Organization Central

on June 29, 2010
in All Posts

How to turn a tiny closet into a massive hidden storage area:

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We invested in a ton of hanging closet organizers (an idea I got from Young House Love, but on a smaller scale) so we could transform a single rack closet into a place for jeans, shirts, and shoes.

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Nifty, huh?  At the top we have matching baskets for scarves and hats.   I got everything at Target and it’s made of durable canvas.

 

I’m feeling better about our place now that I’m getting organized.  As it’s fairly well documented on the blog, I’m pretty Type A, so having my place in shambles is literally driving me batty. 

 

Kath and Matt donated a pretty dresser to us, which I drove over to pick up this morning.  Matt gave me a Zucchini Carrot Muffin, which I ate half of on the ride home!  You could literally see strands of zucchini!

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Matt also gave me a loaf of sourdough bread, which I used in lunch today.

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I had Wolfgang Puck Tortilla soup.  I began to eat the steamed broccoli on the side but decided it would be more fun to dump it in!

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The Husband is trying to put together our new bed all by himself… I better go help him!  It’s a funky and modern bed that almost sits on the ground.

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Yes, we bought a short bed for our short dog.

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Don’t laugh too hard!

{ 83 comments }

 

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 29, 2010, 2:11 pm

    Ooh those closet space saver things are a super idea! I could use some of them for suurree.
    LOVE the short bed for little dog idea 😀 You msut really love that dog! I’ll need to get a bed that is big enough for my horse i think..then I’d be happy 😛

  • Fit Chick in the City June 29, 2010, 2:12 pm

    You two are hilarious! I imagine that if I had a short dog, I’d buy a short bed for her too!

  • Dynamics June 29, 2010, 2:21 pm

    ROFLMAO…they do make doggie STAIRS to get on beds. You are just tooo cute.

    • caitlin June 29, 2010, 4:31 pm

      Maggie refuses to climb those stairs!

    • Dynamics June 29, 2010, 4:34 pm

      LOL…My daughter’s dog has a ramp. He too will not use the stairs. You are such a good Mommy.

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) June 29, 2010, 2:34 pm

    that closet idea is excellent!! i should really think about doing that 🙂
    nice bed idea too… i’d totally buy a bed based on the size of my dogs haha.

  • Sarah for Real June 29, 2010, 2:34 pm

    Awe I love love love that you got a short bed for your short dog! Lol, I’m grinning so big!

  • Amber June 29, 2010, 2:41 pm

    I LOVE the closet organization idea!!!! I have a disgustingly messy closet in my apartment and that kind of organization is just what it needs.

  • Evan Thomas June 29, 2010, 2:42 pm

    Wow those organizers look awesome. I should get some for college next semester

  • Heather June 29, 2010, 2:43 pm

    aw too funny! we have a tall bed so we have a cushioned step stool type thing for our little furballs to jump on!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet June 29, 2010, 2:43 pm

    Ha! He does look so super short in that picture. Too cute. 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 29, 2010, 2:44 pm

    I love those closet organizers. I only have one, but it helps out a lot!

  • Juli D. June 29, 2010, 2:46 pm

    Tee hee – we have the opposite a big dog and a super tall bed. Unfortunately, big dogs can’t jump very high, so if he ever wants on the bed he has to put his front paws up on it and wait for us to left his back end up and in.

  • Kelly June 29, 2010, 2:50 pm

    Love the closet organizers! And that you are accommodating to your pups!

  • Courtney @ Three Months June 29, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I have those closet organizers and LOVE them. Such a great way to utilize all as much space as possible!

  • Kaz June 29, 2010, 2:56 pm

    That yellow bunny in the closet is adorable. Does he have a story? 😀

    • caitlin June 29, 2010, 4:31 pm

      The Husband’s childhood toy 🙂

      • Kaz June 29, 2010, 4:41 pm

        Aww. 😀

  • Jenny June 29, 2010, 2:58 pm

    I’m loving that you’re getting Great Harvest gifts!

  • Samantha June 29, 2010, 2:59 pm

    LOVE the closet organizing! Very smart. HAHA short bed for a short dog, so cute!

  • Tracey June 29, 2010, 2:59 pm

    My husband and I bought a short bed so our small dogs could get on the bed. However, one of the dogs has gotten to old to jump (even on the short bed) so he just sits on the floor and barks until we lift him up:) Looks like doggie stairs will be the next purchase for the bedroom;)

  • Lisa June 29, 2010, 3:00 pm

    Ah you are a good puppy momma!

  • Kim June 29, 2010, 3:00 pm

    No laughter from me! I’ve got a chair strategically placed next to my bed so my overweight dog can climb up on the bed, otherwise he can’t get up!

  • Bree June 29, 2010, 3:01 pm

    I love West Elm!

    And Young House Love 🙂

    • Ashley June 30, 2010, 8:45 am

      I love West Elm too!! It’s such an awesome store. Can’t wait to see it all put together with little Maggie on it!

  • Amanda June 29, 2010, 3:05 pm

    West Elm is awesome! When my boyfriend and I moved in together we got our bedding from there – they have such clean cut, stylish, gender-neutral stuff. Love!

  • Courtney aka ThatRunnerChick June 29, 2010, 3:08 pm

    We have short dogs too (they are only 7 and 10 pounds)! We already had a high bed though so we had to…buy doggy stairs! My husband was mortified at first, but now its cute when they run up the stairs and leap onto the bed. Before we had, they re-enacted that first scene of Cliffhangers, clinging to the side of the bed trying to climb up!

  • Michelle June 29, 2010, 3:09 pm

    I love that you bought a short bed for your short dog!!!

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches June 29, 2010, 3:11 pm

    Awwww….your doggie is so cute. I’m sure he will apreciate your short bed.

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous June 29, 2010, 3:19 pm

    You are so organized it kills me! Great idea dumping the broccoli in your soup–looks yummy! Do you ever put any parm cheese or anything on your broccoli? It always looks naked. I love broccoli, but I usually need a little something to jazz it up. And yes, how ARE the dogs adapting to the big move?!

  • Brittney June 29, 2010, 3:20 pm

    Haha, nice that you thought of Maggie with your new bed! We have a tall sleigh bed and Clyde just jumps up and down when he wants to get up there and we hoist him in. We probably should do doggie stairs for him, but at the same time, sometimes it’s kind of nice to be in control of when he gets in bed and when he doesn’t.

  • Liz June 29, 2010, 3:25 pm

    Mmm, that soup looks delicious! As does that muffin! I have an obsession with muffins- it is really, really bad. haha And I have ALWAYS wanted to try a zucchini one. I might just have to make some now! lol

  • Erin June 29, 2010, 3:30 pm

    You’ll be so glad to be organized right away as opposed to sorting things out in a few months. It makes life a LOT easier!

  • Caitlin in MD June 29, 2010, 3:32 pm

    LOOOOOOVE West Elm! Got our nursery rug there. Have more rugs in the pipeline (just waiting for the funds to pay for them)!

  • elaine! June 29, 2010, 3:33 pm

    I love platform beds, and I love West Elm! Unfortunately, my bedmate prefers sleeping farther away from the ground, and cats don’t really give you an excuse for a low bed.

    That muffin looks delectable…

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg June 29, 2010, 3:36 pm

    Ha!! Our little dog has to get some serious speed going before he can make his way up to our bed. We might have to get him some steps.

  • Kimberly June 29, 2010, 3:38 pm

    Your closet looks great! My husband and I have been married a little over a year and have moved 2 or 3 times, and each time organizing the closet is an adventure!

  • Kelly (the Running Phoodie) June 29, 2010, 3:42 pm

    West Elm is one of may favorite stores. Such pretty stuff.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) June 29, 2010, 3:43 pm

    what’s wrong with buying a bed to fit your dog? i thought that was totally normal… 🙂

    Love the idea for the closet too! i definitely have some space that would be better used that way!

  • foodandfarm June 29, 2010, 4:05 pm

    wonderful idea! we have an old farm house so there is not much closet space… great advice!

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin June 29, 2010, 4:09 pm

    That’s so cute that you bought a bed that fits your short dog!

    I used to have a short bed, too, but when we were in desperate need of storage space, we traded it in for a taller bed, that we could store containers underneath! And for my little dog, we bought a set of doggy steps so she could still easily get on the bed! They look funny, but they work!

  • Steph June 29, 2010, 4:31 pm

    I NEED those organizers! We just moved and our dresser can NOT fit all of our clothes. Can you provide a link or the exact name? Im looking on their site, but can’t seem to find the ones you guys got.

    • caitlin June 29, 2010, 4:32 pm

      They aren’t on the site but they are by Michael Graves Design.

      • Steph June 29, 2010, 9:48 pm

        Thank you! I stopped by and was able to snag all the shoe organizers (two) but they only had one Sweater Organizer! Better than nothing 😉
        My house now looks a little less cluttered.. thanks!

        • caitlin June 29, 2010, 9:57 pm

          Awesome! I love to feel organized. 🙂

  • Krystina June 29, 2010, 4:56 pm

    Haha, a short doggy bed is adorable. 🙂

  • Kellie June 29, 2010, 4:58 pm

    I am so jealous you got your bed from West Elm. I love their stuff.

  • Stacey June 29, 2010, 4:59 pm

    I can’t believe how much stuff you managed to fit into one cupboard. I think I definately need some of those, I have stuff everywhere!

  • Kristina June 29, 2010, 5:10 pm

    hee ! I *LOVE* that you picked a short bed for Maggie!

    I have a SUPER TALL bed. … and I have a dachshund… 🙂 we have the stairs! 🙂 Basil loves them though… he’ll go up and down them. We chose the stairs that are made from foam and covered in fleece…

  • Katie June 29, 2010, 5:22 pm

    HEY! there is nothing laughable about a short bed for a short pup! (we did the same thing with our bed from ikea) also, welcome to Charlotte!!!

  • Brynne June 29, 2010, 5:23 pm

    I love putting steamed broccoli in my soup! And your organization intensity is making me feel bad about the state of my room .. buttt now bad enough to clean it!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) June 29, 2010, 5:56 pm

    That cupboard idea is GENIUS!!! What a great idea 🙂

  • Maria June 29, 2010, 6:13 pm

    Looking at your closet, makes me want to attack mine tonight! Not sure if they have them in Charlotte (I believe there’s one opening Raleigh though), but The Container Store is a Type A Personalities Dream! I could literally spend hours and hundreds in there.

    • caitlin June 29, 2010, 10:01 pm

      Hahah I totally googled The Container Store to see if one is here… and it’s not. Very sad.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 29, 2010, 6:30 pm

    haha I wish my dog couldn’t jump on my bed but unfortunately he is a tall Bernese Mountain Dog who happens to need to curl up with my every time he hears a firecracker or thunder.

    • Anne June 29, 2010, 10:15 pm

      Awwww, my hubby and I used to have a Berner. (He passed away last spring :() We called him chicken dog because he was afraid of EVERYTHING! Lol!!

  • Trish June 29, 2010, 6:38 pm

    I have sudden urge to go to Target, buy closet organizers, and clean out my closet. That looks amazing. Meanwhile, I have clothes and bags all over my closet floor. What a difference it makes having those.

    And I can’t wait to see your new bed. 🙂

    My cat sleeps in my bed. Well, she hogs the pillows. LOL!!

  • Catherine June 29, 2010, 7:17 pm

    You have some good organizational skills. I’ll pay you to organize my closet 😀

  • Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary June 29, 2010, 7:48 pm

    awwwwwwwwwww! what a sweet fur-mom you are 😉

    i really like those hanging organizers… what a great idea for those with limited storage!

  • Laura (Starloz) June 29, 2010, 7:56 pm

    Woah, nice storage.
    I need that

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) June 29, 2010, 8:00 pm

    Glad you are getting stuff together! I am so with you…I can’t stand things being out of control!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly June 29, 2010, 8:04 pm

    Oh I can’t wait to see your bed because we have a short bed from West Elm as well and I wonder if it the same one! 🙂

  • Kelly June 29, 2010, 8:26 pm

    Aw! My poor little doxy cannot get in our bed. In fact, I can’t unless I put my foot on the ledge and leverage myself upwards. It’s a tall one! He knows how to jump up and put both front paws on the ledge when he wants up.

  • ari June 29, 2010, 8:52 pm

    i love short beds!

  • Sara June 29, 2010, 9:04 pm

    What a great closet idea! I’m totally going to copy it =) I’m moving tomorrow into a tiny studio with only one closet! yikes!!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 29, 2010, 9:20 pm

    Hehe – short dog 🙂 So cute!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal June 29, 2010, 9:35 pm

    Is it an Ikea bed? Ours is pretty short and funky – and from Ikea – too.
    I’m jealous of your recent hookup for GHB!! 😉

    • caitlin June 29, 2010, 9:38 pm

      Its West Elm but it reminds me a lot of Ikea!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 29, 2010, 9:49 pm

    Closet organizers are a lifesaver! I would have no other way of fitting my zillion pairs of shoes in my closet. 😛

  • Camille June 29, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I’m loving the closet! It looks amazing!

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear June 29, 2010, 10:10 pm

    Awww those short beds are cool! Guess you don’t have to worry about falling 🙂 Hope you are enjoying NC so far!!

  • Anne June 29, 2010, 10:20 pm

    Wow, we’ve been in our house for 3 1/2 years and I don’t think my closets are anywhere near as organized as yours! 😉

    Off topic, but I was putting my 5 year old to bed tonight, and he said “Mommy, do you know how pretty you are?” and I said “How pretty am I?” and he said “you’re prettier than you think you are.” How sweet is that?! And something we could all keep in mind, no?

  • Susan June 29, 2010, 10:21 pm

    I am so impressed. I moved about 1-1/2 months ago and am still not finished getting everything put away. It took me over a week to get the closet and dressers mostly done. I still have a couple of bags of clothes to put away. I’m going to use that closet method to maximize my closet space. And I think I’m going to use you as inspiration for finally getting the rest of my house/garage unpacked!

  • Mindy June 29, 2010, 10:31 pm

    I love closet organizers, they make SO much more room!!

    Can’t wait to hear how the adventures in putting the bed together go for you and the Hus!

  • liane June 29, 2010, 11:54 pm

    I am moving next week and have sold 90% of my furniture, including my bedroom dressers. I’ve been at a loss about what to do about my clothing and then I saw your post in my google reader. I think I scared my coworkers with my squeals of glee.
    Needless to say, I’ve spend some time on the Ikea website tonight bookmarking the closet organizers I will be purchasing 🙂

    Thank you!!!!

    • caitlin June 30, 2010, 10:31 am

      hehehe glad i could help! organizing is fun!

  • Wei-Wei June 30, 2010, 4:32 am

    Woah I like your closet! It’s very organised. I would probably also dump the broccoli in 😉 I love it when the flowerbud (?) part of the broccoli floret soaks up soup/sauce and mmmmm so juicy and good! 😀

    Good luck with putting together that bed! I’m sure you’ll get it done in no time 😉 (And ohhhh, Maggie, soo cute!)

    Wei-Wei

  • Tracy June 30, 2010, 7:45 am

    I love the closet organizers. Closets are one of the downfalls to our current home. I’ll have to go in search of them at our Target.

    The muffin looks yummy too!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing June 30, 2010, 7:54 am

    Hah! I really need to get a doggie ramp for our bed so the little dog doesn’t have to jump as much.

  • Miranda @ MirandasJeans June 30, 2010, 4:17 pm

    Not to get too personal but now I’m def interested in seeing this low to the ground bed.

    • caitlin June 30, 2010, 10:35 pm

      Once I get a pretty comforter, I will 🙂 hehe

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