Savvy Home Organization Tips: To Decant or Not to Decant?
In our previous blog, I shared my experience with underconsumption and participating in no-spend months. What I left out of that story was all the backlash I saw online about home organizing and using new containers to organize your items. It honestly felt like a personal attack but after I thought about it I was like this is my chance to share the thinking behind transferring your items from their original packaging to new containers.
In the world of home organizing, we often use the term "decanting," - which is a fancy way of describing the process of transferring items from their original containers into different, usually more aesthetically pleasing ones. While decanting can help your space look more uniform and, let's be honest, gorgeous, it’s not always necessary. So, let's dive into when it makes sense to decant and when it's better to stick with the original packaging.
When Decanting Makes Sense
Improved Accessibility: Sometimes, original packaging can be cumbersome or difficult to use. Decanting into containers with easy-pour spouts or wide openings can make accessing your items much simpler. Think about transferring flour or sugar into airtight containers with measuring cups - way easier to use than rolling up a paper bag and losing flour along the way!
Extended Shelf Life: Certain products, especially in the pantry, can benefit from being stored in airtight containers. This can help prevent staleness and keep insects at bay. For example, storing cereals or crackers in sealed containers can keep them fresh much longer than in their original boxes.
Space Optimization: Let's face it, not all packaging is designed with your pantry or closet in mind. Decanting can help you make the most of your space. Square containers, for instance, can utilize shelf space more efficiently than round ones.
Aesthetic Considerations: While we don't advocate for decanting purely for looks, there are practical benefits to a more uniform appearance. Original packaging is often designed by marketers to grab your attention on store shelves, with bright colors and odd shapes to stand out from competing brands. At home, these eye-catching designs can create visual clutter. Decanting into simple, uniform containers can:
Create a calming effect by reducing visual noise
Give your brain fewer decisions to make when scanning your shelves
Make it easier to see how much of a product you have left, helping prevent overconsumption
Remember, the goal isn't Instagram-worthy perfection but a space that serves you better.
When to Keep Items in Original Containers
Product Integrity: Some items are best kept in their original packaging to maintain their quality. This is often true for light-sensitive products like olive oil or vitamins.
Safety Concerns: While many cleaning products can be safely decanted if you're familiar with their use (like glass cleaner or multi-purpose spray), it's crucial to exercise caution. Some products, particularly medications, should generally stay in their original containers. These often have important safety information and child-resistant features that shouldn't be compromised. Always use your best judgment and err on the side of caution when it comes to safety.
Frequent Use or Quick Turnover: If you go through a product quickly, the effort of decanting might not be worth it. Think about items like milk or your favorite snacks that don't stick around long enough to justify transferring.
Single-Use or Short-Term Items: For products you don't plan to use more than once or only for a short period, decanting may create more hassle than it's worth. Once you've used up the product, you'll be left with an empty container to clean and repurpose or dispose of, potentially creating more clutter and decision fatigue.
The Link to Underconsumption
We're big advocates for mindful consumption and simplicity. When done thoughtfully, decanting can help reduce waste and prevent overbuying. By clearly seeing what you have and how much, you're less likely to purchase duplicates or let things go to waste. Think of it as a constant reminder to use what you have. It allows you to almost go on autopilot a bit and not worry about whether you should try something new or even have more somewhere in your house. It really does help to minimize mental clutter and, ultimately, your mental load.
Decanting Without Overconsumption
Remember, decanting doesn't have to mean buying a whole new set of containers. You can easily use what you already have at home. Here are some tips:
Use existing containers: Clean and repurpose jars or containers you already have.
Get creative! A pretty vase could become a utensil holder, or a vintage tin could store craft supplies.
When to buy new: Only consider purchasing new containers if you've exhausted your existing options and have a clear, long-term use in mind. We highly recommend checking out our go-to list of organizing products before you head to the store. This will help you plan the best products for your space and organizing needs.
At Savvy Sloth Strategies, we believe in keeping things simple, manageable, and realistic. We're not about purchasing things for the sake of it or jumping on every organizational trend.
Decanting can be a useful tool in your organizational arsenal, but it's not a required step to getting more organized. We encourage you to think critically about your needs and habits. Does decanting a particular item truly add value to your life? Will it genuinely make your space more functional? Will it eliminate some decisions and make my life easier? If the answer is yes, go for it! If not, there's no shame in keeping things in their original packaging.
Remember, the goal of organization isn't to have the most picture-perfect pantry or closet that everyone compliments you on. It's about creating a space that works for YOU, makes YOUR life easier, and helps YOU live more intentionally. So, to decant or not to decant? The choice is yours, and remember - you're doing the best you can with the knowledge you have. Each small decision to simplify and organize is a step towards a more intentional, less cluttered life. Trust your instincts, keep learning, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem!
