This project has been a long time coming. With three little kids who are pretty active, and who are now about to start pre-school, I was starting to stress about an area for them to put backpacks, lunch pails, shoes, coats, not to mention soccer cleats, shin guards, swim goggles, and all the other crap stuff that kids come home with. This is what our dumping ground looked like last week.
Martha Stewart would be appalled. I’m appalled, and honestly cannot believe I’m sharing this photo.
Anyway, the first step was to find a place for mail, keys, and papers. I painted an old dresser for all of those things, which you can read about here.
Then, I decided we should have a place for everything else that comes in the door. Since my kids are too little to do the hanger thing, I decided on hooks for coats and backpacks, and plenty of baskets for shoes, hats, and other gear. I also thought it would be nice to have a place to sit and put on shoes or set things down. So, I made our closet into a mini mudroom.
I bought three Ikea Lack tables for $8 each, and put them in the closet to create a bench with a place for baskets and boots. Then, I added some shelving which I turned sideways to create cubbies for more storage. Next, I removed the hanger bar, and added lots of hooks.
Now, the kids are ready for school. We all have places for our things, and we have extra hooks and space for guests.
I think I would like to make some cushions for the top of the bench, but I am just happy we are organized.
I am so happy to be linking up with Honey We’re Home. There is a home organization link up party going on there now. This is one of my favorite places for ideas!
I am also linking up with I Heart Organzing. Today is a link party sharing everyone’s back to school organizing ideas. I think I’m going to be on a Pin frenzy today!
14 comments
Doesn't it feel good to get organized? Sometimes it really is the little things. Clever idea to put the tables together to make a bench! 🙂
It feels so much better! The tables are so far working out great! Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Erin
Your hall closet looks fantastic and I love all your wire baskets! Thanks for stopping by and visiting mine. 🙂
sara @ applestonedrive.blogspot.com
No problem! The wire baskets are a Target find. They had me at hello!
Thanks for stopping by!
Take care,
Erin
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! 🙂 Did you know THREE Erin's commented on this! 🙂 Popular name! 🙂 Following your blog! Erin
You know what they say, great names think alike 🙂 Thanks for following.
Take care,
Erin
Love this! So jealous that you have an Ikea nearby and that you have such a pretty and organized closet now!
Nikki, just a head's up they sell VERY similar tables at Target. They have them out on end caps right now for college kids, if you are interested. We love our closet! Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Erin
Looks great! I really like the way you created the cubbies.
Thanks! My husband was happy too, we could use some shelves the previous owners left behind and he didn't need to build me cubbies 🙂
Take care,
Erin
Nicely done! This project looks fantastic! 🙂 I love a good organization before and after
Thanks for linking up Erin! I adore the shot of your son "helping"- my son is the same way! I'll be featuring this next week on my blog! 🙂
Thank you so much! I'm so humbled 🙂
Take care,
Erin
What a great solution!!! I know that is such a great spot for your cute family!