So, I just spent an hour shopping at The Container Store (I could spend all day there!). It really is one of my favorite stores since I’m obsessed with organizing. I have probably tried and tested 95% of their products and I’m definitely a fan. In fact, I know each and every employee at the store nearest me which is Arlington, VA. Crazy, right? Well, when you live less than one mile from the store and you eat, live, and breathe organization, it’s tough not to always be in there checking out their products and exchanging organizing ideas with the employees.
Ed & I – The happily engaged organized couple!
Anyway, while I was shopping today, I came across a sign for their new Gift/Wedding Registry “Vow To Be Organized”. How cool! This new program/option couldn’t have come at a better time since I am engaged to Ed! As I begin to plan my wedding, I will obviously be registering at The Container Store, there are zero doubts about that. The real question is, what DON’T I already have?!
It makes sense that The Container Store would offer a wedding registry. One of the best times to get organized is when you get married and are forced to combine 20-30 years worth of stuff with someone else’s stuff (assuming you get married in your 20s-30s). Plus, if you start your marriage in an organized manner, it’s going to save you stress, time, and fights down the road. Not only that, but disorganization costs you money as well (the late fees, buying duplicates and replacements, etc).
As a Professional Organizer who has worked with hundreds of people, I’ve seen it happen time after time. The newlyweds move into their new home, both excited and ready to begin their new lives together, only to find that they have a lot of ‘stuff’. The husband brings all of his stuff from his ‘bachelor pad’ and the wife has all of her ‘nice’ Crate & Barrel stuff, now what? You are left with duplicates of EVERYTHING. When I say everything, I mean everything – dishware, flatware, linens, tools, vacuum cleaner, rugs, decorations, furniture etc. What to do now?
I am kind of guilty of this too…Ed and I moved in together three years ago while we were still dating and I remember combining our kitchenware, trying to pick whose furniture we would keep (I won that battle!) and trying to convince him my decorations were ‘classier’ than his. It was definitely a challenge and took us a few months to get everything situated and organized. The funny part is, we are both very organized people and it STILL took a long time to shift through.
The truth is, you NEED to get organized when you get married or move in with someone. Even though it takes time to combine items, make decisions, and find the perfect home for everything you own, it’s essential to your relationship.
Click here to check out The Container Store’s Wedding Registry.
That’s all for now.
Here’s to YOU starting your marriage happily and organized!
