Containing the Self Storage Options of the Big Box Store

12/14/08

I have always had a love affair with organization. I am addicted to squirreling things away in appropriate bins and boxes. In college, I would reorganize my closet around finals time. It was a way for me to feel like I had everything under control, so I could study unencumbered. This usually happened around 10pm and could last well into the morning. My entire sorority house had a mild addiction to Target, which we lovingly named "Targe" to make it seem cooler than the K Mart of our youth. We would go there, especially for bins and creative self storage solutions. And, while you were there, you could also get make up, frames and underwear. What more could a girl want, right? I had no idea that the self storage desires of the country would eventually create an entire retail arm of bin and box mania.

I am a parent now, so my self storage needs have become more complicated. Kids have lots of little tiny things that always end up under my feet or in our plumbing. In my effort to corral those items, I have tried any number of receptacles. You name it, and I have tried to store something in it.

My self storage monster was fed when we moved to a new house. We now had a playroom with shelves. Of course, the playroom needed organizing. There was a "Container Store" about 2 blocks from our house. Could it be? A two floor store full of stuff to contain your stuff?) (I can hear George Carlin now.) How can it be that we, as a nation, have so much stuff that an entire big box store has sprouted up to offer more stuff to put all that in? I ventured in and was overwhelmed. There was a self storage expert on hand, should I need to know how to measure my closet for wire brackets and brads. I was in way over my head, in spite of my years of sorority training at Target. I walked past trash cans that looked like frogs, collapsible laundry twirlers, acrylic boxes for paper clips. My palms were sweaty and I was getting light headed. TOO MANY CHOICES! Self storage representative, please take me away!

I chose 3 lovely linen bins and got the hell out of dodge. I have not set foot in the store since my purchase. I find I do not need the pressure. Target, once an innocent place to romp and play and get organized, was one of the big box store pioneers. We got addicted to the multitude of cheap options and now must have an entire store dedicated to even more specific cheap options. My self storage love affair has been cheapened by the big box store. Perhaps I will take up basket weaving to fill the time.

Self storage
Portable storage units
Portable moving container
Storage pods