Home Organization/Home Edit

[TechWife]

Some questions for those who are home organizers among us -

What are your go-to sources for supplies? I've looked at the websites for The Container Store, mDesign and Target. Any others I should be aware of? I am looking for storage boxes/bins and stacking drawers.

Is there anything you have organized and thought later that you wish you had done something differently?

Is there an area that you organized and absolutely love the way it turned out as far as usability and continuing use?

I watched The Home Edit on Netflix. I am an organized person, but am always looking for ideas to keep things in check. Primarily I was interested in closets when I started watching. They do a lot of storage spaces - closets, pantries and garages, so it was helpful. But now I'm working on some execution. I had organized a storage closet last year using matching plastic bins that actually match each other in size & stack-ability and it made all the difference as far as usability of the space and the ease of getting to what I needed throughout the year.

My next two projects are craft storage and office storage. I'm thinking about a combination of letter trays and files for office supply storage and then some type of bin or stacking drawers for the craft closet. The craft supply closet contains more than craft supplies, which complicates things a little, but not too much.

 

 

[HS Mom in NC]

Start here to save time, money, and energy. The organizer in these 2 videos only demonstrates different organization styles and container types that she buys at her local dollar stores.  You can obviously invest in pricier items.  She explains why each organizing style does better with certain types of containers over others. She's chatty, but it's worth it.

4 Organizing Styles: explanation, comparison contrast, dealing with different personalities, container types:

Organizing 1 closet and its contents 4 different ways according to each style and its preferred types of containers:

 

 

[Katy]

Ikea & Amazon have been my go-to sources lately.

[gardenmom5]

I've used container store - I'm very picky to maximize use of space.  So I know exactly what I want before buying something.  I've done enough through the years if I'm not happy with the results - I'll eventually redo it, and end up spending more money than if I just did it the way I wanted the first time.   I do need to redo my toy closet (just hardware store standards and wood shelves) - for the third time . . . . but that's more about kids grow up and things change.

I really like my modular elfa closet storage (they're just ending their 'major' Elfa sale of the year. starts in dec. the one in the summer isn't as good.) - and ime none of the hardware store stuff is as well made. - I have some of the better hardware store stuff - it's not as stable.  (I have a back of door storage for an 18" door - and no one else, anywhere, had one that would fit.  (let alone one I liked.)  I've done some closets, and a storage wall in my laundry and my garage.  

Have a good idea of how you want to organize an area before you go shopping - then you can look.  e.g. I bought some turntables in a size that everyone carried, but I needed another size the only place I could find them was "Storables".     another example: I wanted spice storage for the inside of cabinet doors - BBB (or maybe Linen n Things) had stickem individual holders  - and I adore them.  sadly, they are no longer available.

eta: I get stuff wherever they are selling the item I want.

Edited January 19, 2021 by gardenmom5

[Beth S]

I, too, have watched lots of declutter/organizational youtubes.
Minimal Mom
Secret Slob
Erica Lucas
Natalie Bennett
Hoarder's Heart
as well as Clutter Bug referenced above.

Currently they're all doing a Clutterfree January playlist, with one area per week.
Kitchen, Clothes, and this week is Paperwork.

What I've learned is to wait to buy the bins until after you declutter.
Many times you can reuse/repurpose previously purchased boxes & avoid the extra expense.
Do it on a Dime gets most of her bins from Dollar Tree.

If you have a huge budget, I'd get the Dream Box for craft supplies . . . however the $1300 could certainly buy LOTS of craft supplies?!? 

Also Jennifer Maker has a 30-day guide to organizing your Craft Room.

https://jennifermaker.com/organized-craft-room-challenge-email/

Can you tell this has become my Quarantine Fixation?!?

It really does feel good to have sorted thru your stuff---totally worth the effort!

 

[fairfarmhand]

I'm working on my closet and I'm really loving these bins from Walmart. Fabric, very large (I can fit 2-3 quilts in one) and fit well on the shelves over my hanging clothes.

And they're cheap.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-Gardens-Fabric-Cube-Storage-Bin-12-75-x-12-75-Indigo/733257011

They have half size ones too.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-Gardens-Half-Size-Fabric-Storage-Bin-2-Pack-Multiple-Colors/210839410

[Ausmumof3]

I need this topic!  Can I hijack a tiny bit?

does anyone have any low budget tips for really awkward kitchen cabinets?  My house has a corner kitchen cabinet that’s meant to have one or those folder doors.  But the home builder then added a dishwasher and moved a set of drawers and now it just has a narrow single door with a massive space behind it.  Because it’s by the oven it’s the obvious place for giant pots, pans and baking trays but getting them in and out is a nightmare so the cupboard is always a total jumble.  Any suggestions?

[katilac]

5 hours ago, TechWife said:

 

I watched The Home Edit on Netflix.  

That sounds interesting, but I'm 3 minutes in and don't think I can handle their level of enthusiasm 😄

[TechWife]

18 minutes ago, katilac said:

That sounds interesting, but I'm 3 minutes in and don't think I can handle their level of enthusiasm 😄

I totally understand! Their voices are annoying to me. I’m not sure if I got used to them or if they calmed down in the later episodes because it bothered me less and less as the series went along. 

[kbutton]

5 hours ago, Homeschool Mom in AZ said:

Start here to save time, money, and energy. The organizer in these 2 videos only demonstrates different organization styles and container types that she buys at her local dollar stores.  You can obviously invest in pricier items.  She explains why each organizing style does better with certain types of containers over others. She's chatty, but it's worth it.

I don't always fit these sorts of things, but I agree that it's worth looking at different styles because what works for one person doesn't always work for others. 

If you know you want minimal effort to put things away and find them, I really recommend this book even if you don't have ADHD; https://www.target.com/p/organizing-solutions-for-people-with-adhd-2nd-edition-revised-and-updated-by-susan-pinsky-paperback/-/A-13913512?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012510700&CPNG=PLA_Entertainment%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Entertainment&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=c&location=9015622&targetid=pla-839186529589&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&gclid=CjwKCAiAo5qABhBdEiwAOtGmbi5HqedSBK2qWEVLYqWPjL1dYfOEaTzQk5mtMU8Dd8bD2Hnmg8_RKRoCgwQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

You can be minimal about all kinds of things, not just stuff. This book has a little bit of minimalism about stuff (don't have what you won't put away), but it also gives permission to use things as they make sense FOR YOU and how to organize commonly used items in as few steps as possible (minimal effort, minimal brainspace). 

I like to see everything when I organize--clear bins or other clear containers are best (for craft stuff, I LOVE to save the heavy duty zipper bags for blankets, sheets, curtains, etc. and put my stuff in those inside bigger bins (or IKEA wire shelving--Antonius is what I think I have). If I have some other kind of container, it's best if something lives in it that will live in it forever and ever because I hate not being able to see things. I also hate things that don't stack. 

 

[kbutton]

I should add that I hate not seeing things inside cabinets and closets. I despise open shelving in my own home, and I don't even really like bookcases in my own house unless I can put them where you don't have to see the front of them from most of the room, especially while walking in and out. But I think my Clutterbug personality suggests I am supposed to like open shelving and book cases.

I adore clear containers behind closed doors, lol! 

[TechWife]

It sounds like I came to the right place! You have all given me a good watchlist for in between inauguration events! 
 

The only thing I have purchased so far is this work station. Right now my cricut and supplies for that are all over my table where I cut fabric and use my sewing machine, which will not work long term. I can roll this into the closet when I’m not using it and then pull it out easily to get to the shelves. I just have to get one of my guys to help me put it together, these things usually go faster with two pairs of hands. 
https://www.michaels.com/mobile-workstation-by-simply-tidy/10624099.html

I am have two ideas in my head I might put to use. One is putting a clear over the door shoe organizer on the back of the door for smaller items. The other one is putting up a small pegboard for my quilting rulers and templates. If I can hang them, that will free up the shelf where I have them lying flat. There is a side wall that has a space that’s 26” wide and I could start and stop where I want to. It’s a non standard peg board size as far as I can tell, but I think Home Depot or Lowe’s will cut it to size. I think I could do 2 feet x 6 feet. I don’t think I’d want to go any higher than that, though, it doesn’t seem practical.  

[Katy]

4 hours ago, Ausmumof3 said:

I need this topic!  Can I hijack a tiny bit?

does anyone have any low budget tips for really awkward kitchen cabinets?  My house has a corner kitchen cabinet that’s meant to have one or those folder doors.  But the home builder then added a dishwasher and moved a set of drawers and now it just has a narrow single door with a massive space behind it.  Because it’s by the oven it’s the obvious place for giant pots, pans and baking trays but getting them in and out is a nightmare so the cupboard is always a total jumble.  Any suggestions?

I think Ikea has a pull out thing for cabinets like that.  It's $139 USD.  A cheaper option would be to put a shelf up in the middle and use cardboard boxes or cheap clear plastic bins to put stuff that's rarely used in the back and things you use frequently in the front.

[HS Mom in NC]

I forgot to mention that in the videos in my above post, she's absolutely right about there being times when some people are almost always one style, but then there's an aspect of their lives where they need a completely different style.  For example, I'm almost always a Ladybug (macro: big picture+ hidden:solid big bins/categories) but I do the 36 week hanging filed folder system and coordinating books spine labels which is a Bee (micro: small categories/36 weeks +visual: labels for spines and file folders and color coded subject binders). If something isn't working, consider the possibility it's time to switch types.

[TechWife]

This is the starting point. 
 

 

Edited January 20, 2021 by TechWife

[popmom]

@TechWifethat’s the starting point? 😂Looks really well organized to this ADHD head!

[Ausmumof3]

3 minutes ago, popmom said:

@TechWifethat’s the starting point? 😂Looks really well organized to this ADHD head!

Lol yep!  That would be the last cupboard in my house to need organising 😆

[Ausmumof3]

1 hour ago, Katy said:

I think Ikea has a pull out thing for cabinets like that.  It's $139 USD.  A cheaper option would be to put a shelf up in the middle and use cardboard boxes or cheap clear plastic bins to put stuff that's rarely used in the back and things you use frequently in the front.

I don’t think it would actually fit though I would have to measure.  The door is really narrow.  As in have to turn the frypan sideways narrow to get it in there.  Bins is a good idea though I would just have to find really skinny ones.

[popmom]

6 hours ago, Ausmumof3 said:

I need this topic!  Can I hijack a tiny bit?

does anyone have any low budget tips for really awkward kitchen cabinets?  My house has a corner kitchen cabinet that’s meant to have one or those folder doors.  But the home builder then added a dishwasher and moved a set of drawers and now it just has a narrow single door with a massive space behind it.  Because it’s by the oven it’s the obvious place for giant pots, pans and baking trays but getting them in and out is a nightmare so the cupboard is always a total jumble.  Any suggestions?

I’m in the middle of “The Great Kitchen Purge of 2021” so I’m with you. I have some awkward cabinet spaces, too.

[TechWife]

19 minutes ago, popmom said:

@TechWifethat’s the starting point? 😂Looks really well organized to this ADHD head!

 

15 minutes ago, Ausmumof3 said:

Lol yep!  That would be the last cupboard in my house to need organising 😆

I’m trying to get ahead of the clutter and use the space more efficiently. I have only been in this house for one year, so it isn’t bad yet. 
 

I am thinking about moving the cassette tape boxes to the top shelf. We rarely get into them and I can use a step stool when we do. I’m wondering if the DVD’s would take up less space if I put them in some type of bin. There are two rows - one on front of the other. 
 

I am watching clutterbug videos now. Wow, there’s a lot out there! 

[TechWife]

I am a cricket. 

[prairiewindmomma]

My .02 on the Home Edit is that the show seems to focus more on managing collections (by putting them into clear plastic labeled containers) rather than on the actual editing process. Just sorting and labeling stuff doesn’t address the behavior that got you into a mess in the first place.

As far as stuff goes, they shop at the container store a lot. 

[Ausmumof3]

I am decidedly a butterfly with occasional tendencies is whichever one is the visual micro organiser 😬

no wonder we have chaos.  Also that means we get to default to my style... yay 😀

[Carrie12345]

9 hours ago, TechWife said:

 

I’m trying to get ahead of the clutter and use the space more efficiently. I have only been in this house for one year, so it isn’t bad yet. 
 

I am thinking about moving the cassette tape boxes to the top shelf. We rarely get into them and I can use a step stool when we do. I’m wondering if the DVD’s would take up less space if I put them in some type of bin. There are two rows - one on front of the other. 
 

I am watching clutterbug videos now. Wow, there’s a lot out there! 

So, TECHWIFE, lol, what about switching over to digital?

Dh and I have gone through a very slow, long process, but my music collection is down to just a small handful of CDs and 2 or 3 cassettes that are meaningful to me.  DVDs and VHS are almost entirely gone now.  Dh does have a disc binder for his more plentiful “keep” stash.
I thought I would feel regret, but there hasn’t been a single bit.

[Hoggirl]

You wrote, “cassettes,” but this is what we have for the remaining DVDs and CDs that we still have:  

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Binder-Holder-Storage-Capacity/dp/B00DIHVMEA

I don’t think ours is that large - there are a wide variety of sizes.  I have a small one (just holds one disk per side, so maybe 6” x 6”) for exercise DVDs.  The boxes take up a lot of room. 

 

 

[PeterPan]

10 hours ago, TechWife said:

This is the starting point. 
 

 

Oh my, I forget what my clutterbug style was, but that is giving me a HEART ATTACK just looking at it!! LOL 

So what are you wanting to do in this space? You want to use it as a closet? Or you want to turn it into an office? That's a HUGE closet, and the shelves are not taking advantage of it. I get that they're wood, but mercy. I would be super tempted to rip them out and install wire shelving all the way around on two of the three walls. Then on the third you could do vertical hanging.

Thing is, what are you wanting to do here? This closet seems underutilized and eclectic. I see sewing, suitcases, cassette tapes from the 80s that should be transferred to digital and thrown away, empty packing, and more.

-throw away the stuff that is trash. all the video cassettes, tapes, etc. If they're family memories, transfer to digital.

-store stuff at point of use. spray bottle for cleaning goes with cleaning supplies. Packing foam (why are you keeping this?? it's ubiquitous and reappears with the next box) is stored with packing supplies. I see envelopes. Do you have a desk? Where are your mailing supplies? I keep mailing supplies in my mudroom, the entrance of my house, because that's where I am when I want to mail something. It's almost to the point that I don't even need that, as I seldom mail anything. I could buy a card for the one time a year rather than keeping boxes of envelopes. Sewing, is this to be a sewing closet?

There are conversions for sewing closets. I'm kind of missing the flow, but you could have a STUNNING sewing closet here. Rehome everything that isn't sewing, install a desk counter, pinboard, drop down ironing board, boom. Your own sewing room.  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/783696772629274528/ You'll find lots of pics like this.

12 hours ago, TechWife said:

The only thing I have purchased so far is this work station.

Nice! Are you wanting to keep your sewing machine out all the time? Or you only sew occasionally and you use your cricut more? 

12 hours ago, TechWife said:

The other one is putting up a small pegboard for my quilting rulers and templates.

Yes, your main issue is not lack of little organizer bins. Right now you're just not maxing out the space. I have a closet like this under some stairs and dh installed shelves across the back like yours. It's just perpetually worthless for storage. We've had it 15+ years and it's just crazy. I agree with the hanging tools idea. Also consider hanging shallow baskets using Command hooks. You can get them rated for weight and two can hold up a Dollar Tree basket. I'm very (ahem) OCD, so my stuff has to match, at least color. So when I did ds' office I just went to Dollar Tree and found tons of shapes, all in the same color. You might also have luck with Target for that as they have very cute stuff. If it has mesh sides, you can hang it on command hooks. Or the pegboard, but command hooks are easy to do yourself. Just watch the weight ratings.

You could also consider hanging picture ledges. They would work for rulers. But have you considered stacking them *vertically* using a ruler organizer? See if Joanns or someone sells one. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=quilt+ruler+organizer&crid=FKS1DS4AVNU&sprefix=quilt+ruler+or%2Caps%2C168&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_1_14  there's a start. Or even just using metal dividers from the office supply. I use those for our school work, but they would be the bomb for this. You can buy them in 5, 8, whatever slots, and then you could line them up. https://www.staples.com/rolodex-5-compartment-wire-mesh-file-organizer-black-22141/product_24433782  Mine are solid metal, but these mesh have a great pricepoint! Walmart sells stuff like this too in their office supply section. You could go there and just walk the aisle thinking in terms of your space. 

What's the blue handle to the left?

 

[PeterPan]

8 hours ago, TechWife said:

I am a cricket. 

Ooo, I always admire those people. I'm ladybug. If I did cricket, I'd go crazy not remembering where anything was, lol. Anyways, I agree with the others you don't organize clutter. You don't actually have that much there. Once you get rid of the stuff that needs to be converted to digital or tossed, rehome, etc. the real question is what you want to do with the space. Is it literally just staying a storage closet? Or are you trying to create some function?

What you might do, if you want the kind of low cost version, is just go to Lowes or Home Depot and get one of those reasonably heavy duty plastic shelving units. Then you'd double your storage space. Then take what you are keeping and GO VERTICAL. So like that purple suitcase thing could GO VERTICAL on the top shelf. So that back, less accessed layer will be storage storage. And then on the new shelves and the hanging area opposite can go your sewing supplies. Fabric stash, rulers, etc. 

I personally wouldn't do the over the door thing. I think it will get in the way of whatever you're really trying to do in the closet. 

You might also be a good candidate for matching stacked totes, since you can remember what's in them and like hidden storage, lol. So you could hit Target and look for Sterilite totes that match. Not too big a size. And just stack those babies up and label them. They could go to the left and hanging to the right. 

https://www.target.com/p/large-clear-latching-storage-bin-made-by-design-8482/-/A-75664282#lnk=sametab  Something like these.

[TechWife]

15 hours ago, Carrie12345 said:

So, TECHWIFE, lol, what about switching over to digital?

Dh and I have gone through a very slow, long process, but my music collection is down to just a small handful of CDs and 2 or 3 cassettes that are meaningful to me.  DVDs and VHS are almost entirely gone now.  Dh does have a disc binder for his more plentiful “keep” stash.
I thought I would feel regret, but there hasn’t been a single bit.

It takes time! When we moved dh took home videos to someone and had them digitized. He got the equipment to convert the cassettes, but we haven’t had the time to do it. We have some fairly old cassettes dating back to the eighties when we were in college. Sometimes I think it’s the inserts that are appealing, with the cover and lyrics. Then there’s my Shawn Cassidy album collection - and yes, we have a turntable! Not that I rock out to Shawn or anything, but if I wanted to, I could! 

[TechWife]

14 hours ago, Hoggirl said:

You wrote, “cassettes,” but this is what we have for the remaining DVDs and CDs that we still have:  

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Binder-Holder-Storage-Capacity/dp/B00DIHVMEA

I don’t think ours is that large - there are a wide variety of sizes.  I have a small one (just holds one disk per side, so maybe 6” x 6”) for exercise DVDs.  The boxes take up a lot of room. 

 

 

Oh yes. All of those wood drawers are full of cassette tapes! The DVD’s are just out on the shelf. Our CD’s are elsewhere. DH isn’t ready to give any of them up yet! 

[Carrie12345]

7 hours ago, TechWife said:

It takes time! When we moved dh took home videos to someone and had them digitized. He got the equipment to convert the cassettes, but we haven’t had the time to do it. We have some fairly old cassettes dating back to the eighties when we were in college. Sometimes I think it’s the inserts that are appealing, with the cover and lyrics. Then there’s my Shawn Cassidy album collection - and yes, we have a turntable! Not that I rock out to Shawn or anything, but if I wanted to, I could! 

Oh, I did neglect to say that a we also have a fairly big vinyl collection, and we fully intend to keep adding to it when we have the right space to do so.
There’s definitely a difference between having a collection and storing random stuff.  If you’ve got some tapes and discs that are more “collection”, bring them out of the closet!  If you don’t use the rest, but they are going to be a future project, what about putting them in deeper storage, like a safe bin wherever you store seasonal items? That gives you back space where you need it every day.
(And anything you won’t be converting can just leave all together.)

[TechWife]

On 1/20/2021 at 9:25 AM, PeterPan said:

Oh my, I forget what my clutterbug style was, but that is giving me a HEART ATTACK just looking at it!! LOL 

So what are you wanting to do in this space? You want to use it as a closet? Or you want to turn it into an office? That's a HUGE closet, and the shelves are not taking advantage of it. I get that they're wood, but mercy. I would be super tempted to rip them out and install wire shelving all the way around on two of the three walls. Then on the third you could do vertical hanging.

Thing is, what are you wanting to do here? This closet seems underutilized and eclectic. I see sewing, suitcases, cassette tapes from the 80s that should be transferred to digital and thrown away, empty packing, and more.

-throw away the stuff that is trash. all the video cassettes, tapes, etc. If they're family memories, transfer to digital.

-store stuff at point of use. spray bottle for cleaning goes with cleaning supplies. Packing foam (why are you keeping this?? it's ubiquitous and reappears with the next box) is stored with packing supplies. I see envelopes. Do you have a desk? Where are your mailing supplies? I keep mailing supplies in my mudroom, the entrance of my house, because that's where I am when I want to mail something. It's almost to the point that I don't even need that, as I seldom mail anything. I could buy a card for the one time a year rather than keeping boxes of envelopes. Sewing, is this to be a sewing closet?

There are conversions for sewing closets. I'm kind of missing the flow, but you could have a STUNNING sewing closet here. Rehome everything that isn't sewing, install a desk counter, pinboard, drop down ironing board, boom. Your own sewing room.  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/783696772629274528/ You'll find lots of pics like this.

Nice! Are you wanting to keep your sewing machine out all the time? Or you only sew occasionally and you use your cricut more? 

Yes, your main issue is not lack of little organizer bins. Right now you're just not maxing out the space. I have a closet like this under some stairs and dh installed shelves across the back like yours. It's just perpetually worthless for storage. We've had it 15+ years and it's just crazy. I agree with the hanging tools idea. Also consider hanging shallow baskets using Command hooks. You can get them rated for weight and two can hold up a Dollar Tree basket. I'm very (ahem) OCD, so my stuff has to match, at least color. So when I did ds' office I just went to Dollar Tree and found tons of shapes, all in the same color. You might also have luck with Target for that as they have very cute stuff. If it has mesh sides, you can hang it on command hooks. Or the pegboard, but command hooks are easy to do yourself. Just watch the weight ratings.

You could also consider hanging picture ledges. They would work for rulers. But have you considered stacking them *vertically* using a ruler organizer? See if Joanns or someone sells one. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=quilt+ruler+organizer&crid=FKS1DS4AVNU&sprefix=quilt+ruler+or%2Caps%2C168&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_1_14  there's a start. Or even just using metal dividers from the office supply. I use those for our school work, but they would be the bomb for this. You can buy them in 5, 8, whatever slots, and then you could line them up. https://www.staples.com/rolodex-5-compartment-wire-mesh-file-organizer-black-22141/product_24433782  Mine are solid metal, but these mesh have a great pricepoint! Walmart sells stuff like this too in their office supply section. You could go there and just walk the aisle thinking in terms of your space. 

What's the blue handle to the left?

 

It is a huge closet & I'm very grateful for that! Right now I am not going to make any shelving alterations, though. I have an office elsewhere in the house, so a desk isn't needed.

As far as what it's used for - well, it's craft storage plus a lot of other things, so I guess it really is a sort of a catch all storage closet. Part of what is in there are supplies for care packages that I make for parents of hospitalized children. Individual items come in different sized quantities and I store the extras in between batches. I make 20 packages at a time and keep the extras on hand. So, the extra soap, shampoo, etc. that I have from buying in bulk gets stored until the next time.

I have most of my sewing supplies out on bookshelves in the room. They are all neatly organized in a way that works good for me. This is what the craft area looks like outside the closet. The closet is on the far side of the table and the door opens out. My sewing machine stays out all the time, as does the cutting mat. I expect when we can have people over again, they will get put away into the closet so that we can use the table for snacks or games or whatever. The other side of the room, which is not in the picture, is basically a rec area w/a sectional sofa. This is where we always watch tv.

So, the closet inventory right now - there isn't much, if anything, in it that I can trash.

Top shelf: laying flat are large quilting rulers & templates, the extension table for my sewing machine and on top of that are paper gift bags in the brown box. It is full. On the right side you see the bag for my portable design wall (which is up right now), an empty tote bag and another tote bag that has vacuum attachments in it. This shelf can be much better utilized.

Second shelf - left side: a photo album in a box; stack of LP's , more gift bags (that's the stack of white) and then three large zip locks containing soap, shampoo & conditioner (that's the green).

Second shelf - right side: DVD's that need to stay in the closet for the foreseeable future. Transferring them to another format is not something we can take on at this point in time.

Third shelf - left side: empty organization containers that I can use for supplies as I organize this closet - I saved them for this purpose. Zip lock bags (for the care packages) and then two plastic boxes that hold supplies for the Cricut - card stock, vinyl, pens, etc..

Third shelf - right side: DVD's and cassette tapes that need to stay in this closet for the forseeable future.

Fourth shelf - left side: the tote bags contain items for specific quilts. One is a t-shirt quilt and another has my dad's flannel shirts in it that I will use to make several memory quilts. The spray bottle is for pressing fabric and needs to stay in the closet.

Fourth shelf - right side: cassette tapes that need to stay in the closet for the foreseeable future.

Floor: on the right you are seeing the handle of the stick vacuum. This is where I usually lean my ironing board when I put it away. It's on this wall where I am thinking of putting a peg board for the quilting rulers. Under the shelves: The purple bag is the case for my big sewing machine. The white case is my backup sewing machine. I honestly can't remember what's in the brown box right now - I'll have to get back to you on that! In the plastic box are zip lock bags of more care package supplies of varying quantities - eye masks, notebooks, hand lotion, toothbrushes, etc.. It is an overfull box and I don't think the zip locks are the most compact way to store the items.

So I am thinking of using bins or drawers for the care package supplies, moving the quilting rulers to a peg board. I can move some of the media to that top shelf, I think.

The rolling work station will fit in here nicely - it will have the Cricut on it and then the supplies that are currently in boxes on the shelf will go into the drawers. When I need to use the Cricut, or need to get to the shelves, I will just roll the work station out of the closet.

 

Edited January 21, 2021 by TechWife

[Katy]

On 1/20/2021 at 7:32 AM, Carrie12345 said:

So, TECHWIFE, lol, what about switching over to digital?

Dh and I have gone through a very slow, long process, but my music collection is down to just a small handful of CDs and 2 or 3 cassettes that are meaningful to me.  DVDs and VHS are almost entirely gone now.  Dh does have a disc binder for his more plentiful “keep” stash.
I thought I would feel regret, but there hasn’t been a single bit.

Where do you store the data? I’d love to just buy digital streaming for all our DVDs but I figured out if I paid full price that would be close to $1,000. The few online services I looked into a few years back seemed complicated or expensive.  And then at the beginning of the pandemic I was glad to have DVDs because when DH started to work from home we had serious internet issues for months b

[Carrie12345]

1 hour ago, Katy said:

Where do you store the data? I’d love to just buy digital streaming for all our DVDs but I figured out if I paid full price that would be close to $1,000. The few online services I looked into a few years back seemed complicated or expensive.  And then at the beginning of the pandemic I was glad to have DVDs because when DH started to work from home we had serious internet issues for months b

Dh used an external hard drive. Which, fwiw, I don’t think we’ve ever touched. Probably getting close to a decade ago now.

Since then, we buy or rent to stream. He likes to buy, I like to rent.