Something Spooky Skeletons in my Closet
But I’ll be honest, it wasn’t that I had too little space, it was that I was misusing the space I had. Is anyone else guilty of this crime?
Now I can procrastinate with the best of them. For a good long time, I have been closing the door on the idea of cleaning and organizing this space. But after writing a post on Simplicity, I knew it had to be done. Truthfully, it didn’t take long at all to empty out the contents.
Let The Games Begin
I took the opportunity to lighten the load a bit. Does one really need TWO Monopoly games? Not to mention that the owner of Mystery Date is now in college. (But I kept Chutes and Ladders. Sniff. Boo hoo.)
The walls, shelves, and baseboards got a thorough cleaning. The carpet was vacuumed. I finally found the angled corner attachment piece I thought I had lost. It sure came in handy for this chore.
I also took the opportunity to inspect all my tablecloths to make sure they were in good repair, stain free and ironed. I can now proudly say that my linens are ready for the upcoming holidays.
After assessing my storage needs and decided to swap out the large bookcase I had originally stored the board games on and move it into Sweet Boys room. The bookcase was exchanged it for two shoe shelves he had. A cubby shelf was just what I was looking for, on sale, at Kmart.
Use shoe shelves to extend the storage into wasted vertical space. I can now easily find all my decorating props.
All the gloves, hats and scarves were corralled into a plastic bin. Yes, still more décor. For the nosy Nellie’s, the snowman tin holds seashells. Huh?
For those of you who might be scratching your head as to why I keep tablecloths and décor in this closet, it really makes perfect sense. The closet is across from my formal dining space where I create seasonal tablescapes and vignettes on the buffet.
So here’s a recap of the before and after:
Have you organized anything lately?
Laura
You've just inspired me to clean out my hall closet! Mine looks just like your's did. Great make-over.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful day.
Gail
Major improvement! I love the idea of using the little book shelf for the vertical space… I'll be copying you on that one! 🙂
Thanks for reminding me about the Falling in Love Party and thanks for hosting! 🙂
~Liz
Love to clean out closets and reorganize! Thanks for the party and the comment on my garland!
What a GREAT IDEA using those shelves in the closet! Looks AWESOME! :):):):):):):):):):):)
Can you come over for coffee. I have a closet that looks worse than yours did. Great job.
ahhh…so clean! I love it. I can't imagine going threw the kiddos toys/games and tossing them because they are in COLLEGE ! ah! That must be so sad 🙁
btw- I love that canvas bag, cute! I'd love if you hop over and share something on my WhateverWednesday, hope to see you there!
Your closet looks amazing! Can you come and do all of mine next!?;) Thanx for hosting!
Wow, what a difference! I also keep my tablecloths hanging in a closet in my laundry room. They are easier to find and stay neater. Did you know that IKEA has closet systems that you can add to your home? They look amazing!
Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com
My closets should be so “messy”! :}
You re-do is awesome!
m ^..^
Laura, you have inspired me to tackle my closets, a job I have been putting off a while. And your so right, open concept home NEVER have enough closet space! Thanks for hosting
Laura,
Your wish is my command – I have joined your Fall linky party. Thanks for inviting me.
What a transformation! What a great idea! I think I shouls try to do the same for my coat closet which has turned into the coast closet, where spare things so, and my fiance's junk goes into. Wish me luck!
Great job with your closet! It's tough when closets need to do double and triple duty. Thanks for sharing and for hosting this party each week.
Ok. How do you EVER find time for all of these marvelous projects with everything else you have to do?! That's what I want to know. 🙂
It looks fantastic and in our tiny little less than 1400 square foot home, we have those kind of closets. I've gotten rid of a lot but more often than not, things just get moved around from closet to closet, to the garage (which is now our “theater room” instead of a place to park a car), and to the shed. Maybe, just maybe someday I'll be more organized. It all looks organized on the surface, but open the closet doors and well… as you said – skeletons.
Love, Linda
Boy do I understand, my house was built in 1904! and 1515 was built in 1896 but has better closets. My grandmother always hung up her linens in her closet, so I do at 1515 where I have more space. Actually they take up less room that way and you can find them without taking everything out of a drawer! you did great..as always!
Hey that looks just like my entry closet – mine has games, coats, vacuum cleaner, TV trays, a few Christmas decorations, boxes of pictures and other miscellaneous stuff (gloves, bubble envelopes, and oh an electric pencil sharpener LOL). Great idea to put the shelves on the shelf – I'm going to have to do the same thing!
Hi Laura,
that is gorgeous organisation. Whow, that looks really great. Nice preparation for the Holidays.
best greetings, Johanna
I need to be more organized, such is the life of a junker! just linked up, xoxo, love the “abhor” te he!
Wow Laura ~ great job! I have the tiniest closets in my cottage built in 1913, so I will follow your lead. Thanks for hosting. I am so happy to be joining you today!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I can hear you chuckling with glee from here, getting this done. It looks lovely AND works! Hooray for form AND function!!! 😀
Thanks again for the pep talk yesterday…and I hope you got some good rest.
Love to you, my dear!
Jenny
That is some great organizational skills Laura. Why is it so hard to do these type of chores? I guess they're just not fun, but so satisfying once completed. Thanks for hosting I'm thrilled to join in.
Laura your my inspiration to start organizing my closets! Thanks for hosting, Martina
My entry closet wants to be like yours if it ever grows up. Alas, it has become the “broom closet” for the current time–a fitting name for Halloween, isn't it?
🙂
Your project is BEAUTIFUL, if a person can speak thus of a closet.
I admire your vision and elbow grease.
~april
fabulous space utilization ideas! And seashells in the snowman tin makes perfect sense 🙂 I never thought about hanging tablecloths, but it's brilliant! next time I drop by for a game of chutes & ladders I'll know exactly where to find it – awesome job – and thank you so much Laura for your kind supportive words and for inviting me to join in the fun here today. Very much appreciated. xo, Diane
That's quite a transformation! You've utilized the space efficiently & it looks great. I bet it was alot of work, but so worth it now.
Thanks for hosting. Wonderful closet redo…we just moved from an apartment to a house, adding 1000 sq ft of living space…yet we now have an open concept and it seems like 1/2 the storage. (strangely, we're in ohio, and no bsmt or attic either…this is the 1st house I've ever owned that doesn't have at least a basement)
Laura,
I can appreciate your lack of closet space. The Fairfield House offers very little. I have a basement but it doubles as an indoor pool. Our third floor is living space. There is an attic above that area but it's not finished. Isn't it amazing how a few adjustments can make such a huge impact? Your closet is so functional and organized. You should make house calls!
Your Friend,
Deborah
Great job! And also love your Black/white blog header!
xo Cathy…who also has Chutes and Ladders, at least 2 Monopoly games and many others stashed in a hall closet!
Hi Laura,
You are inspiring me to clean my closet's and spice cabinet!!!
Are you free this weekend?! LOL!!
Warmly,
deb
Now you have me missing the days of Chutes and Ladder playing.
Your closet looks amazing! I have a closet in between my kitchen and dining/family room and it holds seasonal dishes and casseroles, table cloths, those odd appliances that we get for gifts and use once. But my favourite use is for the table leaves (we have two tables for large crowds) and I can always get them or tell someone exactly where they are. Do I feel organized or what…at least at that moment! 😉
Thanks for the lovely fall cleaning inspiration! 🙂
My first time to join your party, thanks so much for inviting me and also for hosting!
I love what you did to the closet, using the shelves gave you so much more room!
Rondell
I'm so glad to see that I'm not the only one with a messy closet! (Don't worry, mine is much worse!) You really worked wonders….perhaps it's time I got some motivation too….thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Kathleen
Can you come to my house and organize! I have 5 bathrooms (who on earth needs 5 bathrooms!!!!) and one is a storage closet! I need to get my junk under control! Love the idea of using wasted vertical space!
Thanks for showing us your unedited closets and taking one for the good of all of us!
You are not only a great organizer but a very good sport!
Yvonne
Laura, why I thought that was my closet in the first photo, Ha!!
Seriously I am in a condominium with no basement storage, so the answer is what you have created beautifully; a more organized space!
So glad you are seeing Andrea this weekend!! Have fun!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thanks for the inspiration, I *so* need to get some of my closets organized. Well done! XO ~Liz
What a lovely change! Have a delightful day, Kellie xx
Great job on the hall closet. I absolutely despise clutter so I am always looking for ways to keep it out of my house!
Thanks for hosting the link party. Always such great things to see!
Thanks for hosting such a great party – loads of inspiration here! And well done on your closet space – doesn't it just make you so happy to have it all organized and ready to go? Liz
Wonderful idea using those shelves in the closet! Thank you for hosting this party ~Blessings always~
Hey sweetie, what a fabulous transformation you've made in your closet!!!
I couldn't comment of the above post and I just wanted to with your handsome little fella a Happy Birthday.
Looks like he had the party of his dreams!
God bless ya and have a wonderful weekend!!! :o)
Seems like everyone had fun! Have a fabulous weekend, Kellie xx
Laura,
I made it to the Linky Party 'as the clock was striking 12!'
Hope you like my contribution.
Your Friend,
Deborah
I think everyone
has at least one
closet like that,
serving multiple
masters : ) !! I
hope you are having
a blast with your
son. Happy belated
b-day to him. My
son will be 13 in
a few weeks and he
is happily planning
the fun for his five
sleepover guests,
complete with a ROOT
beer keg : ) !!
xx Suzanne