Home Simplified: In the Closets

When it comes to closets and storing things, I have two thoughts.

1. If you have the space, you will fill it.  

2. Everything has a place.

We do not have a lot of closet space.  Our kids have one closet.  We have a laundry closet.  We have one closet that we use more as a linen closet and then our two wardrobes.  That is it.  We do have a crawl space but I will spare you the pictures.  It holds camping gear, all Zach's tools and randomness that I should probably go through now to think of it.  

When your things are organized, it makes small spaces functional.  Also, closet spaces stay organized when you have in them only the things you use daily.  Our kids do not have a million clothes...it is just the way I decided to go about things for them and really for me, too.  The more things you have...the harder choices are which leads to melt downs and unnecessary drama in the mornings.  When you don't have a ton to pick from...everything you do have...you like and you wear.  The kids are the same.  If there is a shirt or pair of shorts they don't wear...it goes to St. Vincent de Paul or another donation place.  You can also consign clothes, but it just hasn't been worth the time for me.

All 3 of my kids hanging clothes are in one closet.  Owen doesn't really have hanging clothes so that helps.  I do my best to keep them organized for ease of getting dressed in the mornings...but life happens especially when Zoe does laundry.

I decided about 2 years ago to minimize their clothes.  I was overwhelmed with laundry and finding space for all their clothes in our old house where we had loads of space and large closets.  I was stressed over all the folding and whining when they didn't like what they were wearing.  I couldn't deal so I knew a change had to be made.  Ever felt this way, too?

I minimized.  I kept only 3 or 4 pairs of pjs for each kid.  I got rid of anything the kids no longer wore, they grew out of or items that had horrible stains or rips in the knees.  I started doing laundry a little more often but it was easy to put away because I now had the space and wasn't shoving things in any open spot I could find.

When seasons change, its time to do a clean sweep.  I look forward to these.  What items did you or your child not touch that season that can go?  For us, I pack up items that have been grown out of for the boys and keep for the next boy when they get that age.  But I am really honest with myself...did they wear it?  Is it worth keeping around?  Do I even like it?

I am a BIG fan of baskets and bins.  It helps to keep everything in their exact place and not just thrown in to make a huge mess.  Hooks on doors are also amazing space savers for gyms bags or towels.  On the weekends, the kid's book bags are hung in their closet to get them out of the main room. 

We have been unbelievable blessed with hand me downs from friends and family.  I am so grateful for people's generosity!  Whenever I am given clothes or shoes etc., I first let the person know that if they want these back then I am not their girl.  I honestly can't remember whose things are whose and I don't have the energy to keep up with others things that they want to be used, but would like back.  It's not being mean...just honest.  If the person gives items to me that are mine to do with, I go through them.  I am honest with myself in this first look.  Once again...would they wear it? Do I like it?  Anything that passes the inspection comes into the house....anything that I don't think we will use...gets donated.  Simple. 

Our laundry is nothing to talk about but I do want to point out that every little space can be used, if needed.  Also...if I had more things to store, this space could be even more useful with small shelves and baskets.

 Our wardrobes are nothing special.  What I LOVE about the PAX systems is they are customizable.  Zach didn't need a long section like I needed for my dresses.  He chose extra shelves.  Our shoes are a hot mess....but they are in their place!

Our closet in our room is not deep enough to hold our clothes so we improvised.  We don't have a linen closet so that is what it became.  I am definitely not utilizing this closet to its full potential but at this time we don't need the extra storage. 

I could just eat him up!