Self Storage and the Big Box Store

I have always secretly adored organizing. I love putting things in drawers and bins and having them out of the way. During finals week when I was an undergrad, I remember always organizing my closet. It was cathartic and helped get my mind focused. This usually happened around 10pm and could last well into the morning. I lived in a sorority house with lots of other women, most of whom loved a weekend trip to Target (or "Targe," as we would call it). Target offered a ridiculous amount of color coded multifaceted self storage options. And, while you were there, you could also get make up, frames and underwear. It is a dream for a girl on a budget. I had no idea that the self storage desires of the country would eventually create an entire retail arm of bin and box mania.
Now that I have children, my desire for organization has led me to explore new and fancy self storage options. 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. Baskets, linen bins, plastic cubes.
When we moved to our new neighborhood, we now had different places for things. We now had a playroom with shelves. Of course, the playroom needed organizing. I noticed this big store called "Container Store" just down the street. Could it be? A two floor store full of stuff to contain your stuff?) (I can hear George Carlin now.) It is a sad commentary on our society when a whole retail chain flourishes because we have so much stuff that we need more things to put stuff 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 thought I was prepared, what with all the years of hands on organization. There were bins for CDs, baskets for laundry, dodads for hanging coats, nifty belt organizers. 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. I realize now that Target, a big box store itself, was like a gateway drug for the nation. 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.

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