Baskets and Bins

     We are well into 2013, and I was waiting patiently to publicly announce my New Year's resolution this year.  Mostly because I didn't want to set myself up to fail.  How many times have I vowed to do this or that, and by January 5th, that resolution has long been forgotten.  But I am pleased to announce, as we march forward to April, I am still living daily by my 2013 promise for change.
     This year I declared war on the clutter in my life.  This is beginning with the physical clutter that has accumulated in my house in the nearly 9 years we have lived here.  Certainly the problem became much more pronounced when I began my career as a mom.  Something desperately needed to be done!  Yikes!  
     Below I will share a few of the ideas that have helped me get a handle on the clutter that once surrounded and overwhelmed me.  I haven't read any of the self-help books that promise a simpler, less cluttered life.  These ideas are totally my own, and while they certainly won't bring "peace on Earth,"  they give me a little peace of mind in my world.

Problem:  Coats and backpacks strewn all over the foyer and on the banister.
Challenge:  Solving this problem was really 2-fold.  First, the mess and chaos needed to go.  Second, the bags and coats needed to be easily accesible for little hands to reach on hectic mornings as we're struggling to get out the door on time.
Solution:  A series of hooks in the laundry-room at "kid level" got the bags and coats in easy reach and out of the foyer (a bonus I hadn't anticipated when I tackled this mess).  I added a cork-board above the hooks to post important reminders.   My kids love being able to get their own things, and they've been great about putting everything away as soon as they come in the door.  






Problem:  Legos all over the floor in D's room.  Toys and books all over the floor in A's room.

Solution:  A cubicle strorage unit and baskets and bins for toy storage.  

Storage in D's room

Storage in A's room

Problem:  Piles of papers and reminders all over the dining room table, and frankly, I was tired of trying to eat around them!
Solution:  Add a pretty table cover and centerpiece to the table.  Post reminders on the cork board in the laundry-room.

Problem: Bottles of lotion and potions taking over the bathroom counter space.
Solution: a pretty basket to keep all of those bottles that I "need" everyday.  Added (and unforeseen) bonus: On cleaning day I only have 1 item to move off the counter, instead of lots of little bottle of lotions and potions!

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 Problem:  Yarn, yarn, and yarn!   YIKES.  (It's really really hard to find the color you're looking for when it's just piled up in dark cardboard boxes.)
Solution:  One of those sweater organizers that hangs from the bar in a closet, and one large 31 tote.   This solution would work nicely for whatever your hobby or craft might be.