Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Simple Organizing

We're getting real here today and going somewhere a blog post of mine has never gone before as a part of the Clutter Confessions tour. That's right, I'm showing you a glimpse at the inside of our junk closet. And by junk I mean, I actually need everything in the closet, but it looks like junk! It's not good and I'm not proud of it, so I'm serving myself a big dose of humble pie and showing you anyways ;) Hoping you guys can relate.

At the entry of our apartment, we have this tiny little closet (but I'll take it because it's a tiny apartment and we need all the storage we can get!) This is one of two legitimate closets in our apartment, so I am grateful for it, but man, it could stand to be a bit bigger ;) In the winter, it's where we keep our winter coats, so it's usually crammed with those. Gotta have options, right?! It also houses my wrapping paper and bows / ribbon, my Beautycounter samples, our filing cabinet which is full of my client projects, supplies, samples, desk stuff and other misc., then the top shelf is literally just things we don't know where else to put. Just being honest!
Please tell me you have a closet like this in your house, too. 

Just for a little close up, you can see what a disaster the top is. That basket is filled with who-knows-what, apparently an old amazon box and a bunch of left over swag from the Bloom Workshop. Oh and a pillow for good measure. Ha!
I actually love organizing and I've tried organizing this closet a couple times, but somehow it always finds its way back to this state. I think I'm hyper-focused on what the visible areas in our home look like, that I forget that I need to give a little love to the closets, too. I also think closets and unseen spaces are also daunting to tackle. There's just so.much.stuff! How can I possibly organize it all?! 

That's where my friend Melissa from The Inspired Room comes in. Her new book, Simple Organizing, came out yesterday and it's a great read, friends! It's quick, simple and chalk-full of tons of great ideas. She is always quick to remind that decorating and organizing is about simple steps and simple decor, it doesn't have to be grand or fancy or perfect. I was encouraged to tackle this closet with simple ideas in mind after reading her new book.

There are no reveal photos (yet) of my newly organized closet. I'm sharing it because it's on my April Goals list to tackle, and hopefully showing you the before will be my motivation to get it done!

Here are a few of Melissa's tips that really stood out to me in the book:

- Embrace the Domino Effect. She explains this as being a right (even very small!) organizing decision leading to more right choices that will positively impact your space and its organization. Same thing in the opposite direction. If your mail pile continues to grow and scatter, or your remote control collection (husbands, looking at you!) is getting out of hand with nowhere for them to live, these messes will spill into every place of your home. I simply took from this that you have to start small and you have to start somewhere. 

- Small spaces need a plan in order to stay organized. That's our issue with the above closet! I think if everything had a more defined place, we'd be in better shape. I also think I can get more creative with the space. It's tall and narrow, so I'm thinking an accordion style storage thing that hangs from the rod might be nice. That way we'll have compartments for certain things instead of it all piling up on top.
- Set goals for the space.

- Pare down. I always think I've done this (I actually love getting rid of things!), but I think when it comes to the closet, I can throw away or donate even more! 

- Make room for what you love. This doesn't necessarily apply to my closet, but I love the tip in general! And maybe I can try to take it to heart, even in the tiny closet ;) Because now when I open it, I just dread it. 

- Create zones. I always tell this one to my clients and it's proven so helpful in clearing clutter and keeping things organized!

- Increase the amount of storage by putting hooks on the backs of doors or in cupboards. I loved the idea of putting hooks on the doors under the kitchen sink to hold gloves, brooms, and more.
All of her tips are so practical, which is something I really appreciate. You can grab the book for yourself here! And it makes a cute coffee table addition with the pretty and spring-y cover :)

Now for the fun part! You can enter to win a $250 gift card to The Container Store over on The Inspired Room blog in celebration of their new Simply Organized book! Click here to enter. Also, you can enter to win a copy of the new book by commenting on this post letting me know you want to win! A winner will be randomly selected next Wednesday, the 11th!


Okay now I need to learn about your clutter confessions ;)
Happy Wednesday!
xoxo

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Take a peek at other blogger's clutter confessions (I will be just to feel better about myself! Ha!)

TUESDAY

The Inspired Room – $250 Container Store GIVEAWAY
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WEDNESDAY

Michaela Noelle Designs -- that's me!
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THURSDAY

22 comments

  1. I'd love to win a copy. And yes, I have one of those closets - mine's just much bigger... which I think makes it worse. :(

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  2. It would be great to win a copy of her book! I have the Kon Mari book, but I just can't get through it for some reason. I would say my biggest problem is lack of storage in our house... I have a very similar closet to yours as you enter our house, and it just never seems to be right. And organizing winter gear is no joke.

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  3. I'd love a copy of this book. Living in a small house demands that I stay organized and de-clutter on a regular basis.

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  4. I love a copy of Melissa's book! When you live in a small space, you never know when you find an organizing solution that will change your life! Lol!
    In my small bungalow I don't even have a hall closet. But I did have enough room for a row of coat hooks and small baskets for keys, hats and mittens. Works great!
    I keep trying to organize the kitchen, but it is such a high use area that things are hard to figure out. One week you have extra bread and then next it is extra bananas! Someday I might figure out a better option!

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  5. Could always use some help with organizing!

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  6. Great post, Michaela! I would love to win a copy of Melissa's book. Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I'm looking forward to some Spring cleaning myself. :)

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  7. Oh, gosh. I have a closet like that too! I need this book for help!!! ;)

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  8. YES!!! I love your post, Michaela! Thank you for sharing and for opening your closet, too, I definitely relate! <3

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  9. I'd love to win! I am actually thinking of starting a home organization business :)

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  10. I would love a copy of this book! And in full disclosure I have three empty bedrooms in our house full of randomness from moving in June! Sometimes to much room is a problem ����‍♀️ :D

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  11. Hello, I moved out of the home, my husband and I shared; so there is a cluttered dining room... Abd, a very messy craft room! The book would certainly be welcomed!
    Thank you, Cindi

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  12. Happy to find this blog, which assisted me to refurnished the interiors of my house. It happened after finding a perfect interior designer in Delhi. https://www.theinteria.com/

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  13. I would love to win a copy of this book - I need it!

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  14. I would love to win as I can use any help, ideas , etc that might be able to get the house in order.

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  15. I would love to win a copy my closets need help

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  16. Would love a chance to win the book!

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  17. I need this book desperately! I have multiple closets and rooms way worse than yours!

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  18. I would love to win that book!!

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  19. I would love to win this book. I so need it.

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  20. Thank you so much for this chance to win the book! I am so inspired to declutter this spring, but I'm not sure where to start and could definitely use some tips!

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Thank you for stopping by! If you have a specific question, please email me at hello@michaelanoelledesigns.com. I always reply to emails! Have a blessed day! xoxo

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