Closet Lovin'

If you have hit upon this blog in error, this is NOT a website devoted to people who want to marry their closets or have unnatural obsessions with wire shelving.  This is the reveal of my first uncluttering adventure- the Hall Linen Closet!

And here it is…in its uncluttered glory.

Look at the space…

The organization…

The satisfaction of one project completed!!

My goals starting the makeover were threefold- It needed to be cost conscious; it had to look pretty; and it had to work for my family. This closet hit all three with flying colors!

Being Organized Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

Don’t ever neglect discount stores or thrift stores as a great place to get great organizing items for next to nothing.  I found four great items that transformed this makeover from just straightening up what we had to create a look that we want to maintain.

Purchase 1--A large canvas tote with an attached lid ($8) 

This is the perfect size to sit right under the bottom shelf.  It also holds a comforter, a quilt and tons of small blankets that are great for lazy days snuggled on the couch.  The lid is perfect because it will keep the blankets dust-free, and putting in a sachet or even a dryer sheet will keep them smelling fresh. Most of all it contains what could easily become clutter in nice neat way.

Purchase 2-Bamboo trays (1.49 each)

These two bamboo trays are perfect because they are pretty and practical.  One is used to store toothpaste, soap, shampoo and anything else that I find on clearance at Target .   The other is used to hold toilet paper. Using trays is also a great way to handle one big issue with wire shelving- things falling through the spaces. It also discourages things from getting shoved to the back of the closet into no-man’s land and starting the whole cluttering cycle again.

Purchase 3- Wooden container (1.29)

I wasn’t sure at first what I would use this for, but found that it worked perfectly for keeping the vacuum attachments within easy reach. In the past, I could never find what I needed as the attachments were usually laying scattered on the closet floor.  The box allows all of the attachments to be kept together and the handles allow me to pick it up and take it from room to room when in use.

Wicker Baskets (Free)

I already had two wicker baskets that I was able to reuse to complete the organization of the closet.  A smaller basket was used to hold extra hand towels and the larger basket used for beach towels. As the beach towels are seasonal, they were put on the top shelf out of the way--making more frequently used items more easily accessible.

Total cost of supplies for makeover- 13 dollars!!!!!!

Looking Pretty Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Being a Type A personality, I have to have things that match.  Although this is a quirk that annoys many, in organization it works to my advantage.  When you choose one color theme, you avoid Visual Clutter.  Having 10 different colored containers in one small space will still serve the same function--it will keep things organized, but visually, it will always “look” cluttered. Using containers in the same family shade causes the eye to glance over the containers instead of focusing on one item.  Also, by using things that are different textures, the closet looks more customized than it really is.  Just because you have contractor grade wire shelving does not mean that you can’t have a more high-end look.  Use wood, metal and fabrics to make a style.  All of this will work to create a space that looks good so you will be more encouraged to keep it looking good!

Does It Function the Way My Family Needs It To?

In the past week, I have had to look for sheets—which were easily found under the beds they go to; spare blankets—now in the tote at the bottom of the closet; and of course toilet paper--right there on its pretty tray.  Every single thing was found without stress, drama, or more importantly, the creation of more clutter.  Everyone in my family knows exactly where things are in this closet.  That in itself was worth the makeover.  So far, I can wholeheartedly say that this closet has exceeded my expectations.

Thank you all for the patience, encouragement, and most of all reading.  Hopefully you have been inspired to think of new ways to use items that you would not normally think of to organize your own space.  I have enjoyed sharing this first project with you and am already working on my next idea.