Why Organizing with Too many Containers and categories is a BAD Thing! 

This is a perfect example of crafting seasons. I had a tailoring business where each micro category had a plastic shoebox on a wall shelf system. It was necessary for efficiency of time, effort, and waste of materials. If you need to find a size of button, a snap fastener, a bodkin, or a particular size of wiggan and can not find it, you will order more only to find it later. When I closed shop and packed up, I emptied each shoebox container into a ziploc bag, labeled it, and put it in a large storage tote that was labeled "Sewing." It was a new season of crafting when the sewing items went into bulk storage and the paper crafting things came out to play. Now, I still sew but it is not taking up prime real estate on my tables or shelves and I can still find what I want with a quick rummage in the big tote. I use the 27 gal construction totes from Lowe's because I wanted to stack these in the closet and did not want to risk damage to the contents. If I had EVERYTHING out and in adorable storage containers, I would need to use the entirety of the downstairs living area. You just don't need that much stuff out because it is overwhelming and distracting when you just want to play. I have the 5 x 5 Kallax from Ikea with white bins that I re-label when I "switch gears" as my husband says. The current hobby favorite gets placed in the unit and the previous gets bagged and put in the tote/totes. Things are still accessible, just not in the way. When we were in the military, everything lived in zippy bags in big totes. You just did not have room in base housing for craft room things. Of course, back then, I had only 2 craft totes, lol. So pick your season! Norrine has such beautiful ways to make your prime crafting real estate shine!

Thanks I tend to over organize then get overwhelmed and give up.

"Hi, I'm Jen and I'm a container addict" Don't know why I believe another bin is the answer, it never is. Thanks for this video. It feels as if it were made just for my issue. Great ideas!

I am the queen of micro organization. It is a problem because I run out of space. What I have realized is I have a problem thinking of large categories like adhesive then glues and tapes. I did out grow that drawer now it’s a tape drawer and a glue drawer. Now to do that with all my micro categories. Thanks for a great video!

thank you. i swear i am trying to declutter and organize and your videos are really getting me through it

Thanks. This should help me because even after 'organizing' things, I have no idea where anything is! LOL!

I use a mesh shoe organizer which I hung over a curtain rod (from a window I never opened on one of my office walls), I put ribbons, glue dots, foam adhesives, tape rolls etc which makes a perfect catch all for craft supplies, and I can see thru the mesh to quickly find what I need.

Oh, Noreen! Thank you so VERY much!! “Categories” is where I really struggle - and I find I DO micromanage. You are so gifted at helping turn our chaos into order and I thank you so much. All of your videos are helpful but this particular one, for me, is like teaching me to fish rather than giving me a fish! You had so kindly answered me before encouraging “likes with likes” which I am doing, but this tells me what to do with all the small containers of “likes” and creating a single spot for groups is “likes”. Thank you, again!! May God richly bless you.

EXCELLENT INFORMATION! Plus DO NOT BUY containers until you have all the ‘likes with likes’! Then do some measuring and go get the containers.

I inherited a card maker's huge stash, who passed away. After donating tons of it, I am overwhelmed with the doubling of precious supplies. I will begin with your technique of too many plastic bins. Thanks for the excellent xcellent tips.

I use to do this ALL the time. I love containers and organizing, but it got out of hand quickly.

I just redid my craft room, because I did exactly what you are talking about. I had containers coming out my ears. So I ditched all the deep tubs & went to drawers so I could get to things more accessible. But I still need HELP still to many. Looking forward to your post.

Good reminders it’s always helpful to me to visually “see” how things stack up lol

I like your ideas. I'm knowing some of this by trial and error.

Hi Norrine, greetings from Down Under. Thank you for another fabulous video. I am a real container person and also like pretty boxes and tins. However, when I was packing to move house I discovered that I had a lot of plastic shoe boxes, each containing embroidery kits. I put the contents of each box into large press seal bags with the pattern facing up (like food storage bags but bigger) and then placed all the bags into one big tub. This tub is much easier to store and I can see what is in each bag as I go through them. As for the shoe boxes, well, they stacked inside each other and then I stood the lids in the top one upright. Look forward to seeing your next video soon. Stay safe and well, from Di 😘💕🇦🇺.

Great ideas, I’m always buying containers. I’m addicted to them. Lol! Thanks for helping with that!

I will always be grateful to Kay (Organizing Soprano) for pointing me to your channel - apart from being a total pleasure to watch and listen to, your ideas and tips are so very insightful! Even here in South Africa, living now as an old age pensioner, and not having Dollar Store, TCS, or Ikea at all, I find being inventive with my existing storage solutions but applying your tips, really makes my tiny space so very functional - thank you!

Consolidation! Your instinct for our little foibles is spot on! Thanks!

You are leading me exactly where I need to go! I have been going through my house, started with bedroom and working my way out. I have already taken four 33 gallon bags, three 13 gallon bags, and a couple of grocery bags out of my house! It feels so good. Still have a lot to do. I have been trying to get, my craft room done and instead it just seems to be getting worse. Seeing this visually has really helped me to see what I am doing wrong. I really, really like the jars! I have quite a few of them, and they are just sitting empty. I absolutely need to put my twine in one, needed some the other day, thought I knew exactly where it was, nope, in a jar I will see it right away! Thank you for reading my mind once again! Blessings to you and your family and of course Domino!

THANK YOU so much for this. It came at a very good time. You have motivated me to not cry and tear my hair out because I cannot find anything in my work room. There are literally hundreds of little containers and jars that I have "cleverly" sorted into....so much that I can't remember OR find anything. I am starting all over tomorrow and taking your advice.

OMG!!!! The filing idea! I have taken almost ALL of my paper crafting supplies and have it in one box!!!! ONE. BOX. You are my lifesaver!!!!!!

@The Crafty Organizer it suddenly occured to me during this video that most of the reason I can't get organized is because I'm sorting brads by type then color then size. That's not really my main problem. My main problem is that it's not just the brads...that's how I organize everything. 🤦🤷 That's why I desperately need your help, Norrine. 😔

I completely agree! I feel like as a virgo organize freak. I tend to get caught up on micro organizing. Only because its so fun for me. But it doesn’t always work as a system. Thank you for tackling this topic! Love it!!!

You've totally nailed my issues! Micro categories spread all over my space uh! Lol thank you so much for your videos ! 💜💜

I feel so much less intimidated now! I've bought so many containers thinking that was the key, only to fail time and time again. This made so much sense to me, thank you so very much! 🥰

Thanks so much...I just told my husband that my sewing/craft room is such a mess I want to shut the door and just not go in! Now you have inspired and motivated me to get organized. I’m done with buying something because I can’t find what I know I have!! 👍🏻😊❤️

I wish I had your skill with organization!!! Even your background looks beautifully organized!

This was an amazing tutorial. I have just begun to re-organize one space in my home......my office! I’ve pretty much started doing as you have shown here......and it really does work. As soon as I see you in my thread with another post....I click and learn. Always an opportunity to see what you are sharing and how I can incorporate it into my spaces. You have such a kind spirit and it comes through each and every time you post🥰 You are truly a blessing to many through this channel🥰 💐

This inspired me to go around the house & the garage & gather up all different kinds of tapes & put them in one bin labeled "tape". All glues, glue gun, sticky pads, spray adhesive, etc, in another bin labeled "adhesives". Extra bins were sitting around from when I decided to start decluttering & organizing, so it didn't cost me anything but 10 minutes & it feels wonderful! Thank you!

We teachers have a ridiculous amount of containers. For the most part I categorize. Great tips!

I so needed this .... and in the same boat with many of the previous comments.

I always think of you when I organize now....LIKE ITEMS TOGETHER.

Thank you!!! I was stuck. I bought shelves and drawers. I did not know where to go from there. You saved me

Not only do I have the scrapbook/craft items..I also do alot of jewelry and have TONS and TONS of beads, findings, chain ect... I so need this help!!

Exactly! There are so many youtubers using hundreds of containers and that literally creates more clutter IMO 😂😂😂

@The Crafty Organizer I need a "LOVE" button! 💗👏🏼 Noreen, I have chills because this is *exactly* the answer I was looking for!! *This* moves me forward to the next step in my challenge to create an aesthetically pleasing, yet micro-organized and functional 1-bedroom apartment! 😍 I've rehoused soooo many items, over the past 3 years, and am heading toward my dream space for this chapter of my life (well, a dream within these walls, without spending much 😂) Due to my unpredictable chronic health issues, I *need* to create as much space as I can, while I can, in the event I eventually require my mobility aids inside my home. Finding the most efficient use of my space is essential. *You* have helped me visualize the next step! Thank you!!! 🤗💕🙏🏼🇨🇦

Thank you for sharing. That was quite mind blowing . I’d never of guessed you got it all in the jars etc .thanks. 💛

I changed my spare bedroom into my craft room. It took me several days to hang shelves and sort all my craft items. Items were sorted by use, size and color ;as well as, holidays and celebrations. When I was finally finished I was so proud! My son came to do some repairs for me. While I was gone he worked hard, but the thing he as most proud of was how much space he had saved me by dumping all my bins together mixing everything that was sorted! I just smiled and thanked him.🤪😂😂🤪

This is right on time because I just completed part 1 of a 3-parter video series where I am making over my master closet. Will keep some things in mind. Good idea about breaking down smaller items & Basically grouping them together in a larger bin. That way it’s not all these tiny little containers everywhere. #subbed

OMG, I feel like you've visited my craft room and addressed all the frustrations I go through trying to find things. Too many containers, trying to "save" pieces of paper I might use, holding on to supplies that don't work for me, etc. You are an inspiration! Thanks!!

Hi Norrine! Thank you for this video. I struggle with storing all my beads and I have a lot of them. You have given me some great ideas on how to better organize them and probably eliminate some containers! I love organizing almost as much as I love crafting! Lol.

You are giving me such amazing ideas. I just need the muscle to arrange my shelves and then I can really start my adventure of organization

Thanks Norine, as you already mentioned several time, containers should be picked after gathering all the likes with the likes and once we have an overview of how large the container should be :) Always good to remind us about that !!!

That makes perfect sense! Will be keeping this in mind when I move 😉❤️

Well, you have “caught” me twice...I buy containers BEFORE I know what I need (one of your other videos) now this one! I definitely micro organize. Then...where to put all the containers. Ok, need to start over. Now that I know two new “No No’s” maybe I can make some decent progress! Thanks so much for your clear videos. I cannot tell you how you make it seem more attainable than other methods I’ve tried. Senior Barb🥰😘

Norrine your so helpful. It becomes so overwhelming I could just pull my hair out. Lol

This is excellent for those of us who are Majorly OCD!!!!

This inspired me to consolidate containers. Thanks for your help.

Wonderful video, very informative and helpful. I was planning to reorganize my bathroom closet this weekend and I will definitely do a better job using your method. I was just thinking today I have too many small storage containers in there, no real organization. You are wonderful at what you do! Thank you!

I have 6 areas of tapes and glues going to try to get them together Thank you Norrine!

This is great! My problem is jewelry supplies and beads. Right now, my craft room looks like Michael's came in and threw up all over the place.

Oh my....I like your thinking! What about buttons? All together or separated by color? My system of “by color” is taking up too much space. Update: I put them all in a canning jar and it’s much more compact and I can see through it! 🤓

Thank you. You've been helping me these last couple weeks. Lots to do, and with your inspiration, its now getting done!

1st time heard about you. I was thinking how to organize efficiently my art supplies first, and second my closet. You appeared in my search and your tips are clever and affordable. Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for the handy tips. My craft space is in my bedroom ( drives my husband mad 😁 ) but it's my little happy place. I'm always looking for help & ways to keep it tidy and organised. I love watching your videos for the handy tips and ideas. Thank you again.

I enjoy watching your ideas 💡! It gives me hope! I saw your episode about your struggle with pain and depression. I am fighting with MS and gave had a hard time with organizing and keeping the house clean and I felt hope and stirred up that I can do this!!! God bless you and thank you!!!!

Thank you Norrine for all of your helpful videos. I will be watching many of your old ones as well to help me organize my new apartment when I move.

Oh my gosh I can totally relate! This video helped me out sooo much! Loved your advice! Thanks so much for sharing!

Thank you so much for this. I have jars that I used to use for food storage, and now as the nest size has shrunk, they don't get used, but I've been reluctant to part with them because they remind me of my mom, you've sparked some new ideas for them. I knew they could still fulfill a purpose.

Like you video. Organizing should be for making it organized but not for making life more complicated.

the trap i get myself into with this, too, is that there are so many different options for storage that I find myself picking up a few things here and there to see what's worth getting more of. And sometimes this works great and I have a few storage systems that work well because I went back and got a bunch of them, but more often than not what happens is i just end up with a hodgepodge collection of containers instead of being able to go 'right things that are in this type of thing is This Type of Thing'.

OMG!! That's hat I've been doing a container for everything. It's working for my gel pens,ink pads,stamps and dies. But now have to see about combining. But they are in med/large container now, have a bunch of each,thinking now. Might have to stay the way those are, but think I can't use this technique with other stuff.was thinking about the drawer systems, going to change that idea. Thanks. I need to be able to walk into my sewing and now also craft room AGAIN!!

I'm a micro organizer. I know where everything is, but I could probably free up some space if I "up-organized" some of my micro things.

Hi, I have recently started crafting since becoming disabled. I originally was scrapbooking but I’m kind of over that and I wanted to move on to things that were more challenging so I’m trying to set up my craft room in an empty bedroom. You have given me a lot to think about and great inspiration. I have just ordered the IKEA skadis pegboard and I also have a large IKEA cube shelf filled with cube bins I need to get rid of because they are filled with things I just don’t use any more. One of your videos regarding getting rid of 100 things is definitely something I am going to do. I will continue watching your videos to help me get my craft room shut up to be as efficient as possible. What most exciting me about this video was the fact that you started friend mail. I would love to receive something from you to give me inspiration and then send something back to you once I get organized and I’m ready to begin again. I am on a tight budget since I live alone and my small two bedroom home. But I try and save a little money each month to put towards some thing that will help me get organize to create the best Real estate in my craft room which also doubles as my closet since it is the only one in the home. I was wondering how I go about getting my address to you. Do I simply place it in the comment section? Or is there a way I can send you a private message with it? I do have several things for card making but I’m still not that good at it. I was hoping perhaps you could send me something that could help me. I am also trying to save up for a cricket. I’m not sure which one yet, I was thinking the cricket joy since it seems to be the most affordable. I watch a lot of RU-vid videos on crafts that you can get using items from the dollar tree. Since I am on a budget I can’t to draw from their inspiration to try new things. I look forward to hearing back from you, I am so happy I found your channel. I believe it will help me setting up my craft room the best way possible. Thank you so much Diane ..

What an eye opener that was! Your organizational skills are amazing! You should consider a collab with Kirin from ThriftedLiving. She and her husband just bought a home earlier this year. Its older like yours. She is always trying to organize with thrifted and budget items.

I'm overwhelmed I don't have much storage space in the house and all this craft clutter is driving me crazy

Thank you - so happy - thought I was crazy to want to put containers inside of other containers! Great tips!

Wow. Totally agree...you can lose yourself with over organisation 'tubs'

I need to organize, but I don't have the energy. I have art supplies, and crochet supplies, with a few knitting needles thrown in. Eventually, I will get it figured out once I deal with others issues. Thank you so much for your suggestions, knowledge, and advice.

I am sorting and storing at the micro-level. Your video helped me so much, so I am making some changes. Thank You!

Just found your channel tonight. It's great, and your kindness and authenticity just radiate. I would love to participate in your friends program. I'll go to your website for more information. Sending a virtual hug.

One thing about containers...pick one large enough that you can dump it out and toss everything back in without fussing. It does not save you time and energy if the contents will only fit in one particular arrangement and only one particular sequence as if it were a puzzle game. Allow some room to grow. Ideally you can reach into a container and pull out just the item you want, without having to dig or lift other items out of your way.

OMG! Wonderful ideas!! Thank you!😍

I am watching this video for the 3rd or 4th time, because I micro organize way too much. I am going to start (another) reorganization of the painting studio and craft storage room and don't want to make the same mistakes again. Thanks for posting this well thought out and well presented video.

No joke, I would need at least three of those boxes you have for the adhesives. I have a lot of adhesive!

Thank you I needed some direction to go, I have been so overwhelmed. Once was a small mess had grown and I didn’t even know where to start.

So I like to store my stuff not in small containers, but on the floor. I can totally see everything at once.

Even more good info to help me get, and stay, organized. Thanks!

I have so much and don't know where everything is, very frustrating. Thank you for your wisdom

Great tips. I am in the box dilemma. I recently moved and am still working out of boxes. I have been slowly unboxing as I see how I use things in my new space. Tfs

I’m in the process of purging & organizing. Your tips are awesome! Thank you!

I have just started to seriously craft again these past few months, and found that I seriously micro-organized things. This video was an amazing help to clear my mind and take a look at how to organize all my supplies into a smaller area, as well as make them more accessible for easier creating. Thank you for sharing, this is exactly what I needed. A very happy new year to you!

Hmmm....I need to reorganize my home office because it just isn’t working. Rethinking it this way may provide a solution....in addition to decluttering some things I hold on to because “I might need them” but have not yet used them!

I use the weather proof clear locking end bins. (for things that I don’t use often) That way I can have them in categories on shelving in my garage and not worry about the weather in Florida

Great demonstration!!...and might I add you have a practical amount of supplies as well!! ❤️

Thank you for this AMAZING VIDEO! I struggle with over organizing and then cannot find a thing. Barbara in Dallas

I just found you and this helped me because I have micro organized so much that I have no room left to craft ! I needed to clean up so I could decorate for Christmas so I just dumped little bins into big bins hoping to find a better way when I got everything back out ! Watching this has confirmed its ok to leave it that way ! I used to use gallon storage bags all the time but as cuter containers came out I gravitated to them ; but they take up too much space ! Thank you I subscribed and can’t wait to binge on the rest of your videos ! Also my craft room is a converted carport with French doors and double windows so I need to protect my supplies from the light that comes in so I need to figure out the best way to redo my see through bins!

I have a major-major-major project going on. We have a small add-on apartment attached to our home and my husband and I are turning the two main rooms into offices for each of us. Mine will hold four categories: Genealogy, a six- generation photo collection I inherited (several thousand that needs organized), Writing and card crafting, my own family albums and scrapbooking, and then the daily things like homeschooling records, Bible study, etc. And let's not forget the craft center! I am beaming! I have a wrap around desk covering three walls, with shelving above, and file cabinets beneath! It's so fun to plan it out! Thanks for some great ideas!

I like clear boxes so I can see what’s inside.

When we moved into our new home we were blessed enough so I could have a "craft" room!! Now, I'm TRYING to get it in order.... I just found your channel and have already started using what I'm learning from you. What you said about the footprint of things makes so much sense to me. I've started to group things together more now. And I'm finding where I've rebought because I couldn't find what I wanted to use. Hopefully, by getting better organized I won't do that anymore?. Thanks again

Very true

micro sub categories! they get confusing to keep track of and take up so much space! i couldn’t pinpoint why my systems weren’t working. thank you!

so useful! thank you for sharing ideas on organizing things!

Never mind I found them...thanks beautiful room and great ideas

Good morning Norrine: What awesome information! As with most anything in life moderation is key; sometimes macro/micro isn’t best🤔🤪😝. It really is a challenge for each of us as we all came from different backgrounds and/or habits along with our things... I absolutely love the styro cube with needle👏👏👏 Thank you so much for your time and dedication. You truly are a blessing to so many❤️😀

I love this video! Thank you.

💗😊💕Thanks so much for the reminder. I too have been figuring out to organize like a store, have like items together and not so spread out. I also try to be alert from any internal guidance as to how to get more stuff in one spot, like for instance take items out of packaging. And create more of a blanket label or multi-label on each container to be able to find things easily. I also find that the containers I buy is best if they nestle into each other for better storage when not being used to house items. As I’ve learned my lesson not to be too hasty with getting rid of them as organizing needs do change from time to time and you might already have the perfect sized box at home and don’t have to go shopping everywhere trying to look for it. Just like me, my ‘everything room’ (craft room, spare room, workspace, etc) is always ‘in flux’ so I may go back to use some of those containers in the future. LOVE and PEACE out to ALL💕😊💗

Great tips. I definitely can reduce my bins because there are too many!

I've just stumbled across your channel and I want to thank you for doing this video. I'm so disorganised with my craft things and now after watching this I can get organised and know where things are and get rid of all the tins and things that hold my stuff. You're a legend. 🤗🌷

Fantastic tips! I am going to organize all my glues and adhesives in one of my empty bins that fit in my cube units.