Organize for Health

I'm a big fan of drawer organizing systems, especially in a highly utilized space like the kitchen.

For this client, I helped them unpack into their newly renovated space, and then bought customized organizing systems for their needs.

Functional storage was key since this kitchen was slightly smaller and more compact than before. And since the clients were wanting a minimal look, with little to no items on the countertops, we needed to make the most of the drawer space.

The functionality of a kitchen can make the difference between cooking at home and ordering out. A well organized kitchen will inspire and support a healthy eating lifestyle.

Organizing is not just about design, it's about your health 🍎

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This now organized home office and craft room was once a dining room. The home owner kept the dining table because it's sentimental and provides plenty of space for a work area and a crafting area.

The cube system with colorful bins is now sorted and labeled!

Artistic minds tend to do well with visual organizing systems like bookcases and colorful bins.

Lean into what makes you happy, especially if you're planning on spending a lot of time in the space!

Next step: hanging plenty of art on the walls!

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In my own pantry, I use 5 main types of organization:

1. Shelf risers
2. Hanging shelf baskets
3. Clear canisters
4. Fabric and plastic bins
5. Labels

These simple supplies add order and maximize the space while keeping items clearly visible.

I use the top shelf for easy access to small kitchen appliances.

I put heavier items, like dog food and cases of sparkling water, on the floor below.

When I'm making a grocery list, I can stand in front of this shelf and I don't have to move things around to get a good idea of what I need.

I don't shy away from color, as you can see. If this pantry was for a client, I might be more particular about choosing similar or matching colors.

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Open surfaces can be a magnet for clutter, especially in a high traffic space.

It's just so easy NOT to put something away when you can just set it down on the countertop instead.

And to make matters more difficult, clutter tends to attract more clutter, until eventually this laundry room island lost the function of a surface to fold clothes on.

The solution:

1. Make sure there are proper "homes" for the items that typically end up there (tools go to the garage, crafts go in the craft drawer). And make sure all members of the family KNOW where the proper homes are.

2. To the best of your ability, continue to keep the surface CLEAR so that the space won't become a magnet again. A completely clear surface won't attract more clutter the same way a messy one does!

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Over the holiday break, my husband and I did a Marie Kondo style tidying of his clothes. He chose to keep only the items that sparked joy for him, and we donated 2 bags of clothes. 🌟

My husband has always stayed loyal to this open-faced cabinet from IKEA. He's used it as a dresser for all the years we've lived together.

For better storage, he wanted baskets, so that's what we did. And what a visual difference it makes!

After a while, visual clutter like an open-faced cabinet can blend into the background. But after an update like this, it's amazing how much more calming the space feels! Plus, with all his items categorized in a way that makes sense to HIM, it'll make getting dressed much simpler.

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Don't we all have a cupboard or drawer overflowing with cups, thermoses, and water bottles?

For this client, we focused on:
⭐ Using all of their available cabinet space
⭐ Grouping items together
⭐ Relocating items to the best area
⭐ Eliminating any unused items

We also added risers to accommodate more plates and bowls on the same shelf, maximizing vertical space while not compromising on accessibility.

PS. Don't be afraid to leave a shelf completely empty! Empty space allows for flexibility and freedom.

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Labels are so helpful, especially in storage spaces like this closet.

When you're storing lots of different items in one space, particularly when you have drawers or cabinets where you can't easily see what's inside, labels allow you to locate items quickly and efficiently. And also put them away!

Additionally, labels help everyone in the family to become familiar with the system and maintain it.

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