Thursday, March 28, 2013

Linen Closet Makeover


We have eight closets in our 1600 square foot house. I’m not sure if that is normal, but it seems like a lot. We use the closets in our master bedroom, but the only other closet that gets used routinely is in the office.

We could be using these storage spaces much more efficiently, so like every other normal person, I made a spreadsheet and listed each storage space and each category of items that needed to be stored. It looked a little something like this:

Master Closet : Clothes, Shoes, Accessories
Coat Closet: Cleaning Supplies
Attic: Holiday Decorations, Camping Items, Rarely Used Sports Equipment

…and so on.

The linen closet was the first space I planned to tackle. 


There are actually two small closets right next to each other that make up the“linen closet”.  I’m not sure why the builders didn’t just make it one big closet. It seems like a waste of space, but what do I know? Anyway, there are literally five doors and one opening in the tiny little hallway between the two spare bedrooms. Maybe I should label the doors (yes, that thought seriously just went through my head) so our guests won’t get confused.  Don’t you worry, I probably won’t do that. AND that is the reason why I can never ever own a labeler.

Moving on, my plan of action was to roughly sketch the space that I had to work with and organize it on paper first. Once that was done, the search was on for containers. Hobby Lobby had some that were just the right size and durability, and they were half off. With $40 dollars in gift cards (thanks to my mom and Bunco!), they only set me back $30. Not too bad for ten bins.

A little bit of hard work and a few afternoons later, and I had an organized and pretty linen closet!







I had planned to line the shelves with pretty paper, but after searching all of Paris and coming up short, I discovered this decorative tape at Office Max that adds the perfect amount of color without being overwhelming. It also creates contrast when I get around to making shelf labels.



The shelf dividers aren’t necessary, but they definitely make the space feel more put together.



The closet directly across from the guest bathroom (the one on the right) contains board games, travel bags, toilet paper, guest supplies, sheets, towels, blankets, medicine, and extra pillows. After reading that the moisture in bathrooms causes medicines to lose their effectiveness, I moved them from the master bathroom to this closet.

The other closet holds our books and notebooks from school, sports equipment and painting supplies. Shannon had 40+ binders from PT school and they were taking up way too much space! I ordered a few of my favorite binders from Staples and condensed twenty of the forty into six uniform binders. I’m pretty sure the only reason my husband allowed me to do this is because they are Texas Tech colors, red and black.  Whatever works, right? I still need to order more to finish the rest, but I’m waiting to see if they go on sale anytime soon. This project was by far my favorite based on the transformation alone.

I added more things than I took away, and there is still room to spare. The clutter is gone and everything has a place. I just want to leave the doors open all day every day because it is so pretty to look at.




Also, I folded my first fitted sheet ever! I have tried several times before and failed miserably. I followed this tutorial and for some reason, it clicked this time. I know a lot of people make fun of those who fold fitted sheets, but it really does save space and it is much easier on the eyes.

linking up with:




Hope y'all enjoyed this little makeover as much as I did!

26 comments:

MrsP said...

Great work Kristin! Many people would dream to have your before photos for their closet but your after photos are amazing!

Unknown said...

Thank you! Your space looks great as well :)

Anonymous said...

Is it possible that's a support beam dividing the two spaces? I love your wall color. It takes a lot to redo closets- they're such a chore. Yes, 8 does seem like a lot :)

Anonymous said...

I think 8 closets is about par for the course.....my first level is 1200 square feet and I have 7!! Anyways, I think you did a great job tackling this space, and you even fit MORE items in there just by organizing it, that is a WIN in my books!
~ Kimberley

Unknown said...

That makes sense! I bet you are right :) Thank you, I wasn't sure about the wall color when I first painted it, but now I love it.

Unknown said...

Wow, now that sounds like a lot! Thank you :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful!
I do like the shelf dividers - they help set boundaries and order. Very Nice Job.

Unknown said...

I know, right?! I think they'll help me stay organized as well. Thank you! :)

Nothing to See said...

I agree with you, MrsP. I would be thrilled to have Kristin's "before" space as my "after" space.

Kristin, even though your Before pictures are lovely, your After pictures are even better. You did a great job. Good or you!

Susan said...

This looks really great! Congratulations on completing the challenge! :)

Unknown said...

Thank you! Y'all don't even understand how crazy the before was making me. Nothing had a designated place and I found myself just tossing things in there, but I couldn't be happier with the after! It may not look like that big of a difference, but it has made life much easier.

Unknown said...

Thank you Susan!

Unknown said...

Your closet looks so great! I love what you have done! I need some of those shelf dividers! Where did you get them? And the tape in the shelves is such a great idea!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Thank you! I got them from wal-mart.com and had them shipped to my store. They come two to a pack and are less than $10. I think Bed, Bath, and Beyond has them as well.

Laura Jane said...

The space looks great! I love how you add the color to the front of shelves!

ashlee said...

Wow eight does seem like a lot but you did a great job!! This must feel so great to have everything in its place! I also updated my linen closet :)

I'd love it if you could follow me at http://twentysomethingbows.blogspot.com/2013/03/linen-closet-organization.html

Thanks and happy Tuesdsay!

Caren said...

I remember feeling success when I folded my first fitted sheet! :) Great job on your closets and you are so lucky to have so many! -Caren from PreservingHomeBasics.com

Unknown said...

Kristin, I love your closets! They look fabulous and so organized! I can't wait to see what you do next.

www.wholenewleaf.com

Unknown said...

Thank you! The pop of color makes it a little less boring and I love the fact that I'm not permanently committed to it if I want to change things up.

Unknown said...

It does feel great! I love you're blog and especially the chalkboard art :)

Unknown said...

Thank you! I just hope I can do it again the next time I try :)

Unknown said...

Thank you :) Your craft room looks amazing!

demaro said...

Would you please post a link to the shelf dividers you purchased?

They look very sturdy in the picture and I am having a hard time finding sturdy ones.

Thanks!

demaro said...

Thanks!

Unknown said...

I think these are the ones I ordered:

http://www.walmart.com/msharbor/ip/5508740?adid=1500000000000012981640&veh=mweb