
Alright kids. We have a little more than a week left in January and statistics say that most of us have fallen off the resolution wagon already.
Amazingly, this whole setting one goal per month thing has worked out pretty well for me. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by my need to tame the mess that was my house, I broke it up into little bits and started tackling one (or sometimes more) organization project a day.
It could be as complex as weeding through my basement or as simple as organizing the space under my bathroom sink. The point is, I didn’t feel so overwhelmed when I had mini-goals to pat myself on the back for in the midst of trying to reach my big goal.
I really think I’m on the right track to be totally organized by the end of the month. Of course it’s something that I have to continue working at, but it makes me feel so much better to get rid of the clutter and not have a big fat mess breathing down my neck whenever I set out to accomplish something.
That said, there are still some areas that need some help in the old organization department. One of the major areas that need help are our craft supplies. So, I poked around my favorite time warp (aka Pinterest) and found a few ideas to kick start my latest mission.
Organization is so much more fun when it’s pretty. I love the idea of these DIY glitter jars (via Lilyshop) to store things like paintbrushes (and let me tell you, we have a lot of those). It’s really simple and you don’t even have to buy jars. Just clean out that jelly jar you were about to throw out and beautify it.
This idea via Aunt Peaches is so perfect for my daughter’s room. That girl has more pens, pencils and markers than any other human being I know–and they are everywhere. Enter an old shoe box and and some paper towel and toilet paper rolls and she won’t have an excuse. Added bonus? She’d love decorating the shoe box.
Another great idea for containing markers (and crayons too!) is using large jars like Jamie at Something To Do does. I’ve been keeping our crayons in ziplock bags, but they’re constantly tearing. A big plastic jar would be perfect. I wouldn’t have to worry about the baby breaking the glass (because we all know she would), we’d be able to see what we were grabbing (which is key!), and they’re big enough to contain all (or at least most) of our supply.
Another great idea from Something To Do is using clear plastic over-the-door shoe organizers to stash craft supplies. Again, you can see what things are so you don’t have to go crazy rooting around. On top of that, you have everything contained and you can group them in ways that make the most sense for your family.
This idea from Mrs. Jones is pretty brilliant too. My girls have about a million coloring and activity books and I can’t for the life of me figure out what to do with them. Using a dish rack to store them is kind of perfect. You can file them nicely and throw some crayons in the utensil holder. Plus, it’s so easy to pull out and set the kids up with them this way.
Last but not least, momma needs some help containing her jewelry making supplies. I love the idea of using spice jars to store my endless supply of beads and buttons (via All People Quilt). That way, I can line them up in my drawers and have easy access to whatever it is I’m looking for. I’m way more likely to get back into the groove with jewelry making if my space is nice and organized.
cute! i think my biggest hurdle is not really knowing my intent for the space. for example, i have a coat rack in my front hallway. one of the rack things has broken off (ugh) which i can probably fix with crazy glue but ive also been thinking of buying one of those cute entryway stands with a coat rack and connected storage bench. soo right now my coats are just lying in a pile due to indecisiveness… haha
That so sounds like my life! Add in a healthy dose of cheapness that prevents me from buying new things and the coats would live in a pile until I can figure out a way to repurpose something I already own!
The word organization sends chills down my spine… lol! I love being organized,but it is getting organized that is the problem. For me, I just never know where to start. Love these tips. My fave is the toilet paper rolls.
I hear you about not knowing where to start. That was my biggest issue. When everything is such a mess, what the hell do you do?! lol. Breaking it up into small tasks was the best thing I ever decided to do!
You are better than me – you’re ACTUALLY organizing, where as I am THINKING ABOUT organizing. Ha ha! I love that crayon in a jar idea, right now I have them in a too small tupperware box (they keep acquiring more and more crayons, I don’t know where they’re coming from!) and I love that box with the toilet rolls on them, so cute! Take pictures and show us when you decide to do some of that stuff!
I decided that I was going to give myself a whole month to do it and breaking it up into bite-sized bits REALLY helped.
Also, I did the crayons in a jar and toilet paper rolls ideas (they’re in today’s post!).
my children are the biggest hurdle to an organized space, ha! They love to drag everything out the minute I get it put away. Something about it being organized makes it all the more appealing I guess…