Thursday, April 30, 2009

Entryway Closet - Organizing Round-Up

This month, I was inspired by the Monthly Organizing Round-Up at Organizing Junkie. For the month of April, it was all about a closet or cupboard.

I had to tackle the entryway closet. This closet degrades into chaos so quickly, but this time I tried to set up a few systems that would help slow the mess.

Back in February, I installed a new system for holding our winter hats and scarves. You can see the shoe holder hanging on the back of the door. It has worked well for us these last few months. And now that sunny weather is here, our sun hats and sun screen have found pockets here, too.


Before the big purge, the coats were crowded overflowing; the bottom was stacked with fallen coats, food, picnic stuff, paper recycling and who know what else; the top shelf was stuffed with bags and everything random you can think of.

Here is the closet last week before I started cleaning.


I had to clean this closet in small steps. I could only make a mess that could be cleaned before the kids got up from their afternoon naps.

I started by pulling everything out that had been stacked on the floor of the closet. I tried to put things in general piles as I pulled them out, to make the sorting a little easier. I then spent the next hour sorting, putting things where they go and finally putting a few things back in the closet.

What a mess! I could not believe all that had been on the closet floor.


I didn't get any pictures of the two additional times I attacked the closet this week, but here is what I did:

The next step was to clear out the the top shelf. There was some weird stuff up there - far too many empty paper bags, some empty boxes, a long lost brownie mix, more winter hats, etc. Again, after pulling everything out, it was the same sorting and tossing process.

A few days later, I pulled out all the coats for sorting. Some were stored for next winter, some given away and some put back in the closet for cool summer nights.


Here is the after picture.
It may not look that different, but it really is!


It feels great to finally have my closet back. Now I just need to tackle the linen closet...

Check out more great closet organization at Organizing Junkie.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I notice more and more people using these shoe organizers as everyday household organizers, I may need to give it a try! Good job!

Scott Franson Photography said...

Wow ! You did a great job.
Claudia
claudiafranson.blogspot.com

Kelli said...

Let me just say, "WOW!" I think you did a great job and I can really see a difference.

I can't wait to see what flat surface you tackle next month! I will be joining in :-)

annies home said...

looks like you did a great job

Abbie said...

wow! What a fantastic difference! I totally know what you mean about "trying to get it done during nap time." With two toddlers of my own who want to "help" some of my organization projects don't even get started. And I love that you noted some of the "coat closet" times that were stashed in there. I got a kick out of brownie mix. I hope this one is back in your pantry!
Thanks for the post.
Abbie

Unknown said...

WOW! That is awesome! Great job! It was amazing to see the one picture of all the items all over the place. I would not have expected all that after seeing the first picture.:D

Kris from Stonecafecreations.com

Rochelle said...

What a great job!! And you can totally tell! :)

Controlling My Chaos said...

I have one of those shoe organizers on the back of my entryway closet too. It works great and is one of the best organizing tips I have found.

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

You did an excellent job!

Kayren said...

I've used those over-the-door shoe organizers for our gloves and mittens and scarves. They're fantastic!

You did a great job! I'm amazed at how much was in the bottom of that closet.

Patricia said...

What alot to tackle! You did an amazing job. I had to do my round-up in baby steps too, while my baby slept. :)