I quite nearly go into happy convulsions when I make plans to visit the Container Store. When I actually get there, though, I freak-out and realize that it's not a life-changing store.
Don't get me wrong - I still enjoy the Container Store. It's just never going to be my go-to happy place like H&M or Miss Ohio Vintage or Gelateria Tavolini. I always *think* it's going to be, but it never is.
See, I'm a messy person. Like, messy. No, really, messy-messy. The thought of organizing frightens me because I don't really know how to do it. So a place like the Container Store seems like the answer to my problems. I get excited and start imagining that the boxes and bins and shoe racks and jewelry cases and cereal holders will change my life and finally - FINALLY! - render my loft pretty and useful. I could finally realize my dream of being on ApartmentTherapy.com, maybe!
But when I walk into the Container Store, I'm immediately overwhelmed. Though everything is pretty and symmetrical, there are too many choices for a person like me. For example, last night, I entered hoping to find something to stash all of my costume jewelry in, as well as containers for my hair bows, my headbands, rice and dry goods, wrapping paper and shoes. My initial thought was to get a jewelry box like I had when I was 13, but there were acrylic, fabric, leather, pleather and glass boxes. Beyond that, there were boxes with indentations for certain jewelry, boxes for just necklaces, boxes with walled-off sections inside and more. And don't forget the hanging jewelry organizers, the necklace stands, and all of the other boxes that were not found in the closet-organization section (office supplies, party supplies, kitchen supplies, etc.). It made my head explode to have so many options, and I felt (internal) pressure to get the exact-right thing or else my world would collapse. Sure, that may signal some kind of mental disorder, but I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way. I walked out of there with only a fabric jewelry box and a small container for cereal bags because I just couldn't concentrate enough and was afraid of making a "bad" decision.
In reality, the Container Store is fine. It has lovely organization items at a variety of price points and styles. And the way they display their products on the shelves and set up the Elfa showrooms is inspiring. It's just a bit much for someone like me, though. I always need to remember to go in with one goal instead of five, and to give myself an hour or more.
Some notes:
* Container Store does NOT accept competitor coupons. Organized Living, which used to be in this space, used to accept coupons from Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens & Things.
* If you need a batch of stuff done, talk to the Elfa people.
* The tiny stuff in the middle of the store will call to you and eat your wallet before you know it.
* There's a very, very small clearance section at the back-left of the store near the shipping supplies. read more