A crafty space

The photo may be a little blurry but you get the gist of how this could be an organized persons dream crafting space. Oh how I wish I could have a few shelves that look like this instead of all my gear stored up in toolboxes, totes and bags.

image via babble

Varpunen

I simply love these over-sized sacks created by Suki of Varpunen. I'm a firm believer that you cannot have too many organizational bins and I can only imagine how brilliant these would be lined up on a white shelf. Made using PVC laminated polyester scrim they are perfect for keeping just about anything in order. 

images via varpunen blog and shop

Create: A few rolls {in a good way}

Ok ok so its not exactly that creative since its just rolling, but I've been trying to get my closet just a wee bit more manageable lately and after seeing a pin on Pinterest on how flight attendants pack I thought I would give it a go. Of course I had to make it just so, so I did get a little creative with a few plastic bins and some waxed cotton to keep my collection of scarves and handkerchiefs in check. Having an apartment in San Francisco has proven one thing, space is at an utmost minimum and after squeezing a husband, dog, 2 bikes, 10 full size chairs and a collection of over 200 books I'm left with practically no space for everyday things, like clothes.

I was able to squeeze two sets of framed baskets from Ikea into the closet when we moved in and have pretty much left them untouched for a year. And as you can see, each and every drawer was filled to capacity...I couldn't even open them let alone put anything in. And after an hour or so I had everything freshly rolled and stashed away. And you know what, its actually easy to maintain. I was actually able to save so much space that I was able to open up an entire drawer worth of space as well as 12" of shelf space. And I was just threatening the husband with a clothing purge, he gladly gets to keep them all. Its so nice to be able to see what I have a quick glance I would highly recommend spending a little time getting organized.

images by our designed life

Creative challenge: No. 1, No. 2

Getting organized

I've been on a bit of a mission to get my place organized, yet the kitchen always seems to be the last to get a makeover. And considering how much time I spend in there I figure it should become exactly the way I want it. I've been wanting to switch from plastic to glass containers for a while now and this DIY from Inspired to share is an awesome way to get everything organized don't you think? A little chalk paint is the perfect way to jazz up any jar as well as keep things in order. I actually picked up 2 giant jars yesterday for  my big staples like dried beans and rice, but saving up all those miscellaneous jars is a perfect way to reuse and save a little money. Head on over to see how Colleen created her collection.

images via inspired to share

Ballou Projects

There may be nothing more recognizable to native Californians then shipping containers thanks to the giant ships that visit major ports in SF and Long beach daily so why not grab your own container to finally organize that desk of yours? These modern beauties designed by Ballou Projects are perfect for storing those little odds and ends that always seem to be laying around. And how fantastic are those bike racks! If I had the space I would totally hang my bike, a vintage lime green Schwinn.

photos via daniel ballou

Simply storage

I don't know about you, but I have been on a major organization kick.  I usually try to keep things tidy and in their place, but I'm human and get lazy.  Perhaps that has been why I have had a sudden interest in all things storage.  From drawers to chests and shelving, I can't seem to get enough.  I think since our move, we have accumulated double of what we got rid of!  And since we are in a smaller temporary apartment, I'm starting to get worried we wont be able to fit much more.  Thankfully my parents are letting us use their garage, storage shed and house for a few things.

Anyway, when we moved, I saw this wooden set of drawers sitting in my parents garage and asked if they were going to be using it... turns out, my Dad got it for free at an estate sale!  And with a pretty please, I am now the proud owner.  How do you stay organized?

And just for a little inspiration, here are a few clever ways to store odds and ends.  There is just something about being able to close off everything for a nice and clean look.  For our next place, I am definitely going to be investing in quality storage solutions.

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