Decluttering is an ongoing task for most households but there is one item you can use again and again for the task, especially if you find your focus drifts away mid-chore.
The humble basket, such as the large cotton rope blanket with handles from Walmart will be a streamlining savior as you can put all the leftover items in there temporarily if you have to stop your session, without leaving a big mess behind.
Then, simply return to your basket when you’re ready and continue on, whatever decluttering method you’re using.
Why a basket is a fabulous tool for decluttering
This tall basket with handles not only looks pretty, but can hold a high volume of items in case you need to, or want to, abandon your decluttering session without leaving a visual mess behind. Its small (15 inches across) footprint saves on floor space too.
When you’re not using the basket for decluttering, you can also place it in a spot that usually gathers a lot of clutter, such as at the bottom of the stairs, and keep daily mess corralled in a suitable and nice-looking container you can easily move around. This is the underlying philosophy to the desire path method.
I use baskets for this purpose in various clutter hot spots in my home and it’s honestly been one of the most life-changing decluttering tips I’ve picked up from professional organizers.
Not having any clutter is the goal, of course, but life doesn’t always pan out that way, so having a sensible storage idea in place will help you chip away at the mess, without it being splayed out on a table or floor for extended periods.
Verified Walmart shopper Kim gave this basket she purchased five stars, adding, ‘Love these baskets! Heavy material and sturdy made. Perfect size for small toys and great for a couple of small throws when you want them close by.’
Meanwhile, verified shopper 'Faithlookalike' calls it a ‘perfect organization partner’, and gave the basket five stars too, saying it came well packaged, and adds, ‘Overall a great addition to help declutter and organize my house.’
What to shop
Keep an even tighter hold of your decluttering basket with this trio of lidded ones. Their varying sizes makes them useful for different areas of your home, from counter clutter you’re chipping away at, to bathrooms and living spaces.
If you have back pain like I do, skip the lifting and roll your decluttering basket around. It has two compartments for donating/selling, or keeping items for rapid-fire streamlining.
This is perfect for rolling under sofas or beds when you’ve had enough of your tidying project. The lid will keep pests and dust out of the items being stored, and honestly, it’s OK to hit pause if you’ve had enough of the job for now.
This set of two Polyrattan baskets is tall and sturdy, and when you’re not using them for a streamlining project, will comfortably house your throws and extra pillows, or the children’s toys and books.
This front opening set of rolling plastic bins fold away when not in use. You can also use them for more longer term storage, which comes in handy if you’re adding baskets for desire path decluttering to tidy up a clutter hot spot for good.
I’m a sucker for an aesthetic basket that adds a bit of intrigue to the room and this is no exception with its angular edges. This has a metal internal frame making it sturdy and durable.
Decluttering isn’t the only way you can use baskets around your home. They make great small space storage ideas and can help you let go of housekeeping perfectionism and work at your own pace.
