I run into people all of the time that think that organizing means buying nice shelves and cute storage bins or baskets to store their stuff. That everything has to be pretty and matching. That’s not organizing, that decorating. There is a big difference between having specific places to store your stuff and having decorative items to show things off. Sometimes all of those pretty, matching storage basket and bins actually create more clutter in your space.
Organizing means “to arrange or order things so that they can be found or used easily or quickly”. People who are successful organizers are not focused on the beauty of the organizing system (that can come later) but the functionality of the system. One of my golden rules of organizing is to “Store it where you use it”. Sometimes that means that you have to get creative with your organizing. Shelves and baskets don’t always work in the space that you have. I have found that one of the most under-utilized spaces in a home is behind the door. Yes, that space between the door and the wall. It’s amazing really, how much space is actually there.
One of the easiest, most versatile organizing tools that I have found is the clear, plastic over-the-door shoe organizer. This product can be purchased at any number of stores (Target, The Container Store, Ikea) from $10 – $20 dollars. What I love about this organizing system is that it can be used in every room for almost anything. I suggest the clear plastic so that you can always see what you have.
Places to use the over-the-door shoe organizer:
1. Hang it in your kitchen over your pantry door to hold snacks, spices, water bottles or cleaning supplies.
2. Hang it in your craft room to hold ribbons, bows, buttons, scrap booking accessories, cutting utensils, etc.
3. Hang it in your toy room or kids bedrooms to hold Lego’s, Barbie’s, video gaming accessories and games, even stuffed animals.
4. Hang it in your bathroom (even under the cabinets) to hold toiletries, cleaning supplies, nail polish , makeup, and hair accessories
5. Hang it in your closet for belts, jewelry, scarfs, sock, and yes, even shoes.
Over-the-door shoe organizers provide literally thousands of possibilities to help you organize any space in your home. Just remember, the easier you make your organizing system, the easier it will be for you to stay organized. Then, once you are totally organized, you can go back and make everything beautiful with your favorite decorative accents.
Happy Organizing! Bridges
