I caught myself doing it again.

Upon emptying a package that came in the mail, I went to break down the box to recycle but quickly stopped myself. "Oooh, this is a good box," I thought, and I stored it safely away.

If you don't know what a good box is, well, you'll know one when you see one.

It's the perfect size for something to be determined in the future. It has a sturdy bottom and a ripless top not broken down so much that you can't do the close-close-close-slide under containment system that has protected goods for decades, if not centuries.

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It will have pristine sides and not a single piece of packing tape dangling off the edge. Boxes like these are practically begging to be set aside and saved for something special.

My husband doesn't buy into the whole "but it's a good box!" thing. He thinks good boxes just appear out of thin air or doesn't appreciate the difference a good box can make. That's why I hide all the good boxes in the corner of the basement. Don't tell him.

I caught myself doing it again.

Upon emptying a paper shopping bag from a clothing store, I paused before folding it to fit in the recycling bin. It was clean, the handles were still intact and strong, and not a speck of dirt was on the outside. It was a nice-sized bag, bigger than most and perfect for hauling large, lightweight items. It was a good bag.

It's simply wise to have a collection of good bags. If you're an expert in this area like me, chances are you even have a bag that holds all your bags, and that bag, well, it's something extra special. Good bags must be strong, free of wrinkles, and come in various sizes and dimensions. You'll want to have the right size for the right job, and if you've got a good bag of good bags, you will certainly find the one you need.

I keep my good bags hidden in the bottom of the pantry where my husband can't find them. Sometimes I even fish them out of the recycling when someone filed a good bag in the wrong place, accidentally, of course. I don't know who would ever toss out something so precious.

Some people, I'm sure, have too many good boxes and good bags. And I know there are folks who don't nearly have enough. Like most things in life, moderation seems to be key in succeeding in the game of containers. As long as you've got just the right size and the tops still close, of course.