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!