Challenge - Organize the Hall Closet

I found this picture of a hall coat closet in an old edition of Country Home dated Jan/Feb 2005. It got me thinking that my coat closet could use some work! So I'm taking on the challenge.

I like the idea of the 5 shelf bag. It never occurred to me to put one there. Great for winter gear, especially with kids. I also like the hooks on the door. That got me thinking that I don't necessarily need hooks on my coat closet door but could definitely use them on my bedroom closet door. We somehow ended up acquiring several more umbrellas....guess that happens with kids. We have about 6 now. We could really use an umbrella stand. Thinking creatively on that one. I also like the cleanliness of the shoe rack, but we don't keep our shoes in the hall closet so not sure if that is necessary. I like the look of it though.

I've got the closet decluttered now. Removed about 10 coats that will not fit the kids this upcoming season, so they are off to friends. If you need more information on decluttering clothes, click here.

Inspiration: Eliminate 40% of the Housework!

I have to add this quote from Jean Chatzky’s book Make Money Not Excuses.

"Getting rid of excess clutter could eliminate 40 percent of the housework in the average American household."

Now that is reason enough to motivate me to declutter and organize! I'd love the extra time to spend with my family! Her book, got me into action mode (anything that inspires me into action is a wonderful thing). I wrote a recent entry about organizing my paperwork after reading her book. After I completed decluttering my paperwork and revamping my system as well as reorganizing it, I reread her book to see what I missed! =) I noticed the above quote at the second reading and wanted to share with you.

Be Creative, Less Trips to the Store!

In my quest for a simple life, I've started only going to the store, once a week. We go to a store for food shopping that offers most other items we may need there as well. Every once in a while, I find I want or need something before my next trip. The great thing is now I have to get creative. What do I have at house, that I can use instead? Most often I find I have SOMETHING I can use and it works out really well. I’ve saved myself the trip, the time and the money. I’ve also found a purpose for another item not being used. I’m amazed at the creativity I find when this occurs. It’s rare that I can’t find something to fill that need. So here's the challenge - only go to the store once a week (or once every 2 weeks if you can!) and be creative for the things that come up in between!