Organizing and storage have become increasingly important in modern life. A tidy environment not only enhances quality of life but also helps us think more clearly and improves efficiency. The organizing and storage techniques advocated by MUJI emphasize simplicity and practicality, while also stressing that “organizing is a lifestyle attitude.” This approach is not just about organizing physical items, but also about decluttering the mind. Through re-evaluating and properly planning our possessions, we can create living spaces that are both beautiful and functional. This article will greatly expand on the basic principles and techniques of MUJI’s organizing and storage methods to help you build a more efficient and comfortable living environment.
Core Concepts of Organizing and Storage
The first step in organizing and storage is to thoroughly “organize” your possessions. The key at this stage is to reduce the burden by clearing out unnecessary items, avoiding letting unwanted objects take up space. Organizing and storage is not a one-time task—it needs to be done in stages, and no detail should be overlooked. First, you must clearly distinguish between what is “necessary” and what is “excess.” Only by letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose can you create space for more effective storage.
1. Letting Go of Useless Items
Letting go of unused items is one of the toughest but most crucial steps in the organizing process. How do you decide which items to discard? MUJI offers a simple guideline: “Keep only what you need right now.” For example, avoid deciding based on “maybe I’ll need it later” or “I paid a lot for this.” These are often the reasons we find it hard to part with things, but they no longer add value to our lives. Only by letting go of these burdens can we truly have space that belongs to us.
2. Sorting and Organizing: By Function and Frequency of Use
Sorting is key to maximizing the use of space. Items can be categorized from various perspectives, such as by their function, usage frequency, or the occasions they are used for. Here are several common methods for sorting:
a. Sort by Usage Frequency
All items can be sorted by how often they are used. Frequently used items should be kept in easily accessible locations, while less frequently used items can be stored in more inconspicuous spots. For example, everyday clothing can be hung in the wardrobe, while seasonal clothes or travel items can go into storage bins. Emergency supplies, such as disaster kits and first aid boxes, should be kept in the most accessible places, ready for urgent use.
b. Sort by Purpose
For instance, keep handkerchiefs, tissues, and similar items together, and store scissors, tape, and string used for mailing in a dedicated storage box. Organizing items by purpose not only improves storage efficiency but also avoids the confusion caused by random placement.
c. Sort by Material and Shape
For example, clothing can be sorted by type—T-shirts, shirts, pants—while clothes made from different materials should be stored separately to reduce friction and avoid unnecessary wear. Kitchen tools can be grouped by their function—baking trays, frying pans, spatulas—so that they are easy to access.
d. Get Rid of Useless Items
This is particularly important. Many people hesitate to discard items even though they know they are no longer useful, due to sentimental reasons or other factors. Consider donating or passing these items on to give them a second life. For example, donate to charity or use second-hand platforms like Xianyu to find someone who could make use of them, preventing them from taking up space in your home.
3. Effective Storage: Not Just Neat, But Efficient
The purpose of storage is to make items easy to access and keep the space neat. Therefore, the design of storage spaces is crucial. When arranging storage areas, it’s important to consider who uses the space and how often. Items that are used frequently should be stored in easy-to-reach places, while those that are used less often can be placed in corners or storage cabinets.
a. Hanging: Save Space and Make Access Easier
For frequently used items like clothing and bags, consider using hooks or hangers to keep them suspended. This not only saves space but also prevents items from being squashed. Hanging items are also easier to see and access, reducing unnecessary hassles.
b. Standing: Keep Everything Organized
Many items are better stored upright, especially clothing and cookware. Vertical storage makes it easier to see everything at a glance, and accessing items is more convenient. Clothes, kitchen utensils, and even books can be stored vertically according to their shape and frequency of use, saving space and making it easy to locate each item.
c. Dividing Spaces: Make Items More Organized
Space division is an important strategy for improving storage efficiency. Use storage boxes, dividers, or other tools to divide drawers or cabinets into different sections, preventing items from piling up. Effective space planning ensures that each item has its designated place, making it less likely for clutter to accumulate.
4. Maintaining a Comfortable Space with Storage Rules
Organizing and storing is not just about decluttering; it’s also about improving the quality of life. When organizing, we should focus not only on the cleanliness of the space but also on maintaining a comfortable living environment. Here are some basic principles for maintaining an organized and comfortable space:
a. Idle Items Are a Waste
“Waste” does not mean throwing items away, but rather that they are sitting idle and not being used. Many people accumulate things thinking “I might need it later,” but most of the time, these items just occupy space. True waste occurs when these items take up valuable space without serving any purpose.
b. More Items Does Not Equal Better
Items in your home should be tools that support life, not burdens. We often buy unnecessary things, leading to overcrowded spaces. By evaluating what we truly need and keeping only what is necessary, we can avoid the psychological stress and cramped spaces caused by item accumulation.
c. Be Careful About What You Really Need
When it comes to gifts or items given by others, especially those that don’t meet your needs, it’s important to learn to say no. Accepting something from others doesn’t mean you need to keep it. You should carefully assess whether these items genuinely serve a purpose in your life.
d. Add One, Let Go of One: Keep a Balance
In daily life, we often accumulate paper bags, clothes, books, and other items. If we don’t clear them out, they will keep piling up, eventually affecting the comfort of our living space. Therefore, follow the “add one, let go of one” principle. Whenever a new item comes into the house, make sure to clear out something that is no longer needed, keeping the number of items in your home at a reasonable level.
5. Key Points to Keep in Mind for Successful Organizing and Storage
a. Don’t Throw Out Too Many Items All at Once
During the organizing process, some people may rush to finish and end up discarding too many items, causing a “backlash” later on. Organizing and storage require patience; avoid impulsively throwing away things that might still be useful.
b. The Dilemma with Expensive Items
When organizing, we often struggle to part with expensive items. Although they may have cost us significant time and money, if they are no longer useful, it’s time to consider letting go.
c. Remember the Items’ Sentimental Value
Many items carry sentimental value, such as souvenirs or old letters. Be careful when organizing these items. If they truly hold special meaning, consider saving them by photographing them instead of letting them take up too much space.
d. Develop a Reasonable Organizing Plan
Organizing is a gradual process. Even if you don’t have time to finish it all at once, you can make progress by organizing small sections every day. Dedicate a little time each day to tidy up one area, and gradually achieve your goal of a more organized living space.
Organizing and storage is not a task that can be completed in a single go, but by following these basic principles, you can easily create a living space that is both beautiful and functional. In the process, it’s not just the physical items that are being organized, but also your lifestyle itself.