Al left for the field last week, so I was left to my own devices. It was actually really easy to fill my time since I still had plenty of boxes to unpack and things to put away. Oh, and those final edits on both of my papers. I devised a plan to spend my days writing (as though it was my job) and then come home/stop at dinner time. I spent my evenings watching all my favorite shows and organizing.
For this post, I want to focus on what I did to organize the entire apartment, from plan to implementation and share with you the results.
Desk:
My desk is in the living room, so I need to keep it tidy and organized at all times. Luckily, I had a lot of the items I needed to make that happen.
The plan:
- Create storage for often-used office supplies
- Create storage for paperwork, mail, etc...
- Organize school work and books
- Add a few decor elements
The results:
1: Ikea boxes (black) - Hold important receipts, computer stuff, etc...
2: 3-drawer - Holds scrapbooking and regularly used craft supplies
3: Box from Target - Holds cards & stationary (DIY here)
Middle photo: My cute glitter piggy bank (Old Navy) and my current reads
4: Decorate containers (Target $1 section) - Holds pens, scissors and other office supplies
5: 3-sheld desk organizer - Holds folders and paperwork in three categories: personal, work/school & blogging
Pantry:
We have a very small pantry and limited cupboard space in the kitchen, so it was important that I utilized every single inch of it and that everything was super-accessible.
The plan:
- Create extra shelves to add storage space
- Develop layout to make daily items easily accessible
- Make space for Soda Stream
- Store cleaning supplies separate from food items
- Create storage for spices and cooking supplies
The results:
1: Top shelf holds taller storage items, the Soda Stream, and a few smaller appliances / Cereal containers (Dollar Store), Wire shelves (Target)
2: Pasta and other side / Wire basket (Target)
3: Baskets for go-to snacks for lunches / Baskets (Dollar Store)
4: Another shelf used to create and extra level of storage for cans and other stackables
5: Another wire basket holds napkins and paperware
6: Plastic bag holder (I DIY'd from a plastic shoe box for easy storage!) (Dollar Store)
7: Cleaning supplies and other kitchen stuff stored under the sink
The last picture: using leftover organizers, I created storage for spices and other cooking supplies.
Bathroom and Linen Closet:
There is actually quite a bit of space for storage in our bathroom and linen closet, so the biggest challenge was organizing items in such a way so we can keep it tidy. I have a slight hoarding tendency when it comes to travel size toiletries (for example: I could probably wash my hair for years without buying more shampoo) and we like to buy some soaps and supplies in bulk.
The plan:
- Create storage for meds and first aid
- Store cleaning supplies in one place
- Set up drawers and dividers for travel toiletries
- Create system for feminine products (hidden, but accessible)
The results:
1: Cloth bins store various toiletries, by category, with less used ones in the back (Dollar Store)
2: Plastic basket for smaller items (Dollar store)
3: Dark wicker basket holds my hair products (Target)
4: Plastic drawer holds medical and first aid supplies for easy pull-out access (Target)
(The more-used items are in the medicine cabinet on the wall)
5: Larger stackables and less used items and large drawer holds my hoarded travel sizes
6: Bucket holds bathroom cleaning supplies
7: Another drawer holds misc. supplies that we need infrequently
8: Wicker basket for hair tools
9: Small close-able container next to the toilet for feminine products (Dollar Store)
My closet:
So, this was the hardest part for me. Not because I'm hurting for closet space, but because I'm hurting for the power to deny myself pretty things. I just have a lot of clothes! I tried to use discretion and get rid of any items I hadn't worn or didn't see myself wearing and I am focused on not hanging on to pieces that are too "faddy" or unwearable for work. The biggest challenge was creating space for all the folded clothes, like tanks and workout pants and jeans.
The plan:
- Buy hanging bar to double hanging space in one closet
- Separate fall/winter shoes and put them in storage
- Create storage for folded clothes and for underthings
- Create storage for accessories and extras
The results:
1: Wicker baskets for headbands, scarves, hats, etc...
2: More wicker baskets hold belts, bracelets and other accessories
3: Shoe organizer holds my daily wear shoes for summer (Unseen, to the right, containers hold my less-worn summer shoes and dressy heels. Winter shoes are in storage)
4: Soft-side closet shelves (it spins!) holds tons of accessories and shoes (Bed, Bath & Beyond)
5: Folding jewelry organizer holds earrings and daintier jewels (Target)
6: Belt hook holds wider and basic belts
7: Two-drawer container holds buttons and misc. items for quick-fixes
8: Soft-side bins hold intimates, socks, etc...
9: Plastic drawers, tucked away, hold workout clothes, tanks, sweatshirts and less-used items
10: Closet-doubler instantly provides extra hanging space in any closet! (Bed, Bath & Beyond)
TOTAL COST = $65
**Most items I had from before and simply reorganized or used them in new ways.
I still need to overhaul the front entry closet, but it is very large and going to require an entire day of work to get it really clean and functional. I might even rope Al into helping me with that one - I'll probably have to bribe him with beer or something!
I'm sure things will change here and there as I decide better or more efficient ways of storing things, but until then, I am happy with the results.
What do you think? Should I supplement my income by being a professional organizer?
