10 Organizing Ideas to Jumpstart Your Year!

Organizing is something I always struggle with...actually keeping things organized is what I struggle with. I can purge, get things looking neat, and have a place for all the little things but lots of times I fail keeping it that way.  I have found though that making things pretty helps a ton when it comes to keeping me motivated to stay organized.  You don't have to spend a ton of money on organizing supplies to have a pretty space (although you could).  Sometimes its just an addition of something little that makes it for you.  I have several organizing projects on my list to do for the beginning of the year, so to help jumpstart that creative process and get motivation to get going I have a list of 10 simple and pretty organizing ideas to get us thinking and on the right track!

1. Use Colorful Dollar Store Bins to keep things in place - I always check the dollar store and dollar spots first for little projects like this.

2. Use Simple Washi Tape under labels to keep it neat and pretty - Just adding a little patterned washi tape under your labels is an easy way to make it pretty.

3.  Pretty Paper can be used for Drawer liners - try wrapping paper or craft paper 

4. Colorful binder clips are a great way to corral loose cords 

5. Use Paint to brighten up your Home Office Space (even if its tiny!) - A small space is a great place to add a bright color!

6. Pretty File Folders and File Holders make sorting papers a little more enjoyable 

7. Spray Paint the inside of a Medicine Cabinet (Chalkboard paint for the door is fun too!)

8. Mix High & Low -(Purge and Designate a space for random items in your common areas) - Use dollar store basic bins and add in one or two pretty patterned storage bins for a little fun and not a lot of cost.

9.  Spray paint basic labels with Chalkboard Paint  - (these were just name tag labels)

10. Use pretty jars and pails for storing smaller items

I guess its time for me to go and conquer some more of my cluttered spaces.  We are currently in the process of updating and remodeling parts of our kitchen (can't wait to share!) So I have a ton of kitchen organizing projects I will need to get a start on.  Lets get a good start to the new year! Happy Organizing!!

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How to Simplify Your Closet

Over the course of the last several months I have been craving simplicity.  Its just become apparent to me that I am surrounded by too much stuff.  It gets in the way and becomes distracting.  The accumulation of things is quite ridiculous and I don't like it.  Its needless, a waste of money, time and resources and quite honestly I don't feel like its biblical.  I don't need 5 gray shirts...especially when someone is in need of just a shirt, any shirt.  So I realized that I had a problem with stuff and needed to start making a change.  The best place and probably the most needed place to start was in my closet...I needed a big time purge.  I have tried closet purges before but I always seemed to end up keeping things "just because" or "what if" or ending up with a closet full of things that don't work together.  So I came up with a plan.

Maybe I'm moving towards a more minimalistic approach in life or maybe I just need to simplify. I'm not really sure yet.  I just want to be a good steward and someone who is more focused on Jesus than my stuff.  I'm not going to lie, this task was a little difficult and daunting.  It took me over a week to complete the entire process.  But, I went into it knowing I wanted to do things right and that I needed to take the time to make it right.  

The first thing I needed to do was to figure out what my wardrobe needed to consist of, or essentially what my style is.  I thought about the clothing items I usually go to regularly (because let's face it we have certain items we wear a lot more often than others) and considered what my usual routine is.  I'm a stay at home mom who is often helping my husband with messy things at church.  So, I needed more casual go to items.   After considering what I needed out of my wardrobe I looked at my pinterest board to get an idea of what styles I liked to pin and I began to see a pattern.  Minimal classics in more neutral colors and lots of blues.  That's what I like to wear so I need to stick with it.  Other stuff just takes up space and never gets worn.  I made a decision that I wanted a closet with versatile items that could go with many different things to give me plenty of options.  Ok, so now the work began.

After you have a good idea of what you want to have and keep its time to get rid of stuff - a lot of stuff.  I decided to pull every single clothing item out of my closet, drawers and anywhere else.  It sounds like a lot of work, but its really worth it.  As I was pulling out items I made little piles of categories like sleeveless tops, button ups, etc.  It just helped me see what I really had.  After I had everything pulled out I started with the easy things I wanted to get rid of.  The obvious things you don't like or haven't worn in forever or don't fit or are uncomfortable.  Also, anything that needed repair needed to go because the realization is that I was just never getting around to it.

  

Halfway through the process I realized I have a need for some items that I don't wear everyday.  Justin and I are blessed to have the opportunity to go on several mission trips a year with our students.  Those trips usually require a little different of a wardrobe than what I would wear everyday.... like basketball shorts and t-shirts.  Plus, I decided that if I was eliminating a lot of stuff, what I keep needed to stay nice so I was able to wear more.  So, I picked up a small under the bed storage box and stored those items there.  

Then I was on to sorting my clothing through seasons.  Here in NC we experience pretty much every type of weather and season so I needed to have items put away for colder months and also the extreme heat.  Since right now we are in Spring I chose to store away in another bin my fall/winter clothing items to pull out later.  This was mainly just some sweaters, flannels and my coat.  I wanted a simple closet without anything to have to sift through.  

So after all of that sorting and storing, I began with keeping only what I really liked and putting it in my closet hanger by hanger.  Some items gave me a hard time, a few things I put in the closet to only a week later decide to take out.  So its a process for sure.  Also, a couple of items I was on the fence about so I stored them under the bed in my bin to just wait on.  If I haven't reached for it this season its obvious I don't need it.  I was so excited to find that I could fit everything I needed to wear in my closet easily with a ton of room to spare.  I don't even need one single drawers to store clothing in now!  No drawers, no stuffing in anywhere - simplicity.  I need to add in here that this does not include a drawer for sleepwear and work out clothes and unmentionables.  Although I did go through all of those items as well and reduce what I had.  So now, here is everything..

It includes a variety of tops, bottoms, completer pieces (like cardigans/jackets) and a couple of dresses.  I cannot tell you how great it feels to get rid of stuff and to easily look into my closet and know that whatever I choose I'm going to like it and feel good in it.  Plus, there is no waste and needless things taking up space.  My original plan was to get down to 50 items, I am a little over that number but I'm still ok with it.  I have been really inspired by some great minimalist bloggers out there who get down to around 30-37 items.  I'm not quite there but could see myself there one day as I figure this all out.  I decided that it wasn't necessarily about a certain number but just getting down to something I felt good about.  Everyones lifestyle is different so you may need different things so a number isn't the key - simplicity and knowing you are being a good steward is.    

So what does this mean for shopping?  For me, I know I need a plan in place so I am coming up with a little list of items that I think would help expand the use of the items I already have.  That way, I can shop with a purpose and not just grab things because it was on sale or end up with something overly trendy I will rarely wear.  As for what is exactly in my closet now -I am going to share with you soon and also begin showing how many outfits you can create with fewer things!  Maybe seeing what I ended up with will help you streamline your wardrobe as well.  I hope that in some way this will help you think through what is in your closet that is needed and what isn't.  This journey of simplicity is also spilling into more of my house than just my closet so I hope to share some of that as it comes along as well.  

Here is a quick list I put together for helping you sort through and simplify your closets!

I would love to know if any of you are taking the step to simplify and get rid of stuff!  Share with me!

Getting the Playroom Organized

We have an extra room in our house that has been commandeered by our son.  It does serve multi uses and eventually I would love to add some sort of space saving pull out couch/bed.  But keeping this space organized and just clean in general is kind of a pain.  I think, number one reason is because it has so many uses and becomes the catch all room most days.  Its like the room version of the junk drawer.

So, I have a mission to give this room some purpose and organization.  Not too long ago we had a really sweet friend give us some unused shelves she had - they were the perfect thing for adding some  organization space in this room. (Here is a quick before pic) Eventually I would love to paint them, but that is just not on the top of my list of must do projects right now.

We gathered up all of the bins we had around the house and began to work on getting all of those toys, games, etc corralled. {I really think someone needs to get Silas another car.}   This helped, but it still wasn't quite working....see overflowing bins above.  And because it wasn't working, we were not as diligent as keeping it up.  I have really found that taking your time with putting together a space is important.  You find out what works, what doesn't and what the space is really being used for.  

Sometimes organizing can seem expensive.  I love all of those beautifully organized spaces I find on pinterest but after doing a quick look at prices on organizational items, you get quickly discouraged.  For me, that's where patience and waiting a space out is important. Use what you have for a while until you discover what works and then slowly pic up the pieces that will really pull it all together.  A few weeks ago I was able to grab a few more bins for the space - and they were on sale!  Patience paid off. 

Silas really loved helping sort everything out and was such a great help!  Getting the kids involved in the process seems to help them keep the process going!  Another thing I did was walk around my house and find a few bins that weren't really being that utilized that I could move to this room.  I found a matching white bin right in my own house that worked great.

Let me just say, these fabric storage cubes from Target are awesome - they hold so much!  Plus now the shelves are beginning to have some uniformity - which I like.

I thought about labels on the bins but honestly Silas is really great at knowing what goes where.  After getting more organized in his spaces has spurred me on to make a little chore chart for him to work on everyday.  Its not huge but gives him some responsibility.  He looooves it.  He can't wait to do chores. I will enjoy every second of this.  I know it will be short-lived.

There is still much to do in the space but little by little its becoming more cohesive and organized.  Next up is hanging the curtains I have had for over a year!

Fridge Organization

I'm still working on getting an organized home.  Today I'm working on one of the biggest problem areas in our house - the fridge.  I have always had trouble keeping the fridge organized and keeping it from becoming overrun.  Honestly, I have never really tried to add any sort of organized system to it so its just been a free for all.  I don't know what we have, what we need and what needs to go.  It was finally time to get it right.

So you don't need a ton of money to get your home organized.  You really just need to come up with the best systems for your family - at least that is what I am learning.  I did purchase a few storage bins for the fridge - but they all came from the dollar store...even the food storage containers.

Ok, let me share some of the details - to start everything off I did a thorough cleaning out of the fridge and cleaning of the fridge.  I unfortunately don't have a real before.  I kind of started on a whim when I got frustrated with the mess.  But I did get a post clean out photo - this is usually how the fridge is.  A random assortment and no real place for anything.

I then grouped everything in different sections and determined which items I wanted in storage bins and which items would go inside the fridge drawers.  I ended up with a storage bin for spreads, snacks, cooking supplies and fruit.  My drawers consist of deli, veggies and then baking supplies.  Plus I have clear food storage containers for more of what I call snacking fruits and veggies - that way I can easily know what we have on hand.

Oh, and I used my little label maker plus washi tape to add a little fun.  

I am loving it so far.  Its been two weeks since we did this and everything looks just as organized.  The storage bins really help give things a place and also really helps me know when things are low and need replacing.  This is like life changing for me - to open the fridge and know exactly what we have and need.

So just for fun I thought I would add some pretty and fun organization elements that I would love to add to our new organized fridge.  All of these items are really affordable too.

1.  This glass creamer carton is so cute to me - it would be fun to store creamer in right?  You can find it at Carol Wright Gifts and for $5.99!

2.  I love ceramic egg crates, this one is by West Elm for $9.00

3.  I'm thinking of using a tray in our fridge for our fresh meats - how could I say no to this tray, its the same exact pattern as our fabric ottoman.  The tray is also from Target for $9.99.

4.  These berry baskets from World Market are so adorable.  Strawberry season is so close and these are perfect for storing your freshly picked berries.  A 3 pack will run you $14.97.

Moral of the story today... The most dreaded spot in your house can become one the cutest and most organized.  It just takes a little time and determination to get it right.

Thanks so much for joining me today!  Tomorrow I'm sharing some more patio progress.  Have a great day!

Pegboard Organization

I love a pegboard.  They are so versatile and great for organizing.  I wanted a way to pretty up the fridge clutter - you know the stuff that accumulates all over the outside of your fridge?  As well as a way to keep it organized and neat - so a pegboard was the answer.

This was super easy and quick.  I actually had a leftover pegboard already but this stuff is not expensive if you want to go buy some.  I gave it a quick two coats of paint.  This is a paint sample that I grabbed for a dollar a while back when Lowes was trying to get rid of all of their pre-made samples.  From time to time I browse the oops paint section and pick up super cheap paint for little projects like this.   I love this soft color, its called Glass Tile by Valspar.  

Next I just needed to tie in a few pieces of yarn and add a few clothespins.  I love that this is quickly customizable.  I can add more yarn or change the placement easily.

I used these magnet hooks and some twine to secure it to fridge.  I have almost thrown these away a few times - so glad I held onto them.  

Now we have a pretty way to corral all of the fridge clutter.  

Thanks so much for joining me today!  Anyone else love a good pegboard?  Have a great pegboard organizing tip to share?  Have a great day!

Cleaning and Organizing the Pantry

Our "pantry" was in chaos.  Well, let me back up a bit - when I say pantry I mean old cabinet/hutch.  Old house = no real pantry.  So we have improvised and use an antique cabinet for a lot of our kitchen storage needs.  Its not that big so it tends to get overrun a bit - and by a bit I mean a lot.  It was definitely time to clean this little "pantry" out and give it better function and organization.  So here we go...

First, the mess - we had things shoved in some places and then we were not utilizing some areas that well at all.  We really just didn't have a plan or any kind of organization (obviously).  It was pretty much just a free for all.  Something I am learning through this "get organized" process is that small spaces need plans.  

I don't even know what to say, it was just obviously not working.  So first thing was first, everything was all emptied out and gone through.  There were definitely things in there that needed to be tossed and some things that needed to be scaled down.  Taking the little packages out of the bigger boxes really freed up a ton of space.  

After everything came out, all of the shelves received a good wipe down.  I also decided to line the bottom shelf.  I just measured and cut wrapping paper and then covered it with clear contact liner to make it more durable and easier to clean.

Next came the grouping of items.  I just tried to keep similar things together.  Like drink mixes, baking items, canned goods, snacks. paper goods, etc.  I had several plastic bins leftover from my big laundry organization project so I was able to just use what I already had.  I didn't have to buy any sort of organization item or container for this clean -out!

I decided to add a few labels to the bins to just help keep things neat in the future.  A simple label maker and a little washi tape was all I used.  If you are looking for just a basic label maker, mine is from Target - is was around $18, which is a super price for one of these.

Its nice to have everything cleaned out, neat and in its own place.  I feel like the space is being much better utilized now.

One small step at a time and things are getting organized around here and its so nice.  More things to come!

So are you guys getting excited about the Pinterest Challenge on Wednesday??  I can't wait to see what you have come up with!  I'm still working on getting my project completed, its organization related and I'm loving it.  Come by and link up your projects this Wednesday!!  It can be anything big or small!

Have a wonderful week!

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