Operation Organization with Rubbermaid All Access Bins
This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Home Depot & Rubbermaid, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #AllAccessOrganizers http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.
For months now, I’ve been ignoring the mess in our hall closet. I suppose it felt low on the totem poll of priorities when there were so many fun crafty projects calling my name, and I think that deep down, I had this hope that one night, little elves might sneak in and magically organize it for me. (Does anyone else live with these delusions?) After the avalanche of cloth napkins toppled down for the 100th time, I decided that…well…this picture says it all:
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to try out some Rubbermaid All Access Organizers, so Mark and I made a Home Depot run together where we picked up 2 large and 2 small bins. As you can see from my cheesy-face Instagram collage, the best part is the clear door in the front that drops down! So, you can stack these puppies like regular Tupperware containers, but you don’t need to unstack them to access what’s inside. (Get it? All access! All the time!) Just drop down the door, grab what you need, shut the door, and go on your merry way. It’s genius, I tell you. Genius.
I was only required to buy two organizers for this campaign, but we went ahead and bought four because I knew we could get good use out of them. After all, this is the hall closet we’re talking about. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Rubbermaid All Access Organizers to the rescue!
In sharing my story of tackling this mess of a hall closet, I’ll also offer up my 5 Useful Tips for Closet Organization in hopes that it may inspire you, dear reader, to perhaps finally address the mess that you may have waiting behind your closet door. (Please tell me I’m not the only member in the Messy Closet club.) Together, I believe that we can start a revolution of closet re-organization worldwide. Now, who’s with me?!
1. Start with a clean slate. This means that you need to take everything out of the closet first. As you dig and sift and sort, be prepared to mutter phrases such as, “I forgot we had this!” and “So, that’s where our flashlight is!” and “Who knew we had so many rolls of packing tape!” You’ll be tempted to get sidetracked and start playing that yo-yo you just found, but don’t do it! Keep your eye on the prize!
2. If you haven’t used an item or missed it over the past year, give it a new home. Now, that “new home” might be in your own house…just somewhere else where it will get more use. For example, I came across a freezer bag full of markers and pens that I relocated to the basement where I store excess writing utensils. However, I came across several items that we really didn’t miss that I thought deserved a better home, so off to the Salvation Army they shall go!
3. Think outside the closet. Mark is really good at this, and I’d like to think that after four years of marriage, he is starting to rub off on me. So, what this means is that just because you’ve stored your mop and steamer in the closet, doesn’t mean they have to stay there. Especially if they’re not really working well there.
I ended up doing a lot of shifting around as a result of this closet project. So, the table linens all moved to our newly made-over buffet, which freed up room for games and school supplies and other items that weren’t working in the Expedit in the living room. The grocery bags that were spilling out of the bottom of our kitchen pantry? They became a perfect candidate for getting their own Rubbermaid Organizer in the closet. And I had room for the mop in the garage and the steamer in the guest closet, which freed up more space for the brooms that we use the most often. So, the moral of the story is that when you broaden the scope of your operation, you really can tap into solving multiple organization issues all at once. (Or so I am learning.)
4. Invest in functional organization tools. The shoebox of “random cords” was always overflowing, and the wire cubes (yes, the same wire cubes that haunted our bedroom before our hacked IKEA wardrobe rolled in) just weren’t doing a good job of containing the rags and other cleaning supplies, so out they went! I did keep the teal baskets and a few clear containers that I had on hand, but shifted around what was inside them. Our new Rubbermaid All Access Organizers made great use of the vertical space we had down low, and in them, I neatly stored school supplies, cleaning supplies, grocery bags, and our candle collection. They stack so easily, it’s almost as if they were made for this (wait a minute….).
Can I just say again how much I’m digging the clear drop-down doors? I keep playing with them…just because.
These bins would seriously work wonders in any space where you’d like your items to be contained, yet still visible and accessible. Playrooms, laundry rooms, craft rooms, the garage…you name it! I’m a huge fan (if you couldn’t already tell.)
5. If you like it then you’d better put a label on it. (I know I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it again.) Not only are labels purdy, but they help you maintain order after investing the time in organization. Also, in the event that you have guests staying at your house or a forgetful family member, labels will help them find what they need and return it to its proper place.
I thought it’d be fun to get creative with the labels, so I whipped up some custom white vinyl labels using my Silhouette. In fact, devoted a whole separate tutorial to how I made those puppies and even offer up a free download for Silhouette Studio users. Click here to check that out!
Free Cut File
I thought it’d be fun to get creative with the labels, so I whipped up some custom white vinyl labels using my Silhouette. You can nab the free cut file to use with your Silhouette by signing up using the nifty form below or by clicking HERE.
Then, check out the separate tutorial on how to make these puppies and customize them in Silhouette Studio by clicking HERE.
{Fine print: this design is for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes. Thanks!}
So, there you have it! Some tips and tricks for tackling even the messiest of closets. I’m really thankful that I had the opportunity to try out these Rubbermaid All Access Organizers from Home Depot. It helped motivate me to finally take on this long overdue organization project…and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
And again, here’s the before and after, just because it makes my heart happy:
Now, that’s muuuuuuch better!
Dear reader, where would you like use some Rubbermaid All Access Organizers in your home? Any closet organization tips to add to the mix? If so, I’d love to hear them!
Looking for more organization inspiration? Be sure to follow Home Depot and Rubbermaid on Facebook to stay in the loop!
{Linking up here.}
Full Disclosure: I received compensation from Rubbermaid and Home Depot in exchange for this post. However, please rest assured that as always, I only recommend products that I use and love, and that is most definitely the case with these awesome All Access Organizers!
Oooh! You know me and closet organization, or ANYTHING organization. I just eat it up. I love it! I’m not necessarily great at it (I need tips like these), but once I get the tips, I get such joy out of organizing, and giving things their proper place. It feels great, doesn’t it?? I really love these clear drop down doors. I have some tupperware boxes in my closet, but sometimes it takes all my will to go get the things inside them because I know it will take forever getting the one box on the bottom. Also, those labels are the best…think I’m going to get a silhouette, just so I can make awesome labels!
Yes, the label-lover in you would love a Silhouette…and the closet organizer in you would love the All Access Organizers! Several weeks later, our hall closet is still just as clean and well organized, which means our system is working! Yay! (And I agree, it is really rewarding to put things in their proper place. If only I could just snap my fingers like they do in Mary Poppins to make it happen! Ha ha.)
Haha! Do you know, sometimes I’ve tried that snap?? Seriously…I’ve tried it quite recently. Keeps me laughin’ and childlike! I keep thinking that just maybe the next time, all my clothes will get put away in drawers…just maybe next time….
Okay, I LOVE that you actually snap. Never stop! Ya never know, one of these times, it just might work!
(Don’t stop believin’.)
Girl, you should be on QVC! Just seeing you with those containers makes me want to run out and go get some! Tooooooooo cute!
Lauren, your “new” closet look awesome. You’ve totally motivated me to go and organize my pantry! Thanks!
I can’t even tell you how much I LOVE these and want some! We have totes stacked on top of totes in closets to get them out of the playroom. I droped one of the totes filled with college books on my knee the other day trying to stack them back up. *ouch* Yep we could really use these! 🙂
I’m working on a few organizing projects myself right now. We just moved a bunch of our stuff out of storage and into our house, ouch! I’ve tried to talk my husband into these, maybe showing him how awesome they are will help! And the fact that you have Small World and Dominion is awesome, btw.
Oh so fabulous! Great tips on organizing, awesome see through bins, and I loved the cute shopping pics. I laughed so loud at your mention of elves cleaning up because I live with a daily delusion that little bunnies will clean my messes when I’m gone. It all started a few years ago when the kids and I read this cute book about this family with pet bunnies. None of the people knew that at night the bunnies got out of their cages, swept floors, washed dishes, and tidied. (I’ve often wondered how the people didn’t notice!). Anyway, since then, at least once a week it seems I ask my husband or the kids why the bunnies haven’t made it to our home yet. Glad to see I am not the only delusional one around here, having to rely on bunnies or elves because we’re too busy crafting!
Two things…your shopping pictures are too cute! AND, WOW! What a difference those Rubbermaid containers make in your closet…so organized 🙂
Love the labels, Lauren! I’m a sucker for putting things in bins – it looks fantastic!
Thanks, Tara! I’m a label-lover, too. Might it be an English teacher thing, perhaps…? 😉
Lauren, I have to say your “messy” closet isn’t that messy but the new version with the Rubbermaid All Access bins and labels is awesome! I think we need those at my work place as today we were trying to reach up high for some items in a cardboard box that we didn’t know what was in it…would have been much easier with the All Access bins! You really could start a business where you organize homes for people. Just a thought!
I think looks can be deceiving. While we had “boxes” that may have appeared to be organized beforehand, they were anything but. It was really pretty bad.
I love your idea of using All Access bins in the workplace. And I chuckled at your sweet suggestion for a side business. Ya know, I better get our house totally organized first before tackling other people’s homes. We’re getting there, one closet at a time…. 😉
Great philosophy…one closet at a time! One day at a time! Love you, babes!
🙂 Lauren, you make me laugh with your pictures, you are a fun girl and I love the ‘if you like it put a label on it’ ha!ha! 😉 (your labels are very pretty too!)
you know, I would’ve bought 4 as well, I need to organize my front closet as well, things fall on us when we open it! yep! it’s that bad 😉 I love your 5 tips, I should follow them and clean my closet as soon as possible!
enjoy your week Lauren!
Ha ha! I’m glad that you appreciated the Beyonce reference. Seriously, whenever I think of labels, I start singing, “If you like it then you’d better a label on it,” in my head…I’m quirky like that! Anyway, glad to know my quirks aren’t lost on you, Ingrid. I know we’d have plenty to chat about if we met in person. Tee hee.
Closets are definitely prone to avalanches, aren’t they? Now that the hall closet has been tamed, I need to follow my own tips and tackle our bedroom closet. It’s a disaster area!
Hope your week is fantastic, Ingrid!
I have to say the labels sure are “Purdy”! But it does feel good when things all get organized doesn’t it!
Have a great day!
Hugs,
Sandra
The Adored Home
So glad you think so, Sandra! And yes, I half want to leave the closet door open now just so I can enjoy the fruits of my labor! 😉 Ha ha.
I have seen those around and I think it is a really neat idea to load it up then not have to move them to get something out- almost genius! they seem really helpful! I like that you made labels with your handy dandy silhouette too!
Oh, yes! I really wish I could add drop down doors to all of the Tupperware we have in our basement. Of course, my craft Tupperware is loaded to the max and I half break my back every time I take it down off the shelf. Must replace that guy with an All Access Organizer stat!
Ha ha, and I’m glad you picked up on how I worked a Silhouette project into this mix. It seems that every d.i.y. project I tackle gives me an idea of SOMETHING I could cut with my Cameo. Yes, you could say I’m obsessed. (I know you understand.) 🙂
Oh how I love such a sweet little organized space! It looks great, Lauren! And those containers are awesome. Thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
Of course you love a sweet little organized space! You’re the woman who came up with the coolest gift wrap organization system I ever did see! Still so floored by that project of yours, Abby….
Your closet not only is organized but also looks nice. I can think of so many areas in my home and classroom where these organizers would make a big difference.
Thanks, Paula! And good thinking with the classroom! I hadn’t even thought of that, but you are so right. Do you teach?
Yes, I teach 7th grade and go back for my 23rd year on Monday. It’s been a short summer!
Soak up these last few days of summer break! Hope your 23rd year is the best yet, Paula. (And I taught freshman English for three years…when I got them at the beginning of the year, many of them were still bouncing off the walls, probably like your seventh graders! Ha ha.)
Wowwww! Awesome transformation. Organizing is so much fun when you have all those great containers and boxes, right? You have no idea how much I love boxes and keeping things handy and well placed. I love the job you did in there!!!
Hugs and thousands of XOXO
Cami
Yes! The right organizers can make a really overwhelming project feel do-able…and even fun! You’d love these organizers, Camila. They have them in teal and true blue just f.y.i. Also, thanks for the share on Google+ yesterday! You’re the sweetest. xoxo
I need to get my hands on some! Looks great!
Kristine –The Foley Fam {unedited}
Oh, you’d have a field day with them, Kristine! And thanks for the high five! 😉
Awesome! Absolutely – I need organization behind my closet doors like this. I need to budget and do one closet at a time but I am seriously working that plan out right now. I love the Rubbermaid organization products and how easy they are to use.
Elizabeth T, Early Riser
One closet at a time…I like that! And that’s totally what we’re doing. It’s almost too overwhelming to even think beyond that! But I was actually really excited to tackle the closet once I got my hands on these organizers; not only was the color bright and festive, but they were just so gosh-darned-practical. They were just what that closet needed! Best of luck to you and your organizing endeavors! You can do it, Elizabeth!
Great job Lauren! Love those containers. My best tip is not to overlook the inside of the closet door. I have a shoe organzer with clear pockets that I use to hold gloves, hats, scarves and other accessories. Love that they are visible and not jumbled together! Keep up the inspiring work!!
That’s a brilliant tip, Nancy! In fact, I may have to heed your wisdom and find a use for the back of that door. The shoe organizer idea is ingenious. I think I’m feeling a Bed Bath and Beyond run coming on! 😉
I think your step one could be the hardest one. It’s hard to figure out where to put all the stuff once it’s out of the closet. Then to do a good job will take more than a day and so the space around the closet is getting messier as time goes on. It takes commitment to take on the challenge. Having new storage containers on hand (those Rubbermaids look intriguing) can provide a boost to kick off the project.
You know what Ann, your comment made me realize that I probably should have had 6 tips instead of 5. You see, I had that same dilemma that you described. I bought the organizers several weeks before actually tackling the closet, and it was in part because of the intimidation factor and the feeling like our house was going to be a disaster area for several days while it was in progress. In fact, I even had to ask Mark for help in emptying out the shelves because I was just feeling like I couldn’t do it on my own…ha ha. Believe it or not, I committed about 2 hours to the project and had it all organized in that span of time! So, my 6th tip might be: 6. Invite a partner-in-crime to help get the process started. Share the weight of organizing, and it will go a lot quicker.
Wow, my hall closet needs some serious help and I just don’t know where to start. I may have to pick up a couple of those handy Rubbermaid containers! I’m sure you feel so much better when you open that closet door now. That’s the best kind of feeling. 🙂
You’re so right, Hilary! It really is a huge sense of relief. Before, I would avoid that closet like the plague. Now, I want to hang out in there! And make it my new “thinking closet.” Ha ha.