In the words of Eminem… I’m cleaning out my closet. But first a closet-themed dance break for the Marshall Mathers fans out there (I can actually do a mean Eminem impression):
Ok, now that we have that out of the way, I’ll get to the meat and potatoes of this post. I’m actually not currently cleaning out my closet, the deed has already been done. And it’s not just my closet, it’s both of ours. We’ve mentioned a few times that before we got a proper dresser we were living for over three months with piles of socks and pajamas on the floor of our bedroom closet. Yeah, it was a disaster, and we just couldn’t seem to get it together until we brought in a permanent dresser (with functional drawers since the old one had a busted one that threw off our organization mojo). So with the new dresser in our midst, we had no more excuses when it came to all of the skeletons piles of clothes in our closet. So of course we put it off for a few more weeks and finally forced ourselves to get organized. Here are a few before shots (that we actually semi-cleaned up for, you know so my underwear and John’s boxers weren’t front and center):
The first order of business was trying to sort out those cubbies in that middle pic that were stuffed with things for no rhyme or reason and to decide what would be stored in those cubbies and what would come live in our dresser.
We decided that all of the cubbies in the closet would be John’s and the top two and middle drawer in the dresser would be mine. My socks and underwear went in the top left drawer, bathing suits went into the top right one, and pajamas and bras went into the middle one. This freed up the bottom drawer for John’s running clothes while his pajamas, underwear, jeans, swimsuits, and shorts got organized into those cubbies in the closet thanks to some old baskets we’ve had forever (originally from our wedding registry at Linens N’ Things) that serve as fake-o drawers to keep things like socks and underwear from runneth-ing over. Oh and we moved the cluttered looking hamper into the bottom opening in the cubbies where we can easily toss clothes without needing to crack the lid anymore (we just screwed it off and left it open for easier access).
Then John pared down all of his clothes and we started a big donation bag. He surprised me and decided that hanging his t-shirts was actually the smartest use of space for us since we didn’t have room for all of them in the cubbies or our new dresser (I think he realized that keeping more shirts hinged on hanging them so they were all in one spot, or I might just start questioning why he needed to keep so many t-shirts to begin with, haha, smart guy).
Here’s my side. I also pulled out stuff that I never wear for our big donation bag (other “transitional” things from right after I had Clara got stuffed into my maternity clothing bin in the attic) so here are all of my t-shirts, tops, sweaters, cardigans, scarves, jackets, pants, dresses, suits, blazers, skirts, etc (since we don’t keep any of those things folded in our drawers and we don’t store out of season clothes anywhere else). Aside from pajamas (which are in my dresser) and winter coats (which are in the coat closet) this is every item of clothing I own.
It’s hard to tell in the pics above (since the closet is so small it’s impossible to take wide shots) but the shelf above the hanging bar on my side got some major organization. Three pairs of I-wear-them-now jeans are all that remain (all of my maternity ones finally got put away) and two sweaters that I wear all the time are folded in the corner (as opposed to ten that I never wore).
Pardon the yellow glare in this pic (forgot to white balance again, and I’m too lazy for Photoshop fixing) but this shot was meant to demonstrate how much space we still have to “grow” in there now that there’s a completely empty top shelf on my side and only a few items on the shelf below it.
And just for fun, here are my shoes (well most of them, some are over on John’s shoe shelf because he’s sweet like that – and only has about five pairs for himself). I love shoes. They’re my weakness and I get nearly all of my shoes for less than $20 at places like DSW (those studded heels on the bottom right were $7 from a consignment store in never-worn condition) so I allow myself to “hoard” when it comes to the amount of “special occasion” footwear that I have going on. Because I’ll be honest, things like lime sandals or red wedges aren’t everyday occurrences. But when they do come out to play they make me happy (yes, shoes can make my day). And yes I do have two (count them, two) pairs of leopard heels. Maybe they’re like ceramic animals to me, I just like to have them around to “cuddle.”
And now that this has turned into a fashion blog here’s a shot of the other side of the shelf on top of my hanging bar with a few favorite scarves, a wide black belt, a few clutches, and two out of rotation purses.
Ok, one more gratuitous shoe shot, just because I’m giddy for footwear.
The closet definitely looks a lot more organized with so much floor showing (stashing the hamper within those cubbies on the side really makes it a lot roomier in there too).
And if it ever gets crazy again we’ll just turn off the light, draw the curtain, and hide the chaos like this:
What? At least I’m honest.
kerri says
oooohh….. closet redo… they get me giddy! i can’t wait to put built ins in ours! love your shoes… btw :)
mike @ the lil house that could says
We keep on putting off the clean+organize walk-in closet project. It so needs to be done… thanks for reminding us ;P
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Desperately. I think I got hit in the head with a pair of falling sweatpants this morning…
Melody says
Cute closet. I know what you mean about shoes. I’d probably have 100 pairs if my husband didn’t keep a close watch on me. What is it with girls and shoes?
karen @ our slo house says
Our master bedroom closet is like a cave. It’s big, but it goes deep, and you even have to step down into it. My husband and I are going to have to be very creative in how we organize it. Right now, since it’s still empty and all, my kids like to hide in it!
Laura Bellamy says
Play closet. Fun!
Kristen says
I love showing people pictures of my shoe rack, so I totally get you on that. And every girl needs a pair (or three) of animal-print heels … I wore giraffe print platform stilettos at my wedding almost three years ago and they’re still in my regular rotation of shoes!
Snickrsnack Katie says
Ooooh, pretty….
ALittleBite says
I think I have way too many clothes…
The closet looks fantastic though!
Rachel says
LOVE your shoes! I can’t wait to have a walk in closet! BTW The purple ones are my fav. :) I need to go buy some shoes for after this baby!
YoungHouseLove says
Those purple wedges are actually from Payless if you can believe it. I wore them to my brother’s wedding and they were awesome.
xo,
s
AmyLynn says
I’m right there with you Rachel! I’m looking through the post thinking “that’s nice”, “good use of the bottom cubby” and “OMGoodness!! Love those purple ones and those lime green ones and the ones on the top right in the picture of the hamper.” I have a serious shoe problem too :) (http://thisdiylife.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/its-a-beautiful-thing/) Cute new pink ones coming in the mail Monday!!!
Sara says
Love those baskets and the fact that you’re honest about hiding future closet mess. Honesty is definitely best!:)Looks great!
Cait @ Hernando House says
Great job! And I have a shoe weakness, too.
I need to work on the closets in our house… We won’t talk about the condition the walk-in in the guest room is in.
lisa lyons says
Thanks for the info! My closet is about the same size and I am looking to remodel!
Lisa
http://www.pickfair.etsy.com
Caity says
I would probably cut off my left foot for a closet that size!
…but then my love for shoes would be wasted…
Looks great! I cleaned out my closet yesterday–everything feels so much better when you’re super organized! :) Love your shoes!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you made me GOL (giggle out loud) with the love of shoes cut off foot comment.
xo,
s
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
Ahh, spring cleaning. Though it seems you don’t have a ton of clothes, I recently went through mine and I think I have even less that you do. Definitely fewer shoes, but if I had a place to wear them, I’d have more pretties, too. :) And putting the hamper in the cubby is so much better!
Little Brick Ranch says
Perfect timing for Spring Cleaning!! I did a little closet makeover myself this weekend…I am still smack dab in the middle of putting stuff back on the shelves but I can’t wait to share the big reveal this week! The only bummer is the weather was super humid yesterday so I couldn’t paint…I’ll have to wait on that for later… Oh well. Your closets look great and I am hoping (once i get all my crap put away) that mine will look just as good!!
Nichole@40daysof says
Well, this is a great post for me to read today. Every time you have done a closet post over the last 18 months, I have been saying I need to tackle my closet. Today is D-day. I actually put it on my calendar last week and I’m going to follow through. I don’t know if I’m going to take before and after photos. It’s pretty bad.
RLB says
Thanks for being so open. As mundane as a Closet Crashers post sounds in theory, it’s actually an enjoyable read/look-see in reality.
Lynn says
I confess, my closet is like a monkey on my back! Every time I open the doors I am reminded of how insane it is to have so many clothes I never wear. It must be liberating to keep only what you need and wear. Thanks for the inspiration. I just moved the closet up on the project list. Now if I could only decide on a color for the hallway.
Susan says
Love a good closet post! Nice job keeping the wardrobes small. My closet is very similar (not so many shoes–I tend to get one or two pairs and wear them for years). I figure that if I keep my wardrobe small I can afford to keep it updated.
Melissa says
I have a major closet and drawer clean-out planned for this weekend in preparation for warmer weather and our May yard sale. Woohoo! I am so excited to get everything cleaned out and pared down to what I actually wear regularly and a few special occasion dresses. Shoes are also my weakness.
liz @ btb says
I thought I was the only crazy girl with a million (ok not really) shoes and 3 pairs of jeans!
I overhauled our closet a while back. It’s so nice to be able to find things again…
http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2010/06/keeping-my-ocd-in-closet.html
Charlotte Parrish says
I’m curious if you guys have ever posted about the Photoship tips/tricks you’ve learned over the years? You take such beautiful photos of your home, and that’s something I really struggle with in my house. Recently redid my kitchen + bath and the pictures just don’t do the work justice at all. I’d love to see some of the before + after photos in terms of how you adjust them in Photoshop.
YoungHouseLove says
We have posted a bit about how we use Photoshop to create the number on Clara’s onesie in her weekly picture but it’s pretty hard to breakdown photoshop since there are so many different versions and methods out there. We’d recommend getting one of those Photoshop tutorial books at B&N or on amazon.com and consulting that for lots o’ tricks. You can also google for photoshop tutorials since other bloggers like Pioneer Woman and Dooce share photoshop tips! Good luck.
xo,
s
barb says
did you ever find a solution for the dresser drawers being difficult to open and close?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! Some gentle sanding followed by simple candle wax. Much better!
xo,
s
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
Sometimes a girl just needs her shoes :) It’s the best way to change up any outfit! I too love the leopard print. I actually just purchased a pair of super sparkly Enzo Angiolini platform pumps…I cannot wait to break them out for some upcoming fancy occasions!
Amy says
Love the animal print shoes – oh and the closet too :)
Keeley says
I absoultely need to streamline my wardrobe. I’m impressed that all of your clothes fit on one side of one closet. I use the fact that I have a professional job as an excuse for hoarding too many outfits, but I know I overdo it. Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m sure you get great deals on beautiful shoes because you have such tiny feet! I wear an 8 and my size always sells out first, so I often just pay full price to get the shoes I want. Whenever I hit the outlets or sale racks the cute (affordable)stuff is always in the tiny sizes!
Sophia says
those shoe racks seem to work really well. I’ve had bad luck with the ones I’ve had in the past–how do you like yours and where did they come from?
YoungHouseLove says
Those came with the house (they appear to have just been built with pine and painted white). They definitely do the trick!
xo,
s
Jessica says
Are those shelves that the shoes are on slanted? Are they the closetmaid brand from Target or some other kind? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, they slant forward. They came with the house (they look like someone built them out of pine and painted them white). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Alicia says
3 pairs of jeans. I need help. I have 21 pairs in my closet. Given they range one size up and one size down, I still know I need to donate some…but it’s like your leopard shoes, I want to cuddle them, and have my options. HA.
Jamie says
Oh, your shoes are amazing! I have a few pairs that I keep in rotation because they are just soooo pretty. I’d probably have more if my husband wasn’t keeping an eye on my shoe habit.
Rachel says
You have some realllly cute shoes. :) The closet looks great!
Jacqueline says
I honestly thought you would have a LOT more clothes than that. I’m intrigued. Maybe I should downsize my closet, because the truth is, I only wear about 20% of what’s in it anyways.
Ivette says
Taking the lid off the hamper is a great idea!, We have the same one, and just built a table top and shelves above it for the laundry room, but Its kinda uncomfortable to open and close the hamper under the table top. I think I’m going to do the same. Does the cotton lining on yours slip off too, mine is constantly falling off driving me loopy.
YoungHouseLove says
Ours actually stays on really snugly. The hamper was from Target a while back if that helps!
xo,
s
bhh says
Great improvement! An idea: the best thing we ever did for our closets (after cleaning them out, organizing, etc. and lining with cedar) might be fun for you — hang a picture/poster/sign on your open wall. We’ve done this around our house, including some favorite political posters on the back of our pantry door, and kids’ art in the master bedroom closets. It’s really fun!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m actually dying to paint, hang art, and even add a chandelier in there- someday. Might take us a while since it took so long just to get things organized. Haha.
xo,
s
LM says
Sherry, I’m petite with small feet like you… I’m 5′ 0″ with a size 5.5 shoe size. I can hardly find any cute shoes that fit me!! I’m so jealous of your collection!!!!! Poo! :) Love your shoes!
Karrie says
This is a top priority on our list of spring cleaning. We’re expecting our fist child in August and my closet is in the babies room. I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be doing with all of my clothes but paring down is definitely in order.
And in thinking about my closet, I’m kind of embarrassed how many shoes I own since I am not a shoe girl. At all. My career used to involve shoes (sales manager at Macy’s, then a shoe buyer) so I equate shoes as work. And about half of the ones I own are samples so they were literally work.
Ever - The red house by the lake says
I am impressed! But I also agree with some of the others – there arent many clothes. I think I have about four times as much, and yes – I do wear it. (It could have something to do with the seasons being very different too, it definitely requires totally different clothing in summer vs winter).
A suggestion though… why not put a few hangers on the wall? I know you want to keep everything tidy, but sometimes there is just no time for that, and having a hanger where you can put the stuff instead of just dropping it on the floor or into the wrong place makes the room a lot tidier.
YoungHouseLove says
We have some plans for the back wall and adding a bit more function and fun to the closet as we go. Should be interesting (and slow if you go by how long this took us, haha).
xo,
s
Katie @ Epistle says
I must say – I’m impressed at the self-control you have when it comes to clothes. I own far too many. :)
Nicolette says
What kind of curtain rod do you have in the closet? I just removed a door for a curtain, but fidn the curtain catches partway across the rod. The curtain is attached with metal rings
YoungHouseLove says
It’s the same oil-rubbed bronze curtain rod with ring clips (from Target) that we used in the rest of the bedroom. It catches a little but can definitely be nudged over that part. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Andrew says
I’ve had this problem with my shower curtain (I use a tension shower-rod with a split in the middle of the rod). I bought an inexpensive plastic rod cover in the same color as the actual rod. Now the curtain slides over the rod a little better. It’s not a 100% fix, but it’s better than nothing!
gemma@thesweetestdigs says
Fun post! Your closet is looking a whole lot better than mine right now…!
areader says
SNORE
YoungHouseLove says
Really? Just skip any and all posts that don’t do it for ya. No pressure. Haha.
xo,
s
A Better Reader says
RUDE.
LauraC says
If you don’t have something nice to say don’t say anything at all.
(Not that when I don’t comment I don’t like the post, sometimes I’m just too busy.)
another reader says
Not every comment has to suck up to YHL. I’m sure they appreciate any and all feedback.
YoungHouseLove says
We just like to keep it light and have fun. We’re blogging about making our house a home – so we try to keep things from getting too heavy. It’s only decorating, no need for drama. Haha. We like comments that are constructive, whether they’re positive or negative. That way they add to the conversation, and they’re helpful as opposed to useless/hurtful. We definitely don’t expect everyone to love everything that we post or do to our house, but it’s our house and our blog so we have to listen to our own little internal voice above all the others. So as I said above, we just hope that people skip any and all posts (or even our blog as a whole) if they don’t do it for them. That’s what we do when we read other blogs and I promise it works! Haha.
xo,
s
Michelle says
I wish I could live with that limited amount of clothes & shoes.. And my fiance beats me on the shoe count ahnds down… we just purchased our first home together and have to “Share” a closet for the first time. I was wondering if you could let me/ the blogworld know where you got those shoe racks as they would work perfectly for us. Or, if you made them would you consider doing a how-to post?
Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
Those came with the house, but they do appear to be DIYed with pine and white paint. Maybe google around for a tutorial or check ana-white.com?
xo,
s
Brandan WH says
I am now inspired to clean out the master closet. I’ve been just shoving clothes in and closing the door quick fast, but I will spend some time this week getting organized. Thanks!
Georgia Rowe says
I love your closet…. what size is it approx?
We have a 1 bed apartment in the UK with a fairly large bedroom, and we want to build in a walk in wardrobe, but dont know what size to even think of…..
And the shoes…….. *swoooooooooon* So pretty!!!
I think you need to do a photo session of all Jewellery and accessories as well. :o)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s 5′ deep and 6′ wide. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Carrie S. says
What a difference! I really like those baskets and they fit the space perfectly. Score!
heather says
Yay for cheap shoes! I hear you the downsizing. My fiance has drawers full of t-shirts for working, and I’ve taken carloads of things lately to the local salvation army (not just clothes). With a remodel coming up I figured the less stuff I had to move around, the better. Despite having a significantly smaller closet somehow I still have baskets of laundry that needs to be put away…hmm….
I can’t wait for our addition to be put on. The fiance is doing a whole bunch of built-in’s and there will be a good sized closet too. I’m a little excited about it.
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
That’s it. If you can organize your closet, I can certainly organize mine. Thanks for the nudge!
Elizabeth Keen says
Sherry, get ready for Clara to have the same shoe-love! I have 3 girls, and the 2 older ones (ages 6 and 3) take as much time picking out their shoes as they do their outfits everyday. They’ll even wear shoes that are “beautiful” even if they are too small or too big! Those, I have to confiscate and hide after they go to bed. :)
reFresh reStyle says
This is the second closet re-do that I’ve seen today…I think someone is trying to tell me something! I hope I listen. Thanks for the inspiration!!
jen says
Love the closing, “what? At least I’m honest……”
Megan says
Your closet looks great and I’m a wee bit jealous! I made a curtain panel similar to your all’s a few weeks ago and I am in LOVE with it.