Those clear tackle boxes are a game changer—totally agree it’s better than a mystery bin. I’ve tried color-coding tape on the outside for quick ID, but sometimes I still end up with a “random hardware” box that just grows and grows... Here’s what’s helped me:
- Use smaller bins inside bigger ones for types of parts (screws, anchors, etc.)
- Snap a photo of what’s inside before closing the lid and tape it on top
- If I haven’t used something in six months, I toss or donate it—less clutter to dig through
Not perfect, but it keeps me from buying the same screws over and over.
Keeping Track of Renovation Plans Without Losing Your Mind
If I haven’t used something in six months, I toss or donate it—less clutter to dig through
That’s a solid rule. I try to do the same, but sometimes I’ll hang onto specialty hardware “just in case” and then forget I even have it. The photo-on-the-lid trick is clever—never thought of that, but it would definitely save me from opening five boxes just to find a single wall anchor.
One thing I’ve found helpful is labeling by project instead of just by item type. For example, “Bathroom Reno 2023” or “Living Room Shelves.” That way, when you’re mid-project and need to revisit something months later, you’re not hunting through generic bins. It’s not perfect—sometimes parts overlap—but it cuts down on the random hardware pile.
Also, digital notes help. I’ll jot down what’s in each box in my phone’s notes app. Not as visual as photos, but easier to update if things shift around. Still, there’s always that one bin that turns into a catch-all no matter what...
Still, there’s always that one bin that turns into a catch-all no matter what...
That catch-all bin is my nemesis. No matter how organized I try to be, it just... happens. I do like the project-labeling idea though—makes it way easier when you’re staring down a pile of boxes months later. I’ve also started sticking post-its inside cabinet doors with quick lists of what’s stashed where. Not fancy, but it saves me from digging through every drawer when I need a random tile spacer.
I swear, those catch-all bins multiply when I’m not looking. I’ve tried color coding and even digital spreadsheets, but there’s always one box where random screws and paint swatches end up. The post-it trick is smart—never thought to stick them inside the doors. Ever tried using clear bins? I find seeing the chaos through the plastic sometimes shames me into sorting it out... sometimes.
- Clear bins are a double-edged sword for me—seeing the mess can motivate, but sometimes it just stresses me out more.
- For the random bits (screws, paint chips, etc.), I use small drawer organizers inside a larger bin. Each type gets its own mini-section, so at least the chaos is contained.
- Label makers are my best friend. I stick labels on both the outside and inside of lids/doors, especially for stuff I rarely use.
- Digital spreadsheets are great, but I find snapping a quick photo of the bin contents and taping a printout to the front helps me remember what’s actually in there.
- One trick: schedule a 10-minute “bin audit” every couple weeks. It sounds tedious, but it stops things from piling up... mostly.
