Right before Christmas, Chris gifted me the most unexpected and incredibly needed gift maybe ever--he hired professional organizers to come unpack* and organize our entire house. *Due to our moving debacle, we had a second round of boxes stacked in nearly every room (and filling the guest house!) and our kitchen never got unpacked because of our renovation. I was planning on unpacking and organizing everything I could over the holidays, but after I surrendered the responsibility, a HUGE weight was lifted. We left for the day, and when we came home to a fully organized house, it was a dream come true, and it's honestly the gift that keeps on giving.
From my make-up drawer to the shaker bottle storage, they put so much thoughtful consideration into the function of our home and our belongings! In the past month, there have been a few things that we have shuffled around, but the systems put in place that day have been so incredible, I wanted to share a few of my favorites.
1. Spice Drawer Organization
When we were designing the kitchen, Stoffer Cabinetry included a drawer for spices, with tiered slants designed to hold spices, but nothing makes me happier than seeing everything labeled. (Especially for me who can't tell the difference between cinnamon and cumin.) These spice jars makes it so Chris can easily spot the spice(s) he needs, plus this drawer is right next to the range for quick access!
2. Drawer Dividers for Large Drawers
These extendable drawer dividers are perfect for any large drawer that houses a bunch of smaller things--like our cloth napkin collection.I love that I can see every napkin and grab the one I need without disturbing the others too much.
3. Ziploc Bag Organizer
This is a life-hack if I ever saw one! Our lunch-packing station got an upgrade! Why is it that the cardboard boxes that baggies come in, is always falling apart and getting in the way? Right below this drawer is our reusable food containers, and across from there is all the lunch boxes for easy packing!
4. Water Bottle Storage
Water Bottle Holders | Acrylic Bins
I didn't even know water bottles could stack like this! This is one of the upper cabinets at the drink station. I think I go through the 2 shaker bottles myself in just one day and this is has been so convenient to snag one without shuffling everything else around.
5. Turntables in The Pantry
Wood Turntable | Double Decker | Wood Basket
I have learned that the magic of the lazy susan really comes into play when it's compact. When you aren't pushing around all the bottles to grab the one you need! These turntables are practical and also fun. They added several to our pantry counter and it has organized all of our oils, hot sauces, vinegars and syrups!
6. Makeup Drawer Dividers
At first glance at this photo I thought "have I already un-done the magical touch of the organizers in this drawer?" But no, this is lived in, real life, but still organized! These adjustable drawer dividers hold a spot for all of my things! Makeup brushes in one, foundation and concealer in another, eyebrow and eyelash together, and so forth. You can find all of my makeup sources here. I thought for sure we would need to budget for a full bathroom renovation this year but the first thing I said to Terri when we walked into our bathroom was "You just bought us another year in this bathroom!" And it's true. The bathroom isn't ideal, but now everything has a home, which makes me feel more at home.
7. Hanger Dividers
Hanger Dividers | Hangers | Wood Basket
Why didn't I know I could do this in my own home?? We've all seen these hanger dividers in stores, but I would have never thought to have them in my own closet. I'm proud of myself for hanging things back where they belong, too.
8. Honeycomb Drawer Divider
I'm sorry what?? A little home for every pair of socks and underwear for our girls. Adorable and innovative! I even got one for my drawers because I love it so much!
I know these aren't all ground breaking, but I realized that organization itself is the game-changer. Knowing where something goes feels like home and everything having a place is what really helps organization last. I feel like we've been given the tools and jump-start we needed to succeed! Do you have any organizing hacks that have changed your life??
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Protop: declutter, don’t “organize”. A human being would not need more than one water bottle let alone a cabinet full.
Disagreeeeee.
So many good ideas. Im ordering the baggie organizer and honeycomb dividers! Btw: make sure to store your apple cider vinegar in the fridge! ;) xx
If you don't mind sharing, what is that brilliant blue spice?
Spirulina!
I am thrilled that having Neat NC come and organize your home has filled you with such peace! Your continued support and generosity in highlighting our team and the work that we do means so much to me... both professionally and personally.
Thank you again for trusting us with your beautiful home!
Terri Kissiah
Owner, Neat NC
Honestly, this is such a romantic gesture. Well thought out organization bought our family almost 20 years, so it is not overrated. January is a great time to clean up messes! I have really enjoyed following along with you as your homes have evolved and now I am finally living in a home that my husband and I designed and built it is so rad to see how much of our build was inspired by you guys. So, thanks for always doing such great homework and home work. xoxo
I got some custom drawer inserts from Etsy to create a spice drawer like you have. I loved it so much, I got another one for my bathroom vanity to hold small bottles. The seller is imageworksva.
That is a truly wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing these! I didn't even know there were storage bag organizers - buying them now. Never thought about the water holders either -- thinking of getting these too.
THis is lovely! I'd be interested in knowing what you changed (or moved to a different area for use as well). I know that could be kind of hard to do, because you appreciate all the hard work they did, but it's a learning process. I think we all use the areas of our home differently.
Love, love, love all your organization. Spices in a drawer by the stove is a game changer! If you are limited on space, look for spice bottles that can stand up in the drawer and label both the bottle and the top.