Organized Palooza

Hey-Oh!
You have reached the Gaudett/MacDonalds residence. We are currently away from our extra organized home enjoying a few days of family time at the cottage.
But have no fear, there is material to be read and ideas to be found after the past 10 Days of Organization Palooza! 
So come on in. Kick off your shoes. And take a tour of our revamped and totally functional home. And when you are done, make sure you leave a message after the beep!
Day 1: Refrigerator  Day 2: Main Living Area Day 3: Laundry Room Day 4: Spice Cabinet Day 5: Garage {Part 1} Day 6: Garage {Part 2} Day 7: Recipe Box Day 8: Spare Room Closet Day 9: Supplies Closet Day 10: Master Closet
BEEP! I linked up at A Bowl Full of Lemons Organize it! Party

Organization Palooza Day 10: Master Closet

Finally! We have arrived! Day 10 of Organization Palooza chez moi! 

Did you ever think we would make it to end? I had my doubts along the way but thanks to you holding me accountable I can say with great excitement that our home is officially ORGANIZED! Top to bottom. Inside out. *It would however be incorrect to assume it is perfectly clean. I attribute that hiccup to a dog, baby, and the limited amount of time in a day.

The last stop on the organization train brings us to Common-Law and I's shared master closet. I have been avoiding it for some time now. The bones of the closet {shelving and such} are not overly functional for our needs so addressing all the issues will be a process. But just tackling the build up of mess and reevaluating my approach has made a significant difference. *As well as getting the scheming under way for ideas on how to go about tackling the bigger issues. Robert will be D to the lighted.

Take a look at what I started out with:

The shelf that runs along the top of the hang-bar is way too high for this gal. It is the major issue I have with the closet. And it being the only shelf space, this means everything that I want to stay tidy needs to be hung.

I 'think' eventually a shelving section will be implemented for folded items which would then turn the higher shelf into seasonal storage. But until then a cheap second hand Ikea dresser will have to do the trick in the bedroom area.

In spite of all the structural set backs, I was still able to rearrange the space and make it more functional without spending a dime. Take a looksey:

Few! I know it is not a dramatic full-on transformation but it certainly is a big change from what I started out with. It just feels better walking in there now.

First I rearranged the hanging clothes. Roberts overwhelming number of collard shirts came out from the corner and the seasonal coats and his heavy sweaters replaced them. On the lower hanging bar are both Robert and I's dressier bottom items: pants, shorts, and skirts.

Roberts shirts moved to the longer hang-bar section. *Do note that he has WAY more clothes than me. I mean seriously. Like triple! My tops and dresses follow suit. All are coloured coordinated for easy wardrobe selection. *And because it just looks better in my opinion.

The folded items were cut down in here significantly. Hopefully it will help with the inevitable mess. His and hers sections of both sweaters and jeans are each to their own side of the closet.

Most of the folded items were redirected to that Ikea dresser I mentioned.

The top two drawers hold his and hers tops. *Again note Common-laws huge drawer full and my tiny one.

The two lower drawers hold his and hers casual bottoms. 

Roberts has night pants, swim shorts, casual shorts, and cozy pants. Mine holds shorts and workout/cozy pants. This drawer will switch with the jeans come fall.

*In case you are wondering, my night pants are in our bathroom closet. We have three bins each of intimates and such. So I store mine there. It is such a handy idea having them right in the bathroom area. And now that I think of it I actually showed a picture of it a while back {here}.

Last, but certainly not least, is our collection of bags and my tank-tops. Both items needed better storage solutions - and could still use an improvement.

The bags were originally stuffed in a tote. They have now been upgraded to the two large baskets on the centre shelf {notice the baskets are a leftover after the Spare Closet makeover}. One full of purses and the odd clutch. The other with tote and gym bags.

The tank tops went from the overflowing whit bin pictured in the Before photo to a bigger, but still slightly too small, basket. It is a temporary fix that I hope will do the trick.

While I sorted and refolded each pile a few items got the ol' boot. My general rule when doing this is purge anything that hasn't been worn in a year, torn or stained items, and anything I just don't love anymore. *An exception is made to the stained rule if it is paint gear.

It feels good to purge. Means more room for a new haul.

Except Sarah beat me to the punch on that one. She claimed most of the items to add to her own wardrobe. It is nice to see items that I once loved have a fresh start in someone else's closet though. Even if that closet has currently set up shop in my basement. 

Actually, one outfit in particular really caught our attention. It called for a mini fashion show...

There are no words.

These are the kind of shenanigans that evolve from an organization rampage. It is all in a days work around here!

Now it is your turn. How did the organization go at your house? Do you feel like things have or are coming together? Did you get up to any silly business along the way? Dish!

Chat soon.

Organization Palooza Day 9: Supplies Closet

I can see the finish line! Just a couple spaces in need of organizing left to go.

{Enter Happy Dance Here}

Today's project was on the basic side of the spectrum. Though not terribly disastrous, the small built-in supplies closet in the main floor bath needed some direction. 

This is what I started with:

The contents of this closet are not overly exciting. There are no darling towels or sweet smelling soaps in sight. But alas, every home needs a less than glamorous place to stash the run of the mill household items: cleaning supplies, medications, spare toilet paper, paper towels, and the like. Mine just happens to be in the main floor bathroom.

We learned a trillion plus one lessons when building our house. There are decisions you are bound to question and reevaluate with your first home after living in it a little while. A supplies closet was one of ours. With all the closet space, we never dreamed that there would not be a practical spot to stash the broom and vacuum. But with a little creative thinking we were able to convert a small linen closet into a  multifaceted supplies closet.

It just needed to be taken from creative to easily functional.

Here are the few simple changes that I made to help do just that.

With a few shelf alterations, some bin reconfiguring, and a bit of label making this closet is ready for anything!

The top shelf remained stocked with spare paper products. Just tidied. 

The sole overflowing medication bin was sorted and divided into four separate, more serviceable, clear and labeled bins. 

Based on our medication needs we went with the following groupings:

1. Pain
2. Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat
3. First Aid
4. Kids

Speaking of labelling - my most favouritest organization solution. Each shelf now has a very basic label  as well, identifying its contents. That way Common-Law has no excuse for replacing things in the wrong spot. *I point the finger at Robert, but really it is helpful for everyone.

I went with the following just as a reference:

1. Paper
2. Medications
3. Cleaning Supplies

The cleaning supplies are just below eye level on this shelf. Which makes it easier, I have found anyway, to quickly find what you are looking for. Yet, they are high enough to be out of reach of small children. *Another great feature of this cabinet is that the knob is mid way up the door and, like the cabinets throughout the remainder of the house, the doors are flush with the trim. So little fingers cant even get the doors open.

To help speed the cleaning process along, the white bin holds all of the products I use to do the bathrooms. That way there is no fussing when I have a few spare minutes. I just have to grab and go.

The bottom shelf holds the body of the vacuum. With the shelf readjustment it now lays flat with the hose in the bottom drawer with the other attachments.  

This may seem strange to you, it was for me at first as well, but we just have no other place that makes sense to store it that it isn't in the way. And if I am being completely honest, as I tend to be to a fault these days, I quite like it. The breaking down and building back up only takes a second and it ensures that I check the hose and nozzle for hair and build up. Two birds, one stone.

And that is that. A few simple changes go a long long way. 

Elementary yet Essential. 

Happy Organizing!

Chat soon.

Organization Palooza Day 8: Spare Room Closet

Happy Monday!

Can you believe that we are midway through July already? My goodness time flies when you are having fun! No literally. Time is getting away from me. Up, up, and away.

But about that fun. Is everyone enjoying the results of their organization efforts around the house? I know I certainly am. Best of all, by the end of this week I should honestly be able to say that every single item in my entire home is stored in logical place. In a relatively tidy manner to boot! It is a b.e.a.utiful feeling.

Before I get ahead of myself however, let's focus back to the task at hand. There is a process to success after all.

My next stop on the organization train was the craft/miscellaneous item closet in the spare room. It needed some serious as a heart attack attention and that is no joke. Who jokes about heart attacks? A dumping ground for all things 'extra', this place needed some reason. And fast!

Take a look at it now.

First things first: I often feel the need to justify the disaster areas in my home. This being one of them. It is one of those spaces that anything and everything winds up in. When in doubt, throw {blank} in the spare closet. And because of the nature of the space it requires a system to manage the traffic flow to avoid build up. Clearly it was greatly lacking. 

With a few simple changes however, that should all be in the past.

First up to bat - Newly available dresser.

After revamping Finley's bedroom closet this dresser got the boot. And naturally it made its way to the spare room for safe keeping. But turns out it is a perfect solution for my craft supplies organizational needs. The small basket that was filled to overflowing with paper, ribbon, stickers, tools, and close to weighing as much as a small elephant was not up to par. *I think Im confusing my sports.

A filing system holds sticker and letter decals for scrapbooking and label making. While two extra-large jars {scored my Meema} hold loose ribbon and scrap pieces of paper.

The top drawer holds scrapbooking and art supplies: paints, slicer, tape, stamps, ect.

Second: stencils and punch outs.

Third: cork, small papers, and stationary.

Fourth: medium and large paper

Fifth: event supplies {Easter eggs, Finley's birthday celebration decor} 

Second up to bat - totes.

Since we already had a plethora purchased these needed to be put to work. Originally they were being used to store baby clothes but since reorganizing Finley's closet they have sat empty. Until now. *Four were relocated to the basement - two full of baby girl clothes {sigh} and two of outgrown items.

I have the tendency to organize by looks. If it's pretty and somewhat functional I'm all over it like white on rice. But this closet is my exception. It needed to be highly functional because it can get out of control in a real kind of hurry. So I skipped over 'pretty' completely. Enter grey totes.

Instead of cramming like-items in medium sized baskets to the point of over flowing {see Before photo}, totes are a great solution. Allocating each to a specific craft keeps everything together in one place as well as making it easy to transport when it comes time to use it. *I have a one year old so as much as  the idea of a 'Project Room' appeals to me it is not functional. He is happy where the toys are. Which is where the bin will have to go.

I used my five available totes for:

1. Project Supplies
2. Gift Bags, Boxes & Ribbons
3. Sewing Materials
4. Frames
5. Paints & Canvas 

And that is a home run for the win. Short ball game eh?

Sometimes simple really is better.

Have you been organizing away in any closets? What is your approach to a successful space?

Chat soon.

Kids Closet Organization

Today is your day! You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!  - Dr. Seuss

Have you ever read Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss? It comes highly recommended for children and adults of all ages.

Finley received it as a gift from my step sister and we have fallen in love with it! And now that his bedroom closet is complete I can't help but think of that story every time I look at it. The vibrant colours, organization, and play zone make me feel that Robert and I have contributed, in a small way, to his development and imagination that will span his lifetime. 

Is that silly? Perhaps. But just you take a look and tell me that it wouldn't inspire you.

What do you say? Inspiring? Maybe just a tad?

Ill be honest with you, bold bright colours are not typically my thing. But I know that if Finley could talk he would insist on it. So I might as well go ahead and admit defeat here and now. That is how parenting works isn't it? *Hehe.

No matter how you slice it this closet has come a long way from where it started. And since we gave it rather a lot of thought, Robert and I are confident it will go the distance for many years to come. Allow me to walk you through a close up.

We left the top shelf and hang-bar as is but added these bright rubber bins for accessible storage.

Since Finley is still wee-bitty these currently hold clothing he has yet to grow in to. They used to be stored by size in totes in a spare closet {pictured here} but it wasn't practical for switching in and out as he grows. This way everything is readily available for him or any young tot who might need something when visiting. And keeping things organized and up to date wont be a huge job but something easily kept up on a daily basis.

Instead of separating by size I opted to sort by item: sweaters, pants, t-shirts, swim gear, and onsies. Within the bins they are organized by size. But I have found that the sizes do not always hold true and if you're not careful your child could outgrow something he or she never had a chance to wear. So do take a look at the clothes themselves and check in every now and then to see if there is anything that can be incorporated in with the current wardrobe.

Beneath that top shelf we added our DIY painted peg board, which you can read all about here. I am thrilled with how it turned out and the personality it adds to the small space. 

But beyond good looks, it also adds countless organization options. Right now it is a great place for stuffies and hats but will evolve and change along with Finley and his interests.

And finally, beneath that peg board you will find two newly added shelves spanning the width of the closet {check out the process here}. Ahh...function at its finest. 

We wanted storage that would work for any scenario: Finley now up through teenager. Switching Finley out of this room, to the bigger room with a brother perhaps, and converting this room to an office/craft space for me. Or selling and having another family take the rains. These shelves will be perfectly functional in any scenario. *The only exception would be a grown teen/adult ladies closet because of the longer dresses. Unless said gal was only into mini skirts and then we are all set.

Currently, the majority of Finley's clothes are in his green dresser because it is the most functional since the changing pad is there. But I did go ahead and move his jammies over to the closet so that when the time comes that he is able to understand, he will pick out his own at bed time.

As he grows we will slowly move the clothes over to the hang-bar and add additional bins for clothes and toys. The shelves were built high enough to store bins both on the floor and shelf {16 in all}. And I imagine the top of the shelf will be the perfect play place for cars and legos for years. After which it could hold more bins, toiletries, or the like.

My prediction is already on track to being right. *When he is a tad taller I may stencil a chalkboard road for his dinkie cars.

Simple labelled bins make this space easily accessible for anyone coming to help out with Finn. Including his father because I am all the time changing things around on him. The simple style is easy to reproduce as the items change.

*I'd like to laminate to make the labels kid friendly. Or, if I can expand my crafting supplies in the near future, I would like to add drawings of the items inside along with both the English and French spellings.

But we have a little time before we get to those steps. Until then we will enjoy our newly upgraded and organized closet/play zone. Finn and I alike!

Now it is your turn. How do you use your closet spaces? Are they all general storage or does one, or more, serve a higher purpose. Or perhaps you have never thought of a closet as anything other than basic storage. I'd love to hear your perspective and ideas. Do share.

Christine, a fellow reader, has been following along with this closet organization project and she set to work in her daughters room. Check out the progress she made!

She set out to organize the closet and ended up sorting through the dresser and rearranging the room as well. I a little hard work goes a long way. And would bet any amount of money she feels better every time she goes into that room!

Send a long your closet organization too! I love hearing from you!

Chat again soon.

DIY Closet Upgrades

Closet DIY update time! Woohoo!  I am super duper oober goober excited about this project! Can you tell? Originally I started out with the intention of reorganizing Finley's clothes and possibly doing a little rearranging. But as per usual I got carried away and ended up adding a few do.it.ourselves projects. So enough chatter from me and lets take a look at the progress. *Squeal.

Recall this is what we started with. Not good. Not bad. Just blah. But a lot less than functional.

So we cleared it all out and started sorting. 

I had totes worth of big boy clothes organized by size in the spare closet {which, though embarrassing, I shared here}. They were brought over and incorporated in the organization scheme. But all those details will be shared tomorrow. 

Onward toward the construction zone.

There was a great discussion between Common-law and I about what needed to be done in there. Of course the classic shelving up the centre, hang-bars off the side was suggested but we wanted to do something different. So we came to agree upon leaving the top shelf and hang-bar as is and adding two lower shelves along the bottom. I'm delighted!

Our reasoning: Closets are all about function. But not only do we want the space to be functional for us but Finley as well. Now and as he grows. So the idea with the two lower shelves is storage for clothes and essentials now with a splash of toys. As he grows the clothes will go higher and more toys will be added. There will be plenty of room for bins {16 based on my calculations} which is storage a-plenty. And the top can be used as a play zone for cars or legos. Then when the playing comes to an end it can revert to clothes or shoe storage.

Not only will Finn get to use this space when it is done but he can even say he helped! *When he learns a few words. 

Progress...

Ahh... Two new shelves. Check. Sturdy and painted!

Then I got another hair-brained scheme... Things were looking a little blank. Too much white for a growing boy with a developing imagination.

So Common-law graciously followed along with my crazy and cut some supports while I headed outside with the paint gear.

Peg board was the idea! Oh the functional possibilities. An organizers dream.

Cut to size, I got straight to painting. White. But just wait...

Break out the frog tape and you can create a masterpiece. I went with stripes because they are classic boy and I don't want to have to repaint for some time. But anything could be done on this. That is the beauty of it. *Big pink flowers for those of you blessed with girly pigtails and princess costumes.

So just tape off your pattern and get to painting. I ended up having to do three coats of colour. Time well spent in my opinion.

Look at that! *The peg board or the sexy man. Whichever you prefer.

This is the 'pickle' moment when we realized the board was cut to fit exactly but how would we get it in...

Ta-da!!! After a lot of maneuvering we got it in. Only a few paint touch ups needed.

That smile on Roberts face says it all! We are delighted with the outcome.

Stay tuned for the next step - organization!! 

Chat soon.