Operation: A Place for Everything (and Everything in Its Place)
My organizing mission continues. This closet makeover is still in progress, so there aren’t any perfectly styled shots yet, but I wanted to share what I’ve been doing behind the scenes.
The Closet That Drove Me Nuts
(Can you blame me?)
This closet in the Snug was one of those problem spots—the “we just moved in” kind of closet that became a catchall for anything without a clear home.
I call it the delayed decision zone: family photos, keepsakes, files, extra pillow covers—important items that never found a permanent place.
At one point it was stuffed with fluffy pillows that tumbled out every time I opened the door. It was chaotic and annoying.
Why We Chose a Compact Home
We live intentionally in a compact home: smaller rooms, a smaller lot, a one-car garage, no basement, and modest closets. After years of living with lots of storage—extra garages and basements—I learned that more storage often means more stuff.
For someone who enjoys decorating, holds on to sentimental items, and can procrastinate, fewer storage options force better decisions. Without that constraint, clutter piles up out of sight and out of mind—then becomes a problem when it finally surfaces.
Even after decluttering and downsizing, I keep learning: small spaces need fewer things, but they also need better systems. In larger houses it’s easy to stash items and forget them until moving day—I’ve experienced that firsthand. Limited space motivates quicker decisions and smarter organization.
Although I still have more than I need, progress is steady. Here’s what I did to tackle this closet.
I even found some surprising items—like an old album I kept through many moves. Those random discoveries are less frequent now as the clutter diminishes.
The Closet Problem (and My Simple Solution)
This snug closet under the eaves is actually one of the largest we have, so it had potential. What it lacked was a usable structure. Without stackable bins or a clear system, it became useless for long-term storage.
I started with a ruthless edit. We didn’t need to keep everything, so I pared down the contents until only what mattered remained. Limited space helps make those tough decisions easier.
Once the clutter was reduced, organizing became fun.
What I Used:
- White photo boxes (similar): store loose photos until they can be scanned, framed, or sorted.
- Blue stackable bins: soft-sided but sturdy bins with handles and label slots. Some hold files, others are open storage. They don’t need to match perfectly to look organized.
- Navy linen file boxes: durable boxes with metal rails for hanging files—great for paperwork.
- Blue magazine holders for slim items and papers.
- Wall-mounted essential oil organizer: two small shelves maximize vertical space without crowding the floor. They keep oils visible and accessible and make the closet smell wonderful.
With these solutions, everything stacks neatly and the floor space remains clear enough to step in and out comfortably. No built-in shelving or permanent changes were necessary—just a flexible, functional setup that works now and can adapt later.
Most importantly, I can open the door without anxiety. I still open it sometimes just to remind myself how far it’s come.
- Buy bins in larger sets when possible—it’s usually more affordable.
- Choose bins with handles and label slots for easier future organizing.
- Declutter before you buy containers—don’t let new bins just hold more clutter.
- Simple solutions often make the biggest difference, especially in small spaces.
Voila—this simple system saved the day and my sanity.
See more of my recent organizing projects here.
My Phrase Of The Year: A Place for Everything
10 Organizers We Use in Our Home
My Quick & Easy Organized Gift Wrapping Closet
My Coffee Cabinet Makeover (Removable Wallpaper, Berkey Water Filter Storage and Organization)
A Pretty Solution for Hiding Power Strips and Cords
How to Organize Under the Sink in the Kitchen (6 tips to create a place for everything!)
Baskets in the Dining Room (a place for everything!)
Decorating & Organizing with Baskets (A Place for Everything!)
See a whole gallery full of organization inspiration posts on the blog.