Don't hate me, my closets are beautiful

May 04, 2009

Most people have fairly clean houses and closets that are a mess. I'm the opposite. Our house is rarely a total mess, but I can live with toys scattered throughout for two or three days. Then I start to twitch a little and have to clean.

One thing I cannot handle is messy closets. I'm a freak I tell you!! Warning: You will either hate me after the following pictures or be so incredibly bored you will drift off into a deep sleep... We have a linen closet in our loft that used to just have towels and sheets in it. Then I realized we really didn't need 30 towels and 12 sets of sheets. I got rid of most of them and ended up with a ton of extra space: Now I store cleaning supplies just for upstairs and have turned this into a game closet as well. I hang stuff in the little corners of closets all the time: If they had a support group for Labelers Anonymous, I'd be the first member:

You can see what's in the bin, but I have to label it. Just in case Hubby gets in a tizzy and decides to clean the whole house -- he'll know where everything is. (Snort.)

Our downstairs linen closet is where I keep the majority of our cleaning supplies. Anyone else have WAY too much cleaning stuff? I'm using up everything and hope to just have a couple cleaners for each floor when done:

I keep an empty bin in this closet for kitchen towels/Bub socks that I don't know what to do with. It's nice to have a "laundry bin" for random stuff downstairs.

Our coat closet still has about 15 jackets we have never worn but at least it's organized. I use a shoe sorter for winter stuff above:

My favorite closet (YES I have a favorite. Shut it.) is our master linen closet. 

You'll see I'm a complete freak and needed the bins to all match:I can't tell you how nice it is to know exactly where to look for something. Freakin' fantastic!! 

 You want to see under my sink in our bathroom?:
I don't have to put anything under here because everything has a spot in the closet. You too can have beautiful closets. I swear it!! Get rid of all that crap!!
Email subscription form header
Your email:*
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide

Comments

  1. LOL, lovely closets! I don't hate you, but I do want you to come organise my entire house! I don't even know where to begin.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Can I hire you to come organize my home? Pretty please? :) My husband would LOVE if the cabinet under our sink in the bathroom looked like yours... *Sigh*

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't hate you. I like you even more.
    I try to do this with my closets, (labels and everything) but the other people who live in this house will not help me maintain the system.
    oy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Don't you just love those little white baskets. I have them in every closet and my pantry. I had never thought of using a shoe organizer to keep the top of a closet neat. I might have to try that.

    Thank for sharing.
    Juli

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm exactly the same way. Somehow it feels good to know your closets are organized. I'm in love with my label maker too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, I'm so hearting you and your closets. Would you like to come to Germany for a few days to organize mine? :)
    BTW, my body looks exactly like Jillian Michaels' in my head.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello. My name is Anne and I am a label junkie.

    I love your closets. I do have one complaint... I would love to be able to enlarge your photos and read the labels. I know, freaky, but labels are for reading... Help a girl out???

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh dear, you thought I'd hate you, but I totally love you! I'd love to have my closets looking at least close to yours, but I can barely find the time to do it (and with a hubby whose clothes lie in piles in the bedroom, keeping anything organized would be a problem). However, I do twitch like a mad woman when the house is a mess... now, if I could do the same for my closets, I'd be a happy girl!

    Thank you for sharing! You just inspired me.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yeah, you are a freak but I love it! I dream of being freakish like you someday... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. All right, now I am going to HAVE to buy a label maker...
    If you're interested, you should come to my chalkboard paint party on Friday:)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the closets and I'm trying, but I am making progress. Not quite as organized as your yet, but getting there. Thanks for more inspiration. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the closets and I'm trying, but I am making progress. Not quite as organized as your yet, but getting there. Thanks for more inspiration. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  13. I loved this post ~ body beautiful Jillian and all! I tend to have very organized drawers and closets. Even my garage is somewhat organized ... it makes for a happier existence (in my very own humble opinion.)

    ReplyDelete
  14. There is nothing that will get my attention MORE than organizing! Funny, I once had a post on organizing my closets ( http://roadyjane.blogspot.com/2007/07/by-popular-demand.html ) but they actually look like crap compared to yours. I did label, though. I need a handy label maker like yours! That would make my life complete.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Um, I have to be honest and say that I do hate you a little bit now. You are right about the getting rid of crap. Even though our house is old 70s with no closet space, I could probably utilize what I have MUCH more if I went through and decluttered...blushing. Your closets are awesome, and I'd want all my bins to match--funny how the OCD/Type A will pop out sometimes. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow - that's VERY impressive that all of your closets are so organized. But sweetie, you are NEVER allowed to look in the closets at my house :). Seriously, though, thanks for the inspriation!

    Oh, and by the way, I am told all-the-time that I look like Jillian Michaels. I'm like, I know, I know...stop staring at my rock hard abs. It's embarrassing :).

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love this post. I love organizing. I love organized closets. I am in the process of organizing a couple right now. My problem is that I don't have ENOUGH closets in the proper places. But, those I do have? THOSE will be SPECTACULAR. P.S. I love my label maker, even though it is old. It is invaluable. I even label my kitchen cabinets (on the inside) using clear label tape.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am really jealous of your beautiful closets! I love the idea of a shoe organizer for the winter gear. I bought the drawers only to discover I can't actually open them and they are too tall to reach inside even if I could open them.

    I am also jealous of the number of closets you have. Did I count three linen closets? Ahhhh, you're living the life.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice! I will pay you to come over and work on mine! It's like my least favorite thing IN THE WORLD!!!

    I have a serious case of closet envy!

    XOXO
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love it!!! All of it!!! PLease please tell me where to get those baskets!!!! PLEASE!!! I live out of the USA and so my shopping time is limited when I go. I need those!!! Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I need to do this! But before I do, I need a closet... I need a space as I just ran all over my house looking for a scrubbing brush!

    ReplyDelete
  22. love love love love love love it.

    all.

    now I must know:

    what type of label maker do you use? because mine don't stick to the sterlite baskets and it drives me nuts-o.

    thanks for helping a girl out. and for such a fun (inspiring) blog!!!

    (e-mail to amy_creer@yahoo.com if ya don't mind ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I neither hate you nor was I bored...I love to look in people's closets. Mine don't look THAT wonderful yet but they don't look too bad, either. A work in progress :)

    I would love to see your solution to the ever nagging "junk drawer". I have a desk/cupboards in one part of my kitchen that we use as a computer/office station. I just can't, for the life of me, seem to get that area organized. Help!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow -- I am seriously inspired! I love to see how people organize their closets...yours are stellar! I think I have my work cut out for me here at home...ahem. Thanks for giving us a peek. = )

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow! I think that I am going to organize my closets this summer. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I so totally love you! Well, I already did, but now even more! I, too, and a freak about organized closets. And organized cabinets, shelves, etc.

    So I loved seeing your closets. I'd also like to see your master bedroom closet...I've rearranged mine a couple times but still dont' have it QUITE the way I want it.

    ReplyDelete
  27. VERY impressive! I absolutely LOVE your closets! I am spring cleaning this week and posting pictures. The closets are coming. . . I don't think I can make them look as incredible as yours though. I can dream.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hate you? I want to marry you! Despite the fact that I'm already married and I'm not really into that sort of thing, I WANT YOUR HELP WITH MY CLOSETS AND LIFE. If I could get my closets cleaned up like that I could accomplish anything.

    OK, so can I send my hubby to your house for some organizational boot camp or something? Cause it's obviously HIS fault that ours isn't that way already.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love me some organization...makes me feel calm and peaceful.

    ReplyDelete
  30. It looks great! Clean closets probably equate to some weird personality disorder...I have it too. I can feel them being messy even when I'm in a different city.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Loved this post, Sarah! Very entertaining and inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your closets really are beautiful. It almost motivates me to organize mine when I get home...I'll probably save the closet organization until the weekend before our first test, just to help procrastinate.

    :) Thanks for all the little tips.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love it! Great job. I too must have all matching baskets. It just makes it look so much better!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Just thinking about going to the Container Store sends my heart a flutter. SO glad to see I'm not the only crazy one that got bit by the organization bug ;)

    ReplyDelete
  35. One word...
    WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh, please come and put some of that extra energy to good use in my office. Ever get so overwhelmed that you can't even find a place to start...that's me in my office!

    It's on the list for tomorrow...wish me luck! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great, just great! My closets are pretty organized but now I am loving your matching bins and I'm looking at my mismatched ones like they are missing all their best friends! Oh, and you should have seen me all dressed up for your party and no where to go! Don't worry - I didn't wrinkle my dress and I'll post again when you get the festivities going!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Sarah, I have been that way my whole life. My closet are well organized. But, I do not label. I love the fact that you do. I do use the bins. Do you ever think about the movie: Sleeping with the enemy? It scared the heck out of me that I organize like that guy did. LOL I also got it when the towels had to be hanging neatly and evenly. I think I must be a little OCD. How about you?? LOL
    Hugs, Terrie

    ReplyDelete
  39. Okay, you just totally motivated me to go organize my messy closets. Girl, you have the best lookin' closets in alllll of blogland. I love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Girlfriend,
    Yes...... I hate you and your closets...matchin baskets , empty
    bathroom sink cabinet , the less
    or more thing going on...ditching the GW Party - that I didn't even
    know about but could have and then
    .............................. to
    top it off - a body like Jillian -
    you have gone too far this time !!!
    Really - LOL -love it, love it , love it. How did you get rid of
    the extra towels...did you package
    them up to a secret storage unit or
    what ? I would love to see more space in some of mine - although I am not as lucky as you I only have 1 linen closet - yes this is not fair - ya know I have a small house. Can you tell I am jealous ?
    If I could vote for the bestest blog I read today it would be yours -humor and organization with
    a dash of pretty ! Thanks a bunch..Hugs ~ Kammy

    ReplyDelete
  41. oh my heavenly closets. WOW! i have to admit i was organizing some closets today without even reading this yet!!! my hubby would DIE to have our bathroom look like that! it is one of his biggest pet peeves!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I've been following your blog for about a month or so now and must admit that I find your blog disturbingly refreshing.

    Seriously though, I did begin decluttering when you first mentioned it and have pitched and purged stuff I didn't even remember I had. I've also enlisted the help of a tidy and organized friend to help me with other stuff in my house.

    Keep the tips coming! BTW, I also bought a can of white and black spray paint to bring new life to some old stuff but the rain doesn't seem to want me to get it done.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Yes...I hate you. But NOT because your closets are so freakishly organized and lovely. The reason I hate you is because you have so many freaking closets!!! I WISH I had 3 linen closets and a coat closet. I have one measley extra closet. So.Not.Fair.

    You know I luv ya girl!
    ~amanda

    ReplyDelete
  44. DROOLING over your organized closets. And nothing under your bathroom sink? Inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  45. You are amazing!!! I need someone to get tough with me, I want to be more organized and have less clutter, so crack that whip!! hmmm do you think you could come over to aussie land to get me started??? I know..I know I need to just do it...sigh...one day I want to grow up to be just like you..hehe
    Thanks sweetness for the inspiration :)
    Take care
    Melly:)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I will join you at Labeler's Anonymous! Great idea for the shoe cubbies for winter gear storage. I am definitely going to steal that idea. Are they still making your preferred basket? I haven't seen any like that and it looks like the perfect solution for my bathroom cabinet.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Amazingly my closets look pretty good here....it's just the rest of my house. Sigh. Before 3 kids I had a spotless house, now I have no motivation....need to find some!

    **I heard NKOTB will be on the Today show friday!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I think that is the motivation I needed ... thanks!

    ~Heather

    ReplyDelete
  49. I think that you and I could be in a neck to neck tie for first place at closet compulsiveness! I am the same way too. (I even fold my towels a special way so they can effortlessly go from closet rack to towel bar without refolding!) It's amazing and annoying to others at the same time!! :) Thanks for making me feel normal.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I don't hate you because your closets are beautifully organized. I hate you because you have closets! The closet space in our 109-yr old house is abysmal. No linen closet. No pantry. And the master bedroom closet is one L-O-N-G space up under the eaves with no room to hang anything long, so my dresses hang on the back of the closet door. Closets like yours are a joy to behold! :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow you are Miss Organized. Have to admit I'm a little jealous. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately with the amount of clutter. We just recently cleaned out the storage room, but every closet and drawer needs the same attn...ugh!

    Love the pic of Jillian. She's just the best:)

    ReplyDelete
  52. very, very, very inspiring! Which is why I blog in the first place, so thank you very much!
    ♥ Jen

    ReplyDelete
  53. This is hilarious! I love your closets. Some of mine are really well organized, some not. I'm totally going out to get some shoe oraganizers for all the "outerwear" stuff that gets all jumbled. All the cabinets under my sinks are empty too; mostly due to my nosey toddler who trashes everything she touches. Now that it's empty, it's a great place for the kids to hide.

    ReplyDelete
  54. You are a STAR my dear! I organize closets about twice a year but they NEVER stay organized. So annoying. And I must say that I am feeling quite inspired... but first... MOP FLOORS! Ack! Thanks for the giggles, Sarah! You never fail to get me rolling!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I hate you ... but only a little and only until I finish my own closets! ;-) Thanks for the inspiration to get off my rear ... step away from the computer ... and freakin do something!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Wow chickie-- you are organized! Now, where can I get me some of that organizing motivation? ;P

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh I love organized closets! In this old house it's a challenge...well because closets are in short supply, but still I love it. Sorting and organizing are so fun! xorachel

    ReplyDelete
  58. I dream of having organized closets. We have three closets, total. To store pretty much everything. Ever seen a linen/cleaning supplies/craft supplies/coat/camping supplies/who knows what else closet? I've tried to organize it, I swear.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I don't hate you for the closets, mine are okay. It's the pantry that making me green with envy.

    ReplyDelete
  60. No hate here. Just admiration!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I know just what you mean. My closests are ORGANIZED. Unfortunatly, I'm slowly working on getting the rest of my house there too.

    ReplyDelete
  62. That looks like my mom's house and I'm always just baffled. "Where is all the STUFF?!"

    Clearly I don't have that gene.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Love the new profile pic. Miss you sis!

    ReplyDelete
  64. It is so not fair! How can your sink be completely empty underneath? Not fair, not fair!!! I need help in this department. We have 5 children, so I HAVE to have at least 7 beach towels for summertime, numerous towels for regular showers, etc. Argh! What can I do to downsize? I guess I do have some extra sheets but I just cleaned and it doesn't look close to that. pout off to figure out what I am doing wrong! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  65. YOU! My dear, are inspirational! I wrote my post today to inspire myself, or rather incounrage. But you rinspire! Thanks!
    LOVe the labels. makes me want to invest in a lable maker and it makes me laugh at the infamous Seinfeld episode on label makers. Thakns for the inspiration and the laugh!

    ReplyDelete
  66. I confess, I am a labeller too. My closets are very organized and everything is labelled. My very large family tease me about it all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  67. You have absolutely motivated me to get my closets in order. Did the master last weekend - did the computer desk today (not a closet - but we were treating it like one....). Tomorrow I'm off to get bins for the kids linen closet. Wish we had a linen closet for the master bathroom (I HATE storing stuff under the sink), but we don't. Any suggestions?? :)

    ReplyDelete
  68. okay, i would call you a dirty name but you don't know me and i am really a nice person... but girl all your organizing is really making me jealous!!! since all your stuff is organized and you are bored because obviously your house is already clean, you can bring yourself down here and get my butt organized!! :) Seriously, i am so jealous you just don't know!

    ReplyDelete
  69. I hate you. I could never get my closets that good. I only have 1 linen closet and have limited storage space and too much stuff. But stuff goes hand and hand with 3 boys. I envy you and your closets. :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. You had me at hello ;-) And then lost me in a fit of anger when I saw underneath your bathroom cupboard. Grrr I want mine to look like that.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Wow, I am deeply envious of your closets and your labels. It is sooo irritating to be looking for something that you KNOW you have, but CANNOT find. I just may have to attack my closets this summer. Well, maybe.

    Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  72. Yes I do totally hate you! (ok, not really just extremly jelous that you have so many closets and places to store stuff!) I LOVE bins and anything that can "organize" stuff. I can spend hours and thousands of dollars in the Container Store!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I loved the under the bathroom sink shot. I WISH mine looked like that. Now if people would stop giving me 17863468723489 bottles of lotion and potions for Christmas it just might!

    I didn't hate but I sighed and dreamed a little. :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. Ahhh.... PAIN.... I think I pulled something! Need. Diet. Drink. and bar of chocolate. Ahhhhh... great organizing workout girl! Good to know that with organizing... there are no after pains just sheer bliss when you look at that beautiful space!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I just totally bragged on your post, girlie. You have motivated me. I am going to get my crap together. Come see the nice and wonderful things I said 'bout you!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Wow, wow, wow, I will never show this post to my hubby or he will send me to your house for boot camp. But I can find those cleaning supplies for free with my coupons and fill up my closets with really great crap. Yep, i have that problem. :)

    ReplyDelete
  77. I have closet envy!!!:):)

    love, kelee

    ReplyDelete
  78. I am new to your blog and read your post and last night was thinking about my new house I am about to move into and how you say there is a place for everything. Well I just wanted to ask.. Where do you put all your decorations from holiday's that are only used or any decor. I thought prob your attic but thought I'd ask if you have a good spot for it if you don't have one! Thanks so much. I going to try to be clutter free and organized from day one!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Oh my goodness! I thought I was the only weirdo in the world who has organized closets and house clutter. And I label everything, including the fridge shelves, too...

    Wow. It's good to find a kindred spirit. I'll be back! :)

    ReplyDelete
  80. I have this same illness, but mine is not as advanced as yours. My containers do not match, but now I wanna visit the dollar store and get some that do.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I love it! I'm an organizing fanatic too!

    ReplyDelete
  82. I can't even read the entire post since now I'm feeling like the biggest fattest pig after seeing that first photo. Can I use the 5 children in 7 years as an excuse? For the closets AND my thighs?? Please?

    ReplyDelete
  83. I think we might be long lost twins.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Okay...so, in my head I'm VERY organized. Now I know what I'll be doing this summer!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I just need to say...I think I love you. Seriously??? I want to do this but I just need someone to come and help me. Please??? : )

    ReplyDelete
  86. Your closet organization is perfection and I am very jealous of you. I, sadly, have no storage in my little house. My husband and I have about four feet each for our clothes, but no room for a chest of drawers. He had more clothes than I do btw. My two little girls share a closet, but it is mostly toys. The upper part of the closet is filled with junk from my 18 year old daughter who has yet to clear it out since she moved. I'm trying so hard to organize us and to make more space. It is simply ridiculous! How much stuff do I have to throw away or sell???? I guess I'll post a picture of the ongoing pile on the side of my house. But it's so embarrassing.
    I want to be you Sarah!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Oh my gosh. I.am.so.jealous. But what about if you don't have all those closets?! We don't have any linen closets in our house. I know. We have one in the guest bathroom. And we have a coat closet. Any ideas for that?

    ReplyDelete
  88. I love, love, love your closets! Thank you so much for picking me as the winner for the print. I'm SOOOOO excited!!! I've actually been touring my house to see where it will make it's debut! I'm seeing a post all it's own in my future. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again! :D

    ReplyDelete
  89. I guess I'm a little late in my comments BUT I'm sooo glad that I'm not alone in my obsession with my closets. I have a crazy household with toys and video game parifinalia everywhere, but secretly I know my closets are a true reflection of me (safe behind closed doors). I am new to blogger land but continue on and happy organizing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hey Sarah,
    You are my kinda woman! I LOVE your $1 plates - one dolla make you holla!!!

    Your organization is stunning :) I wish I had your energy!!!

    Rhonda, CA

    ReplyDelete
  91. Seriously, you are amazing, I am sitting here laughing while reading your blog, because you're just so gosh darn adorable, and I keep reading parts of your posts out loud to my hubs (he keeps shaking his head at me...) I too need to belong to labelers anonymous...I own 3 labelers...I know, it's disgusting. I am in love with Goodwill and even use the 20% off coupon you print online...to which my husband also shakes his head! ARG!

    Ok, I am a loyal follower now! Just stopped in from SITS...

    and going to read the rest of your blog...

    ReplyDelete
  92. I'm totally the same way!! I even color coordinate everything, especially clothes by sleeve length, etc:) I LOVE containers since they make such great organizers!!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Love this post! I too love my label maker and organized closet spaces...although you even have me beat. Way to go...I don't think you're freaky at all! I wish I had as many linen closets as you.

    ReplyDelete
  94. The key to her making space was to GET RID OF THE EXCESS!

    As soon as you have "just enough" for daily life, you usually have a lot more room. I took all the ratty towels and blankets to the humane society for pet beds and got 2 shelves clear for other things.

    And dumping related things in a bin is usually all the organization you need. It limits the area you have to search :)

    ReplyDelete
  95. I'm finally starting to figure out why this is my favorite blog. Not only is your sense of humor great, but I'm totally obsessed with clean closets as well. I almost LOL'd when I saw your master bathroom linen closet because not only is mine organized exactly like yours, I also have the exact same baskets! And my cabinets under all my sinks (except the kitchen) are empty b/c I'm so anal about the closets being clean that there's nothing left to put under the cabinet! Well, except TP actually. Thanks for this awesome blog. It's nice to know that someone else 'gets' my closet obsession. Haha!

    ReplyDelete
  96. ........... WHY did I never think of rolling my towels up to store them.. looks 100000000000000x better.. !!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Wow! want to come to Maryland to organize my house? Love the idea of using a cardboard shoe organizer for gloves, hats, ear muffs,etc. Now my coat closet shares space with cartons of canned sodas on the floor space, Alcoholic beverages on the shelf above all the coats..We've got way too many coats, jackets or too little space..which is it? I bet my fuzzy naval mix has turned to sediment by now. My previous home had so much storage space in it..I loved it but those stairs killed us so we had to make a trade off 7 yrs. ago.

    ReplyDelete
  98. How many towel sets is too many for 2 adults? Let's take a survey how many sets empty nesters keep!

    ReplyDelete

If you have a specific question I will do my best to answer you back here!

You can find our paint colors and links to items at the "Our Home" tab at the top of my site.

THANKS so much for reading!