I am always looking for ways to re-purpose things in my house. I really do get a “high” from it. Nothing makes me happier than to solve an organizational dilemma using something I already own often in a new way other than what it was originally intended for. Creativity really isn’t my strong suit so sometimes it really hurts my head to figure something out but eventually I end up coming up with something. Now it’s like a game to me and I’m addicted! Many shelves, bookcases, dressers in my house have been used over and over again for different purposes. For instance, a garage sale shelving unit I found last summer has so far been used for this and this. Who knows what it will be used for next.
The one I’d like to share with you today is an old TV stand I use in my closet to create extra closet space. Many years ago I wanted somewhere to throw put my clothes from the day that I knew I was going to wear again the next day (heaven forbid I hang them up, I’m much to lazy for that!). I don’t like a cluttered bedroom and didn’t want to have to see them. This TV stand, that use to hold our TV, solved that problem for me and was given new life in my closet. Take a look:
The bottom shelf holds my laundry basket (gotta love my hot pink basket) perfectly and the space on top is the perfect shelf for me to place my sweats (that I practically live in and wear most everyday anyway) or the clothes that aren’t necessarily dirty and I will be wearing again the next day. My rule though is if I’m NOT going to wear them the next day they either get put into the laundry basket or hung up. It’s not the prettiest shelf going but you know what, it’s in my closet and it didn’t cost me any money. That makes me very happy! This works so well for me in fact that I haven’t found any reason to change it in many years and for me that’s saying a lot!
It’s all about zeroing in on the problem and figuring out a solution or system that will fit into your budget and lifestyle. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, you can create a solution with what you can afford now.
Would you agree or not agree?
Have you been able to do this in your own home?
26 Comments
Flicka’s is bare - no bar or anything. Trying to come up with a system that’s age-appropriate for her now that she can grow into but I *HATE* spending all that money on Closetmaid-esque stuff.
I’m trying to think outside the box…maybe 2 expandable rods (one the full width high and one half width low) with two of those 3-cube stands in the other half. Est. total cost: $36
Whatcha think?
Organising queen and
Take charge blogs
Great idea. Why didn’t I think of that before I gave away our tv stand. How ingenious!
Thanks again for putting it out there to inspire the rest of us!
That’s a great idea! Thank you for sharing it.
What I love about your posts is that you are so creative with what you have - I can actually “relate” instead of feeling I have to go out and spend money I don’t have to get organized!
As always, you rock. :)
Lyn
I’ve been reading for a few weeks now, and am slowly but surely getting my house organized. Thank you for sharing such do-able ideas!
I also use my SIL’s old entertainment center to extend my pantry. It is set up in our basement and cans fit right on the shelves that were intended for video tapes and DVDs.
Thanks!!!
My closet is a constant hot spot.
I think because it is big and deep things get thrown in there when they shouldn’t. Kids play hide and seek in there and mess things up. I get to the point that I don’t even wear the clothes in there and just wear what is hung above the laundry area clean. Love your shelf idea. I keep Matt’s clothes together for a whole week and need to come up with a creative solution for that too, so you’ve given me lots of food for thought.
Where in the world did you find your laundry basket? I’ve been looking for a hot pink one and apparently they are hard to find! Please let me know, Thanks!