Battling clutter is a fight some people will never win. Our desire to collect things and own lots of stuff is nothing new. However, setting up home offices and spending more time indoors in response to the pandemic makes decluttering a high priority. Consumers realize they need help to get organized. With extra time on their hands, people buy books, watch programs, and spend money on products that offer them solutions.
“With many Americans foregoing their typical schedules, travel plans, and activities due to stay-at-home orders and other pandemic-related restrictions, home organization became a hobby some and a priority for others to get the most out of their space.” Said Leen Nsouli, NPD Group office supplies industry analyst.
Demand Continues to Grow
Beautifying and tidying up messy spaces or making life simpler by packing trinkets away can feel liberating. Consumers who purchase home organization essentials have increased the demand for a variety of products—including storage boxes and totes (+20 percent), combo boards (+73 percent), and shredders (+34 percent). It’s no surprise, sales of home organization products are expected to increase 3.8 percent per year and reach $12.7 billion by 2023.
According to the market research firm, Packaged Facts, two-thirds of adults believe they could use more home organization products in their home. Additionally, ClosetMaid’s survey said that half of the 2,000 respondents believe clutter is an issue.
- 23 unnecessary items can be found in their home
- 57 percent keep items for sentimental reasons
- 33 percent procrastinate about throwing things away
Besides personal motivation, other factors influencing the home organization trend are urban living, home lifestyle TV programs, and greater access to more products online. With so many millennials and baby boomers living in compact urban spaces, the organization becomes a priority. The choice is to throw things away or get better organized. Spaces can also serve multiple functions. Storage areas may be converted into a home office or a remote learning space for someone attending classes.
“The need to organize and maximize space won’t stagnate even as people downsize.” Says David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. In the face of other economic and other challenges, the home organization market should perform better than many other household product categories because real consumer demand exists and continues to grow for the products.”
HGTV, YouTube, and Influencers
Who thought decluttering would become a favorite pastime? Thanks to popular influencers, HGTV and YouTube, there’s no shortage of conversations about basic or trendy products that can help viewers get organized. Decluttering is the ultimate DIY project. How you go about getting the job done has a lot to do with lifestyle and personality. It’s an endeavor that most people prefer to handle themselves rather than turn it over to a professional organizer.
A more extensive selection of Products
Everyone is aware of the surge in online orders that happened last year. Online shopping gave consumers access to manufacturers of home organization products they were unaware of previously. Consumers now find it convenient to purchase products they’ve seen on their favorite programs or those that have been endorsed by an Influencer. When the Container Store temporarily closed its brick and-mortar-stores in early 2020, the company sales dropped significantly. However, it bolstered its online presence by using targeted campaigns, collaborative partnerships, and celebrity endorsements. In September, online sales were up 86.4 percent over the prior year.
Opportunity for Independent Retailers
Smaller businesses may not have the space to carry a large assortment of home organization products.
Selections typically include totes and bins, shelving, and metal storage racks. However, retailers who are members of a co-op may also have access to a wider variety of products sold on the company’s website. Suggesting that the person purchase online and pick up in-store may result in a sale and another satisfied customer.
