Your Own Store at Home
Powder blue grey dresser with floral arrangement and diffuser on top and watercolor hanging over it
If you’ve ever opened a closet or room and felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things you’re not ready to part with, you’re not alone. I see this all the time. The intention is good—you want to hold on to items that still matter—but the space just can’t support all of it at once. That moment, when the room stops working the way you need it to, is often where frustration creeps in.
When There’s Simply Too Much for One Space
This comes up often with non-perishable items—blankets, seasonal decorations, toys, or collections that have grown over time. The first step is always to donate/recycle/discard items that you no longer want or need. But if you are not ready to let go of the volume that needs to be removed for the space to be functional, finding alternate storage can be very helpful. Ideally, space in another room onsite is best. Offsite storage is needed in some cases, but only if paying for it each month and accessing it as needed is easy for you.
Creating Your Own Store at Home
If not, creating a “store-age” space where you commit to shopping first can work wonders. Instead of forcing everything to live in one space, or automatically shopping online or offsite when you want/need something, create a “store” somewhere else in your home. That store might be a closet in another room, a single shelf in a storage closet, one bin under the bed, or even a suitcase tucked away in a luggage closet. Rolling suitcases that are not used frequently make great “shopping carts”. Put your excess inventory in them and refill your primary spaces as needed. I have done that with toys that need to be rotated, toiletry overstock, and off season clothes. Use a luggage tag to label its contents and make it a habit to shop there first.
The beauty of this system is that nothing is gone. It’s simply stored with intention. When you run out of a supply, a child grows into something developmentally, when interests change, etc. you can “shop” your own store instead of heading out to buy more.
Making Space for What Matters Most
This approach honors both your space and your emotions. You’re not rushing decisions or pushing yourself to let go before you’re ready. You’re creating a thoughtful pause—a way to protect the things you’re not finished with while still allowing your everyday spaces to function smoothly. That balance is where calm lives.
Organizing doesn’t have to be about getting rid of everything. Sometimes it’s about giving your home permission to hold things in a way that feels supportive, flexible, and kind.
Every time a room works the way it’s meant to, it gives you a little more ease. And every system that reduces daily stress is a small but meaningful form of self-care.
Pinky Jackson is a Decluttering Specialist and Home Organizing Expert. If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Pinky and her team would love to help you. Onsite Organizing services are available in the Louisville, KY area and Virtual Organizing services are offered for clients in other locations and for those who prefer to work online. Visit pinkyjackson.com to learn about our services and schedule a free assessment.
Photo: Oak + Motion @oakandmotion
