids call Instagram for those not in the know), looking at the beautiful before and after photos from my fellow organizers.  One comparison, in particular, from Paige Killian (@everythingwithstylegirl <- go follow her!) sparked me to comment and not just double tap.  The photos were of a corner cabinet with lazy-susans holding tea, coffee, and corresponding add-ins.

    

I loved this post from Paige for two reasons: 1. it shows that you don’t need a lot of time to make a difference in a particular space and 2. it introduces the importance of removing individually packed items from their bigger packages.  It was this second reason that got me to comment: “Yes!! So important to debox!!”  My comment spurred some follow-up comments related to ‘deboxing’ and, to be honest, I felt like a rock star trendsetter who invented a new hashtag.  I’m not saying I didn’t though…

It might not be a formal word (yet!) but deboxing has two primary benefits: space and visibility.

Have you ever noticed how much extra space is in a box of laundry pods?  What about granola or protein bars (especially once you eat a few of them)?  Warning: for the sake of explanation I’m going to refer to granola bars a lot!  It’s just an example, I’m not part of the granola bar lobby (but they can certainly sponsor me if they want to…wait, does that even exist?) I digress…back to space and visibility.  Typically, you can fill a container the size of the original granola bar box with at least two boxes of individual bars thus freeing up valuable space in your pantry or cupboards.  In addition, taking items out of their original packages allows you to more easily see how many items you really have left (especially if you use a clear container).  Have you ever dipped your hand in a box only to discover you are on your last one?  Or, even better, there’s nothing even in there and the box is just taking up space giving you a false promise that there is something inside?  I can’t even begin to tell you how many boxes of granola bars my mom has with a single bar inside or even how many boxes are just empty!  She has an entire shelf in the pantry for granola and protein bars yet there’s probably only 6 bars between the many boxes.  She can spare the room because she is a single person with a large pantry, but the neat freak and visual clutter hater in me cries every time I see it.  (I promise I still love you though mom!)  Deboxing helps provide visual cues to what you actually have, making it easier, and less time consuming, to see your inventory.  If you are constantly looking for space in your pantry or running out of items (or even overbuying because you think you are about to run out but aren’t) deboxing is for you!

Now, everyone go to their pantry or cupboards and #debox something: granola bars (mom, are you reading this?), snack size chips and pretzels, coffee pods and tea bags, dishwasher pods, etc.  Anything that is single packaged within a larger package.  Put the individual items in a bin or a basket (or even tupperware) that’s appropriately sized (not too big or else you lose the benefit of space).  Take a picture, post it on Instagram, hashtag it, and tag me @theorganizingblonde.

As always, I hope you found this post interesting, informative, inspiring, or entertaining (I’ll take any one as a success).  If so, please let me know in the comments section.  Also let me know if there is anything you’d like to see on this blog by writing me at feedback@theorganizingblonde.com.

 

XOXO,

The Organizing Blonde