April Challenge: Coat Closet

This month's challenge is closets. I shared my "before" pictures on Monday. Some people commented/emailed me and said it doesn't look messy/unorganized. I wasn't insinuating that it was. My biggest issue is that my closets are currently not functional for our needs, not that they're messy/unorganized. I don't want anyone to be under the impression that I'm calling these pictures either of those things.

With that being said, here's my before picture for my coat closet. This closet functions as a space to hold jackets/hoodies, stockpiled items (laundry and cleaning supplies, dog supplies, flavored water [when we have it], etc.), winter accessories, tools, and extra folding chairs. For me (and my husband agreed), it felt too busy. Too much going on in here. We weren't able to keep up with a system for this closet because it's constantly changing - not that it's a problem for a closet to be like this, it just wasn't what we wanted.

While clearing things out of the closet, I found that we have an overstock of dog treats. I don't think we'll need to buy more for a year (at least). The dog treat container was getting low, so I decided to refill it.

Because we have a small dog, we give him small treats. Many need to be cut up. We mostly do this to save money. He only gets a treat when he comes inside if he goes to the bathroom.

I didn't do all of the bags, just two, but it filled up the container enough to last for a month or two.

I obviously have an addiction to candles, Wallflowers, oils, Scentsy, etc. {Am I really going to use all of this?} My box is overflowing.

I had an empty storage box under my bed which fits everything perfectly. These items are being relocated to under my bed.

Here are the insides of the baskets that sit on the top shelf (after they've been cleaned out/reorganized).

cleaning supplies

sports equipment/dog toy/baby supplies (for the future)

napkins/toilet cleaner/light bulbs (in the container)

Hanging on the door is an over-the-door shoe organizer. We use it for the following (see the image for the text).

Command strips

Here are some close-ups of the shelves.

Okay, so it doesn't look a lot different than the before photo, but I can definitely tell the difference. I got rid of a bag full of junk, relocated some things, and cleared out some coats for donation/to sell on eBay. It was hard for me to part with some of the coats...although I'm not sure why. I haven't worn them in the last year, hence why I'm getting rid of them. I know it's for the better. =]

If I were "allowed to", I'd paint the inside of the closet or stencil it to give it a nicer look, but our contact says we can't. Boo.

Do you have a coat closet/multipurpose closet that is driving you crazy? If so, your challenge this weekend is to clean it!