organization: labels make a difference

Oh how I would love it if my pantry/storage closet looked a little something like this:


Painted wood shelves floor to ceiling, wallpaper, art, a cute stool = adorable. However, I'm storing much more than linens, and it just can't look as cute as this. Here's a peek through the curtain to how it looked before I got organized:


First order of business, gather like items and as much as possible into baskets, bins, bags, or boxes. Second, get as much as possible off the floor. Third, label, label, label everything.

Labels really made all this randomness look coherent. And they really do help me find things since I truly can't remember which bin contains what. Here's more label inspiration:



via flickr

So, here's what I ended up with, for a room full of everything from tools, paint supplies, gardening, ironing, sewing, light bulbs, paper towels and toilet paper, cleaning products, pet products, and car care. It's not pretty, but it's so so much better. And it doesn't make me crazy anymore!


yes, that hanging bag is full of clothes to be ironed—my least favorite task!


I know I should paint, add some shelving, and really finish this room. But the secret is that I have bigger plans for this space: a laundry room complete with cherry red stacking washer and dryer, floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving along the side, a deep wall color, crisp white trim, and pretty little window shade. Someday! But for now, I suppose I can live with this!

4 comments

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

Casey, I LOVE the boot hanging idea!!

René said...

I really, really, really need to do this. Maybe after Christmas. My ironing pile wouldn't fit in that bag :(

-Rene

Fran said...

Casey, I love this! There is nothing more satisfying than an organized and labeled closet (or storage space)! And, I love your ideas for your future laundry room!

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

We can dream, right?