The Container Store gives me hope. Every time I go in, or even drive by it, I feel as though if I just find the right magical combination of items, my this time, my life will be perfectly, completely organized. This time, with this special bin and that special hanger, it will all come straight.

Of course, that’s what they want me to think.

But they’re so good at it. With the banners politely screaming in the windows, the store holds the promise that everything, absolutely everything is containable. Everything can be put neatly into a place, if only you purchase the right place to put it.

The store whispers to me about who I could be, if only I exchanged a few piddly bits of dirty paper for sleek, gleaming new opportunities. Take these things, and there you’ll be.

If only.