Garden gear, organized

I’ve been on a decluttering spree lately. I’m expecting my second child in a couple of months, and we’re in a race to make room for the new arrival. I’m awestruck and frankly a little ashamed at how much stuff we have. Useless stuff. Broken stuff. Stuff I can’t even remember buying. It’s everywhere.

Apparently I’m not the only person ditching and downsizing. It seems like Americans are on a temporary consumption break and are taking a long hard look at what they’ve accumulated. Then what do we do? We buy more stuff! In this case, sturdy boxes and racks to help us organize the possessions we’re keeping.

Check out a few news stories dissecting this trend:

• The psychology of clutter. The Denver Post
• Downsize, then organize. Post-Bulletin
• Organize your home. Houston Chronicle

One organization item on my list is a standing rack to store long-handled garden tools. Come spring, I’ll bet other homeowners will be looking for ways to effectively stash garden gear and outdoor living accoutrements.

Are you offering storage solutions in your store? Or will customers have to visit the local big box to get what they need? (Target is already displaying a cool outdoor bench/storage box and garden tool wall brackets. Saw them last week. Oh, and the cutest line of children’s garden gear. But I digress…)

Right now, while cold winds still prevail, is a great time to help your customers get organized for spring. Highlight the storage solutions you offer. Help them get a handle on clutter. It’ll make spring even sweeter.

-- Sarah