Welcome to a new start! I hope these posts are somewhat helpful. I am no expert, these are just tips that I have found useful while living in a small space.
About a year ago I began searching for ways to keep things organized and out of the way. I ran across this book:
I enjoy reading, but stuff like this really doesn't interest me. That tells you how much I was interested in getting organized! (haha) It changed the ways I looked at getting organized and how I contain things. All the information can be overwhelming at first, so I took a little longer to read and complete the tasks she has you do. I recommend you take your time. I really enjoyed all that I learned from it and am reading it for a second time. Although all my posts will not be from just this book, I thought I'd share some of her insights.
In the book Erin recommends starting in your bedroom closet. So off I went. These are before pictures. Yes, I know...a big unorganized mess.
(These pictures were taken after I removed all items I no longer use.)
First step: Take EVERYTHING out!
It helps give you a visual of the space your working with. Side notes: I really don't like the wooden shelving in our closet, but I didn't want to put something of better quality in because we are renting. Eventually one day I will own an Elfa system! But for now this will do ;-)
Second step: Purge!
I made three piles. Donate, trash & keep. Purging is very important. Make sure that while you're purging you get rid of all the items you don't wear or use anymore. You only want to keep items that you are currently putting to use. I ended up going through my closet and dresser 3 times. I got rid of over 15 garbage bags full of shoes, purses and clothing. Keep items that fit you and that you will use NOW. Everything else must go. Reasoning behind this: If you're holding onto a bunch of items you're "going to fit into someday" you'll never accomplish organization in your home. Removing these items and giving them to someone who can put them to good use is more practical. This will also give you space for new items as incentives. For instance, If you are on a weight loss plan you will now have that extra room to buy yourself a new dress or pair of shoes for loosing that 10 lbs. ;). Purging your closet is something you should try and do every few months just to get rid of those items that have worn or need a new home.
Next I bought any items I would need to finish my organization process in my closet. I love Ikea for these items, they always have the best prices. Also stores like Burlington Coat Factory or Marshalls have wonderful selections and great prices. Here are the items I purchased over time for my closet redo:
(Like I said I would have purchased an Elfa system as well if I owned my own place, so instead this is what I bought.)
Third Step: Reload your space!
Now you may think I'm crazy, but one thing I've never really liked is plastic hangers. My husband has broad shoulders and they never give his shirts good support. I'm always finding them at the bottom of the closet. It also bothered me that none of my tank tops would stay on them, due to no grips. So I decided to save some money and purchase these velvet hangers. Wow, what a difference!!! Here are a few pictures showing the differences I noticed.
(Sorry my pictures aren't the best, I'll make sure they get better =]. )
You can see the difference in the pictures above on the amount of support each gives to your clothing. In the left picture: my husbands shirts actually have good shape instead of those horrible bumps sticking out of his shoulders. They also offer great support for tanks and other difficult pieces of clothing. The velvet also provide the grip everyone looks for in a good hanger. I ended up only buying 10 black and 10 pink hangers just to try them out. Before I went and splurged, I wanted to make sure it was something worth purchasing, and it is!! I ended up purchasing close to 100. You will love the support they give your clothing. By changing over to these hangers you're also giving your clothes a longer life, which in the long-run will SAVE YOU MONEY! See I told you you'd think I was crazy. HAHA. :)
Here are before and after pictures of my closet for now (small spaces):
Me and my hunny are loving it! Our small space is actually functional now.
"A place for everything, and everything in it's place!"
I hope you've enjoyed this post. I'm still getting used to it because for me its a different kind of personal, but if it helps someone get organized.... thats all that matters! Remember this, your closet is the first place you go in the morning and the last place you go at night. Make it an organized space and a useful place, instead of a cluttered mess. It will make your mornings so much easier because you will know where everything is.
Again, I hope this was helpful in some way. I hope it encourages you to look at your space and make the best of it. If you enjoyed this post, please leave your comments below. Thanks for stopping by friends. Make it a better day!
~Chanelle
