As Abbey and Dylan grow, our house shrinks. Toys and crafts and books and shoes litter the floors and shelves and closets. Unfortunately, not even Abbey's imagination can conjure up a Fairy Housemother to whip up a new house or even an addition to the one we have, so I'm going to have to work a little magic of my own.
Enter Operation Organization.
I'm not a physics genius, but it stands to reason that since I can't create more physical space in my house, I'm going to have to reorganize what's inside the space we do have, including eliminating some of the unnecessary clutter.
I've made resolutions. I've scoured IKEA for ideas. I've browsed Pinterest for even more ideas.
I become overwhelmed by the possibilities and not knowing where to begin and get distracted by the shoes on Pinterest and wake up to find that my Fairy Housemother not only forgot to leave me a new house but didn't even wave her wand at the stuffed menagerie taking over Dylan's room.
I'm hoping that by putting my organizational plans out there for you to read, I'll feel compelled to keep up with my plan. So hold me accountable, ok?
Basically, I hope to move a lot of the toys to the basement, organize Dylan's room, better organize Abbey's room, and carve out a little area I can use for writing.
I'm going to start with Dylan's room and closet, because his mini-closet somehow ceased to be a clothes closet and became a hazardous catch-all for seasonal items, outgrown clothes, Halloween costumes, crib mobiles, and a partridge in a pear tree.
Dylan's room is on the first floor, meaning it's become a little bit of a playroom as well
this is what it normally looks like outside of his closet
because this is what it looks like inside his closet
I decided it was the best place to store our winter coats, snowsuits, and zebra costumes
See, it's not pretty in there. If you don't hear from me for a few days, feel free to check our local IKEA store. Or the neighborhood bar.
Hopefully I have a much neater and user-friendly closet to show you soon!
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI so need to organize... but I'm hopeless at it!
organization is the answer. If you want help or ideas from your OCD Mom I am a phone call away.
ReplyDeleteHi Mom! It looks like I am still signed in on your computer, so funny :)
ReplyDeleteI go through phases where I can do it and then other phases where I look at the mess in wonder and awe and shake my head before walking away :(
ReplyDeleteOh brave you for showing your closets. I need major help in the organization department and about 10 more hours the day to do it!
ReplyDeleteI am EMBARASSED, but I did it anyway LOL :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's in his room, so it's not like I can do it after he goes to bed :(
Good luck Angela, reorganizing is such a pain,but oh so therapeutic!
ReplyDeleteOne scary closet! Get to work;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I know the feeling! IKEA is a great way to go!
ReplyDeleteI am one of those strange people that gets high from organizing. I love it. Old bookshelves in the kids' closets work great for stacking games and toys. Big canvas boxes (onestepahead.com) are awesome for big toy storage that blends in well with living room furniture. I created a better space in our basement as well for toys, and my husband set up a writing and crafting space for me. I got the baker's rack out of the kitchen (which opened up some good space in there), and I put that down in the basement and it looks great as shelving for my stuff. I dream about ordering tons of organizing stuff and going to my friend's house to help her!
ReplyDeleteWe have a closet like that by our backdoor. Complete chaos it what it is.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the reorganization! I've never been to Ikea so I'll come look for you... then of course someone will have to come get both of us!
Ohhh, you should go! It's fun even just to get ideas. And they have a great cafeteria :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a baker's rack I think we'll get rid of, but it's a pain to keep clean, so I don't know if it could be a writing space. I will have to think about that, though! My mom is like you and does such a good job with it.
ReplyDeleteI know! I could spend so much money there without even buying actual furniture.
ReplyDeleteI did! I cleaned a bunch of stuff out today and have it all earmarked for different people or the Salvation Army! Well, and 2 of Abbey's old pairs of shoes are now adorning her stuffed dog's feet...
ReplyDeleteI need to remember that! It's tough, and then I stop. If I would just finish, it would be so great :)
ReplyDeleteThought that was MY coat closet for a minute :) NBTI (Never been to Ikea...I know, right!?) but look forward to living through your post :)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Oh my gosh...MOST of my closets look like that...I need serious help too!! Can't wait for your updates :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the reorg! I need to do this during summer, too. It's always on my to-do list and then I forget. Must head to IKEA now!
ReplyDeleteHopefully I'll have some updates soon! It's not the only project that needs to be done!
ReplyDeleteI am so, so glad to know I'm not alone. I feel a little less embarrassed that I showed this picture.
ReplyDeleteI love IKEA. It's better when I have Ryan with me to help wrangle the kiddos :)
ReplyDeleteI SO hear ya on the decluttering! Good luck with your efforts! I wish there was an IKEA closer to us. I think the nearest is ATL.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right :) My aunt lives in Nashville, and she loves going to ours when she's up here visiting!
ReplyDelete