April Challenge: Closet Inspiration

Confession: I don't have a closet completed to show you this week. Boo (I know). Spring break has ended and getting back into the "swing of things" has really kicked my butt. I am literally so exhausted at the end of each day that I've come home to take a nap. Ridiculous.

Here's my inspiration for you for this week. (** Please do not PIN any of these photos from my blog. Click through to the blog post, which is directly linked to each blog name/photo and pin from their site. They deserve the credit, not me! **)

Reader Shirley at Motivated Mommy of Two revamped her coat closet. I absolutely love it! (Thanks for sharing!)

Lina at Fancy Frugal Life has an amazing craft closet/office transformation you have to see if you love bright, beautiful color.

I absolutely love this coat closet from Better Homes and Gardens.

If I only had a linen closet...(from Real Simple).

See all of the closets on my Pinterest board, here.

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!

Clean & Organize: Under the Bathroom Sink

On Sunday I did a clean and organize overhaul under my bathroom sink. When I was a coupon queen I would stock up on everything, even if I didn't need it. Bad idea. Uh, hello! These things can EXPIRE...and many have. My bad.

Here are some before pictures.

Now, being a coupon queen, sometimes you like to request every sample you can find online as well. Even if you know you'll never use it. I guess it's the thrill (like subscribing to every magazine I can find for free)? It was time to clear out the travel size drawer. It's not like we ever travel anyways...and no one comes to visit that often that would need these things.

Now...part of this overhaul involved me taking everything out from under the sink and wiping down the walls, cabinet doors, and base - I just don't have pictures. So make sure you do that. It's amazing how nasty it can all get.

Ah, here's one of my coupon extreme purchases...or, uh, freebie scores (??)...toothpaste and toothbrushes. I won't even clip the toothpaste coupons right now because we have way too much. We have so much "oral care" that it deserved it's own storage bucket.

The mani-pedi bucket. What a joke...for me at least. I don't have nails - I have the nasty habit of biting them. It's so bad, and it has been my whole life. I guess this bucket is so I can pretend I have nails that I take care of? Who knows. I do, however, get pedicures in the summer. BUT...I go and have them done. I don't do it myself. So really, what am I doing with all of this stuff? Sadly enough...it went right back in the cabinet. Although...nail polish is great for marking keys and the lids of contact cases (to tell left from right). So maybe that's why I have it? =]

In all seriousness though, I did throw out a ton of stuff that was just gross, so I'd say this overhaul was a success. I feel better about it all.

And here are some pictures of my storage bins, all nicely organized by product.

This bin, which looks messy but is actually organized, has cosmetic bags in it. The bags hold contacts, razors, hair accessories, and travel sized containers (toothbrush holder, empty squeeze bottles, etc.).

The rest of this post is all on a side note to bathroom organization.

I received this lovely toilet paper roll holder in the mail for free via Facebook and Cottonelle (I think?). Well, I don't need something to store my toilet paper in since we have an over the toilet cabinet to do that for us, so I use it to hold tampons. Genius, eh? (It's seriously perfect!)

I keep a pair of kid scissors hanging on the inside door of the under sink cabinet door for whatever. Best idea ever. But then I decided on Sunday to hang my hand mirror on the door, too. At first, it was a bad idea. It was clanging against the door with every open and shut. So then my brilliant mind thought of something...

appliance felt pads! So I've had this mirror since I turned 16...almost 9 years ago. If it ain't broke, don't fix replace it, right? Yeah, so I'm keeping it and I don't really care if these lovely felt pads are on the back. The whole point of moving it to the door is so it doesn't get all dusty on the counter, where it used to live. Now it no longer clangs on the door. So if you don't mind the awkward look, try it out. =]

You'll have to forgive me for the randomness within this post. It's been such a long day as I'm writing this (Monday night)...and all I care about at this moment is showing you my lovely ideas and then hitting the hay. =]

Have an amazing Tuesday!

October Project: My Favorite Paper Clutter Organizers

Love this post and want to see more like it? Each month through 2012 I will be tackling different topics and creating free printables to go along with the project. View the projects here.

Today I'm going to share some of my favorite paper clutter organizers. Everything I'm going to show you I own and use. Links to items are provided if available.

Paper Collecting

I have a letter tray right on my desk, which is right by the entry to our apartment. This is where incoming mail gets put (if Chris gets the mail) and any other papers Chris brings home that I need to file (receipts, important documents, etc.). (An office supply store, Target, or Walmart might sell something similar for a cheaper price.)

Suggestion: don't use something too deep to collect papers and mail. If there's a lot of room to fill it up, you most likely will before cleaning it out. This can lead to forgotten about bills and other important things you may get in the mail. I've been there. I used to use a large plastic bin to collect paper and mail. The problem is there was too much room
to fill it and it wasn't see through (like the basket is), so it was just hiding the clutter.

Paper Sorting

The Container Store Open-Top File Boxes $4.99-$6.99 (3 sizes available)

This open-top file box (medium size) fits perfectly in my Thirty-One Organizing Utility Tote. Right now I don't have it in my tote - it's sitting on my desk (I'll show you my new "office space" later this week). The plastic file works better in the tote than the mesh one (see below) because it's not as heavy and it's a lot more sturdy.

Target Silver Mesh Tabletop File (unsure of price, only sold in-store)

This mesh desktop file is what I used to create my mail station. Any desktop file will do, but I personally like the mesh one because I have magazine files next to it that match it. Plus, hanging a calendar from the font works a lot better with this type of file rather than the plastic one (above).

Staples 5-Tab Hanging Folders $16.99

Hanging folders work in the open-top file boxes and in filing cabinets. I use mine in both places. I bought my hanging files from Staples.

Magazine files are great for organizing all sorts of things. My favorite ways to use them is for magazines and notebooks. They're cheap to make yourself out of old boxes or can be bought at a reasonable price at Target (most of the time - the silver mesh ones are cheaper than the decorative ones usually). I also use magazine files in my closet to organize books, mailing envelopes, and paper scraps.

Carolina Pad 8-Pocket Organizational Folder $3.47

I use an 8-pocket folder and lined notebook to organize blog and Etsy related information. I can store both in magazine files when not in use, but they're easy enough to take wherever I need. I used to write everything down on loose pieces of paper and they ended up all over the place. I plan on using my label maker to create labels for the pockets, but I'm not 100% decided yet on what I'm using all of the pockets for (I just started using this).

Carolina Pad Hot Chocolate 26-Pocket Expanding File $14.92

The Container Store Accordion Receipt File $6.99

bought at Target back in 2005 when I started college

Accordion files are a great way to sort many documents within the same category. I like that they come in all different sizes, so they can be used in many ways. I use them to organize coupons, receipts, and product manuals. I used to have two for college info - one for me and one for Chris. I still have mine because I need to transfer everything into a binder and get rid of the excess junk that I no longer need.

Suggestion: When using an accordion file, it can be easy to forget what's inside if you're using it as a storage item. Add "clear out ____________ file" to your monthly/seasonal/yearly to-do list so that you don't end up with 5 years worth of documents you don't need. Plus, when you clear it out, it makes more room for new things to come in and will make your file last longer because it won't be busting at the seams.

Binders make organizer paper a lot easier if you need to categorize and access it often. You can use tab dividers to categorize and sort paper. Sheet protectors allow you to keep important documents at hand without punching holes in them. (Some sheet protectors can even be written on with dry erase markers and cleaned off, allowing you to use papers over and over again. This is a great idea for children's activity books. Tear out pages, insert into sheet protectors, put in a 3-ring binder, and allow them to use again and again.)

I have a ton of binders not currently being used. I used them for every course I was taking when I was in school. I'm saving them because when I eventually get a classroom teaching job, I know I'll need them again. Currently I'm using binders to organize my home management worksheets, recipes, and student loan information.

No office to keep your files in? I recently turned our kitchen table (that we don't use to eat at) into my "office". (I'll show you later this week.) I have since taken the open top file out of my Thirty-One Organizing Utility Tote, but I wanted to show you how you can use one. It makes not having an actual office so much easier. Read my previous post on my tote here. Any tote bag that will fit a file box would do - as long as it's sturdy enough to not dump everything.

InPlace System Poly Document Envelopes (3 pack) $5.19

Document envelopes are such great tools to have when dealing with paper clutter. I like to use them when out and about if I'm taking papers with me that I need to stay perfect. For example - resumes, cover letters, important documents for when I was changing my name, etc. They're flexible since they're poly, so they don't get ruined like a paper folder would. And they snap shut, so you won't loose anything along the way.

Bins/baskets/buckets are a great way to corral notebooks and other office supplies, too. I use this bucket I got from HomeGoods to hold my planners, mini notebooks, Kindle, and colorful pens.

Suggestion: Don't use bins/baskets/buckets to just throw things into. Only use them if you're standing things up in them (like in the photo above). This way you can see what's inside and it won't be another clutter-collecting black hole.

Mead Organizher Magnetic Fridge Filer - available at Target

My magnetic fridge filer holds my weekly dinner menu, business hours (for local places we visit often), and tv show schedule (hey, now that fall shows have started again, I easily forget what's on when). If I had children, I'm sure I'd have a much better use for this. You could always create your own with sheet protectors.

Erin Condren Life Planner $50

Having a daily planner is so helpful (and necessary for me). It allows me to keep everything in one place - appointments, special occasions, tasks completed, etc. I used to use post-it notes and would have them all over the place to keep track of things because I didn't like writing in a planner or I'd always forget. Now that it's in a convenient place, I use it all of the time. No more wasted post-it notes all over the house.

Purse Paper Clutter

Vera Bradley, I love you. The only purses I will buy now are Vera Bradley. They're washable, have so many organizing pockets, and come in all different sizes and styles. Obsessed much? Yes. I have smaller bags than this and larger totes. This is the bag I'm using right now though. My store/restaurant coupon organizer fits perfectly inside with my wallet, rewards card/gift card zip pouch, and cosmetic bag. I used to care about everything matching inside, but now I don't. I really enjoy the variety of colors and patterns.

Mini pouches and cosmetic bags are great for corralling small things such as paper clips, rubber bands, pens/pencils/markers, coupons, receipts, business cards, rewards/gift cards, etc. I obviously have way too many that are not being used. (And that, my friends, is why it's important to keep like items together.) Oops. 13 pouches total -- 5 brand new...hmm. I need to find ways to use these I guess.

Organize Paper Clutter Busting Supplies

Okay, so maybe not the best title for this "section" of the post, because there's really no organization going on here. But point being this: have supplies at hand so that you can take care of things as they come up. I'd make stacks of papers that needed to be hole punched or stapled, thinking I'd do it all at once...right...a month later. Having supplies available will encourage you to use them. They're in plain sight after all. And if they're colorful and fun, you may not mind having them visible.

Longest post ever...sorry about that. It only took me 2 hours to write. lol

Tomorrow I'll share my favorite digital clutter organizers.

where i'm linking up this post