Unclutterer

1. Posted by Caecilia42 - 07/22/2009

   For my household, this would add clutter, and why an HDTV? We have a shelf with a dish for keys, a greaseboard that has turned into an art project and a small pile of the day’s mail, with a recycling bin nearby. While a charging station is a nice idea, it strands the electronics in the hall (at least it would in our setup), and we need access to them throughout the evening to get work email, etc.

2. Posted by Mark - 07/22/2009

   Looking at the Pottery Barn’s site, the system shown would set you back circa $500.

3. Posted by Stephen McGill - 07/22/2009

   Do you actually believe that “most US households” receive the Pottery Barn catalog? What a quaint yet horribly misguided notion. Most US households can’t afford to shop at Pottery Barn, and Pottery Barn could not afford to produce and ship catalogs to 51% or more of the US population.

   Have you ever visited a Pottery Barn store? Do you see “most US households” shopping there? In several parts of the country where I have gone mall shopping, all I ever see at Pottery Barn are wealthy white people. It’s the fallacy of wealthy white people that everyone else — or the only people who matter, anyway — think and behave exactly as they do. So it’s only natural that you would assume that the majority of households in the USA are much like your own.

   I enjoy your blog, but really, try to keep this level of cluelessness out of your posts if at all possible. You’re a rich white girl writing for a rich white audience, and while there may not be anything you can do about your socioeconomic status, you can at least try to control ridiculous, sweeping, inaccurate statements.

4. Posted by becoming minimalist - 07/22/2009

   unfortunately, i don’t think this system works for me. it feels far too “cluttered” from the photograph above. plus, there is no way to hide it when we have company over. i’m out… i’ll stick to one family calendar posted inside our kitchen pantry closet.

5. Posted by Peter (a different one) - 07/22/2009

   @Stephen – whoa! I think your post says more about you than it does this topic.

   Personally, I get the Pottery Barn catalog, I occasionally shop there, but can’t afford to decorate my house there, besides, go watch the “Friends” episode about the Apothecary table, those who have seen it know what I mean.

   I love this idea, but the price and size (I know it modular, but it still take up more wall space than I have available) keep me from seriously considering it.

   At the very least, it’s modular system that people can adjust to fit their needs, and you can always steal the idea and build your own. Use it as your muse.

6. Posted by Leah Goodman - 07/22/2009

   The spice rack and jars are available a whole lot cheaper from IKEA
   Grundtal: spice rack – 19.99
   rail – 6.99
   IKEA 365 spice jars – 4 for $5 ($20 for 16)

   IKEA – $47

   Pottery Barn – $83

   I’m guessing that you could build most of the other stuff from IKEA components as well.

7. Posted by Brandon Green - 07/22/2009

   Pottery Barn is way too expensive. You probably could assemble something like what’s pictured on your own for far less at Target or Walmart.

8. Posted by Eternal*Voyageur - 07/22/2009

   I’d really love to see someone build that up with IKEA components…

9. Posted by Erin Doland - 07/22/2009

   @Stephen — Really? You’re upset because I made the assumption that a large US manufacturer sent you a catalog? You’re upset about not receiving junk mail?

10. Posted by savvy - 07/22/2009

    Way too much clutter for me! I’d keep my $500 (I don’t shop at Pottery Barn anyway) and instead declutter my life so I don’t have a need for such an elaborate system.

11. Posted by Lori Paximadis - 07/22/2009

    Wow. What’s with all the venom? If you don’t like the post, there’s no need to jump all over a statement that I’m sure was made in jest, a nod to the apparent ubiquity of the Pottery Barn catalog. (And if it makes you feel better, I probably fall into your definition of “rich white girl,” and I didn’t get a PB catalog this week.)

    Regardless of whether or not you shop at Pottery Barn, their catalogs and store displays can be a source of inspiration for your own organizing. I highly doubt Erin expects everyone to run out and buy this system; she’s pointing out the modularity. You could take the idea and run with it in your own way, if it appeals to you. And if it doesn’t appeal to you, fine. Not every blog post will be a hit with every reader every time. Lighten up.

12. Posted by Karyn - 07/22/2009

    I’ve never even heard of Pottery Barn…

13. Posted by Krisha - 07/22/2009

    @erin I read stephen’s frustration as coming from the use of the word ‘most’. It kinda spiraled out from there, but that’s a pretty hefty word to use, especially when PB tends to lean more toward encouraging larger purchases, which a significant portion of your readers may not choose to make.

14. Posted by Gay B - 07/22/2009

    I have a couple pieces from this collection in my kitchen and my family loves them. We didn’t need the whole shebang, so only bought the pieces we needed. We have a corkboard, the magazine holder, and a cubby that they no longer carry. It had six little cubbies on it.

    We keep all of our incoming mail in the magazine holder, no more mail all over the counter. The cubbies hold stamps, chapstick (for some reason, we seem to have lots of this), spare change, notepads and pencils, and a few other odds and ends. The corkboard holds a small calendar, a grocery list, any coupons we might need to use, and some inspirational pictures.

    The few pieces that we have aren’t too busy and they really help us corral the clutter.

15. Posted by Nosredna Omik - 07/22/2009

    LOL, ok…if u can afford it great…if u can’t great … unclutter.com is about doing what you can afford…and minimalism. So people the snotty, ‘I don’t shop theres’ are useless to anyone, please feel free to add something useful about using or not using this organizational tool. It is not a badge of honor to afford or not afford, that is what seperates have from have not, or the want from the don’t want. Speak towards the subject matter please. Constructive conversation, not seperatist conversation may provide helpful information to others who read this blog. Yes, I do like the unit, it may be able to be done cheaper, but the organization factor is the important thing. This is my opinion, please don’t feel a need to respond to me…respond to the subject matter.

16. Posted by mdm - 07/22/2009

    To Erin and Steven… Think Steven could have been a little more diplomatic in his comments, but think he makes some valid points. Think Pottery Barn is vastly overpriced for the quality and it is marketing to a certain socio-economic status. Decluttering and organization is for everyone regardless of income. I love that this site provides those ideas. And yes to Lori’s point about taking the idea and run with it on one’s one. I often do that. Kudos to the poster who suggested the Ikea idea.

17. Posted by ATO - 07/22/2009

    Yep, I agree that this is too expensive, especially when I could use my $100 blackberry for all my scheduling and reminders, and it fits in my pocket, vs. this that costs $500+.

18. Posted by Dawn - 07/22/2009

    I love a lot of Pottery Barn things, but – ouch – they are so expensive for our family. I like to take their ideas and decor themes and recreate them in a more affordable fashion. A wall unit similar to this would be great to have – especially if you are managing schedules for multiple kiddos. You could put a sign above it that says “Mommy Central”

19. Posted by Erin Doland - 07/22/2009

    @Leah — Do you have a link to the similar Ikea system? I was just there over the weekend, I didn’t see anything like this.

20. Posted by Susan - 07/22/2009

    When I was a young married, I scoured all the magazines and catalogs I received for decorating ideas and items I liked but could not afford. I cut out the articles and I saved them. As I grew older I winnowed the clippings as my tastes changed and as I realized some of the ideas were impractical and as I fulfilled my desire for a few others. I’m now in my late 60’s and no longer have any clippings. I am thankful that I have more than I need of things I mostly like – although I gotta admit that I am secretly happy when something I spent a lot for and no longer like very much gets damaged so that I feel I can throw it away without a lot of guilt.

21. Posted by Stephanie - 07/22/2009

    I’ve wanted a system like that for years but wasn’t able to afford it. Plus, the spot where I wanted it had my thermostat and wall phone in the way.

    With a scavenged bulletin board, some spray paint, cork, my dremel, calendar making “skills” and a purchase white board, I faked it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/1.....911556774/

    To everyone that got upset about the cost of the PB system, if you like the idea, try to emulate it at a price point you think it’s worth. In my case, $13.

22. Posted by Catie - 07/22/2009

    I bought this for myself when I was in college – I waited until the end of the season, and everything went on sale (as it periodically does for Pottery Barn). I got a short rod, the mail/magazine holder, and the corkboard. It is now in our entry way (with a trash can below it) so when we walk in the front door, we can go ahead and sort through the day’s mail, pin coupons and invitations to the corkboard, and stick bills and magazines in the mail holder. It has prevented so much clutter in our lives and kept us very organized! I love it!

    Also, I am glad I bought this system – I looked at others and this one was the most practical and pleasing to the eye. It also causes very little damage to the walls (great since we RENT our house). The rod screws into the wall with 1 screw on each end, and you slide the components into it. They have enough weight to sit flush against the wall, but since the rod is anchored with screws, it is secure. I HIGHLY recommend splurging for this system!

23. Posted by Rue - 07/22/2009

    @Stephen I think your comment shows just as much cluelessness as you think Erin’s post does. You’re assuming that she’s a “rich white girl writing for a rich white audience” just like you said she assumed that most US households received the catalog. The problem is that your assumption falls into the category of a personal attack, whereas hers attacks no one. Is it a general statement that may or may not be true? Yes, but it certainly doesn’t appear to have offended anyone except you. If you like the blog, then read it. But there is absolutely no need to make rude comments about the people who actually write it.

    At any rate, just because a lot of people don’t shop at Pottery Barn doesn’t mean they didn’t get the catalog. I get catalogs from places I don’t shop at all the time. I also go into stores, see the prices, and end up not buying anything. I’m sure there are quite a few people who have done the same thing at Pottery Barn.

    ANYWAY!!

    I think this system is a nice idea, but like most have said, the price is a hinderance. I also do agree with the person who said there’s just too much stuff in this. I could see getting a couple of pieces of it (like the calendar, mail holder, and/or post-it board), but definitely would not need the whole thing. It looks great though!

24. Posted by Dawn - 07/22/2009

    Wow, Stephen sure is bitter… What a shame to feel so much anger that it becomes necessary to slam an organizing website writer for casual statements about a Pottery Barn catalog. Yikes.

    I would bet a lot of readers on this site are not white and are not rich – organizing and decluttering can be of interest to everyone – regardless of income, race, gender, age, etc. Gees… you sure ruffled Stephen’s feathers today, Erin!

    Keep up the great work – I love the inspiring ideas, decluttering concepts and storage solutions – with weekly highlights such as Workspace picture Fridays and Unitasker Wednesdays.

25. Posted by Kathy - 07/22/2009

    Unforetunately, I also think this post missed the mark. And, I am a “rich white girl who often shops at PB”.

    I just think these type of wall systems are a lot of visual clutter, the HDTV is completely pointless and this is very overpriced.

    If they work for you, great, but I would be willing to bet the number of unclutterer readers that have one of these is very small.
    What about the unclutterer staff – do any of them have these system installed?

26. Posted by Blair - 07/22/2009

    Wow, hatred abound. Guess that’ll teach you to post anything about Pottery Barn and its ilk. Seems like the readers are more interested in the Ikea/Target price range.

    I have 2 of these – the mail slot and key hook/shelf combo – and love them both. The bottom mail slot isn’t good for things like receipts, since it’s very narrow and they get shoved down to the bottom, but it handles a good amount of mail. It’s actually small enough that you’ll want to clear it out and deal with your junk fairly regularly. The key rack works great as a landing spot for my fiancee’s keys and purse, which used to just get thrown anywhere.

27. Posted by Lisa - 07/22/2009

    I have a couple of these pieces that I hung in our kitchen in our last house. It made a wonderful shallow landing strip in the high-traffic area of a very large prone-to-clutter kitchen. Also, it was a great compromise between me needing to keep the countertop cleared and my husband needing things where he could see them.

28. Posted by Anita - 07/22/2009

    Interesting system, though I too think it’s overpriced.

    However, I agree with Lori and others that no one’s forcing the entire system down anyone’s throat. Of course Pottery Barn and the like are going to encourage you to make big purchases in their stores! Of course there are other systems out there, and probably cheaper ways to build one, if you are DIY inclined! Erin was just pointing out one more system that’s come to her attention, which she thought some people might find useful. No need to jump down her throat about it!

    For my needs, I think I’d be ok with just a corkboard ($4.99 at Ikea) and a small magnetic whiteboard (around $20-$30 at most office supplies stores I’ve been to). My keys, mail, and charging station already have good homes

29. Posted by Erin Doland - 07/22/2009

    @Kathy — In our home we use an art gallery hanging system. You can read more about it here: http://unclutterer.com/2007/07.....k-clutter/

30. Posted by chrisck - 07/22/2009

    My main surprise is that you still get the catalog mailed to you instead of viewing the products online. I uncluttered by getting off most mailing lists for catalogs and have reduced my yearly recycling by a huge amount.
    As for PB, I don’t buy from them because they are too expensive (though my very affluent sister does). The catalog or online store seems to have a lot more to offer than the stores. We have a PB at one of the malls in my city and I have been there a couple of times and was surprised to find the products kind of cheesey. Years ago I thought PB was fun, now I think they are just faux-funky. Why buy expensive shabby chic when you can get real vintage for less at estate sales and flea markets?

31. Posted by Nicole W. - 07/22/2009

    I have a very organized friend who can manage one of those dry erase calendars because she plans ahead digitally for her family, but I need a paper one that has all the months to plan so I only have to record things once.

32. Posted by Amber Kostelny-Cussen - 07/22/2009

    I don’t find this helpful for most families. It’s not realistic and it does add a lot of wall clutter. I wouldn’t recommend it and I’m surprised you did. It would be great for someone who only owns 3 magazines and only gets 3 pieces of mail each day.

33. Posted by Maxwell - 07/22/2009

    I see this only as an option and suggestion of how a wall could be organized into a family communication center. Of course it probably could be assembled and executed with other components from less expensive stores and be just as effective. Check online sources too. I bought a couple of chairs by Pottery Barn at a resale store for a 3rd of what they would cost new. I bought them for the price and the look not because they are from a certain company, but then I did the same with my watch by Versace more for the look less for the price. Hope you all have a wonderful week.

34. Posted by Dina - 07/22/2009

    wow – hateful comments aside

    I love this idea! I have a big wall in my kitchen that I want to make into a “home center” like this.

    I would not use all the components and I would not buy it from PB. But I am glad to see this and will happily replicate it from my Ikea, garage sale, and thrift store finds.

    Thanks for posting!

35. Posted by Erin Doland - 07/22/2009

    Okay, commenters, I’ve wasted too much time today patrolling these comments to keep the foul language and nasty grams at bay. I’m closing comments to this post. You can complain about your hatred for Pottery Barn to your friends or to the company directly, but you can no longer do it here. I promise never to write about Pottery Barn again. Ever.

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