May 2020--Some people can't go into a store without picking up a candy bar or a pack of gum, a book or a magazine--or lately, a large package of toilet paper. Me? I can't go into a store without at least looking at the aisle that displays containers. Big ones, small ones, metal, plastic, glass--it doesn't matter. And if there's a lid--I feel like I've hit the jackpot. Looking is just half of the story. I have a hard time looking at the array of items and not buying.
I've been obsessed with containers for I don't know how long--let's just say lightyears--and never been sure why or how it all started.
Been told it could have something to do with the fact that in 1967, we lost our house and everything in it to a devastating tornado that hit our town just southwest of Chicago. This person said perhaps because I lost anything and everything I owned--my clothes, books, toys, photographs, everything--that I somehow feel safe if I put my things in a container. And feel safer like nothing will happen to them if I put a lid on it.
Aside from the psychology angle, I have thought maybe I made these purchases every time I go into a store---especially The Dollar Tree--oh man, I can come out with a bag full and only have spent ten bucks--because I want to be organized. I subconsciously think if I put my things in this container and then put the containers in a nice, neat row or even stack them on top of each other, then voila! Or, if I just put them all in bins, I will be organized.
Unfortunately, that's not how being organized works. I've learned there's a little more to it. (What an understatement!) I have even come across a bag or two from the store with the containers still in them. Now what's wrong with that picture?
There is a room in my house that once was a playroom for the kids. Then it turned into a reading room and before I knew it--it was MY room to do with as I please. And what pleased me was to go to IKEA--wow, do they have a great selection of containers--and purchase wooden wall units with cubby holes. And in each cubby hole I placed a fabric bin--that's still a container in my book.
I labeled each bin with what I was placing in there--ribbon, picture frames, Christmas gift bags, regular bags, kraft bags (yes, bags are containers, too), gift boxes, (boxes are containers, too) greeting cards, wrapping paper,etc. I even have one bin that holds extra shopping bags and one dedicated to holding smaller containers that I bought but don't know what is going to go in there just yet. But I have them, you know, just in case. I also have empty corrugated boxes that I've saved to fill with the extra containers.
You would think by now I would stop buying containers and matching lids since I have a little bit of overstock right now. You would think. But I don't. And each time I go into a store--which hasn't been in months--I head straight to the container aisle. I'm like a kid in a candy store when I see there are two or three aisles of containers. Note to any future shopping partners: If you can't find me, check the container aisle.
Many who shop are browsing for sales, checking out the latest fashions, wandering the cookie aisle. Me? I'm full on heading to the container aisle. And I'm deliriously happy if I find something that is different than what I have at home. But then again, I have so many at home, I doubt I'd remember if I had this new one or not.
I even have some plastic containers that resemble carryout boxes from Chinese restaurants. Now what did I think I was going to do with those? Didn't know then and still don't know now.
It's an unusual obsession, I'll give you that. But I learned a few years back, I have a "container buddy." I'll call her Kim. (To be honest, everyone at work calls her Kim, too.) Not sure how the conversation started, but we soon learned we both have this obsession with containers. I always liked her--but when we shared our similar over-the-top love for containers, I knew this was going to be a connection for life.
Kim was (and still is) the only person who understood this obsession and would be excited if I told her about a new container. (I think I need Kim to talk to my husband.) I, on the other hand, could also share in her excitement.
I'm retiring soon (8 workdays to be exact) but Kim and I have promised each other we're going to meet up for lunch. Two guesses where we're going after lunch. You'd be spot on if you guessed The Container Store!
It'll be fun. And, something tells me we're going to need a U-Haul...and possibly a hotel room.
Take it one day at a time...
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