Monday, April 5, 2010

Manic Monday: Getting Organized-Closets

Over the next few Monday's, we will be offering some tips to help you get organized. I love to Spring Clean. It makes me feel like I have accomplished something. I love the feeling of purging all those unused items, and showing my family how to do the same. So lets get started!

I think most of us would love to open our closets and find exactly what we need. Or open a closet in front of a guest, and not fear the kitchen sink falling out. One of the things I strive not to do is make my closest a place to stuff all the unused junk I "just can't" get rid of. By doing this, things just pile up and eventually those closets are unbearable.

Closets can being a tricky space to organize. My house is old and closest space is very limited. I guess in the 1930's they had less stuff, or were better organized! :) The best thing I have found are shelves! They do not need to be fancy. In fact, the shelves in my kids closets were taken from old desks and converted into closet shelving. The other great thing I have discovered is everything has a place. If it does not have a place, get rid of it.

Below are some pictures of my closets. Okay, not quite works of art, but works in progress!

Brooke's Closet


Aidan's Closet

As you can see, we make full use of the shelves. It helps the kids to find a place for their things to go. I also love to use different storage bins to help things stay tidy. When it comes to our closet, I try on clothes twice a year (seasonally). If I have not worn the outfit in over a year, or I am not liking what I see in the mirror, out it goes. I also maximize closet space by using all the same size hangers.
Brooke's Top Shelf

Aidan's Top Shelf

For all my kids, I keep two memory boxes. One stores cards and special paper keepsakes. You can see these boxes in the pictures. The other box stores their first shoes and outfit, special toy, etc. If it does not fit nicely in one of these boxes, I do not keep it. I also have Brooke's hair ties, bows, and headbands sorted. She also has bows organized on the back of her door. I like to use boxes that I can see through. This way with one quick glance I know what it contains.

Linen Closet
I think the linen closet gets disorganized the quickest. This is where you may need to Purge, Purge, Purge! That is why it is important to have proper storage containers for the different items. I have one for medicines, medical care products, and toiletries. It is also important to check dates on medicines at least once a year. Discard expired ones regularly. An easy way to store sheets is store the sheets in their matching pillowcases. This will make it easy for kids when they are changing their beds. Keep a box of baking soda in your closet to keep linens and towels smelling fresh.

Hall Closet
The hall closest can also become a place to collect junk. Try to keep coats that fit and are useful for current season in this closet. All other coats can be stored in tubs elsewhere. We only keep family games that are age appropriate for our children in the hall closet. This way the shelf is not too full, and we can see what we have. I keep mittens, hats, and scarfs in a basket on the floor. The only thing not used in this closet is my exercise equipment, collecting dust! :) I should probably start putting it all to use!

Bathroom Drawer
This is another clutter collector. If you have proper storage areas, even your kids will know where to get items and where to return items. The key is explaining it and then sticking to it!


I hope you got a few ideas to help you organize your closets.

Check back next week for some more ideas!

Your girlfriend,
Melinda

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