I’m so glad that Laura started the 30-Day Organizational Challenge, encouraging her readers to pick one spot in their home that needed an organizational overhaul and attack it. I, for one, really needed the little push her challenge offered. Our computer armoire was the disaster of choice for me, and I’m not the only one in this house who’s happy about the results.
Here’s the scoop. You can read more details about the before pictures here, but for the purposes of this post, I’ll just give you one glimpse of the armoire pre-challenge. The key problems were: too much stuff shoved in there, no good filing or bills/inbox systems, and not enough distinct separation between categories of “stuff.” See for yourself:
And now, after a month of one-step-at-a-time organizing and Laura’s helpful advice (especially on containerizing), I’m pleased to present to you, the After Picture:
Here’s the (very basic) process I used:
1. I identified what each section of the armoire would hold: the “file pile,” my inbox for bills, etc., extra notebooks or folders that I always seem to be looking for, thank you notes and other stationery, and a bunch of other stuff.
2. I removed ALL items from the armoire (although I did this in sections – one or two sections per day), and got rid of stuff that I don’t need or use. I was ruthless about throwing things away. I should have taken a picture of the gigantic pile of stuff that got tossed in the process.
3. I returned items to their appropriate section in a neat and organized way.
4. I utilized a ton of various containers to separate and hold each category of “stuff.” This was my favorite part, and the part that will make the new look and new system work.
For a little more detail about my containers and new system, let me give you a blow-up of the top section of the armoire, along with some of my favorite parts:
1. This top shelf holds (from left to right): a basket of office supplies (scissors, tape, binder clips, etc.); 2 document boxes containing software and computer manuals, a box of extra checks and the advice booklet from the pediatrician’s office; and a basket of software CDs. Everything has its container and stays there, easily accessible, but out of sight.
2. The box in this section contains all the little blank notebooks, folders, and binders that I might need.
3. This is my new “to file” area and it’s a new system for me. Before, my to-file pile often grew out of control. And I hated to actually face it, mostly because it was such a long process — first, I had to sort everything (stuff for the memory boxes, financial statements to file, insurance information, etc.) and THEN file it. Now, I’ve split it into 2 sections, using stackable letter trays. The top tray is for school papers, crafts, pictures, birthday cards and so on that will get put in memory boxes. The bottom tray is for “important documents,” including financial info, that will get filed in the filing drawer in the basement. I love that I’m eliminating most of the sorting from the filing process, by sorting as I go.
4. Basket of notecards, thank you cards, stationery, etc.
5. My new “inbox” – and it’s literally a box. I’m very happy with this as well because it contains everything I need for paying the bills. In this box, you would find stamps, address labels, envelopes, the checkbook, and any bills or receipts that I need to pay and/or record. So when it’s time to pay bills, I just take the whole box over to the table and I’m ready to go. And in between bill-paying days, all the miscellaneous papers, stamps, etc. stay neatly contained.
Whew! That was probably more information than any of you wanted! But it is a pretty decent improvement, wouldn’t you say? Thanks again, Laura, for inspiring us and hosting this challenge!
Terrific job! It looks pretty enough to leave the doors open!
We have an entertainment center that is massive with many shelves and it is my biggest hotspot!
Great job!
That looks great Katrina! I need to tackle our closet just like that… one step at a time!
Great job! I’m tackling my computer/office area between Christmas & New Year’s – hope it turns out 1/2 as well as yours did!
Congratulations, Katrina! It looks great! And I love how “Organized” your description was too! Way to go. Unfortunately I did not do so well.
Oh my, what a fantastic job! Congratulations, you will love having a tidy space to work!!!
Looks great!
Wow! Your computer armoir looks awesome! My bookshelf is finished, but I’m not posting because I didn’t use any cool storage containers. I mostly have an empty shelf now, b/c I got rid of most of it. lol
Hope you win!!
Looks good, love the cpntainers!
You did a very nice job! Now the new challenge will be to keep it looking this way. :0)
You’ve inspired me to tackle my computer desk.
LOVE to organize – way to go!!!! I have a linky today for soup recipes – if you want to participate come on over!!!
Nice job!!
Wow–it looks really great. I know that it will be a lot more functional for you.
Great work!
Ok, Katrina, this is seriously impressive. What a huge improvement. These are the best before and after photos I’ve seen in ages.
I’ll bet this feels good, huh?
Fantastic work Katrina…I’m like a proud momma! You should see me grinning from ear to ear
Looking at all the before and afters is making me very weepy…I’m so happy!
Laura
Excellent job, K. I need to make some big time changes after the new year so this is motivating me. Although if you get bored . . .
You just created my DREAM desk area!
It’s beautiful! Great work!
So gorgeous in there! I love the colors of the boxes and containers. It’s like a grand work of art. My office is my next hot spot.
I am REALLY impressed! What an improvement! Mine looks more like your before…
It look fantastic!! I love what you did with your space. Great job!
I love all the containers you have. Great system.
I love your new organized space. You did such a wonderful job and your containers are beautiful!