Remember that very proud post I wrote about how I set out to organize my junky cabinet? Here’s what it looks like now:
What I did was clearly NOT working for us. Things were in the wrong spot, some of the bins were too shallow and they kept falling everywhere, my daughter surely learned more swear words….etc.
In short, it needed a new plan.
The major failing of this system I think was that there were too many bins, some of which weren’t accessible unless you moved other bins out of the way. Plus, like I mentioned, some were way too shallow for the what that bin’s purpose was.
What I decided to do was try and categorize everything into 6 equal sized bins (2 per shelf) that would (hopefully) perfectly fit each side of the kitchen cabinet. After some measuring, I figured the bins had to be about 9x9x9 inches. Normally I’d empty everything out first and try and figure out how many bins I needed but in this case, 6 was the most I could do that I thought could still make the cabinet functional.
At 9x9x9 they’d be deep enough for each category and there would be no need to rummage for a bin in the back. So I went to my favourite resource (the dollar store!) and found these locker-style bins, in my kitchen accent colour, red!
Then I took everything out! There was still SO.MUCH.STUFF even though I had done a purge a few months ago!
The 6 categories I went with were:
- Stationary
- Small Tools/Manuals
- Batteries
- Money (This is for spare change, cheques, etc)
- Craft Supplies
- Sewing Supplies
After sorting and purging, I labelled! (You know this is my favourite part). I created some labels in Excel and attached them to each bin using contact paper:
I put everything in the appropriate bin, threw them back into the cabinet and bam! It was organized again!
Now the $1,000,000 dollar question is, will the system be the one to work for us? I’ll report back in a few months and update you!
Shirley says
Well let’s see if this new arrangement works! Looks good enough & you probably feel good having done it!
My thoughts…the MONEY BIN is way too small!
Lidia says
LOL!!!
Caitlin says
Looks great! May the force be with you….
Lidia says
Thank you!! (I need it! LOL!)
Kristen says
Great post! I love that you came back and fixed what didn’t work – so real! I struggle with organization in my house all of the time. What I think will work doesn’t always work for everyone else. Looks like a good fix and I’ll be waiting to hear how it works for you!
Lidia says
Thank you so much Kristen!! Here’s hoping this system will be the right one!
Ola says
I DO remember the first the first organization post. Sorry it didn’t work out. I was amused by the money bin. That’s one thing I don’t need a bin for, because it never stays around long enough for that. Ha! But we do keep a jar for loose change. I hope this new system works for you!
Lidia says
Thanks Ola!!! Crazy, right?! LOL about the money bin! I swear we only have loose change and cheques, that sort of thing…maybe it’s also a bin for wishful thinking?! 😉
Jessica Vanderveen says
I totally know what you mean! I have junk baskets all over the place that I just can’t figure out a way to keep organized
Jessica Vanderveen recently posted…Master Bedroom Bed Makeover: One Room Challenge Week 4
Lidia says
So frustrating right?!?! Fingers are crossed for this system!!