When winter set in, I was itching to organize our entry and small coat closet. Sadly, I didn’t get very far. We bought a storage ottoman, which is great for seating and tucking away seldom used items, but fizzled out after that.
So, last weekend while wandering the aisles of Hobby Lobby, I stopped in the hook and drawer pull section. I found white double hooks for $2.99 each. Usually, I only buy items on sale, which these weren’t, but I decided to buy two. I know, I could have bought about 4 more at Home Depot for the same price, but I wanted to get the ball rolling. After finding hooks, I headed toward the paper, but saw organizers along the way. I looked at the assorted baskets and didn’t see anything I needed. But, on the other side of the display were plastic hanging baskets for $1.49 each, so I took two home.
When I returned, I started working right away.
I decided to remove the large mirror on the back of the door to make room for the two new hooks. Then, I simply screwed the hooks in. One of our entry problems is a lack of kid accessible storage. So, I placed the hooks low enough for Vincent (and Everett in a few years) to reach.
The height (and width) is perfect for small kids jackets. Now, Vincent has a place to hang his jacket, not throw it on the floor. Score! One less thing to trip over or have to pick up. See those blue baskets peeking around the corner? Here’s a better look.
(No, in the three years since building the closet shelving, we still haven’t installed baseboard – or painted where they were. Don’t judge me.)
Those are the hanging baskets I picked up, sized perfectly for little shoes (or flip-flops). When I brought them home, I made another discovery about these handy guys. Loops on the backs, so the baskets can hang in a string. Which means, only one nail in the wall! Now, the little shoes don’t get pushed to the back of the shoe racks, and again, Vincent has a designated place to find, and put away, his shoes.
Now, this dreary day seems like the perfect time to sort through the closet to find items to purge for Jen’s 30 in 30 challenge. Wish me luck.
Do you have any coat closet organization tips for me? Kid friendly tips? Where do you store out-of-season gear? Please share your secrets.
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I hung a fabric shoe caddy against one end wall in our front hall closet to hold small items that get lost all the time – static guard, lint roller, dog paraphenalia – nail clippers, furminator, extra collars, etc. So much better than being loose on a shelf or in a box on the floor. It would be great for hats, mitts, small shoes too. I might add my flipflops to the lower pockets this summer (ah, summer, will you ever come back?)
Barb, that’s a great solution! I might have to add one to the back wall of our closet… Now you’ve got me thinking! 🙂
Thanks!
A
Awesome closet tips! We always struggle with that having 3 small kids around and 1 big husband – ha!
I found a cheap decorative sturdy wire CD rack at Goodwill last fall. It’s tall and narrow and fits my hubby’s big shoes perfectly. Takes up way less precious floor space and looks good too. I find that if everything has it’s place, then mostly things find their way back home to that place. Mostly.
Hi Jodee,
I totally agree; if things have a place, it’s easier for things to find their way back to that place. Thanks for your tip, too!
A
These are great tips. I have a closet downstairs tat needs some organization. Right now it is not being used well.
Well… OF COURSE I want to know where to get those little hanging baskets! Fess up! (please?) 🙂
My Boys’ Teacher,
The blue hanging baskets were from Hobby Lobby and the black wire basket was a thrift store find. Hope that helps!
A
Hi Amanda, you always share the best etsy finds with us! This time I found something that I immediately knew I had to show you. I have no affiliation with this shop, just happened to be browsing. The item itself is a bit pricey for what it actually and seeing how handy Ben is maybe the two of you could tackle a DIY version. EIther way hope you are having a wonderful evening with your family. http://www.etsy.com/listing/62347118/minnesota-handmade-wood-key-hook
Hi Jenn! I love the MN hook! So much fun, but you’re right, it’s definitely something Ben could make. Their signs are also really cool. Thanks so much for sharing!
Amanda