Happy New Year, friends and welcome to the first My Five Favorites of 2017!
Everything organized and in its place makes me ridiculously happy! I'm good at
keeping things in order that I see or use everyday, but the out-of-sight areas, like
our basement...not so OCD about that. Come January I'm always ready to tackle it, so
that's first on my project list this month. I'm anxious to check out my pals' favorite
organizing tips they're sharing today too:
We have an organizer extraordinaire as our guest this month, you're going to love Erin @
on her blog for tons of tips, including how she keeps her gorgeous kitchen looking so fab!
Onto my favorites:
#1 Baking Center
Three drawers in my kitchen island are dedicated to a baking center. Having everything I
need in one spot makes it so functional and super simple to keep organized. You don't
need an island with drawers, slide out shelves in a cabinet or pantry could easily work.
The top drawer is pretty self explanatory, except for my collection of measuring cups
and spoons. I just don't like to stop and wash them out while I'm cooking. Haha!
The large glass containers each hold a 4 pound bag of sugar and flour, the two smaller
ones in the back contain brown sugar and the necessary staple - chocolate chips. :)
The bottom drawer holds a huge metal bowl, stacked inside is a cheesecake pan, 9" cake pans,
metal pie plates, 3 glass pie plates and a bundt pan that I removed to give you a better visual.
Next to the drawers is a triangular shaped sliver of a cabinet just large enough
for my mixer and food processor.
#2 Billy Bookcase
I've used this cabinet for clients numerous times, the glass doors add style and the
option of solid panels to hide the not-so-pretty make it a favorite. Its narrow 11" depth,
adjustable shelves, and reasonable price always win out, it's from IKEA
here.
#3 Budget Storage Boxes
I'm happy to say that it looks almost the same today (as the after!) except I've
accumulated a few more of my favorite FREE storage boxes ~ orange Nike shoe boxes.
The other orange boxes are from IKEA
here.
(Excuse the old dark pics from my 1938 basement)
BEFORE
AFTER
#4 Filing System
This is actually inspiration for a January project. Our files could use a clean out and
reorganization. I liked the pretty color coded zone system and her list of categories and
sub-categories seemed functional and easy to maintain.
#5 Purge
By far the biggest impact in keeping me organized is purging what I don't use.
I read the book The Magic of Tidying Up about a year and a half ago and her perspective
and concept of organizing resonated with me, I LOVE not having stuff.
My Five Favorite Organization Tips from last year HERE.
Be sure to stop by and check out these talented friends' tips:
