http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetlittleonesshop

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Organizing the House - Part 1


I'm definitely in nesting / panic mode.

We've lived in our house for 2-1/2 years now, and there's still a lot we have to finish.  I'm slow at making decisions, so it takes something major - like a potential adoption! - to get me to make a move.

And even if adopting the twins doesn't work out, there will be a little one joining our family in the (probably) very near future.  This stuff just needs to be done no matter what, but the fact that the adoption might be very, very soon has pushed us into rush mode!

So this is just part of what we're working on - and it's only the start of it too.  I'll have to go into a little more detail with some of the rooms once they're completely done, but here's our progress so far:


Storage Room

It was a complete disaster before.  I forgot to take a "before" pic, but just envision storage tubs stacked halfway up the walls - 2-3 deep - and then random stuff piled on top of that.  A huge chaotic mess.

Here it is now:

Furnace room / storage room with a closet in the back

We went and bought some strong metal shelves, bolted them to the wall, and now, I can actually find things we have stored!


It's definitely not completely finished, but it looks so much better!


Storage Room Closet

We have a nice little closet in our storage room (yes, a storage room within a storage room - I love this house!).  That got cleared out too.

I like to stock up (I grew up in a big family ;) so now I have space for all of that food.  Hopefully, I will only have to grocery shop for milk, bread, and fresh produce this winter...


Just needs to be a little more organized, but it's working out great in the meantime. :)


Playroom

The room that was always in the plan to be the playroom was not a priority when we moved here because at the time, our daughter was not even a year old.  So it became the dump room.  You know the room/closet I'm talking about.  You have one in your house too - don't deny it. ;) 

Finally, we cleared it out and organized it.  And I'm so bad at "before" pictures - I forgot with this room too.  But I'm sure you can picture the catch-all that it was.

Here it is!  It's one of my favorite rooms in the house now.

A playroom with all this storage?  Yes, please!  And...can you tell we like to read?!


Jim really wanted to keep all the wood paneling and trim this color.  I really wanted it white, but the whole rest of the house has already been painted white...so wood it is ;)  Although he did say that we could paint the doors white...I think I'll take him up on that!


I'd like to add some more shelves for better organization
 

I just need to get some chairs for the art table and hang up the kids' art gallery wall here



All that I have left to do is mostly finishing touches (get curtains, chairs, etc.), hang up the gallery wall, and finish up organizing the closet.  I'm almost there!


Our Little Girl's Bedroom

I love all the bright & fun colors!  This is definitely my favorite color combination.

All of the furniture has been put in place for awhile.  It just needed wall art.  Now, that's up.  And all that's left is getting curtains, painting the mirrors above the beds white, and some finishing touches (like a little decorating on the dresser and shelf, writing a cute saying on the chalkboard, etc.).


It's looking good!


Our Little Boy's Bedroom

Our little man just got moved out of the nursery and into his big boy room.  But he's still in a crib and will be til he figures out how to escape. ;)

This room was the old office, so mostly all we've done is clear out the computer, desk, and office supplies, and move in his crib.  His room still needs a lot of work as you can see:


I'd like to add that after showing you all of this is we have not spent very much money organizing or decorating our house.  (Or maybe that's what you were thinking anyway! ;)  Almost everything pictured (even the kids' toys) were items we already owned, were given to us, or were bought at a major discount (like at a garage sale or on clearance).  You don't have to spend a lot to organize and turn your house into a home - you just need to be creative!

 

Isn't it the best feeling in the world to get stuff in order and to have your house feel finished?  

We still have a little to finish in each of these rooms and even have several more rooms to work on, but I still feel great!  (I'll post the other rooms in Part 2 soon!)  Are you working on any projects with organization right now?

Now, we just need to keep up the work...and keep it in order too.  I'll post more once we make more progress!



               


A little blog housekeeping now....;)

I want to say a big  THANK YOU!  to everyone who linked up with us for our first Tuesday Talk link up this week!  There's still time to link up...or you can come back and share a recent post next Tuesday. :)  We'd love to have you! 

And you ladies blew us away with your amazing posts.  So much so that we are all currently working on a Pinterest board where we will be featuring our favorites every week.  Come back next Tuesday and make sure you follow along with our Tuesday Talk Features board to see some awesome posts you'll definitely want to pin too!

All of the co-hosts are having awesome giveaways going on as well...so make sure you go and enter.  You'll want to win these prizes...I do!  All of the blogs where you can enter are listed right here.  And here is ours: A Year Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Thanks again, and we're looking forward to getting to know you better every week at Tuesday Talk!

http://www.sweetlittleonesblog.com/2015/01/a-new-link-party-giveaway.html




Sharing my 
Thoughts for Thursday with Natalie and Annie,
5 on Friday/Friday Faves
along with DarciNatashaChristinaApril
KarliAmyAndreaErika, and Narci,  
The Pick with Astleigh,
Week's End with Elizabeth
Every Girl Link Up with Astleigh and Rachel,
 and
Saturday Spotlight

53 comments:

  1. LOVE your playroom all of that storage and storage up high out of the reach of little. So, awesome.

    I agree that organization just makes me happy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the dream house of storage that's for sure! Yeah, it is so nice to have the ability to keep some stuff out of their reach. I love this room too. Now, we just have to keep it this organized - that's the hard part! -Jess

      Delete
  2. I love your playroom...it is so nice to have built-in shelving and just a space in general to store all the toys. My playroom is a playroom/office/gym...lol..definitely multi-purpose so I've had to be strategic with organization in there too. Have you ever thought of painting all that brown wood white??? If that's your style, it would totally brighten it up in there! But overall, I love what you've done with it!
    -Morgan
    California To Carolina
    The Gym Bunny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so wish we could paint it white! That's what I would like. My husband really wanted to keep it wood and the entire rest of the house is white trim and moldings, so I guess he can have 1 room. ;) He did say I could paint the trim around the windown, the door, and the closet doors white, so I'll definitely be doing that. Yeah, we painted the top half a light frosty blue to try to lighten it up since the wood was staying. Marital compromise :)

      I know what you mean about the multi function rooms. We have an office/dining/music room! Yeah, it sure keeps things interesting! Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful day! -Jess

      Delete
  3. Looks like you've been doing a great job getting organized!! Love all the shelving you've put up to make finding things easier! When my husband and I re-do our basement, we'll have to look into stuff like that to organize everything that we're storing in the basement right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so nice when you finally do it! You'll love it. Good luck with finishing up your basement! Are you starting soon? That's a big job! -Jess

      Delete
  4. I am seriously SO envious of all that storage space you have!! Storage/closets/space is on the top of our list whenever we move from our current place :) Everything is looking great! The last couple months of 2014 we purged/donated a TON of stuff which felt great but I'm ready to do more now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was at the top of our list when we were looking last time too. And then we found the dream house of storage! I hope you can find that too whenever you start looking. Purging is a great idea. Right now, I've just been arranging what we have and not getting rid of much. I really should do that at the same time I'm organizing. You're right that it feels so great when you do! -Jess

      Delete
  5. Everything looks great! I cannot believe you have so much food stocked up, I'm from a shop every week family and that's how I do it now. Love all that storage in your playroom- so nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Growing up in a family of 8 that's what we had to do...and now, I can't NOT do it! haha I feel panicky when I get down to 4-6 of something! I'm so glad I have the space for it now. Have a great weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  6. It is the best feeling to have things organized and your house looks great. Great job getting ready for whatever comes in 2015. And congrats on growing your family- yay adoption!
    Found you through the Thoughts for Thursday link up,
    Amber at OurCharmedLife.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! We're working hard...and very excited to see what God has in store for us! Please keep us all in prayer. Thanks for stopping by! -Jess

      Delete
  7. Your storage is enviable!! I LOVE the wall of shelves in your playroom and the way you've styled them is so darling and inviting!! No wonder it's such a popular hang out space. Way to go on all of your nesting and reorganizing. It's on my project list for this year, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I just love how the playroom is turning out. It's such a fun space - I want to play in there! Good luck with all of your re-organizing too...what a big job it is! -Jess

      Delete
  8. I seriously love every room! It all looks so organized and put together. Great job! Very jealous. I especially love your girl's bed linens. So sweet! Where did you get them??

    Thank you so much for linking up to High Five for Friday!!!
    Katie @ Cup of Tea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! We've been working hard. I can't wait til it's completely done! And you're not going to like this after I just read your h54f post...but the bedspreads and sheets are from Target. ;) They were part of the "back to college" bed linens last year, and I got a seriously great deal on them. I just love that Target! Have a great weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  9. Looks so organized! Way to go Momma! I found you through the link up on the Farmer's Wife. Cute blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! It feels so good to be making progress! -Jess

      Delete
  10. Your house looks great! Love the storage! Organizing makes me so happy! I linked up Tuesday with my "hoarders closets" and I already accomplished one and it just feels so good and motivating to keep going!! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, seeing progress is a great motivator! Good luck with organizing your closets! Have a great weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  11. I love every room! Your house looks amazing. I need to get more organized. That is one of my resolutions!

    Thank you so much for linking up to High Five for Friday!!!

    Della@Della Devoted
    http://www.delladevoted.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! And good luck - it is such a big job. At least it is for me! Thanks for hosting! -Jess

      Delete
  12. Organization always makes me happy and clears my mind - that playroom looks so cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I'm usually a messy person, but I'm seeing the light now that things are getting organized. I really do feel much better! Have a great weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  13. Having things organized makes me happy! Your home looks amazing! I really need to invest in some bins for our storage room!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is a good month to get them - they're always on sale in January because being more organized is a big resolution for a lot of people. You'll have to check it out! Having everything organized in clear bins is soooo nice. Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  14. You've inspired me to stock up more and get a better backstock with my food supplies! Loved seeing all of the organization in your home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great! There were so many good deals at the holidays that I couldn't resist. Plus, last winter we were pretty much snowed in for a few months...and I don't want to have to drive in that again! Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  15. you could be adopting twins? How exciting! I hope everything works out :)

    Sarah
    Midwest Darling

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! We got matched with a birthmother due with twins in March! We're so excited and nervous. Please keep us all in prayer! -Jess

      Delete
  16. I love a great organized space!! Weeks a quick reorganization after Christmas but I gotta step it up!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We've been working on all of this for the past month. It's been so cold here lately too that it's been great just staying inside and getting all this stuff done! Good luck with getting yours done! -Jess

      Delete
  17. Oh my goodness, your playroom is amazing!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I thought the same thing about that room when we first walked through the house. We hit the jackpot with this one. Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  18. Oh don't you just love getting everything organized and looking beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is such an awesome feeling! Now, we're working hard at some other rooms too. I can't wait to have the WHOLE house done. Then, after all that work, it will just keep itself that way, right? haha Have a great weekend! -Jess

      Delete
  19. I need to get SO MUCH BETTER at organizing!! we have like zero room right now and I love the shelving that you have in your storage room! We could totally try doing something like that in our basement!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That shelving made a huge difference. You should definitely invest in some! It's so worth it. I feel like it doubled our storage! Thanks for hosting! -Jess

      Delete
  20. I love organized places but I have such a hard time getting a room to that point! I especially love what you did with the storage room!

    Also, congrats on the new linkup! I had saw it on Becky's page and am planning on linkup in up this week!

    Tif
    www.brightonabudget.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have such a hard time too. This is a HUGE accomplishment for me! haha

      Thanks! I'll be looking for you on Tuesday! :) -Jess

      Delete
  21. The kids look like they're having a blast in that playroom! I love your storage room, too. I need to get those clear tub things you have, because I'm pretty sure most of our basement looks like the what could have been your 'before' pictures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The playroom is so awesome now. They just love it! They actually have room to play :) You should definitely invest in those clear tubs. I feel like my storage space doubled! -Jess

      Delete
  22. Organization is such a love of mine! Looking great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! It's a huge accomplishment for me...I'm very messy usually! -Jess

      Delete
  23. Love the St. Therese picture in your daughter's room! We have a smaller one in our girls' room.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. St. Therese is the patron saint for our family :) This picture is extra special because my grandpa gave it to us, and he passed away recently. He had such a devotion to her, and he passed his love of her on to us :) Thanks for stopping by! -Jess

      Delete
  24. I love the organization in your storage room!
    I really wish my basement was that organized--and it's going on my list of things to do :)
    Your playroom shelves are SO cute!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Good luck with your basement - it sure is a ton of work but so worth it in the end. :) Thanks for hosting the link up! That's the first time I've been to your blog - I love it! I'm looking forward to following along now :) -Jess

      Delete
  25. Ok, I'm in crazy cleaning mode too! Mostly just because it's winter and I'm stuck inside thinking about all the junk that needs to be organized/gotten rid of, so I do kind of understand how you feel.

    thanks for linking up for H54F and hope to have you again tomorrow :)

    Caitlin @ Coffee with Caitlin
    coffeewithcaitlin.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, this is the perfect time to organize and clean...we are totally stuck inside too. Single digits and negative windchills here. (But we're already halfway through January so it's almost spring, right?!) Thanks for hosting! -Jess

      Delete
  26. What sweet rooms! The metal shelving makes all the difference for sure. We put some in our garage, and wow! I don't know what we did without them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know...as soon as they went up, I was like, "Why did we wait almost 3 years to do this?!" It feels so good! Thanks for hosting the link up and have a great weekend! -Jess

      Delete

I love reading your comments - it makes my day! :) Thanks for dropping by!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...