If you’ve jumped on the decanting bandwagon, it can be easy to get carried away. Transferring everyday items from their bulky, visually stimulating packaging into pretty containers is one way to organize your home while maintaining your design style. Essentially, decanting not only optimizes your storage, it also elevates your home’s aesthetic.

When it comes to some household things, however, decanting can be impractical, unnecessary, or, worse, counterproductive. Before you start decanting everything you own, check out this list of items that can (and should!) stay in packaging they came in.

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Why Decanting Isn’t Always a Smart Idea

True, decanting comes with many benefits, the least of which is creating a cohesive look in your home. But it isn't always the best choice. Some things are better kept in their original packaging for various reasons, whether for convenience or safety. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to decant an item:

• Will I lose essential information? Original packaging often contains important details like expiration dates, ingredients, and usage or cooking instructions, which can be lost if the product is decanted. There are ways to preserve the information, such as adding labels or cutting and taping directions to the outside of a storage container. But if that seems like more work than it's worth, you’re better off leaving it in the packaging.
• Will the product lose its freshness? While decanting products into airtight storage containers usually preserves them longer, some are specially packaged to keep them as fresh as possible.
• Is decanting this item convenient? Some items come pre-packaged for easy use, and transferring them can add extra steps to your routine. Additionally, if you go through a decanted frequently, that means restocking just as often, and you’ll likely find it’s not worth the time.
• Is it safe to decant this item? Anything that can be hazardous or toxic to children and pets often comes with safety features in its packaging that you’ll likely lose out on if you transfer it to another container. 

Keeping these points in mind, these are the items you should reconsider decanting.

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1. Laundry Supplies

Although decanting detergent can be visually stunning and incredibly helpful for whoever does the bulk of the laundry, it’s not worth the risk if children are in the home. Original detergent packaging typically features childproof features, which you can’t guarantee with other types of containers. Laundry containers typically also have dosing instructions and poison control information, which is important to have on hand.

2. Kitchen Condiments

Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are usually equipped with user-friendly squeeze dispensing that helps minimize spills and is easy to store in the fridge or pantry. Transferring these products into matching containers can seem Pinterest-chic, but it may also cause a mess and feel like another chore on your to-do list.

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3. Anything in the Medicine Cabinet

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications contain critical information on their packaging, including dosage instructions and expiration dates. Always keep medicines in their original containers (and away from small hands or furry paws) to have peace of mind.

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4. Tools and DIY Supplies

Nails, screws, and other small hardware items often come in labeled compartments or organizers that are essentially built-in storage. Transferring them into different containers can create confusion if they get mislabeled and waste time looking for a specific size or type.

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5. Specialty Spices and Herbs

Some spices—such as black peppercorns, pink Himalayan salt, and Spanish saffron—require unique grinders or specialized packaging, so they should remain in their original containers. Decanting them can make them harder to use when cooking or shorten their shelf life.

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6. Travel Toiletries

Travel-sized products are already compact, portable, and designed for short-term use. Transferring them into larger containers takes away from the convenience factor. On the other hand, if you have an abundance of travel toiletries, you can corral them into a clear jar and place them on the countertop of your guest bathroom, encouraging visitors to help themselves.

7. Emergency Supplies

Pre-made first aid, survival, and emergency car kits are stocked and well-organized in their original packaging, so it’s best to leave them as is. Of course, it’s a good idea to go through them occasionally to ensure nothing has expired and everything else is still intact. While batteries are OK to decant, try to use a battery-specific organizer that reduces friction and allows you to store them safely (and, of course, be organized).

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8. Drinks

Another social media trend, decanting bottles of juice, coffee, or milk into clear carafes is not necessary and, dare we say it, a waste of time. This would be a cute idea if you’re hosting a brunch with a mimosa station. But the effort it takes to do it on a regular basis when the drinks live behind a closed refrigerator door (with no benefits other than the aesthetic look) we don't think it's worth the hype.