I want to share with everyone how you can organize your closet on a very limited budget. Organizing isn't just for people who have money to throw around. You can actually create a really nice look on a shoestring budget. Since my organizing journey began, I have organized my linen closet a few times. The photo is of the very first version of my closet and the second is the actual end result. Here is the nice thing, everything I bought for organizing came from Dollarama. So how do you get your linen closet to have gratifying before and after results? Here are the steps:
Step 1 Take Everything Out and Sort
The first step is going to be to take everything out. Every item you take out you are going to make an immediate decision about what you are going to keep, toss, or donate. I want you to have ready some black garbage bags for garbage and donations. When you pull an item out, toss it right away into toss, keep, or a category. You may not know all the categories right away, so go ahead and make decisions as you are taking them out what the categories are going to be. You may feel the need to have a separate pile for does not belong to worry about after.
Some of the categories may include:
Towels
Face Cloths
Blankets
Sheets
First Aid
Medication
Hair Products
Cleaning Products
Personal Care
TIP: For a linen closet, you may have a separate bag for animal shelter donations. Torn and stained blankets are great donations for animal shelters.
Most shelters have a drop off bin for donations outside their door!
Step 2 - Planning
Once you have the sperate piles, you are going to have to do a little bit of thinking. Each pile will need to fit in the space and have something to contain it. Take measurements of your space so it will be easier to figure out what will fit. Some items may be left on the shelf without a separate container, but you still need to figure out where it is going to go. The things that you use the most often should be the things easiest to access. The things you use less often can be a bit harder to access, and the things that you don't need often at all can be on the top. I often don't believe browsing Pinterest is always good for self esteem, but with a project that is so simple, I feel like it is a great way to find some inspiration. Figure out what you like. Do you like the pictures with clear plastic bins with lids, do you like the fabric bins, do you like pretty baskets, wire bins? If you have a door that doesn't fold, you may also decide that you will get a door hanging organizer as well. It is completely up to you!
Next you need to write down the number of categories and figure out the size and type of container for each one. Don't be afraid to mix and match here! In mine, I have vacuum seal bags, cloth bins, plastic baskets, clear containers with lids, and my large emergency kit is just in a little suitcase on it's own. I also like to maximize the space. My first attempt at a linen closet was nice, but I ended up later buying baskets that were just filling out the space more. If they are as tall as the shelves, make sure they have handles and can be easily pulled out easily.
The top shelf I choose to have vacuum seal bags. I had planned to have larger baskets, but it was not easily accessible. I also have a small stool tucked away here in case I need a little help reaching the things on the top shelf. You can take a sticky note and zone your space. Write labels for the stuff on the sticky note, and stick them to the empty shelf.
Step 3 - Shopping
This is one of the fun parts. I like going to the Dollar store to get my organizing items. Before I even think of doing that, I see if I have anything I can use at home first. I love shopping my home. Maybe you have some baskets or bins that you aren't using that will be perfect for this space! Go ahead and grab them. If you need some extra stuff, the Dollar Store has a really wide selection of different organizing supplies. A lot of spaces can be organized finding only things that you already have at home. You can get creative and get some contact paper and stick to containers to make them aesthetically pleasing or check out Do It on a Dime. She has many gorgeous DIY's from the Dollar Store.
Step 4 - Setting Up
Now that you have had all your fun shopping, you will want to set up your items. You should already have the categories figured out and the right number of containers. Now is the time to put everything in the containers and set it all up. When you are putting things in the containers you bought for the items, start by putting the most important things first. When that container gets full, you should really consider not keeping it. If it is not going to fit, you are overfilling your space. This is a bad habit I really want you to try to break. Stick to the container method. Make sure your items fit in the assigned home and if they don't, you have to get rid of something to make it fit or you can't keep it. Remember, things can be adjusted later. Put on some music or a podcast and have fun with this step!
Step 5 - Finishing Touches
This part is truly enjoyable and gratifying. You may want to make some labels for your containers. Not only can this enhance the look of the space but it will help you keep things organized in the future. If you are labelling fabric, I suggest laminating the paper and using hot glue to make it stick. You may want to add a nice scent. I like to get something scented from the dollar store to put in my closets. I try to find something meant for small spaces and can stay scented for a while. This will help the things you store stay fresh and also give you a little hint of joy when you open it up. You can also add a little bit of décor if you have space left.
Step 6 - Enjoy
You did it! You are done! Give yourself a pat on the back. Now you can sit back and enjoy. If you used containers, you are going to find your stuff doesn't get shifted around and messy. It is going to be so much easier to maintain. Just remember, follow the container method and you won't run into the overfilled chaos. Take a picture and be proud of your accomplishment! Now go have some tea and relax. You deserve it!
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