Suggestions for Organizing a Small Home

[laurie31]

If it will make you feel any better, a bigger house is not the answer.

Yes, it would be nice for your kids to all have their own rooms, but the clutter factor means your stuff will expand to fill the available space, even if you had a 4000 square foot house.

I'm doing FlyLady, and her "habit of the month" for February is decluttering. I am finally attacking the office/spare bedroom that has been the room where we throw stuff to clean up but we never go back later and clean the stuff up. It's horrible. I've thrown out so much junk, and filled many bags for Goodwill. Still so much remains, but at least I've finally made a dent in it.

I might try those bed skirt organizers - do they really stay hidden under the bedskirt?

The thing we have found to help with the kids' papers is a small stack of drawers. Kind of like these:

http://images.shopletcdn.com/productimages/300x300/EB060680.GIF

They sit on the kitchen counter, and each child has a drawer. When they bring home notes from school. important forms, etc. it all goes in their personal drawer. Now I don't have unsightly piles of paper all over the counters, nor do I lose those field trip permission forms, notices about book fairs, etc. Also, we have a calendar on the fridge, and I try to put the info from a note on the calendar, and then I can trash the note. I also put all the kids' progress reports and papers sent home from school in there, and at the end of the year I sort through it all and choose a few of the best to keep and toss the rest.

If you have stairs, the space under the staircase is often usable for storage. You can also hang things from the ceiling in the garage if you have one.

 

[tonilea]

You might consider buying a dehumidifier for your basement. It would help with the dampness.

 

[ferris198]

She was explaining why she bought it hastily and hasn't moved.

Okay, explain why I need to know why former landlord is a peeping tom, and I now need storage suggestions.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Okay, explain why I need to know why former landlord is a peeping tom, and I now need storage suggestions.

Okay, explain why someone would feel the need to repeatedly critique someone's writing style on a Disney chat board? If you have so little to do maybe you could go up and help her clean, or you could read a real book and critique that.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Oh and here's some organizing advice. Some of it has already been said.

-We raised up our kid's beds with these boot things DH built. We can now fit full size storage bins under their beds.

-or...if you afford it, get each of your DD's who share a room a loft bed. That would free up the floor more.

-but clothes/shoes that you are passing down to the younger girls but don't fit anyone right now into storage. Use the Space bags and find a place to store them. If your basement is just a little damp the space bags should protect the clothes. You could put shelves down there to keep things off the floor.

-limit the clothes and shoes the girls are allowed to have. Just because they want more, doesn't mean they NEED more.

-close the door to your oldest DD's room. Make her deal with the mess. Tape off a portion of your 2 DD's room that belongs to your messier DD. tell her if her mess goes outside that area it will be thrown away. And do it.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Since you were asking about storage, why would you bring up the past reference in terms of the landlord and what he had done ?

Somehow last night I missed your post, but here is why I mentioned it. I figured if anyone looked at my age (listed below) and then subtracted they would probably say I was stupid at the age of 21 to buy a house that I hated. And mostly they would be right, buying this house is the one true regret of my life, but DH had just gotten a job here in a city and frankly a state that we knew not one single person. We wanted to rent till A- we knew the city and B-could afford to buy something. Well, we were put into a situation where I was terrified of our landlord and he being our first and only landlord I guess you would say he ruined me (at the time) for renting. I could rent again now, all these years and some growing later, but at the time I was afraid to even sleep at night and didn't know what this guy would do next. It wasn't just us, we had a daughter. 13 years later I still can't tell you the feeling of having someone looking in your second floor window as you get out of the shower, knowing he had a key to your house. It was terrifying.


So, I am sorry if it was TMI, maybe it was. But I guess over the years this house has really gotten to me, and people asking why did we move here if we hated the house so much has too. Maybe you are lucky and love where you live, but I do not. I could go on about the bad parts of my house but that won't help either. But, we were young, too scared to sleep at night, and didn't know what else to do. The cost of this house was the same as what we were paying in rent so we bought it.

Also, I by no means said WHO the landlord was, so unless he is reading this there shoudln't be a problem and if he is reading this by some weird chance, then he should be ashamed of himself for what he put a young family though.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Unfortunately the basement is more wet then damp sometimes. Damp now, but once all the snow melts it will melt in. But since PP again mentioned Space Bags, I must have used the wrong and will try those again.

I didn't meant to imply we have all outgrown clothes with their current clothes, but we do have the containers in our (including oDH and my) closet (in the bottom), but if we could keep them dry and mildew free, the basement would be much better so I will look into what I am doing wrong with those. I think the attic would work too for bags that can be shoved in.

It looks like Space Bags are my biggest answer if I can get them to work for me.

LOVE the loft Idea, if only I had asked sooner. We just recently bought the bunk beds (thought we were saving space).)

Thanks everyone for the ideas, I am looking forward to trying some of them. And again sorry if I gave too much info on theour previous situation, I just really wanted to explain, before I was asked, why anyone would buy a house they hated in a neighborhood they didn't love.

 

[luvmy3]

My boys share a room and have bunkbedsand alot of toys. I got those over the door shoe holders (with the pockets) and hung 2 of them on the footboard of the upper bed. They use them for their action figures, but you could use them for any smaller toys. It doesn't save a ton of room, but when you need the space every bit helps.
My dd has the smallest room and it was being overrun with her stuff. We had to purge it of about 75%. We got her one of those Rubbermaid wire closet systems so that we could split her closet in half with hanging bars (doubled up one on top and the other on bottom) on one side and shelves on the other and 2 long shelves spanning the upper part.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I have the over the door shoe pocket thing in my coat closet. That's where I stuff scarves and gloves and ear muffs and all that other never ending weather gear. I have a bin on the floor of the same closet for shoes. Ideally the should of course be in the bedroom realistically they are everywhere so we put them in the bin.

In the kitchen, I have my favorite 20 kitchen utensils in a giant container next to my stove instead of taking up precious drawer space. In all honesty it's doubtful you need more than a handful of kitchen cooking utensils anyways. All skillets and lids went in the drawer under the stove and the sauce/soup pans went into the cabinent next to the stove. Keep as much stuff off the counter as possible. It limits your work space and just makes you feel cluttered. Put the fruit bowl out front and center so the family will grab it and it's out of your way.

You mentioned your family all has the bins for storage. Color code your girls' bins so they each know what color is theirs to put away their own stuff. You can buy bins for toys and for clothes. When putting away each girl will just know that their bin is whatever color and throw it into that bin.

I have a small little basket and I do mean small over one of the toilets with rolled up washcloths. One of the bathrooms has no storage so whom ever is in there can just grab from the basket and then under the sink is a wastebasket for the dirty towels/washcloths. I left another tiny waste basket in between the toilet and sink for real trash.

Do you have tons of dvds and cds? I think we could open our own store with our collection. Instead of buying more storage for those, I bought large cd wallet books and put cds in one book and several dozen dvds in the other book. Those books are easier to store than finding a place for all the cases.

One great idea I read on here is took a picture or scan your children's artwork or whatever accolades they receive. Then a picture book was made from each child. Sort of like a yearbook.

 

[luvmy3]

I have the over the door shoe pocket thing in my coat closet. That's where I stuff scarves and gloves and ear muffs and all that other never ending weather gear. I have a bin on the floor of the same closet for shoes. Ideally the should of course be in the bedroom realistically they are everywhere so we put them in the bin.

In the kitchen, I have my favorite 20 kitchen utensils in a giant container next to my stove instead of taking up precious drawer space. In all honesty it's doubtful you need more than a handful of kitchen cooking utensils anyways. All skillets and lids went in the drawer under the stove and the sauce/soup pans went into the cabinent next to the stove. Keep as much stuff off the counter as possible. It limits your work space and just makes you feel cluttered. Put the fruit bowl out front and center so the family will grab it and it's out of your way.

You mentioned your family all has the bins for storage. Color code your girls' bins so they each know what color is theirs to put away their own stuff. You can buy bins for toys and for clothes. When putting away each girl will just know that their bin is whatever color and throw it into that bin.

I have a small little basket and I do mean small over one of the toilets with rolled up washcloths. One of the bathrooms has no storage so whom ever is in there can just grab from the basket and then under the sink is a wastebasket for the dirty towels/washcloths. I left another tiny waste basket in between the toilet and sink for real trash.

Do you have tons of dvds and cds? I think we could open our own store with our collection. Instead of buying more storage for those, I bought large cd wallet books and put cds in one book and several dozen dvds in the other book. Those books are easier to store than finding a place for all the cases.

One great idea I read on here is took a picture or scan your children's artwork or whatever accolades they receive. Then a picture book was made from each child. Sort of like a yearbook.

I do this! I used to save every project but with 3 kids it was way too much. I went through everything and got rid of alot and the most important stuff we took pics of. I will make a scrapbook for them (someday, I swear )

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I do this! I used to save every project but with 3 kids it was way too much. I went through everything and got rid of alot and the most important stuff we took pics of. I will make a scrapbook for them (someday, I swear )

Yes, we do this too especially when they bring home 3D free art creations that have absolutely no chance of surviving! I have made some good progress on school papers so now the next challangeis their clothes and I am on a mission to tackle it thanks to everyone here!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I figured if anyone looked at my age (listed below) and then subtracted they would probably say I was stupid at the age of 21 to buy a house that I hated.

On the contrary. I think you were pretty smart to buy a house at 21.

buying this house is the one true regret of my life

I am surprised to hear this. I understand you aren't happy there, but you've been you're *own* landlord there and you've made a sound investment with your money (a home). Ain't nuttin wrong with that, sista. Don't regret it. Eventually the market will turn around again. What you need to do now is turn it into a house you love.

Do you watch HGTV? DIY network? Tons of inspirational ideas there. If you notice, one of the reasons the makeovers look so good is because all the clutter is gone! I think that's half the battle. (That and paint. ) If everyone in the home get onboard w/ cleaning and updating, it's easier to get things done than trying to do it all yourself. Give it a whirl.

 

[onelilspark]

Where in Rochester are you?

Are you near any of the colleges? Perhaps trying to sell the house isn't necessarily a solution, but have you thought of trying to rent it?

I have a similar situation, when I bought, I didn't realize how little storage space was in the place. It was just me, so I wasn't looking at that. I'm going to quickly outgrow this place the minute I have a kid. My biggest thing is the artificial Christmas tree & ornaments...they take up soooo much room. The idea for under-the-bed is great, I'll have to see what I can fit I've also found some great shelves at Target. I have a ton of pictures, love to scrapbook...which means I have a ton of frames too...getting things up off the tables just makes things feel less cluttered.

 

[KirstenB]

We have a small house too. We tried to focus on changes to the kids' rooms. We put in shelving, then have 12x12x12 square baskets on the shelves. They store books, DVD's, toys, pretty much anything. Also, both girls have dormer windows. DH built a window box seat and put in 3 cupboards underneath.

Have you maxed out every closet space, putting in Closet Maid, or similar storage solutions? Home Depot, Lowe's etc all sell these systems. Our master closet is small, but we have a combination of hanging space, and shelving that seems to help.

 

[monkeybug]

My first home was about the same size as yours. We sold it and rent now, but my whole family misses that tiny house!! We were really able to make it our own.
Have you thought about remodeling? Is that a possibility? Our house was straight out of the 70's when we moved in. It had hunter orange counter tops and an amana radar range!!! When we sold it had brand new exterior and interior doors, new flooring, granite counter tops, stainless appliances, walls knocked down, new closets built, and floor to ceiling storage built in the garage. I painted with my favorite warm colors, and sewed (some very crooked..) curtains with fabric that I loved. We spent a little over 10,000 (that we got from a home equity loan...we were not rich by any ones stretch of the imagination!!!) and when we left our little house was as perfect for us as it could get. My husband did do most of the work, but somethings (like installing tile, laying pergo, painting, and building shelves, I did too, and it wasn't as difficult as it seems it might be)
There is a great website called knock off wood that teaches you how to build storage furniture like Pottery barn and land of nod. All you need is a table saw, some wood glue, and a ruler. (although home depot will cut wood for you if you don't own a saw) It's a woman that builds the furniture, and mostly women that follow her blog! You can build furniture very inexpensively and it's not as hard as you might think! You could put that damp basement to use as a workshop, and you and your girls could churn out some great storage solutions!!!
Is finishing the basement not an option? I don't know much about that, but it seems like a great way to add space.
Small homes can be cozy and fantastic! Take a trip to Ikea and check out what they do with only 200-400 square feet! Amazing!
My Grandma says you can have Champagne taste on a beer budget, you've just got to learn to make the Champagne yourself!

 

[Silent1CB]

Don't regret buying a smaller house? Or buying it younger? You'll have it paid off long before friends have their large houses paid off and they will be jealous of you.

and you save even more money by not filling it with lots of furniture and stuff a bigger house would hold.

 

[monkeybug]

Don't regret buying a smaller house? Or buying it younger? You'll have it paid off long before friends have their large houses paid off and they will be jealous of you.

and you save even more money by not filling it with lots of furniture and stuff a bigger house would hold.

Not to mention the amount you save on utilities!!
We decided to rent a big house (about 2200 sq ft) after selling our house (1198 sq. ft). It was pretty nice having all that space...until we got the utility bill
And until I had to clean the bathroom, bedroom, and living room that we didn't use!
We live in a small house again (still renting) and while we do sometimes wish we had more space, we don't mind one bit the extra money in our pockets!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We've been able to afford vacations and other luxuries by staying in our small house. Good trade off, I'd say.

 

[luvmy3]

We've been able to afford vacations and other luxuries by staying in our small house. Good trade off, I'd say.

ITA, I would rather live in a small home and be able to travel all over than live in a huge house and be stuck there.

 

[flamingglobessigmund]

I believe when space is an issue, one has to start looking at things in terms of how much valuable real estate something is taking.

Keeping clothes for hand-me-downs may be taking up too much valuable real estate in your home for years to come. When you don't have enough living space, and are storing articles for later use, then that could be affecting the quality of life now.

Clothing can be found on sale, and clearance, for amazingly low prices, at the time they are needed, at department stores, online, and thrift stores. Freeing up your down the line storage might make living in a smaller space more bearable for all of you.