Quite some time ago (maybe 5 or 6 years), my mother bought us a very nice computer armoire. We love it. It contains our computer and related paraphernalia in a very organized manner. And the best part is that the computer can be kept right in our living area…but the doors can be closed whenever it’s not in use, leaving the room looking clutter-free. See?
But now, here’s the thing. There are some extra shelves in there – shelves that are not needed for computer-related stuff. And so, being the efficient homemaker that I am, I’ve put them to good use – they now hold my “to-file pile,” random folders/notebooks/binders, the “bills inbox” along with necessary envelopes and stamps, thank-you notes, etc.
Etc.
Etc.
And because of the beauty of the armoire’s “door-closing feature,” it becomes awfully easy for me to completely and utterly ignore those shelves. Until they reach a dangerous level of disorganization. I’m afraid they are at that level now. And my husband agrees.
When I read about Laura‘s 30-Day Organizational Challenge, I knew that there were…ahem…several…areas of my home that could use an organization makeover. And so, figuring that I could clean up a messy region and at the same time do something that Chad would appreciate, I asked him what area he’d prefer I work on this month: the master closet, or…the armoire. He didn’t need to think for more than 5 seconds.
So I’ve got my work cut out for me. I know it’s very do-able. After all, it’s not like this is an entire room. It’s just one item of furniture. But I’d like to take this a little further. See, I’ve cleaned this item out before. But it always returns to this state of chaos. So this time, I want to not only get it looking good now, but create a system so that it won’t get this bad again anytime soon. (Any and all suggestions are welcome.)
And now, as an added bit of accountability, I will show you the inside of the armoire. But first, please take this oath:
I, ________________, do solemnly promise that I will not allow the pictures below to influence my opinion of Katrina / Callapidder Days. I will continue to stop by here occasionally, and I will not abandon her, even though the state of her paper piles is indeed hideous.
Okay, now with that out of the way, the pictures. (And please recognize how very humbling this is. People who know me in real life – including a whole bunch of in-laws – read this blog. And when they stop by, I try to make sure the doors are closed. So they may very well be seeing this for the first time. But for the sake of blog integrity…)
And now, since you’re probably asking, “What in the world is all that stuff?” I will give you a bit more detail.
Top:
1. A few stocking-stuffer items, a box of address labels, a folder full of information from when we bought and closed on our house, and lots of random “stuff.”
2. A basket o’ software CDs, piled with various software manuals, and, oh yeah, a mystery novel.
3. Notebooks, notepads, folders, binders.
4. Envelopes.
5. Iron-ish basket of office supplies – tape, scissors, binder clips, more tape.
6. Inbox for bills. Little packages or boxes of thank-you notes and blank notecards are piled precariously behind it.
7. My to-file pile.
Bottom:
8. Extra paper for the printer, box of school-supply stuff for use in homework projects.
9. Stack o’ blank CDs.
10. Various packages of “specialty paper” for printing – business cards, address labels, sticker paper, our backup hard drive, and the surge protector thingy.
I have a feeling that the solution will involve lots of baskets and purging. But hopefully by December 6th, the armoire will look just as nice with doors open as it does with doors closed.
Thanks, Laura, for the motivation!
Yeah! You are going to join, I’m thrilled. You have an amazing space there…your armoire is beautiful and so much potential! You are on the right track with the basket idea….you already have one nice wicker basket there, but a few more would be better for sure…..that way you can have a filing pile and no one has to know…he he…did I just say that. Yep you know how I feel about filing! The other thing I recommend are those stacking trays for paper…I’m not sure how to explain it but I’ll have to post a picture of mine. They work wonders for maximizes vertical space on shelves. Oh and no worries, I’ve taken the oath!!!!
Laura
I’m afraid to open the doors on my cupboard in my livingroom! That and my craft room are up for the pick of what to do for this. And I took your oath with my hand over my heart! :v)
Katrina, if you need help removing stuff or carrying bags to the garbage, just let me know. I love to help throw things out.
PS we will do it at night, while C is not looking.
HAAAAAAAAAA I love it. Hey, at least it has closing doors. That was smart shopping, if I say so myself….so give yourself some credit for that!
This will look so great when you are done.
I too want to develop a system that will work and will be able to maintain it.
The only way the pictures influnced me was to see you in the same boat I’m in, and feeling like I’m not in this boat alone. How encouraging it is to know we can get out of this boat together with Laura leading the way and helping us.
I don’t have my pictures posted yet, but I’m going to organize my paperwork and office.
Good luck – You can do it!
This made me get a big grin on my face. Of course I still like you. I may even like you more! I have a kitchen desk that is NOT behind closed doors. While it doesn’t look that bad, it usually looks way worse than a big spot in my kitchen should look.
I think Org Junkie should just come visit you. Wouldn’t you love to just cut her lose with it?
It’s a beautiful piece of furniture but I did smile a little when you opened it.
I took the oath. I swear. I did.
I have to say, I’m looking forward to the “after” picture. You have 30 days, right? You can do it!
My entire home office looks like that…I need to join this challenge!! Good luck to you!
I love that it has closing doors. I would want one for my home office.
I think maybe we all have some of those piles from time to time. The oath, no problem!
I actually thought your armoire wasn’t too bad! It will look great when you get it all done. I should be doing this challenge I guess but haven’t looked at it yet.
Organizing is not my problem. It’s finding the time to do it and KEEPING it clean and tidy! That’s my problemm, so for now I’ll have to live in chaos or else my kid’s might never get an education!
Ugh. I have a whole room (spare bedroom) I cannot face because of junk. Well maybe not that bad but the desk in there looks much like yours. I will be watching your efforts and hoping the organizing fairy visits me soon (guess that would be me, huh?)
LOL Chad, you are Beth’s son for sure! Pitching rocks!
Wow, I love this armoire! It’s beautiful. It will be great after it’s all organized. Can’t wait to see the “after” pictures.