A "Monica Closet" Redo in Minutes

I have a client that needed a little help with a closet in her dining room. We all have this closet, the one that holds a vast array of stuff that you need on a regular basis but can never find. I call it my "Monica Closet" from Friend's Monica Geller fame. On the show Monica was portrayed as completely OCD but Chandler later discovered her closet next to the bathroom was locked and when he pried it open a mountain of stuff came spilling out everywhere. So, I went over to my client's house to help her clean out her Monica Closet. Inside she had paper products, linens, crafting supplies, wine, entertaining supplies and pantry overflow.

I had my client purchase six Sterilite containers from Target measuring 16"D x 12"W x 7"H with locks on either side for $5 each. She already owned a chest in the closet that I planned on using for linens and we added two stackable drawers sets measuring 24"W x 12"D x 15 1/2" H) from Target at $25 each to stack on top.

Prior to my visit her homework was to empty the entire closet and sort everything by category. Then when I arrived we would go through each item and decide what she would keep, donate or toss out. She did an excellent job of everything so once I arrived we were able to organize the remaining items in short order.

I rearranged the positioning in the actual closet for maximum space use by moving the cabinet previously against the left wall to the center of the closet where we could stack the addition drawers on top. On the left we stored tall tubes and large paper products. I moved the shelf above over to make room for the containers and add height space for more items on top.

For the cabinet I folded all her table linens in order of similar colors and matching sets. We organized the stackable drawers with cards and stationary in one, printer paper in another and crafts her daughter can reach and use in another. We left one empty for a use she might need later.

So my plan of action was to categorize all the items by use then label the outside of the containers we would house them in for easy retrieval. Here is a list of my categories:

Party Related Items
Paper plates, plastic utensils, party hats, birthday banner, party favors
Entertaining
Taper candles, candle holders, hurricanes
Crafts
Children's paint, chalk, paintbrushes
Household miscellaneous

Light-bulbs, batteries, packing tape, extension cords, markers

I think this kind of reorganization is the quickest way to feel accomplishment. It doesn't cost a whole lot ($80) in this case for materials and it makes a large impact on the way you feel about your home. Having a previously cluttered space become neat, organized and easily accessible in a few hours can really make a difference FAST!

Make extra money by using this!

I don't know about you but I am selling everything that is not being used right now for extra cash!  I found that I was getting a little overwhelmed tracking all the information associated with selling on Amazon, Ebay, Craig's List etc.  So I created this spreadsheet that will allow you to type in your own information, sort by any column name and total your cash!  I created the original file in iLife '09 Numbers but can't actually post it anywhere to share with you all, but I can email it to anyone who wants it so just ask. I also saved it as an Excel spreadsheet and a PDF.  The PDF is not typeable or sortable but you can print it out and write on it.

Click here to download the PDF, click here for the Excel file. 

Now go, sell, enjoy!

Adding spice

I have always looked for an elegant way to store my spices. I tried the stacking method with stairs, glass jars and the original containers by alphabetical order. None of these looked nice to me nor was it easy to find what I was looking for.

I found a site that had some really inexpensive food containers with clear tops. I purchased three different size containers: 2oz, 4oz and 8oz. The small 2 oz size was perfect for the small spice containers and the 4oz was perfect for the regular containers. I used the 8oz tins for the spices I use the most, salt, pepper, basil and oregano. I took my trusty label maker and made my own labels for each. I sorted the tins by how often I use them, not alpha order (I think that is over-rated anyway) and then by baking or savory.

Purchased items:
www.sksbottle.com
By the case, from $44 - $72

Crafty corner

I wanted a space to call my own. Somewhere I could play with my crafting supplies and make good use of my recycled wrapping accessories. So, I reclaimed my laundry room.

I painted the cabinet doors white to make them match the countertops, purchased a few items and started organizing.

I used paper towel holders to house 4 rolls of wrapping paper each and a spice rack for the rolls of ribbon I had. The strips along the wall are my most ingenious storage invention. I used the magnetic knife racks from IKEA and created three rows of visable storage space for different length ribbons from old packages or almost used rolls and organized them by color.

Now I can see all of my wrapping paper and ribbons and craft book without trouble. It looks neat and organized yet pretty. 

Items purchased:

Ikea:
Grundtal Paper Towel Holder $5.99 x 2
Grundtal Spice Rack $19.99
Grundtal Rail $6.99 x 2
Grundtal Magnetic Knife Rack $8.99 x 3

Misc:
Binder Clips $7

My Office meets the Playroom

I desperately needed a space where I could work and still be close to my son while he played.We converted our garage into a playroom for him about a year ago and discovered that I had some hallway space near the laundry room that might work. Again, off to IKEA I went.

I once again trusted my white paint to calm down the space and make it look clean. Then I used a few purchased items from IKEA combined with ones I already had from previous organization sprees and got down to business—literally.

The outcome has been revolutionary. I feel close to my son, I can work in a quiet place (well most of the time), it looks nice and I used the wasted hallway space!

Purchased items:
Ikea:
Vika Amon Table $45
Legs x 4 $5/ a piece