If you're one of the chronically disorganized, Justin Klosky has some time-saving tips for you. The expert behind O.C.D. Experience (Organize & Create Discipline) who took his disorder and created a company, he's sharing some solutions for maximizing your storage space:
USE WALL SPACE FOR STORAGE.
Fireplace mantel: Wall space is the most common dead space, so make use of this space wisely! By adding a fireplace mantel in the entryway, you can create a great place for organizing your or your children's everyday jackets, hats and scarves. Designate a hook for each family member and label it so items don't get mixed-up. Depending on where the mantle hangs in your home, consider using the top space for books and framed pictures.
Wall key holder: Also, hang your keys on the wall. Discipline and good habits are everything in maintaining organization. Get into the habit of putting your keys in the same place every time you walk in the door. Use hooks for each individual in the household and designate a hook for their set of keys. You can even go so far as labeling each space for the household members. Make sure that each key ring houses only the necessary keys and you aren't walking around with a bunch of keys you don't use on a weekly basis. Your key ring should have your frequently used keys, with other keys on separate key rings housed in a common area. Keys for bike locks should be separated from your daily keys unless you use your bike as your common method of transportation.
CHOOSE ACCESSORIES TO CONCEAL ITEMS.
Creative bin: Hide all your items in this creative bin on top of the fireplace mantel. It looks like books but is actually a secret storage bin. These bins can be great for magazine storage, media storage and even a place to put those excessive remote controls.
Storage bench: Use this bench to hide all of your family belongings. Think about furniture for your entryway that has storage capability inside. Using a bench with storage will aid you in keeping your home clean and organized. The bench is great a way to maximize dead space that you normally would overlook. When you enter your home sit down, relax, take your shoes off and then put them away in the bench. Your home will always look presentable when guests arrive. You can even use bins in the bench to keep your items divided and organized. One bin can be for shoes, another for pet accessories like leashes, poopy bags and a brush to brush your dog when you get back inside. If you have multiple members in your home then get separate bins for each member for their shoes. This way items don't get mixed up.
CREATE STORAGE WITH A DESIGN ELEMENT.
Artwork storage: Using a painting in your bedroom adds design to a room but this one has storage behind it. It is also a great way to hide those items that are difficult to store. Hang items that you would use on a regular basis such as jewelry. The painting will close in front and display elegance and your items will be out of sight, but ready to grab.
Bed headboard: Another design element is a headboard! This headboard organizing solution is perfect for someone who likes to read in bed without the mess of magazines and books all over their room. I know I wake up often and want to jot down thoughts or dreams in the middle of the night. Store a journal and pen for jotting down those important dreams. Think about creating a slot for your phone charger or cable for your alarm clock so all of your wires are hidden and tucked away. Lastly, hide those bulky remotes there as well. You want your room to be as crisp and clean as possible.
GROUP SIMILAR ITEMS TOGETHER.
Night stand: Organize your similar belongings that you wear or put in your pocket everyday such as your wallet, money, gum, watch, etc. and store them in your night stand dresser. You can increase storage here easily! You can make this divider by using a kitchen organizer and add felt pads for the areas that accessories can go in. You can drill the organizer into place so it didn't slide around. It's only $15 to make.
Trunk for office files: Organize your office files together! If you don't have a home office and your bedroom doubles as your office, get a trunk for your bedroom that doubles as file storage and organize similar office items together. If you are going to have a bench at the foot of your bed make sure it has storage capabilities. Always think about furniture in your bedroom that has storage capability inside. You can also store envelopes, pens, extra printer paper and various office supplies for a simple grab and go. Keep files that you don't want to scan and shred such as medical information, and any important receipts and certified documents in here. Make sure that if you are using a solution like this there is no overflow anywhere else in your home. Contain all of your supplies to a designated are so you know when you are low on a supply to rebuy.
HANG KITCHEN SUPPLIES AND UTENSILS.
Kitchen wall storage: Secure kitchen wall organizers and hang your supplies and utensils like these on the wall! Placement is key. You want the items that you use most to be the most accessible. Eliminate spices from taking up all of your cabinet space and store them on the wall. Buy as many wall mounts as you need for spices and label them. Store them alphabetically for quick grab and go. Utensils are always piled on top of one another in drawers making them impossible to find. Simply hang your utensils on this bar which will make cooking more efficient. Top shelves are good for items that can be bulkier, but you use on a regular basis. You can also store vases up here as well for when those special flowers arrive from that special someone.
Thanks, Justin!
(Images: Provided by Justin Klosky from Houzz)
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I would love to hang kitchen supplies, but 3 cats and generally disorganized boyfriend in a small space make it difficult to keep those clean.
My OCD is screaming at me. There should be a period after the D in the subtitle. O.C.D. not O.C.D
It's funny really.
My OCD is screaming at me. There should be a period after the D in the subtitle. O.C.D. not O.C.D
It's funny really.
Nothing revolutionary here. I am struggling with clutter issues for years now and have discovered that obsessing about storage just delays the inevitable - get rid of it! Remember - introducing a new storage piece into your life is introducing a new thing. Still, I do love the wall-hung unit in the very first photo - do you know where it comes from?
Also, for security reasons, we are told never to display keys prominently. In case of a break-in, your car keys are very handy if they are hanging from a hook near your door.
I feel like someone with O.C.D. would not place a skeleton key in a hollowed-out book.
Store magazines in a hollowed-out book? Oooookaaaay.
Also are there some pictures missing? This post is very disjointed.
"This painting has storage behind it . . . "
What painting?
"You can make this drawer divider easily . . . "
What drawer divider?
A constant argument in our home. Husband: "We need more storage!" Me: "We need to get rid of things!"
The more info on organization the better, I just posted an article called Mud Room Madness and would love to see what you think about it http://adoreyourplace.com/2012/11/15/mud-room-mayhem/
Happy Weekend!
I also felt confused about this. Is there something missing? I like the article, though.
Ack, that magnetic knife thing! *must breathe in and out of paper bag*
Liked the hanging cabinet in the first picture but it is never discussed. Anyone know where to get one or if it's a DIY? Would be great if it were also a charging station. One can dream.
I am obsessed. Justin Klosky is my new inspiration. Thank you for this article.
100 Things Challenge will solve the problem. Worked for me.
My favorite info from above: "Make sure that if you are using a solution like this there is no overflow anywhere else in your home."
Perfectly stated. And so hard for me to achieve. I love organization and have the hardest time sticking with it. Must. Pare. Down.
Does anyone know where one can purchase that amazing hallway organizer in the very first photo? I am IN LOVE with it.
Indeed there are a few pictures missing and it kills me also @Heather C that the period is missing from O.C.D. Experience!
Like anything in your life you never want to add any storage, system or organizational device before knowing EXACTLY its intention. Some of you said you love organization but have a hard time keeping it up. You are not alone. This is common which is why I created my business and trademarked it Organize & Create Discipline. Learning the discipline behind maintaining anything in your life, let alone your stuff, will be a challenge at first. But once you get going, make it a habit, teach your family members those skills, you will be on your way to effortless organization.
1. I inherited a huge ikea Expedit shelving unit in a new apartment. Was able to put it to use as room divider. Storage on one side, hung art on the other like an extra "wall". 2. I also had a huge clutter issue. Am lucky enough to have thrift shop near by. Sorted through clutter, donated the good stuff and got nice a write off on taxes. There is a Good Will Valuation Guide online.
Sometimes this article almost reads like it's been auto-translated:
''You can increase storage here easily! You can make this divider by using a kitchen organizer and add felt pads for the areas that accessories can go in. You can drill the organizer into place so it didn't slide around. It's only $15 to make."
Also--the most common dead space is walls? And what comes in second, floors? Are ceilings third?
I personally don't like hanging things out in the open. It is too much visual clutter. I'd much rather throw them in the closet.
Indedd @p-zed the most common, usable, dead space are walls. Most people's floors usually are cluttered with things so I would say that floors aren't common dead space. As for ceilings, some kitchen utilities such as pots and pans can be hung. In your garage you can hang bicycles and have storage that can be raised. Unless you are a spider using your ceiling won't be to functional for most items.
No auto-translation, just trying to be direct, to the point and efficient. :)
@eldon it can be beneficial to use a shelving unit as a room divider, especially if the room could be divided into two distinct spaces!
What's wrong with magnetic knife strips? I need mine, in my teeny-tiny, drawer-less kitchen. Where else would the knives go? Also, it holds the scissors and the tea towel (via a metal curtain clip). And I kinda love it. When you pull the big chef's knife off it, it sounds like you are drawing a sword from a scabbard. :)
I want to see the storage-behind-the-painting pic! :(
Reading this post, I think its organization is a little closer to ADD than OCD.
yes.. i agree.. my ocd kicked in when i didn't find the painting with the storage? i w0ould really love to see it..
This is a j. weiss design in a home in Moraga, CA.
I live in a small loft which is very open and lacks storage space. My 6x8 entry way is the most effecient use of space in the loft.There's a key hook immediately accessible when I open the door. I installed a rustic board with coat hooks along the length of one wall, holding coats, scarves, unbrellas, purses and hats. On the other wall is a custom shoe cabinet which reminds me to remove my shoes and put them away. Saves me from tripping over them later or wasting time searching for them. And the last wall has a small table with a lamp on a timer, so I never come home to a dark home. The table has a drawer holding sunglasses, extra keys and a lint remover. Behind the table is a large mirror to make a quick check before I head out and on the shelf below is a bag I take to the Goodwill when it's full. I am constantly editing my belongings and make a run to the Goodwill several times a year. Getting rid of stuff makes me feel lighter, freer and liberated. Try it!
Where can I find the headboard/book storage?? That would be the perfect solution for my pillows falling off the bed!!
Many companies make headboards with storage in it or behind it, all varying in storage capacity.
I posted something about the ARTWORK STORAGE solution here: http://www.ocdexperience.com/blog/2012/11/20/hidden-storage-jewelry-organizer/
Take a look...it's fun and easy to make.
Posted below...:)
Posted below...:)