Simple Spaces - The Linen Closet

Is it Friday already?  Time for some coffee!

I lost track of the days this week.  Partly because it is conference week for my kids so they haven't had school yesterday or today.  I went to four conferences back to back yesterday morning.  I really enjoy all of the kids' teachers this year.  They are fantastic.  I am happy to report that aside from a little handwriting neatness that we need to work on, they are all doing great!  We are approaching the 100th day of school and I can't wait to see what is in store for my kindergartner this week.  Should be lots of fun!

I have been without my computer this week and I am working from my husband's now...I can't believe how much I rely on my computer for my schedules and meal plans!  I have gotten so used to making a grocery list from my meal plan and then not looking at it until I wake up each morning.  This week it has been a challenge to remember what I had on my plan without being able to look at it.  I guess I will go back to either posting it here, or just keeping a hard copy printed somewhere.  My hubby took my laptop to the shop and apparently there is something wrong with the mother board, which means bad things.  They may not even be able to recover everything I have stored on it.  (Which also includes our finances, so that's not good.)

All computer problems and wacky schedules aside, I did get to my simple space this week so I wanted to share it here with you today. :)  I chose the linen closet this week because it has really been bothering me.  Since we moved in here over a year and a half ago, it has become the stashing ground for just about everything!  But no more!  It is now "simply organized," and I am loving it!

Before - A Cluttered Mess!

 

After - "Simply Organized!"

The bottom half -used for spare linens, pillows, and sleeping bags.

The top half - used for overstock items (lotions, toothpaste, medicines, etc.) I am still searching for more containers to store these items and simplify even more.  There's nothing like a good container to help organize things!

How do you feel about using containers/baskets around the house to organize? Do you like to use labels?  What is your favorite organizing tip?  I'd love to know!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Simple Spaces - The Master Bathroom

I am so excited to introduce a new topic on my blog!   I was going to share my first post in February, but I got so motivated that I couldn't wait.  In keeping with my new Housekeeping Mission Statement for 2013, "This home is a peaceful, simply organized, warm and inviting sanctuary..." I am focusing on the "simply organized part.  Each week I will pick an area of my home to clean, sort, organize and simplify. 

Last week I chose the Master Bathroom.  It's been bugging me for a while.  The spaces under the counter were crowded and the drawers were overflowing with an assortment of things that have collected since we lived here.  The before and after pictures sort of tell all.

Before - under my sink

Before the simplifying process there were lotions and shampoos and other hair products and misc. items all thrown under the sink together.  I took everything out, wiped down the surface, and started sorting.  Honestly, a lot of it was garbage.  I had to really consider whether or not I was ever going to use some of it again and if not, get rid of it.  I gathered all the jewelry together and sorted through all the makeup.  I put the jewelry in a container that I bought, and the makeup that I keep separate for special occasions in a travel bag.  The basket holds all of my manicure items/hand lotions.  (I like to pamper myself from time to time.)


After - under my sink

One of my biggest frustrations in the morning used to be how hard it was to find anything in my bathroom drawer.  Hair bands, makeup, glasses case and more were all one big jumbled mess! (As you can plainly see.)


Before - my drawer

 Again, I took everything out of the drawer and wiped down the inside.  As I was removing things I put away any makeup that wasn't being used on a daily basis, found a home for all my hair bands and bobby pins, and threw out any garbage.  Then I began to sort through what was left.  There wasn't much to put back in the drawer.  I don't know why I didn't do this sooner!  MUCH better!


After - my drawer

As with my menu planning, I find inspiration from other bloggers.  Two of my favorite organizing blogs are I'm an Organizing Junkie, and the organizing section of Clover Lane.  Sometimes you just need a little extra encouragement to "jump start" the organizing process.  But once you start, I can tell you from experience, it's addicting! 

I can hardly wait to share my next simple space with you.  My goal is to de-clutter as much as possible in 2013.  What kind of organizing projects are you working on in your home?  I'd love to hear from you!