Operation Organization~ Pantry

Although I dream of someday having a GIGANTIC walk-in pantry with endless shelves and storage... for now I have two cabinets. Yes, I can fit a ton of food in them.. but right now they are a hot mess!

I already had all the organizing tools from previous pantry-cleaning attempts, the only thing I bought for this project is chalk-board stickers (from Martha Stewart at Staples) and I had a 40% off coupon, so they cost only $8 for two packages. I bought the chalk pen from Amazon and I don't particularly care for this one, but it works.

 

I used my new Chalkboard labels to replace the existing labels that were slightly faded... Plus, I like the look and versatility of the chalkboard labels. =)

 

I love these Rubbermaid containers. They come in two sizes for just a few dollars at Walmart. I have had them for years and while they hold up well they don't like the dishwasher. =/

 

 

Here is look at the finished bottom cabinet. I have also purchased new stacking Tupperware to replace the bin of mis-matched containers. =)

Here is the top cabinet! I love that I can now find everything easily and I have so much more space! =)

 

 

Total cost for this project: $8

Operation Organization ~ Linen Closet

Let me just start out by saying that this photo is embarrassing...

 

 

I always felt like I had my linen closet under control... but then I took a closer look and realized I must need glasses. I was in denial. Soooo after being in denial for longer than I would like to admit, I decided to take action and start the process of organizing my home again. Party Time.

 

 

I Started by taking EVERYTHING out of the linen closet... I had NO idea that I owned 974 blankets! How a 23 year-old accumulated so many blankets is beyond my understanding.

 

I started by measuring my space to see what type of organization I could fit. I found the large green stacking crates at the Dollar General for $5 dollars each, the smaller crates(on the left)I already owned (dollar tree), and the chalk board stickers were left-over from another project (amazon).

 

 

After taking all 974 blankets out of my linen closet I decided to tackle the medicine drawers. I have always organized our medicine in drawers so I just needed to clean them. To my surprise about half of our vitamins and medicines were well past expired =(

 

I separate our medicines into two categories: P.O., which means anything by mouth, and Topical- anything first aid related, etc. This is just what works for us and makes it easier to find what we need quickly. Finding what works best for you and your family is the key to not only GETTING organized, but STAYING organized.

 

*******

 

This is how the top shelves looked "After".

 

 

 

Top Shelf: The pouch to the left (in the photo) is full of our traveling toiletries, on the right of the "Topical Meds" drawer is my heating pad.
The Second shelf houses (from left to right): The Boys' Hair Clippers, P.O. Meds, spare tooth brushes, and the drawer organizer on the side is filled with travel tissues and hand sanitizers.
Third Shelf: Rubbing Alcohol, four small baskets with the following contents: Emmett's first aid, Emmett's medications, pillow cases, and sheets.
 

 

These bottom shelves are a bit more simple: towels and blankets. We keep the majority of our towels in the hall bathroom, this is just for the over-flow.


***The full view of the AFTER ***

 

I know it is an awkward angle, but the linen closet is in our hallway.

I was not able to fit all of our blankets back into the closet; however, as a family of three there is really no need for 974 blankets. I kept the ones I really liked and the ones I have used since I was Emmett's age... The rest I donated to my Mom, who conveniently enough, doesn't have 974 blankets.

 

Total Cost: $15

Trash .2. Treasure Tuesday

When my Mom gave me these paper sorters I assumed I would.. you know, use them for paper- but as time went on they just set in my garage collecting dust. It was then I decided they had to have a better use. They were hand-made and I couldn't bear to part with them, but they are light-wood so I decided to paint them.

 

~Here is a picture of the BEFORE~

During the painting process- I first gave them I light sanding and cleaned off all of the dust. I chose to use Rust-oleum in a gloss navy blue. I would recommend wearing gloves- that paint does NOT like to come off skin, I had blue skin for days! This project took three light coats of paint and a lot of drying time.

~After- Perfect for Puzzles!



 

If you have read any of my previous blogs you probably know that my son is a puzzle master.... well, my dog is a puzzle-piece chewing master- you see how this is a problem.

 

I love that there is room for all of his puzzles (this is not all of them) and they are off of the floor and away from our puzzle-loving coon hound.

 

I couldn't be more happy with the way the puzzle rack looks... we are one step closer to completing Emmett's "Big Boy" room. =)

*Make-Up Monday*

This Monday is all about make-up storage and my new acrylic drawers. I wanted something that looked nicer than just your typical plastic drawer, without breaking the bank. If you have looked into acrylic storage items you know they can be pricey, so I was thrilled when I bought these from amazon (where I buy everything) for only $12!!! I am in love with how great these look and I love how much storage they offer and I still have plenty of empty space... for now anyway ;)




I keep the drawers on a storage cabinet in my bathroom =)



Has room for all my current palettes with room to grow! =)

 

Buy these drawers =)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KKXA58/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00