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{PORTFOLIO}
SARAH'S SNAPSHOTS
& tips to getting organized
:: ALL SPACES SHOWN WERE ORGANIZED & DESIGNED BY SARAH :::
 {FRONT ENTRY}Do you have a piece of furniture that no longer serves its original purpose? Consider giving it new life! This changing table is now in an entryway and is a welcoming 'drop spot.' We added a few bins and labeled them with kids' names to hold their shoes. Perfect! TIP: Don't be afraid to try pieces of furniture in untraditional places - it might just be crazy enough to work! |  {FRONT ENTRY}TIP: Don't be afraid to use decorative pieces as a unique storage/organizational piece. This leaf tray is the perfect place to drop your keys after walking through the door, and looks great, too! |  {FRONT ENTRY cont.}An inside look at the first picture: shoe box sized plastic bins fit perfectly inside these drawers. Each bin contains the the hat, mittens/gloves, and scarf of one of the kiddos. In the summer, this might be changed out with a swimsuit and towel. TIP: Being able to containerize within a drawer, shelf, or cabinet simplifies the organizing process and increases your success of staying organized. |
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 {FRONT ENTRY}Not everyone is blessed with a mudroom or coat closet upon walking through their front door. This client was using a basket to store shoes but as the family grew, the basket began overflowing! By repurposing furniture and bins, the front entry will no longer be crowded by shoes, coats, and backpacks. TIP: Teach your kids from an early age to get into the routine of placing their shoes/coat/backpack in their designated area. Don't forget - lead by example! |  {LAUNDRY ROOM}Tucked behind the door of the laundry room, these children will have no problem finding their backpacks and coats in the morning, and will know just where to hang their things after school. TIP: Teaching your children early on to follow simple routines goes a long way in the long run! |  {HOME OFFICE}Finding space for a home office away from the hustle and bustle of young kids at home can be tricky. Fortunately for this client, there was a spare closet that we were able to convert into a home office. Everything he needs is at his fingertips - and when he's finished with his work day, he can close the doors and leave work at work! TIP: Consider how and when you use the items in your office. If it's daily, keep it close. Not as frequent? Keep it further away from your chair. |
 {HOME OFFICE}This client needed a space that was free from clutter to maximize productivity and creativity, but didn't want it to look bland. By using the space behind her desk, we were able to provide some unique organization using a wire basket to hold urgent files, as well as a pretty bowl to store office essentials like pens, a pair of scissors, etc. while keeping her desktop clean. TIP: By adding a sparkly runner, the space is given the perfect punch of character, as well as a touch of class. |  {HOME OFFICE}Having a home office that is dialed not only looks great, but increases productivity. TIP: Organize references into categories, then add simple bookends or stacking organizers to create dividers that are both functional and pleasing to the eye. |  {HOME OFFICE}This client's former system was to essentially dump papers into bins on top of his desk. By creating a filing system, papers are sorted from the get-go, eliminating the two-step process of creating piles, then having to sort them later. TIP: Create labels for files to house your accounts, bills, expenses, etc. You'll never have to be late on another bill or miss a receipt on your expense report again! |
 {Home Office}This client hoped to add some flare to her folders with custom labels. By viewing the folder as a scrapbooking platform, I was able to create a simple yet beautiful look. If you have to work at home, you might as well look good doing it, right? TIP: Keep your most frequently used files as accessible as possible. Here, they are in a hanging organizer rather than tucked away in a cabinet. |  {PANTRY}This gorgeous pantry got a facelift. Sliding drawers make for easy hideaway storage of canned and boxed goods, while open shelving show off those matching containers with custom labels. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and this one screams love! TIP: When labeling containers for a pantry, make them versatile and removable. This way, you are free to repurpose containers should your pantry items change. |  {KITCHEN}This client had just a couple of cabinets that seemed to overflow with items. She was so frustrated by things falling out, and having to dig through dishes to get what she needed. There was unused space (and containers!) on the shelving of her island so I was able to put that to good use to create a better flow in the kitchen, as well as make frequently used items easily accessible. TIP: Store items that are used often toward the front and bottom of cabinets so they are easy to grab. |
 {PANTRY}This sizable pantry was certainly not short on storage space, but this client was hoping to introduce a little beauty and order into this space. After some rearranging, containerizing, and labeling this pantry can now meet its full potential! TIP: As soon as you bring your groceries in, try to unbox as much as you can (pastas, granola bars, etc) and store them in clear containers. This helps keep an accurate inventory and saves you time and money in the long run. |  {PANTRY}Pantry staples rarely change from week to week. It makes sense to purchase containers for the products you frequently have on hand. This creates a functional space that makes finding ingredients a breeze. TIP: Purchase clear containers. This way, you can quickly tell what you are running low on and can adjust your grocery list accordingly. |  {PANTRY}This home had an abundance of charm, but was short on space - as many older homes are. This family of four needed this space to house the majority of their dry foods. I maximized the space using baskets, risers, and some unique storage solutions (notice the bathroom accessory!) TIP: Shelve your food like a grocery store (pastas, breakfast foods, canned goods). This will make it easy to take a quick inventory and help cut down on buying multiples of things you didn't know you had. |
 {REFRIGERATOR}Any space can be organized - even your refrigerator! There is more than meets the eye here, though. I helped my client create a grocery budget and meal plan that works for her and her family. TIP: Creating a meal plan ultimately saves you money - less food is wasted, and a quick inventory can be taken before shopping to avoid buying items you already have. |  {MORNING ROUTINE}This client wanted her son's morning routine simplified. By picking his clothes out ahead of time, there was no fuss about getting dressed for the day. TIP: For pickier children, place two outfits in each drawer. Let them know they can choose one of the two outfits you selected, giving them a say in the matter. |  {PLAYROOM}These toys were spread all around the this basement - tucked in bins, on shelves, in cabinets, etc. By designating one space to play, kids can easily access their toys, and know where to put them away. TIP: Create a cozy place for kids to relax and read by placing comfortable seating with soft light (think low wattage bulbs). |
 {TOY STORAGE}These toys were stacked on top of one another, making it difficult for a child to grab what they need without other toys falling on top of them. By adding a few simple shelves, the toys not only look great, but are safe to get to as well. TIP: Shelving can be a quick, inexpensive fix for many spaces in your home. This piece was $11 form Target. |  {CUSTOM LABELS}These are a sample of some custom labels I created for a playroom. When bins are labeled, it helps kids find what they want quickly, and also makes cleaning up a snap! TIP: Make organizing fun by using pictures and words that help your child learn to read as they play! |  {BASEMENT}Need of a safe space to not only store children's toys and books, but a place to use them as well? After sorting and categorizing all the toys, we decided to divide this play space into two areas: play & reading. Using open cube storage, the room has a great flow, while offering a separation between the two spaces. TIP: Try rotating toys. Your kids will treat the 'old' toys like new and have an appreciation for each of them. |
 {TOY STORAGE}Who said toy storage needed to be in bins and storage cubes? This client had an old dresser that wasn't being used. This gave her playroom a more mature look, and provided categorized storage for all her children's toys. TIP: Sort through your kids' toys every six months. Discard any toys that are broken or missing pieces, and donate the ones they no longer have a use for. |  {CHILDREN'S BOOKS}A snapshot of my client's playroom, these book bins coupled with colorful labels helped give these children's books a home. Aside from adorable, these book bins create a display that is easy to navigate and organize the many books parents tend to accumulate over time. TIP: By sorting books, it's easy for young readers (and parents) to find a book in a jiffy. Also, classifying helps children notice how things are alike and different - an awareness that is vital to learning. |  {BABY'S CLOSET}This client was expecting her first baby boy. We were able to store clothes, toys, book, and more in this space to prepare the way for her sweet bundle. As her boy's wardrobe grows, I suggested adding a second shelf beneath the existing one for extra hanging space. But for now, this set up will do the trick. TIP: The shelves on the left are removable and simply hook onto an existing wire shelf. Pick a few of these up from your local hardware store - their versatility is super handy! |
 {TODDLER'S CLOSET}This client was getting ready for a new baby, so she moved her son into what was currently a guest room. The theme was "Nautical" so I made sure to bring that color scheme into the closet for a cohesive look and feel. Aside from adorable, this closet now has plenty of space to add whatever big brother wants and needs in his new room! TIP: Don't feel like you have to use ALL the space in a closet. Having some room to grow can be a good thing! |  {MASTER CLOSET}Shelving in a master closet is often underutilized. After purchasing coordinating baskets and creating custom labels, this closet has a functional design that also looks great! TIP: Using the same type of hanger creates a streamlined look in your closet, and depending on which kind you choose, it can be an inexpensive way to spruce up the space. |  {MASTER CLOSET cont.}TIP: This tip comes twofold: by hanging your clothes according to color and type, it is easy to find what you are looking for and can get dressed in a jiffy. Also, using a clothes sorter helps cut down on laundry time. |
 {MASTER CLOSET}These clients had a surplus of clothing and it was overwhelming their good-sized master closet! After paring down and donating SIX garbage bags full of clothing, this couple got their closet back without spending a dime in the store. TIP: Organizing isn't always about buying fancy bins and baskets - sometimes all it takes is going through and keeping only what you truly need/use and donating the rest. |  {MAIL ORGANIZATION}Are you annoyed by the piles of papers and bills that accumulate on the kitchen counter? Using this hang-up organizer, this family never loses or misplaces a bill, form, or piece of mail! Custom labels and a cute ribbon make this piece easy to look at as well as incredibly functional. TIP: Sort your mail as soon as you bring it into the door! It never takes as long as you think it will, and you will thank yourself later. |  {LINEN CLOSET}It is amazing to see a space transform simply by containerizing items. By sorting, paring, and a little rearranging this closet got a major facelift. TIP: When placing your folded towels and sheets on the shelf, be sure to have the "dress edge" showing for a cleaner look. |
 {FRONT CLOSET}This front closet had piles of coats, shoes, winter wear, and miscellaneous items that covered the entire floor and stacked all the way to the ceiling! After much sorting, donating, and rearranging - along with a few inexpensive purchases - this closet now looks like a million bucks! TIP: We used different colored hangers for each member of the household, as well as an 'assigned' shelf for their shoes. |  {MEDICINE CABINET}After discarding all expired items, I sorted, containerized, and labeled the contents of this medicine drawer. What a difference it made! I also was able to find all the containers at the dollar store! TIP: Be sure to sort through your medicine cabinet at least once every six months. Not only will this provide more space, it will eliminate a potential health hazard. Also, make sure they are out of reach of children. |  {LAUNDRY}Keeping a laundry room simple is key. Often, there is limited space to work with. By choosing the right sized containers, we were able to store all the laundry essentials, as well as extra paper products (toilet tissue and paper towels). TIP: Laundry storage is usually limited. Try and keep only what is essential to doing laundry, and find a different home for anything that isn't. |
 {LAUNDRY}Getting creative with storage is key when doing laundry in a small space. By adding some simple shelving and baskets, this laundry room got a quick facelift and is as functional as ever! TIP: Keep the essentials {detergent, fabric softener, iron, etc} within close reach, while storing other items {light bulbs, sewing materials, etc} closer to the top. |  {UNDER THE SINK}It is easy to place things under the sink and forget about them, especially if they are not frequently used. This client had multiples of the same cleaner without realizing it. TIP: By containerizing the cleaners, they are easily visible and accessible. |  {LAUNDRY CLOSET}This client was storing her kids' craft and school supplies in their front closet, and the items were being buried under their long coats! After rearranging, condensing, and containerizing, we were able to turn this under utilized nook into a great storage space. Now, they can easily get - and put away - what they are looking for. And best of all, their coat closet is now, well, a coat closet! TIP: Shoe box containers are an inexpensive and easy way to clean up a space. |
 {GIFT WRAP}Wondering how to get started when organizing your home? Start with something simple. This client was tired of digging through bins to find what she needed. By using plastic drawers she already had in her home, I helped her reorganize these overflowing bins. Now, finding what she needs takes less than half the time it did before! TIP: Don't be shy about reusing gift bags and tissue paper... it's a great money saver! |  {CRAFT ORGANIZATION}TIP: Get creative with how you store your crafts! This is simply a collection of paper trays turned on their side and hot glued together. This puts all the craft paper within sight for a quick selection and by color coding the pages, finding what you need is a snap. |  {CRAFT ORGANIZATION}This client is a former preschool teacher and held on to many of her materials in hopes of using them with her own children one day. We were able to sort, categorize, and containerize her colossal collection of crafts. She also donated a good amount to a local preschool. This is just a snapshot of what she has! TIP: You don't have to buy fancy bins and baskets to get organized. Notice the food containers in this picture have been repurposed and used for storage. |
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