Spring has SPRUNG!

Spring has finally arrived and I could not be happier about the warmer weather we've been experiencing.  I've been able to have my windows open and kids exhausting themselves with outdoor activities.....I love it!   I'm not sure if it's going to stick around, but either way...it's a great change.

With Spring's approach, you can hear many people talking about the need for "spring cleaning".   As you know, I don't like the word "cleaning"  because to me it equates to boring work.  I instead like to call it "organizing" because that makes me smile :)

Anyway, I started our series on Operation Organization in January and you click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE to see the first few entries into the series.  As I mentioned, with all of the fun holidays interspersed since January (Valentine's Day, St. Patty's Day, etc.)  it's been hard for me to stay on track.  But....I've still been busy each week picking an area to organize.

Just this week I tackled my hall closet that holds our coats and winter wear.  I took everything out, had a donate basket for those items that no longer fit, a basket for those coats that need to be washed before storing and the rest went back in.  It looks great and it feels great to have it all put away until we need it again.  Hopefully not too soon!

It's almost time to start talking about fun ideas for Easter, so.....I wanted to squeeze in one more entry into 

OPERATION

O r G a N i Z a T i O n

  So...today I'm going to focus on Spring "Organizing" the Junk Drawer.  We all have one or maybe two drawers or baskets or something that we just put stuff...right?  Please tell me you all have at least one????  This area is the bane of my existence at my house.  Our junk drawers, yes drawerS, get out of hand very quickly.   Back in January, I tackled both of them and I'm happy to say that we've kept them this way since!!!  Hallelujah!

The main junk drawer is in our kitchen so I was looking at it every single day and hated looking at the mess and clutter. Here is the before:

A total mess and full of all the things that had no real home as well as some that belonged here.  It was that drawer that we all just threw stuff in, but never took anything out of it!

So...everything came out (rule #1 of de-cluttering/organizing), everything got sorted (garbage, keep, move to another location) and then I re-organized it.  I had these great bins from Target that were already being used and I put them back.  This is what they look like if you're in need of some reasonably priced drawer organizers...

They come in all different shapes and sizes and can be used in just about any configuration to fit your personal needs.  I am lucky to have wide and deep drawers in my kitchen so I was able to use quite a few.   So here's my blank slate.

And here is the after...

Everything has a place and there's still tons of space empty so I won't here, "I just stuck it anywhere because there was no room.".   

We now even have a little space for the miscellaneous screws, nails, etc.  Not sure how we accumulate so many of these, but I was constantly finding them in random spaces and in small Ziploc bags.

I also converted a drawer I previously used for my extra silverware to an everyday/schoolwork drawer.  It has been sooooo helpful.   I got the inspiration from one of my favorite websites 'Sunny Side Up'.  

Check it out HERE.

I don't know why I didn't think of doing this sooner, but it's been great.  This is where I store my Erin Condren planner (which I adore if I haven't mentioned yet), our family binder which I walked you through HERE, and all of of our school work in progress, supplies to do homework, etc.  This drawer gets lot of action!

Here is our new drawer...

On the left is our family binder and my planner.  I take my planner with me everywhere and keep it out all day long because I'm truly lost without it.  At night, I keep it in here to try to reduce the counter clutter.  Have I mentioned how much I hate counter clutter??

Behind the binder and planner are our school directories with phone #'s, etc. that we use often.

In the middle section I have a bin with bills and mail that come in day to day and they stay here until I have time to sort through them and file them.  I have been working really hard to live by the "never touch it twice" theory.  In other words, you put it here until you're ready to open it and immediately file it or put it where it belongs.   The idea is that you avoid opening the mail, putting it in a pile on the counter, leaving it there until you're ready to move it to its ultimate destination.    It's working so far!

On the right side is our homework corner.  I have extra paper here, blank note cards for school notes, folders with worksheets that my little guy is working on and any other homework aids we may be using.  I also have extra pens and pencils here for easy access when I'm writing a note or adding something to my planner or binder.    

This drawer makes me happy....sad, but true!

And as you can see, I have not gone through the bills and coupons from this week yet...lol   

The last thing I just recently added to the cabinets directly above this new drawer is these beauties from Martha Stewart's new line at Staples.  I always have a few papers that just don't have a home because I'm either using them during the week, they are something I refer to often or I just don't know where to put them.  So....these are working out great so far!

These pockets come in clear or blue and they stick to the cabinet and are easily removable if you choose to move them or get rid of them.  I invested in one small one...perfect for small notes, papers, business cards, etc.

And one larger one that holds an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper perfectly.

The are both fairly deep so you can fit a bunch of stuff in them.  She also has tiered folders like these...

And if you open the cabinets, you can barely even see these inside if you worry about what the inside of your cabinets looks like.

Here are a few other great ideas for your own junk drawer or paper storage in your kitchen that I thought you might enjoy.  One common theme you'll see throughout the drawers is the use of containers.  When you are dealing with a large drawer with small items, compartmentalizing things in containers really helps.  Some of these are even labeled. I think if I took it that far my husband would think I've officially gone off the deep end.

This one is so clean and organized....love it!   If you click on the link below the picture you can even get the free printable labels.

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The use of a cupcake tray in this one is genius...great for small items!

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If you are tight on drawer space or don't want to use one to store your things....these are some great alternatives.

In this box, she stores a hanging file for each family member and their "stuff" as well as her family binder.

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Similarly, she created a bin on the wall with a file folder for each family member and a large board for the smaller items and calendars.   

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I hope this provides you with some easy ideas to spruce up your own "junk" drawer or area in your own home and make it your "junk-free" area or drawer!

Poshed Up

Operation OrGaNiZaTiOn! The Kitchen

Today I'm going to share some helpful (hopefully) ideas to de-clutter your kitchen.  I'm starting with your kitchen for a few reasons...

1.  It's an area I imagine every person I know goes into and spends time at least a few times a day if not, ALL DAY, like myself.  Our kitchen is our central hub in our house and therefore, pretty much everything happens here.  From mealtime, homework, family game night to entertaining...we spend a GREAT deal of time in our kitchen.  So...therefore, this is the area that bothers me the most when I let it get away from me and become a mess.

2.  The 2nd reason is because I've already started a few new things in my own kitchen that I'm going to share with you so you can call me "trained" in this area... Ha...I wish.

3.  And the 3rd reason, well, because I want to.

Today's

OPERATION

O r G a N i Z a T i O n

is all about 

KITCHENS

The main areas of a kitchen that I'm going to tackle are:

Refrigerator/Freezer
Spice Rack/Cabinet
Pantry
Tupperware/Pots and Pans Cabinet
Under the Sink

I think these are probably most people's problem areas and since most every kitchen has these areas or something like it....I want to focus my energies here.   I will tackle the "Junk Drawer" in a separate post because not everyone houses theirs in the kitchen and this post is long enough already :)

First, the dreaded fridge and freezer clean out.

1.  The first step is to take everything out.  I mean everything.

2.  The next step is to DEEP clean that fridge.  I spent about an hour taking everything out last week and cleaning each and every shelf and drawer.  What I found that I didn't know (besides that we are fridge hoarders) is that every single shelf and drawer comes completely out for easier cleaning.  Now I'd like to tell you that I do this often, but that would be a HUGE lie.  Actually, this is the first time I have REALLY cleaned my fridge and freezer (Gasp...I know!)

So since I was so gratified with the outcome and how much easier it is to find things, I have added "clean fridge" to my weekly routines.   I do this on the same day I grocery shop.  Many of you had probably already figured out this ideal swap of old and new, but let's just say I'm a slow learner on this one.

3.  So after everything was out and cleaned...next step was to organize.   Put like items together (again, may seem obvious, but some (like my sweet husband) just shove things wherever they'll fit)....no...bad idea.   When you put like items together (ie. salad dressings, milk, fruit) it's easier to keep an inventory of what you do and don't need.

4.  Decide where you'd like things to go in your fridge.  What drawers will hold which items?  Which items do you want right in front vs. items you might not use as often?  If you are struggling with where items should go or just where to start...click here for some tips.  She'll walk you through tons of ideas for what to store where, etc.

5.  Adjust shelf heights to accommodate items.  Don't just fall back into the old routine and put things where they fit.  Again, we want a system of sorts as we re-organize this area so that we can keep it that way.  "A place for everything..."  remember?

6.  Find some cheap containers to organize with.  I have fallen in love with my local Dollar Store.  Now of course I loved it there before for holiday cheapies, but now I have discovered the endless array of cheap organizational containers and baskets.   They don't fit all needs, but I'll show you how I've used a few throughout different areas of my home.

Or you can invest in some gorgeous containers like these below from The Container Store.  Sadly, these may be on my birthday list this year.  As I've said before...it's the little things with me.  I just couldn't justify the cost for just my fridge at this point.

Oh how I wish....

Or these from Crate & Barrel.  If I got everything I wanted, it would be $65+, so I'm sticking for now with my $3 worth of Dollar Store finds.

On to my own re-do.  I forgot to get a BEFORE shot and you should probably be very thankful.  It was downright yuck!   Here is what it looked like right after a grocery shop and my DEEEEP clean.

My Dollar store containers...perfect size for butter, creamer, mustards, soda cans.  They are actually drawer organizers, but who cares?

Since my son has severe allergies, I do have my stuff organized to avoid cross contamination so it may seem a bit odd how I have it, but it works for my family.  Remember, it needs to work for you and your family.   Take tips and use them for your needs.

The left side of the fridge has some great Walmart containers with handles that hold all of our jarred items (ie. sauces, artichoke hearts and other jars that have leak potential).  One thing I did add to the left side though is wax paper.   I lined the top shelf with wax paper since this shelf holds tons of jars of .  This way if they do leak, I can just replace the wax paper weekly and not scrub

And lastly, we have this great long drawer that is the width of the entire fridge right at the bottom of the fridge.  We dedicated this mainly to my son's food items (again he has allergies and we definitely don't want to mistake our food for his, been there done that and it was not pretty).  So....on the right side, another Dollar Store container with his Rice Milk boxes.  Also in this drawer is our bread items since they are easily distinguishable from his.

So now that I've totally bored you with my own fridge re-do...here's some others I dream for.  I think these are all staged and can't be in "real" homes....lol   Regardless, they are so well done. 

Oh and I did organize our freezer too (we have a bottom freezer) but I think you'll be so bored with anymore.

I love these large containers for fruits and veggies from The Container Store.   The only thing is that I'm weird about what fruits and veggies can "live" together because of ripening.

Here is a great use of space on a bottom fridge/top freezer option from 'Pennies & Blessings'.  She has used large baskets to hold like items too.   

And the last fridge/freezer before we move on from none other than Jen at 'I Heart Organizing' and for good reason.  Take a gander at her fridge.  Are we the only ones with crazy leftovers?  My husband and I may have to have a talk about how it's cramping my organized style.

She even has used her label maker to mark her shelves.  I dream.  These would last about 2 days with my family.

So on to the spice cabinet or the one that holds all of your cooking oils, baking needs, etc.   

Here is my before...

Yikes....after the holiday season and tons of entertaining, I couldn't find a thing.  And...when I went to make a dessert the other night, I found out the hard way that I was out of a crucial ingredient.  Bummer right?  That alone could drive me nuts...some could take it in stride.  Not me.

And my spice cabinet...a pure mess.

Things are shoved everywhere and the lazy susan is lazier than ever and can't even move.  What a mess...

Here is my after.   Smile....

First step was to take it all out.  I got rid of a few things too.  I cleaned up the bottles and  found out that we definitely do not need any type of vinegar until our kids go to college...at least.  I again lined this cabinet with wax paper to avoid sticky messes.

I got this great lazy susan thing with a shelf at Target that I put all of our bottles on so now we can see them all with a simple turn!   And I also put all of my son's baking things on this shelf so that they wouldn't get mixed up with the rest of ours since he's allergic to many of them.

I labeled and sorted everything on my 2nd shelf and put like items together.  I am loving all of my new storage finds...many came from the $1 section at Target so as you can see...you can do it on a budget.

I also bought (invested in) some Oxo containers for my baking essentials.  Certainly not cheap, but so worth it.

And here's the other side of this shelf.  I re-purposed some storage items I already had.

On my top shelf I used all existing containers to organize my many items that I don't use so often, but don't want to get rid of.   (I know I have toooo many cupcake liners.  I do use them for crafts too though)

Here are some pictures of my inspiration...

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Love the use of the jar for all of those pesky cupcake liners.  I had gotten to the point where I would just throw them on the top shelf and quickly shut my cabinet.  No good.

And here is what I am laminating and posting inside this baking cabinet...now I won't need to open a cookbook if ever in question.  After all, the goal of organization is to make your space more functional for your life.

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Our spice cabinet after picture is not so exciting.  What I did do was sort and clean it up a bit.

And since my husband has every single spice known (I'm not joking) and multiples of those he uses the most....we may need this....lol

He would be SOOOO excited.  Not going to happen though!

On to the pantry....  I took everything out, cleaned the drawers and sorted. 

I found some great containers for the pantry from both Walmart and Target.  Here is one that I used for our cereals (from Walmart).

Filled and labeled.

I also organized my children's snacks and re-stocked their snack bins.  I shared earlier in the year about making snack bins with mini bags of snacks that your children like to grab and go when packing school lunches.  It is so great.  I use mine ALL THE TIME. 

Here is where I got the idea.

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In the above pictures, one is for the fridge and one for the pantry.  I only use it in my pantry because each of my kids eat different things and I cannot justify washing it all when we might not go through a whole bin.   Here is my bin in our pantry and my new containers (from Target) for some of our snacks. 

I put all of their other snacks right behind these bins and labeled each side.  This is for allergy purposes.  There are very few snacks they share.

They were so darn excited about this.  You would have thought I filled the bins with all candy.  I guess they like the little things too :)

I also filled these containers (Dollar Store find) with the few snacks they both can share.

I got the idea to place the label of the item on the outside from this...

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Here are some pictures of my inspiration...

I love the use of the door space in the next few....genius!

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This one I'm definitely doing.  I adore it.

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I love everything about this woman's pantry....

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And how about these beauties...

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You're probably noticing that the trends in all that I think makes them so beautiful and functional are:

1.  Containers to store like items

2.  Labels for easy access and to easily return items to their home

Here are a few links to some FREE labels that you can customize, print and laminate if you choose. 

The links...

1.  Pantry labels- Better Homes & Gardens

2.  Spice jar labels- Martha Stewart

3. Basket labels- Better Homes & Gardens

4. Everything labels- Just Something I Made

5.  Allergy labels- Paper & Pigtails

 I used this great re-usable sticker on mine too so that I can change them if need be.  

Here's what they look like...

And this idea for your onions, potatoes and any other veggies that don't need the fridge...it's such a great use of space.

Here's my version....potatoes, onions, squash and avocados...

On to the pesky Tupperware and/or pots and pans cabinets.  I know this is always one we are organizing.  Here is what mine look like now.  All of the lids are together and the Tupperware is stacked by size, but if you take one out...it's all falls.  And I know...we have WAY too much Tupperware.  Minimizing is my 2012 goal!

I loved this ideas for easy lid storage...

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Or this idea using a CD rack...

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So I bought a dish rack last night at Target and I'm working on finishing up me re-do on this cabinet.

The last area I wanted to share some great ideas for is under your kitchen sink.  Currently I have a clear container filled with all of my cleaning supplies.  However, since I started using the "Green Cleaner" that I share here, I haven't touched one of the other supplies.  So I'll be re-vamping my space and gaining a ton of space by clearing out some chemicals!

Here are some great ideas I thought I'd share...

Install a pull-out shelfing unit for all of your sink needs...and under the shelf, they used a plastic mat to catch any spills.

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Or this idea to add a tension rod to the cabinet to hold your bottles.  Such a smart use of space.  This takes advantage of your vertical space that would otherwise be lost.

And lastly, how about using the inside of the door?  

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I hope that helps give you a jump start or at least some ideas to jot down about how you'd like to organize or re-organize your kitchen spaces.  If there's an area of your kitchen I didn't mention that you have some ideas for or struggle with....please share.  In the meantime, happy organizing!

Poshed Up