As I’m sure many of you can relate, some home projects are home runs and others are epic fails. Not every creative organizing solution I envision in my head ends up working out in reality. But then some of them do.
We wanted to take some time to show you our most successful 10 organizing projects of 2016. Some of these projects were a gamble … I wasn’t sure if it would be a hit or miss, but fortunately these were hits!
Storing Christmas lights has to be the WORST Christmas decoration to store. And even worse to take out of storage. Am I right? I used a simple piece of cardboard to make the whole process A LOT easier!
This was a silly ‘hail Mary’ type of project that I honestly wasn’t sure if would actually hold up. Well over 9 months later, I’m still using these DIY pen holders in my craft closet. Added bonus: You’ll be forced to eat all the Pringles first. You’re welcome!
I could spend every last dollar I have on storage gadgets. I LOVE them. But unfortunately I couldn’t find any triangular drawer storage dividers to store small odds & ends next to our extra long grilling supplies. So I made my own. There’s a first time for everything!
4 | Wine Tag Labels
One member of my family drinks the fancy wine and the other drinks lots of the cheap stuff. I’ll let you guess who is who, but to ensure I don’t accidentally grab the wrong bottle, I made these wine tag labels to easily denote type and price.
Cabinet space is at a premium in our home, so taking up an entire bathroom cabinet for my hair dryer, straightener and curling iron wasn’t an option. Hair dryer storage products that I found in stores we’re just as bulky, defeating the purpose. So I made my own hair dryer storage VERY frugally with a couple thrift store items.
6 | Wrapping Paper Drawer Liners
I love pretty drawer liners. It ‘beautifies’ any drawer (and everything inside)… in the bathroom, kitchen, dresser, or night stand. But sometimes it’s hard to find the right pattern. Fortunately there’s a HUGE supply of beautiful wrapping paper available in almost much every store. This step by step guide to covering wrapping paper with contact paper to create the pretty drawer liners was a huge hit on the blog.
Keeping medical documents organized might have been the most difficult organization project that I tackled in 2016. But it felt oh so good once it was accomplished. I finally found a system that works.
8 | Monthly Greeting Card Organizer
Organizing my greeting cards by the MONTH I need to use them completely ROCKED my world. Each month I simply grab the cards from the current month’s tab to fill out and mail.
I know that packing and making lunches ahead of time will save me both time and money. But it always seems like such a hassle as I’m rushing out the door in the morning. I created a lunch prep station in my kitchen to make preparing lunches a breeze!
10 | Canvas Bags to Store Dirty Towels
I hate running upstairs to the laundry room every time I needed to put a dirty kitchen towel away. These cute canvas bags hooked on the back of our kitchen closet made storing dirty towels SO much easier. Then once the bag was full, I do a load of laundry. (a win for organization and for this lazy girl!)
Here’s hoping that 2017 will be just as organized as 2016!
Lisa Mecham says
what! I just stumbled across your blog and I LOVE every single idea! The lunch prep station is a must.
Lindsay @ Crazy Organized says
You’re so sweet! Thanks so much!
Jess Wen | Daring To Jess says
I just love the wrapping paper drawer liners, I will definitely give them a try!
Jennifer McCambridge says
Oh my, I think I’ve found my new favourite blog! So many amazing tips and ideas!
Lindsay @ Crazy Organized says
You’re so kind! Thanks so much!