Don't hate me, my closets are beautiful
May 04, 2009
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Most people have fairly clean houses and closets that are a mess. I'm the opposite. Our house is rarely a total mess, but I can live with toys scattered throughout for two or three days. Then I start to twitch a little and have to clean.
One thing I cannot handle is messy closets. I'm a freak I tell you!! Warning: You will either hate me after the following pictures or be so incredibly bored you will drift off into a deep sleep... We have a linen closet in our loft that used to just have towels and sheets in it. Then I realized we really didn't need 30 towels and 12 sets of sheets. I got rid of most of them and ended up with a ton of extra space:
Now I store cleaning supplies just for upstairs and have turned this into a game closet as well.
I hang stuff in the little corners of closets all the time:
If they had a support group for Labelers Anonymous, I'd be the first member:
One thing I cannot handle is messy closets. I'm a freak I tell you!! Warning: You will either hate me after the following pictures or be so incredibly bored you will drift off into a deep sleep... We have a linen closet in our loft that used to just have towels and sheets in it. Then I realized we really didn't need 30 towels and 12 sets of sheets. I got rid of most of them and ended up with a ton of extra space:
Now I store cleaning supplies just for upstairs and have turned this into a game closet as well.
I hang stuff in the little corners of closets all the time: If they had a support group for Labelers Anonymous, I'd be the first member:
You can see what's in the bin, but I have to label it. Just in case Hubby gets in a tizzy and decides to clean the whole house -- he'll know where everything is. (Snort.)
Our downstairs linen closet is where I keep the majority of our cleaning supplies. Anyone else have WAY too much cleaning stuff? I'm using up everything and hope to just have a couple cleaners for each floor when done:
I keep an empty bin in this closet for kitchen towels/Bub socks that I don't know what to do with. It's nice to have a "laundry bin" for random stuff downstairs.
Our coat closet still has about 15 jackets we have never worn but at least it's organized. I use a shoe sorter for winter stuff above:
You'll see I'm a complete freak and needed the bins to all match:
I can't tell you how nice it is to know exactly where to look for something. Freakin' fantastic!!
I can't tell you how nice it is to know exactly where to look for something. Freakin' fantastic!! You want to see under my sink in our bathroom?:
I don't have to put anything under here because everything has a spot in the closet. You too can have beautiful closets. I swear it!! Get rid of all that crap!!
I don't have to put anything under here because everything has a spot in the closet. You too can have beautiful closets. I swear it!! Get rid of all that crap!!
LOL, lovely closets! I don't hate you, but I do want you to come organise my entire house! I don't even know where to begin.
ReplyDeleteCan I hire you to come organize my home? Pretty please? :) My husband would LOVE if the cabinet under our sink in the bathroom looked like yours... *Sigh*
ReplyDeleteI don't hate you. I like you even more.
ReplyDeleteI try to do this with my closets, (labels and everything) but the other people who live in this house will not help me maintain the system.
oy!
Don't you just love those little white baskets. I have them in every closet and my pantry. I had never thought of using a shoe organizer to keep the top of a closet neat. I might have to try that.
ReplyDeleteThank for sharing.
Juli
I'm exactly the same way. Somehow it feels good to know your closets are organized. I'm in love with my label maker too!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so hearting you and your closets. Would you like to come to Germany for a few days to organize mine? :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, my body looks exactly like Jillian Michaels' in my head.
Hello. My name is Anne and I am a label junkie.
ReplyDeleteI love your closets. I do have one complaint... I would love to be able to enlarge your photos and read the labels. I know, freaky, but labels are for reading... Help a girl out???
Oh dear, you thought I'd hate you, but I totally love you! I'd love to have my closets looking at least close to yours, but I can barely find the time to do it (and with a hubby whose clothes lie in piles in the bedroom, keeping anything organized would be a problem). However, I do twitch like a mad woman when the house is a mess... now, if I could do the same for my closets, I'd be a happy girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! You just inspired me.
Yeah, you are a freak but I love it! I dream of being freakish like you someday... :-)
ReplyDeleteAll right, now I am going to HAVE to buy a label maker...
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested, you should come to my chalkboard paint party on Friday:)
Love the closets and I'm trying, but I am making progress. Not quite as organized as your yet, but getting there. Thanks for more inspiration. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteLove the closets and I'm trying, but I am making progress. Not quite as organized as your yet, but getting there. Thanks for more inspiration. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI loved this post ~ body beautiful Jillian and all! I tend to have very organized drawers and closets. Even my garage is somewhat organized ... it makes for a happier existence (in my very own humble opinion.)
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing that will get my attention MORE than organizing! Funny, I once had a post on organizing my closets ( http://roadyjane.blogspot.com/2007/07/by-popular-demand.html ) but they actually look like crap compared to yours. I did label, though. I need a handy label maker like yours! That would make my life complete.
ReplyDeleteUm, I have to be honest and say that I do hate you a little bit now. You are right about the getting rid of crap. Even though our house is old 70s with no closet space, I could probably utilize what I have MUCH more if I went through and decluttered...blushing. Your closets are awesome, and I'd want all my bins to match--funny how the OCD/Type A will pop out sometimes. ;)
ReplyDeleteWow - that's VERY impressive that all of your closets are so organized. But sweetie, you are NEVER allowed to look in the closets at my house :). Seriously, though, thanks for the inspriation!
ReplyDeleteOh, and by the way, I am told all-the-time that I look like Jillian Michaels. I'm like, I know, I know...stop staring at my rock hard abs. It's embarrassing :).
I love this post. I love organizing. I love organized closets. I am in the process of organizing a couple right now. My problem is that I don't have ENOUGH closets in the proper places. But, those I do have? THOSE will be SPECTACULAR. P.S. I love my label maker, even though it is old. It is invaluable. I even label my kitchen cabinets (on the inside) using clear label tape.
ReplyDeleteI am really jealous of your beautiful closets! I love the idea of a shoe organizer for the winter gear. I bought the drawers only to discover I can't actually open them and they are too tall to reach inside even if I could open them.
ReplyDeleteI am also jealous of the number of closets you have. Did I count three linen closets? Ahhhh, you're living the life.
Nice! I will pay you to come over and work on mine! It's like my least favorite thing IN THE WORLD!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a serious case of closet envy!
XOXO
Jen
I love it!!! All of it!!! PLease please tell me where to get those baskets!!!! PLEASE!!! I live out of the USA and so my shopping time is limited when I go. I need those!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI need to do this! But before I do, I need a closet... I need a space as I just ran all over my house looking for a scrubbing brush!
ReplyDeletelove love love love love love it.
ReplyDeleteall.
now I must know:
what type of label maker do you use? because mine don't stick to the sterlite baskets and it drives me nuts-o.
thanks for helping a girl out. and for such a fun (inspiring) blog!!!
(e-mail to amy_creer@yahoo.com if ya don't mind ;)
I neither hate you nor was I bored...I love to look in people's closets. Mine don't look THAT wonderful yet but they don't look too bad, either. A work in progress :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your solution to the ever nagging "junk drawer". I have a desk/cupboards in one part of my kitchen that we use as a computer/office station. I just can't, for the life of me, seem to get that area organized. Help!
Wow -- I am seriously inspired! I love to see how people organize their closets...yours are stellar! I think I have my work cut out for me here at home...ahem. Thanks for giving us a peek. = )
ReplyDeleteWow! I think that I am going to organize my closets this summer. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI so totally love you! Well, I already did, but now even more! I, too, and a freak about organized closets. And organized cabinets, shelves, etc.
ReplyDeleteSo I loved seeing your closets. I'd also like to see your master bedroom closet...I've rearranged mine a couple times but still dont' have it QUITE the way I want it.
VERY impressive! I absolutely LOVE your closets! I am spring cleaning this week and posting pictures. The closets are coming. . . I don't think I can make them look as incredible as yours though. I can dream.
ReplyDeleteHate you? I want to marry you! Despite the fact that I'm already married and I'm not really into that sort of thing, I WANT YOUR HELP WITH MY CLOSETS AND LIFE. If I could get my closets cleaned up like that I could accomplish anything.
ReplyDeleteOK, so can I send my hubby to your house for some organizational boot camp or something? Cause it's obviously HIS fault that ours isn't that way already.
I love me some organization...makes me feel calm and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! Clean closets probably equate to some weird personality disorder...I have it too. I can feel them being messy even when I'm in a different city.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post, Sarah! Very entertaining and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYour closets really are beautiful. It almost motivates me to organize mine when I get home...I'll probably save the closet organization until the weekend before our first test, just to help procrastinate.
ReplyDelete:) Thanks for all the little tips.
Love it!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Great job. I too must have all matching baskets. It just makes it look so much better!
ReplyDeleteJust thinking about going to the Container Store sends my heart a flutter. SO glad to see I'm not the only crazy one that got bit by the organization bug ;)
ReplyDeleteOne word...
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, please come and put some of that extra energy to good use in my office. Ever get so overwhelmed that you can't even find a place to start...that's me in my office!
ReplyDeleteIt's on the list for tomorrow...wish me luck! :)
Great, just great! My closets are pretty organized but now I am loving your matching bins and I'm looking at my mismatched ones like they are missing all their best friends! Oh, and you should have seen me all dressed up for your party and no where to go! Don't worry - I didn't wrinkle my dress and I'll post again when you get the festivities going!!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I have been that way my whole life. My closet are well organized. But, I do not label. I love the fact that you do. I do use the bins. Do you ever think about the movie: Sleeping with the enemy? It scared the heck out of me that I organize like that guy did. LOL I also got it when the towels had to be hanging neatly and evenly. I think I must be a little OCD. How about you?? LOL
ReplyDeleteHugs, Terrie
Okay, you just totally motivated me to go organize my messy closets. Girl, you have the best lookin' closets in alllll of blogland. I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteGirlfriend,
ReplyDeleteYes...... I hate you and your closets...matchin baskets , empty
bathroom sink cabinet , the less
or more thing going on...ditching the GW Party - that I didn't even
know about but could have and then
.............................. to
top it off - a body like Jillian -
you have gone too far this time !!!
Really - LOL -love it, love it , love it. How did you get rid of
the extra towels...did you package
them up to a secret storage unit or
what ? I would love to see more space in some of mine - although I am not as lucky as you I only have 1 linen closet - yes this is not fair - ya know I have a small house. Can you tell I am jealous ?
If I could vote for the bestest blog I read today it would be yours -humor and organization with
a dash of pretty ! Thanks a bunch..Hugs ~ Kammy
oh my heavenly closets. WOW! i have to admit i was organizing some closets today without even reading this yet!!! my hubby would DIE to have our bathroom look like that! it is one of his biggest pet peeves!
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for about a month or so now and must admit that I find your blog disturbingly refreshing.
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, I did begin decluttering when you first mentioned it and have pitched and purged stuff I didn't even remember I had. I've also enlisted the help of a tidy and organized friend to help me with other stuff in my house.
Keep the tips coming! BTW, I also bought a can of white and black spray paint to bring new life to some old stuff but the rain doesn't seem to want me to get it done.
Yes...I hate you. But NOT because your closets are so freakishly organized and lovely. The reason I hate you is because you have so many freaking closets!!! I WISH I had 3 linen closets and a coat closet. I have one measley extra closet. So.Not.Fair.
ReplyDeleteYou know I luv ya girl!
~amanda
DROOLING over your organized closets. And nothing under your bathroom sink? Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing!!! I need someone to get tough with me, I want to be more organized and have less clutter, so crack that whip!! hmmm do you think you could come over to aussie land to get me started??? I know..I know I need to just do it...sigh...one day I want to grow up to be just like you..hehe
ReplyDeleteThanks sweetness for the inspiration :)
Take care
Melly:)
I will join you at Labeler's Anonymous! Great idea for the shoe cubbies for winter gear storage. I am definitely going to steal that idea. Are they still making your preferred basket? I haven't seen any like that and it looks like the perfect solution for my bathroom cabinet.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly my closets look pretty good here....it's just the rest of my house. Sigh. Before 3 kids I had a spotless house, now I have no motivation....need to find some!
ReplyDelete**I heard NKOTB will be on the Today show friday!
I think that is the motivation I needed ... thanks!
ReplyDelete~Heather
I think that you and I could be in a neck to neck tie for first place at closet compulsiveness! I am the same way too. (I even fold my towels a special way so they can effortlessly go from closet rack to towel bar without refolding!) It's amazing and annoying to others at the same time!! :) Thanks for making me feel normal.
ReplyDeleteI don't hate you because your closets are beautifully organized. I hate you because you have closets! The closet space in our 109-yr old house is abysmal. No linen closet. No pantry. And the master bedroom closet is one L-O-N-G space up under the eaves with no room to hang anything long, so my dresses hang on the back of the closet door. Closets like yours are a joy to behold! :)
ReplyDeleteWow you are Miss Organized. Have to admit I'm a little jealous. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately with the amount of clutter. We just recently cleaned out the storage room, but every closet and drawer needs the same attn...ugh!
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of Jillian. She's just the best:)
very, very, very inspiring! Which is why I blog in the first place, so thank you very much!
ReplyDelete♥ Jen
This is hilarious! I love your closets. Some of mine are really well organized, some not. I'm totally going out to get some shoe oraganizers for all the "outerwear" stuff that gets all jumbled. All the cabinets under my sinks are empty too; mostly due to my nosey toddler who trashes everything she touches. Now that it's empty, it's a great place for the kids to hide.
ReplyDeleteYou are a STAR my dear! I organize closets about twice a year but they NEVER stay organized. So annoying. And I must say that I am feeling quite inspired... but first... MOP FLOORS! Ack! Thanks for the giggles, Sarah! You never fail to get me rolling!
ReplyDeleteI hate you ... but only a little and only until I finish my own closets! ;-) Thanks for the inspiration to get off my rear ... step away from the computer ... and freakin do something!
ReplyDeleteWow chickie-- you are organized! Now, where can I get me some of that organizing motivation? ;P
ReplyDeleteOh I love organized closets! In this old house it's a challenge...well because closets are in short supply, but still I love it. Sorting and organizing are so fun! xorachel
ReplyDeleteI dream of having organized closets. We have three closets, total. To store pretty much everything. Ever seen a linen/cleaning supplies/craft supplies/coat/camping supplies/who knows what else closet? I've tried to organize it, I swear.
ReplyDeleteI don't hate you for the closets, mine are okay. It's the pantry that making me green with envy.
ReplyDeleteNo hate here. Just admiration!!
ReplyDeleteI know just what you mean. My closests are ORGANIZED. Unfortunatly, I'm slowly working on getting the rest of my house there too.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like my mom's house and I'm always just baffled. "Where is all the STUFF?!"
ReplyDeleteClearly I don't have that gene.
Love the new profile pic. Miss you sis!
ReplyDeleteIt is so not fair! How can your sink be completely empty underneath? Not fair, not fair!!! I need help in this department. We have 5 children, so I HAVE to have at least 7 beach towels for summertime, numerous towels for regular showers, etc. Argh! What can I do to downsize? I guess I do have some extra sheets but I just cleaned and it doesn't look close to that. pout off to figure out what I am doing wrong! LOL
ReplyDeleteYOU! My dear, are inspirational! I wrote my post today to inspire myself, or rather incounrage. But you rinspire! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLOVe the labels. makes me want to invest in a lable maker and it makes me laugh at the infamous Seinfeld episode on label makers. Thakns for the inspiration and the laugh!
I confess, I am a labeller too. My closets are very organized and everything is labelled. My very large family tease me about it all the time.
ReplyDeleteYou have absolutely motivated me to get my closets in order. Did the master last weekend - did the computer desk today (not a closet - but we were treating it like one....). Tomorrow I'm off to get bins for the kids linen closet. Wish we had a linen closet for the master bathroom (I HATE storing stuff under the sink), but we don't. Any suggestions?? :)
ReplyDeleteokay, i would call you a dirty name but you don't know me and i am really a nice person... but girl all your organizing is really making me jealous!!! since all your stuff is organized and you are bored because obviously your house is already clean, you can bring yourself down here and get my butt organized!! :) Seriously, i am so jealous you just don't know!
ReplyDeleteI hate you. I could never get my closets that good. I only have 1 linen closet and have limited storage space and too much stuff. But stuff goes hand and hand with 3 boys. I envy you and your closets. :)
ReplyDeleteYou had me at hello ;-) And then lost me in a fit of anger when I saw underneath your bathroom cupboard. Grrr I want mine to look like that.
ReplyDeleteWow, I am deeply envious of your closets and your labels. It is sooo irritating to be looking for something that you KNOW you have, but CANNOT find. I just may have to attack my closets this summer. Well, maybe.
ReplyDeleteShannon
Yes I do totally hate you! (ok, not really just extremly jelous that you have so many closets and places to store stuff!) I LOVE bins and anything that can "organize" stuff. I can spend hours and thousands of dollars in the Container Store!
ReplyDeleteI loved the under the bathroom sink shot. I WISH mine looked like that. Now if people would stop giving me 17863468723489 bottles of lotion and potions for Christmas it just might!
ReplyDeleteI didn't hate but I sighed and dreamed a little. :)
Ahhh.... PAIN.... I think I pulled something! Need. Diet. Drink. and bar of chocolate. Ahhhhh... great organizing workout girl! Good to know that with organizing... there are no after pains just sheer bliss when you look at that beautiful space!
ReplyDeleteI just totally bragged on your post, girlie. You have motivated me. I am going to get my crap together. Come see the nice and wonderful things I said 'bout you!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow, I will never show this post to my hubby or he will send me to your house for boot camp. But I can find those cleaning supplies for free with my coupons and fill up my closets with really great crap. Yep, i have that problem. :)
ReplyDeleteI have closet envy!!!:):)
ReplyDeletelove, kelee
I am new to your blog and read your post and last night was thinking about my new house I am about to move into and how you say there is a place for everything. Well I just wanted to ask.. Where do you put all your decorations from holiday's that are only used or any decor. I thought prob your attic but thought I'd ask if you have a good spot for it if you don't have one! Thanks so much. I going to try to be clutter free and organized from day one!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I thought I was the only weirdo in the world who has organized closets and house clutter. And I label everything, including the fridge shelves, too...
ReplyDeleteWow. It's good to find a kindred spirit. I'll be back! :)
I have this same illness, but mine is not as advanced as yours. My containers do not match, but now I wanna visit the dollar store and get some that do.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I'm an organizing fanatic too!
ReplyDeleteI can't even read the entire post since now I'm feeling like the biggest fattest pig after seeing that first photo. Can I use the 5 children in 7 years as an excuse? For the closets AND my thighs?? Please?
ReplyDeleteI think we might be long lost twins.
ReplyDeleteOkay...so, in my head I'm VERY organized. Now I know what I'll be doing this summer!
ReplyDeleteI just need to say...I think I love you. Seriously??? I want to do this but I just need someone to come and help me. Please??? : )
ReplyDeleteYour closet organization is perfection and I am very jealous of you. I, sadly, have no storage in my little house. My husband and I have about four feet each for our clothes, but no room for a chest of drawers. He had more clothes than I do btw. My two little girls share a closet, but it is mostly toys. The upper part of the closet is filled with junk from my 18 year old daughter who has yet to clear it out since she moved. I'm trying so hard to organize us and to make more space. It is simply ridiculous! How much stuff do I have to throw away or sell???? I guess I'll post a picture of the ongoing pile on the side of my house. But it's so embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteI want to be you Sarah!!!!
Oh my gosh. I.am.so.jealous. But what about if you don't have all those closets?! We don't have any linen closets in our house. I know. We have one in the guest bathroom. And we have a coat closet. Any ideas for that?
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love your closets! Thank you so much for picking me as the winner for the print. I'm SOOOOO excited!!! I've actually been touring my house to see where it will make it's debut! I'm seeing a post all it's own in my future. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again! :D
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm a little late in my comments BUT I'm sooo glad that I'm not alone in my obsession with my closets. I have a crazy household with toys and video game parifinalia everywhere, but secretly I know my closets are a true reflection of me (safe behind closed doors). I am new to blogger land but continue on and happy organizing!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYou are my kinda woman! I LOVE your $1 plates - one dolla make you holla!!!
Your organization is stunning :) I wish I had your energy!!!
Rhonda, CA
Seriously, you are amazing, I am sitting here laughing while reading your blog, because you're just so gosh darn adorable, and I keep reading parts of your posts out loud to my hubs (he keeps shaking his head at me...) I too need to belong to labelers anonymous...I own 3 labelers...I know, it's disgusting. I am in love with Goodwill and even use the 20% off coupon you print online...to which my husband also shakes his head! ARG!
ReplyDeleteOk, I am a loyal follower now! Just stopped in from SITS...
and going to read the rest of your blog...
I'm totally the same way!! I even color coordinate everything, especially clothes by sleeve length, etc:) I LOVE containers since they make such great organizers!!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I too love my label maker and organized closet spaces...although you even have me beat. Way to go...I don't think you're freaky at all! I wish I had as many linen closets as you.
ReplyDeleteThe key to her making space was to GET RID OF THE EXCESS!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as you have "just enough" for daily life, you usually have a lot more room. I took all the ratty towels and blankets to the humane society for pet beds and got 2 shelves clear for other things.
And dumping related things in a bin is usually all the organization you need. It limits the area you have to search :)
I'm finally starting to figure out why this is my favorite blog. Not only is your sense of humor great, but I'm totally obsessed with clean closets as well. I almost LOL'd when I saw your master bathroom linen closet because not only is mine organized exactly like yours, I also have the exact same baskets! And my cabinets under all my sinks (except the kitchen) are empty b/c I'm so anal about the closets being clean that there's nothing left to put under the cabinet! Well, except TP actually. Thanks for this awesome blog. It's nice to know that someone else 'gets' my closet obsession. Haha!
ReplyDelete........... WHY did I never think of rolling my towels up to store them.. looks 100000000000000x better.. !!
ReplyDeleteWow! want to come to Maryland to organize my house? Love the idea of using a cardboard shoe organizer for gloves, hats, ear muffs,etc. Now my coat closet shares space with cartons of canned sodas on the floor space, Alcoholic beverages on the shelf above all the coats..We've got way too many coats, jackets or too little space..which is it? I bet my fuzzy naval mix has turned to sediment by now. My previous home had so much storage space in it..I loved it but those stairs killed us so we had to make a trade off 7 yrs. ago.
ReplyDeleteHow many towel sets is too many for 2 adults? Let's take a survey how many sets empty nesters keep!
ReplyDelete