Stuology

Organization

Dec 4th, 2009By: Mellystu Comments 1

I hate thinking of titles.

I use the plastic Itso storage containers in the kids playroom to organize their stuff. They work great when the kids actually put toys in them. A friend gifted me some extra small storage trays that I was going to use downstairs for more toy and craft storage with the purchase of more white containers. One day, I had what Ada likes to call “A Great Idea!” I was tired of the shelf of gloves and hats and scarves in the closet. It is no wonder I cannot find matching gloves when I’m reaching in a big pile of assorted winter accessories, all of which are way above my head. I used those small storage trays and sorted all the hats, gloves and scarves. All I had to do was reach up and grab the appropriate container, giving the kids a chance to grab the correct accessory of their choice.

It was working great except that stacked on each other, they would be prone to falling over. And some people in the house didn’t understand my organizational scheme, so it was hard to find things again once the items got mixed up since they are still above my head and my only clue to the bin’s contents were from the items peeping over the top.

Today, Jay and I took a trip to Target after dropping off Ada. I picked up one white storage bin, a shelf insert and two big plastic trays. My intention was for two, but the other two storage bins on the shelf were cracked and there was only one shelf anyhow. I got home and attacked the trays with the label maker. Ada has one big one that is holding her hats, gloves and scarves. Jay has the other big one holding his hats and gloves. I kept my gloves in a small one, and I used one small one that I labeled “Missing ” for lost items. All that is left was bins to mark:

• Scarves
• More Scarves
• Even More Scarves

There would be one marked “OMG, Just How Many Scarves Does One Person Need” had I not removed a few scarves in my initial organization. There are all small trays, and I rolled the scarves, so perhaps it isn’t all that bad. I do plan on getting another white container with two more big trays. For scarves. I won’t label until then. After that is organized, I will use the rest of the small trays downstairs.

Oh, for Mac, there is one tray that contains his one pair of black gloves and one black hat. How boringly simple