Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A Hall Closet In Need Of Attention: STAT!


Okay, okay...yes, this is a closet in my house. I was just telling a neighbor that one of my first projects of the new year was to clean out and organize a terribly messy closet. She didn't believe me, that there was an unorganized spot in my house. I said just wait, you'll see photos of it on my blog in a few days.

(Obviously she, unlike you, has not seen the master walk-in closet! Hopefully that's another project for later in the year.)


At first this closet had order. Then during this past summer, when I had a lot of projects to complete while also trying to keep blocks of time free to hang out with the kids, I just started throwing things back in after using.


First task, clear everything out. Then sort, toss away, donate, organize and put back in with order. I'll keep you posted...this is not my area of expertise, but I'll try!
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55 comments:

Mr. Goodwill Hunting said...

It looks well organized on this end. Boxes & more boxes. Organization...ahhhh

Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Lana said...

Woke up this morning around 6;00 a.m. and told myself my new year resolution would be organize my masterbedroom closet. but opted to organize the hallway closet first w/c had all the jacket of course and then my DIY chair that sit in their the last 8 months ;(
This post is funny w/c really telling me I had to start now. :)

Happy New Year Janell!

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

Whew, for a minute I thought you were just a little too perfect! Glad to know that you do have a not so tidy spot in your home;-)

Can't wait to see how you plan to organize the closet. I think wicker milk crate type baskets would look great in there with little labels attached to them. That't what I plan to do to mine.

Marcie said...

I know this post is about reorganizing your closet, but can I change the focus??? That light fixture is amazing. I am over the moon!

Heather said...

I love the light too! Maybe that's the secret...hang a fabulous light in front of a messy closet and no one will notice!

As for the closet...isn't it crazy how much time it takes to organize it, and how little time it takes to mess it up?

Happy New Year!

1 Funky Woman said...

So glad you are going first, then I can take lessons from you, good luck!

Meg

marty (A Stroll Thru Life) said...

Oh how I need to do that to our tiny linen closet. It is sooooooo bad. Can't wait to see yours all done. Hugs, Marty

Jamie said...

You can do it!! Just think of the accomplishment you're going to feel when you compare the before and after shots of this project!

P.S. The light fixture is so unique! Where did you find such a beauty?

jessica said...

can't wait to see the final outcome! good luck! and the light fixture is fabulous!

www.creativeindexblog.blogspot.com

Kendra {House of Ficek} said...

I love that light! I hardly saw the closet because I kept looking up at that light, that was your plan wasn't it?! I do the same thing, I think I'm saving time until I can't find stuff the next time around.

Fran said...

Good Luck!! It's good that you have the space for storage!! That closet is heaven!

Michelle @ Ten June said...

um, forget the closet- can we talk about the light fixture? i want one! it's gorgeous, Janell!!!!

Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle said...

On the bright side Janell, this is a one day project. Your stenciling projects must have taken days.

Happy organizing!

erin said...

I just did this to our office closet/perennial dumping ground. Now the room seems to feel physically lighter when you walk in, and I open the closet door about 10 times a day to once again feel that delicious sense of accomplishment. One thing that helped... as I removed everything from the crowded shelves I'd place them into one of three bins: toss, keep in closet, keep but put elsewhere. Then I took the "keep in closet bin" and sorted everything into logical groupings as they went back on the shelves. I think I saw this trick on a TLC show long ago, and it really worked.
Good luck!!!

The Starr Family said...

Who wants to clean when you can stare at that light all day? Irregardless of what's behind the closet doors... that light will distract anyone! Love.

Rene said...

OK if this is your biggest character flaw then I guess we still like you, ha! Seriously, my closets need WAY more organization than that...one day. Maybe you will once again inspire me.

-Rene

Leanne said...

You'll have that closet whipped into shape in no time. You already have a great start with all the wonderful storage. Love, love, love the light.

The English Organizer said...

It'll go quite quickly once you get started, I promise!

Anna @ Take the Side Street said...

Oh we could definitely be besties with our hidden closet messes. It just shows you know how to PRIORITIZE. If it's behind a door and no one but your fam sees it? It's last on the list, for sure :) Good luck with your organizing!

Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy said...

I could barely even look at the mess in the closet because of that gorgeous light above it!

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Janell it might be unorganized but with that chandelier in front of it, it still look fabulous!

Didn't get a chance yet to wish you & yours a tremendous 2011! Happy New Year.

Cheers ~ Deb

sarah, flourish design + style said...

Organizing projects are my favorite! I'm sure you'll be done in a snap! x

Averill said...

Somehow Janell, seeing this closet makes me feel better. And here I was thinking every square inch of your gorgeous home was decorated/organized! :)

I need to do some similar organizing myself. I've got several upstairs closets that are simply repositories for junk.

Karen said...

Ha!! that looks looks my closet on a good day LOL.

Paige (Final Clothes-Out) said...

Honestly, that's not too bad. Maybe I'm just swayed by all of the Hoarders episodes I've seen lately, but that closet will be fixed in no time!

Courtney {a thoughtful place} said...

Closet can't look that bad with that light hanging in front of it! Looks like it was perfectly organized and then things start getting thrown in, right! I know that tune very well. I just made my hubby break open the wall behind ours. Major work in progress.

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I have a closet just like that!!

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I have a closet just like that!!

Wendy said...

who noticed the closet with that stunning light infront!... good luck organizing! :)

barbara@hodge:podge said...

That's what I spent yesterday doing, sorting, moving the contents of and organizing 3 closets! Yours has the potential of being nice and neat, you already seem to have had a system going, just needs to be re-arranged!

Cristin @ Simplified Bee said...

Loving this project! Aim for function rather than perfection ... it's easy for the decorators in us to take over and get way too anal.

Your new blog looks amazing as well!

xo,
cristin

Stephanie said...

Hi Janelle! Local Oregonian with you every day here! Love your blog and your new layout - it's very pretty! Good luck on your closet! I find I do that with EVERYTHING! Get it out and don't put it away! Jeeesh you'd think I would learn! Good luck - can't wait to see the finished product. Your blog is VERY inspiring and I've gotten many ideas from you. Thanks!!!

Barbie said...

Oh wow! I NEED to see you work your magic on your closet...mine needs help in a similar way.

BTW, LOVE the new blog design. Really has great impact and suits you so well.

Susie @ Maddie's Nest said...

Oh, first off I LOVE your new look around here. And, the closet....yes I am actually procrastinating at the moment from organizing our master closet....the last place in the house that still has a few boxes. I really hate organizing but feel so much better when it is done. Looking forward to see how you work your magic!

courtneyoutloud said...

Oh sweet Janell - that is what we call organized in this house. However, I am excited to see what nifty and cool thing you do in the closet. But now I am thinking that my little closets of messiness needs some help too! Damn you for the inspiration! :)

JC's Loft said...

Good luck...can't wait to see it when you are finished : )

Paula

Sherri Cassara said...

Oh, if we were neighbors! You could stencil my powder room and I could play with your closet! Happy organizing!

Maillardville Manor said...

Looks pretty good already but I'm sure you'll make it much more fabulous!!
btw: LOVE you light fixture :)

CocoShack said...

this definitely looks better than some of my closets!! haha

xo
dana
cocoshack.blogspot.com

SHERRY HART said...

You start organizing first and then we will all follow!!! Love the look of your blog. I love change.....so fun.

anneoverbeek.blogspot.com said...

Forget the closet and just focus on that LOVELY light! Where oh where did you find that???

No really, I just organized our front closet and it always takes serious dedication. Good for you for tackling a disorganized spot in your home...just focus on how good it will feel when it is all accomplished!!

The Johnson's said...

Please tell us where you got that light fixture. It's so beautiful!!

Stephenie from Decorating Addiction said...

I can't wait to see how you organize it. I have a similar closet full of games and I really need to address it! More importantly, where is the light fixture from? It's beautiful!

Janell @ Isabella and Max said...

Look for a post on the light fixture tomorrow! Janell

Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie said...

I've been working on my own stashes of disorganization around the house! Would love for you to link up at my "1st project of the year" party starting 1/11/11!

Amy

lisaroyhandbags said...

It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one with a closet like this!! I find the busier you are, the harder it is to keep things in their places. I've got plenty of organizing to do myself! :)

Jade @ Flip Flops + Pearls Design said...

Aahh...it's not that bad!! Just noticed the new background design..very nice!

Allison said...

I'm right behind you, Janell. I starting on our closets tomorrow. My goal for January is to get them organized. I'm liking those plastic bins you have in your closet. I also eye Pictionary. A fun family game!

Party Resources said...

I love the new blog design. Shari just redid mine too. She is the best!

Kendra {House of Ficek} said...

Love the new blog design, very classic and simple!

kayce hughes said...

Need to do the same!

Splendid Willow said...

Thank goodness - she is not perfect! (:

I think many of us have a need to start the new year fresh and in control. I am doing the same over here - getting rid of things and clutter. Feels good!

ox, Mon

http://www.splendidwillow.com

Heather said...

A great place to start the new year, i have a closet very similiar.
Just dropping by to say LOVE the new layout design. xxoo

Debby said...

How have I not heard of your blog?! Sometimes I swear I must live under a rock. I found you via Shari's blog redesign which looks awesome by the way. She is so talented. We have the messy closet thing in common. My home is usually spotless, just don't open the closets! Time for me to reorganize as well. xo

Kathysue said...

WE all have our closets behind doors for a reason!! I am doing the same thing right along with YOU. I just wrote a post on my linen closet which has become a messy prop closet, no room for linens anymore.

Be sure and come by for my Container STore gift card $75 giveaway. Lots of things to help organize there!! Kathysue