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 ~ Deep Freeze

 It lives in the garage and is never seen by guests... so it's okay if it's a mess, right? WRONG! I was sooo tired of spending time searching for something or accidentally re-purchasing food we already had all because my deep freeze is a hot mess... or a cold mess... whatever.

Although it is extremely utilized in our household it is always over-looked when it comes to organization. So I decided it was time to tackle this mess once and for all! I started by taking everything out and checking expiration dates. Thankfully, everything was still in date =)

I didn't want to spend any money on this project so I looked around for something I already had. I found this crate (shown below) that I purchased from Walmart for less than five dollars and was no longer using. What I think is so great about these crates is if I ever need more storage I can easily stack on another and Viola, more food space.
On the other side of the freezer is a little blue crate (pictured above) used for pop sickles =)

I used the top sliding storage bins for things I access daily, such as frozen veggies.

In the second sliding bin I put things that I keep on hand for quick lunches... easy for the husband to find!

Now for the finished product! This picture doesn't do justice for how much more functional my deep freeze has become. It took less than a half-hour and cost no money! It could use a little de-frosting, but that's for another day.

***After***






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

Emmett's Nursery

I was looking through some pictures the other day and found pictures of Emmett's Nursery! I was so proud of the way it turned out and I have to share!

Below is a picture of his crib: It's a Graco convertable crib (lauren in espresso), we got it from

Toys R Us. His bedding is "Jungle friends" from target, and the mobile and other crib toy was bought second-hand. 

Note: Under the crib I added sterilite drawer I bought from Target, I keep clothes he has yet to grow into. They are the perfect storage solution!

What I may be MOST proud of is his changing table/dresser. My little brother gave this to us and it had seen better days... and was white. I sanded it lightly and painted it using BEHR interior satin paint in Blue Chaise. I couldn't be happier!

I organized his drawers according to style of clothing (onsie, pj's etc), and kept extra supplies in the cabinet.

Below is the wall where is changing table is located.

The cart is from Munchkin (target) and the wall decals are from Hobby Lobby.

Here is the view of the wall his crib is on. I hung his comforter on the wall using two screws and two binder clips- I figured he wouldn't be using it for a while. The white wall shelves are from, you guessed it, Target and the "Emmett" letters were bought white at Michael's and a friend and  I spent hours painting them to match his "Jungle Friends" bedding. LOVE!

I don't think I could have been anymore in love with his nursery.