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Hi all, can you believe how close we are to the end?  Week #50, whoot!  Today’s topic is all about untapped vertical storage space.  Whether it be in closets, cupboards, garages or shelves, vertical storage is often sadly neglected.  I was thinking about this today when I was reorganizing my cupboards underneath the bathroom sink.  In two instances I doubled my storage space just by going up.  Let me show you how I did it.

And just to keep it real here I’ll show you the “before I tidied up” picture first:

and then after a quick purge and tidy, ahh much better:

Those pull out shelves are fantastic for maximizing space and no I didn’t buy them at a fancy organizing store.  In fact I purchased the two drawer set at a Bargain Shop for $8.00, you just got to keep your eyes open.

Next is the drawer system I use to organize my lady things.

The before tidy picture:

and after a fast tidy and basket addition:

The three stackable drawers on the right is where I keep my feminine products.  Do you see how much space is created by going up?  Again these drawers were purchased from Field’s (another bargain type shop) for a reasonable price (although I don’t remember how much exactly, I’ve had them for awhile).  I’d like to buy another set for the other side but they haven’t had any in stock for awhile so I’m patiently waiting for more to come in :)  The yellow basket just holds my curling iron, lint brushes and toiletry bags.

Your challenge this week is to check your closets and cupboards and see if there is any unused space you can utilize by going vertical.  Perhaps it’s as simple as adding an additional shelf in your closet like my husband did.

Since I was highlighting my bathroom cupboards today I thought I’d also give you an update on what was going on above my cupboards and the never ending battle I have with my hair tools.  Last time I shared with you I was using a basket and it looked like this:

Well let me tell you, rolling up the cords and stuffing the basket got old fast.  I also would have to wait for them to cool down and who has time for such things :)  Anyway I came up with a new solution (yes again..I know, I know…the life of an organizing junkie remember).  Here is what it looked like before a little tidy:

As you can see I added a shelf with some hooks to hang my tools up and out of the way.  Today I improved on it a bit with a few more tweaks:

I tidied up the cords and added cord ties to keep them from getting unruly on me.  I also brought back my original basket as well.  I was trying out a different one for awhile but it was too small for my needs.  Here I keep my most frequently used hair products.  Don’t be afraid to try new solutions every once and awhile because it’s the only real way to know if it will work for you or not.  Anyway even though this solution isn’t a pretty one, practicality won out in the end.  Besides this is my ensuite so it’s not like anyone else will see it.  Well except all of you but you won’t tell right?  It’s just nice to not have the frustrations in the mornings anymore and for me that beats out all else every time.  I really hate to be annoyed :)

So there you have it.  Another week comes and goes.  Hope this gives you a few ideas to solve some of your own organizational dilemmas.  Don’t forget to share how you make out with this week’s challenge!

PS:  Please let me know if you have any ideas for organizing challenges in the new year.  Just trying to do some brainstorming around the idea.  Thanks!

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Please feel free to share your organizing journey and encourage one another in the comments. You are also invited to link up to the linky below with any posts related to your 52 weeks of organizing participation or to any post of an organizing nature that you feel will inspire and encourage others in their quest to get organized. Please remember to link back to here though so we can reach out to as many people as possible in need of some inspiration.

One other thing to consider: by including your link below you, you are giving me permission to use parts of your post including pictures as a spotlight in future 52 Weeks of Organizing posts. Proper credit and links will of course be provided. If you are not okay with this please do not link up. Thanks!

52 Weeks: #50 Go Vertical for Storage is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Did anyone catch the season premiere of Homemade Millionaire, hosted by my BFF Kelly Ripa, last week?  I didn’t get to see it because I don’t have cable but I was able to find a clip of it on You Tube.  I watched this clip below and nearly fell off my chair.  One of the products featured is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for.  It’s the second invention you see in the clip and it’s hands down brilliant!

Did you see it?  Did you see the organizational power of the Styling Station.  Oh my word, I must get my hands on this product!

The bathroom in my new house has aggravated me since I moved in.  The cords of both my hair dryer and straightener hang down over the drawer making the drawer a nuisance to get into and you know how I feel about annoyances!  I have been racking my brain trying to come up with a solution and until now have been completely stumped.  This product will change my life.  My friends always laugh at me when I say that but nothing beats a fantastic organizing solution to make the world a better place :) From what I can tell the whole cabinet fits over the wall outlet (behind the drawer there) hiding all the ugly cords.  So brilliant I could weep.  WEEP!  That’s how badly I want this product!

From what I understand Marcy McKenna, the creator of this product, went on to win on the show which means her product will now go into production (!) and appear on the Home Shopping Network sometime soon.  I hope soon.  Seriously I can’t wait.  I’ve totally been stalking Marcy on her site and on her Facebook page and I won’t rest until I have the Styling Station in my hot little hands!

Please tell me I’m not alone in my hair obsessive ways. Would you buy something like this?

Updated:  Marcy herself sent me a message on Facebook, how exciting is that!  Unfortunately she did tell me that the wait for the Styling Station is expected to be about 3 or 4 months.  I’ll definitely keep you posted as I know more.  I’m going to try real hard to be patient.

Homemade Millionaire ~ Styling Station is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Kristen over at We Are THAT Family is hosting an organizing edition for Works for Me Wednesday so of course I couldn’t resist participating.

I don’t know about in your house but frequently I walk into the bathroom to find toothbrushes scattered all over the countertop.  It drives me nutso.  Especially since I’d given them a nice bucket on the counter which which to throw them into.  Now really how hard is that!?

Now in all fairness, my ice bucket inspired toothbrush storage did work for quite some time but eventually what happens is they (as in my family) stop seeing it.  It ends up sitting there lonely and dejected and that almost makes me sadder than the toothbrushes all over the counter.  I simply cannot have one of my containers treated that way.  I won’t stand for it I tell you.

When this starts to happen I know it’s time to change things up again.  Offer a fresh solution that’s fun and exciting to keep them on their toes!  So I cleared out one of my bathroom drawers and assigned them each their own toothbrush basket instead.  I purchased these baskets 2 for $1.00 at the dollar store.  They work beautifully in most drawers for most things including junk drawers.

Seriously, be still my heart.

So far it’s working out great and the kids are actually once again putting their toothbrushes away.  Yet for sure the day will come when these baskets will to be ignored but that’s okay because the beauty of organizing is there is no end to the organizing solutions to be found.

Be sure to get your fix visit all the other organizing tips going on over at We Are THAT Family.

PS:  Don’t forget to enter your Command Center link here for a chance to win TWO of my favorite organizing tools!

Organizing Toothbrushes is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Today I have a special guest post for you.  The author herself, Jennifer Ford Berry, is in the house!  Jennifer’s dropping in with some more tips for getting your hair and makeup supplies organized.  So if you didn’t have a chance to tackle this area of your home last month, then maybe these tips here today will be the inspiration you need to get it done.  Thanks Jennifer!

Step 1: Sort and Toss!
Start by pulling all of your supplies out and sorting them into piles of “Keep” and “Toss”. You know that blue eye shadow you haven’t worn since high school? Well, it is time to let it go so that would definitely go in the “Toss” pile. (It’s OK! I am sure you have some pictures of you wearing it with big hair if you start to miss it).

Some Things to Toss:
-Dull tweezers
-Dried up mascara
-Worn out applicators and old makeup sponges
-Dried up nail polish
-Hair dryers, curling irons, straightening tools that you never use or that are broken
-Foundation that does not match your skin tone. Sweep a little across your cheek and if you can see it, it does not match.
-Cracked blush or powder. These are too hard to use and they really make a mess!
-Outdated or worn out hair accessories.
-Styling products over 2 years old.
-Makeup you haven’t worn in over 1 year.

Step 2: Organize:
Whether you store your supplies in bags or drawers make sure you choose storage that will work with your lifestyle. Do you need to grab makeup on the go for traveling? Do you keep a few items in your purse? Personally, I am a huge fan of clear, plastic drawers under the bathroom sink for hair supplies and makeup. You can stack them to make the most of your space and they are inexpensive. I use the smaller drawers for my daughter’s rubber bands, barrettes and hair clips.

Tips:
* Consolidate whenever possible: night/day cream, hand/foot lotion, face/body self-tanner, base/topcoat nail polish. Save room (and money) by buying one product for both areas when possible.

* Don’t buy more until you use up what you have. I admit buying make up and hair supplies can be fun (and addicting). But don’t fall prey to the mass marketing that wants us to believe that all of these products will change our looks and our life! Stick with what you know works for you and don’t over buy.

* If you stop using a shampoo, conditioner or body wash because you don’t like it, throw it away or give it to a friend. Don’t let half-full bottles take up valuable space in the shower!

* Silverware organizers work great in a drawer to keep your makeup organized.

* Store pony tail holders on a shower curtain ring to keep them all together.

Note: For more great organizing tips check out Jennifer’s book, Organize Now: a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life.

Guest Post: Organize Your Makeup and Hair Supplies is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Yay we are finally here and I’m hoping you all had a chance to purge and organize your makeup and hair supplies this month.  From the comments throughout the month I think this is an area many of us needed to work on.   Here’s the post I did of my own stash.

To participate in this month’s organizing round-up all you have to do is link up below to a post on your site telling us about how you organized your makeup and hair supplies.  Don’t forget to include your before and after pictures.  Remember to use the direct link to your round-up post and not to your homepage.  That’s helpful for those of us who might not get a chance to take a peek at your post until later.  Also, as a courtesy, if you are going to participate please be kind and link back to this post within your post.

Those that link up before Sunday, August 2nd at 9:00 pm PST will be eligible to win a copy of Jennifer Ford Berry’s book called Organize Now!: A Week By Week Guide To Simplify Your Space And Your Life.  A winner will be chosen at random from the Mr. Linky list below.

Congratulations on getting it done!  Next month is a biggie…Command Central here we come!  Will you be joining us?

Rounding Up Makeup and Hair Supplies! is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Here are some handy dandy storage solutions for all that hair and makeup stuff that seems to clutter our countertops. Clicking on the picture will take you to the source.

Drawer organizers come in a variety of options including acrylic and wooden:

I love these inexpensive interlocking bins:

No vanity space?  How about something for behind your door:

Or underneath your bathroom cabinet.  I did a whole post on this once upon a time.

And of course really cute baskets with daisies are ideal for just about anything :)

Isn’t looking at storage products fun!  I seriously could do this all day!  Which one is your favorite?

Note:  The Mr. Linky for Org Junkie’s Monthly Round-Up will go up on Friday, July 31st.  Join us this month as we organize our makeup and/or hair products!

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Sponsored by The Dinner Solution ~ Menu Planning and Freezer Cooking Made Simple

Cool Makeup Storage Ideas is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

Keeping with our theme this month, here are a collection of links to help you with all that makeup purging and organizing you are doing.   You are doing it aren’t you?  No?  What’s the hold up girlfriend?  Maybe these links will give you the push you need.  I’ve added a number of videos this week because well they are my favorite.  I’m a visual girl what can I say :)  Enjoy!

How to Organize Makeup @Apartment Therapy

Videos ~ How to Organize Your Makeup @MonkeySee (4 separate videos)

21 Ways to Store Your Makeup @Makeup and Beauty Blog

Video ~ How to Organize Hair and Makeup Products

Video ~ How To: Organize Your Makeup @Real Simple

I’m also hoping to have a post up this week showcasing some fabulous organizers and containers that will help you keep your product stash under control.  Stay tuned :)

Link-Tastic ~ The Makeup Edition! is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

It’s been in hiding for 5 years!  We actually used them in our old house but I replaced them when we moved because these ones didn’t go with our new decor.  Anyhoo I really liked them at the time and decided to hang on to them “just in case”.  Now remember this was 5 years ago and over time I had completely forgotten they were there.  Out of sight, out of mind as they say.

However, I think it’s safe to say that the statue of limitations on my bathroom beauties had expired.  It was way past time to make a decision about their fate.

I still really liked them, that hadn’t changed, but since I hadn’t put them to use as they were intended in the past 5 years, chances were EXTREMELY good I wasn’t going to in the near future either.

A decision had to be made.

The only way it made sense for me to keep them would be to find some other way to use them.  I can’t stress this enough, if you really love something, honor it, and put it to use.  With a little creativity, many things can be used for something other than they were originally intended which is how my toothbrush holder became a lovely pen holder.

A simple yet practical solution.  I did part with the soap dish and was okay with that.  I’ve freed up storage space and am now enjoying the holder I love without feeling like I’ve cluttered my space to do it.  It’s a win win.

The morale of this story…if you haven’t used something in a long time, you probably aren’t going to.  Cut your losses and re-purpose the item or part ways with it but just don’t let things keep taking up valuable storage space for the “just in case” opportunity.

Don’t store it, use it!

What one thing can you re-purpose today?

Related:  I also love this great idea to Make a Posey Vase from a Toothbrush Holder from Jenn at Frugal Upstate.

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Sponsored by The Dinner Solution ~ Menu Planning and Freezer Cooking Made Simple and It’s Frugal Being Green

Don’t store it, use it! is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

This is what left my house today:

My makeup drawer before:

And the after…I moved the “container that started it all” to the back of the drawer and added a new one in front just to mix things up a bit:

Here is a picture of the other drawer that holds some of my hair accessories:

My vanity table before:

After:

I’m so happy I made time to get that done (even if it meant my floors didn’t get cleaned…oops).   I feel so much lighter now, I LOVE that feeling!   I even came up with some new storage solutions that I’ll share soon.

How are you making out with yours?  Will you be ready for the end of the month?

Sponsored by The Dinner Solution ~ Menu Planning & Freezer Cooking Made Simple

Related posts:

Makeup Expiration Dates

Makeup Storage Makeover is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie

The first step is to throw out all the makeup you own that has gone beyond its expiration date.  In order to avoid infection it’s a good idea to routinely weed through your makeup to discard what is outdated.  How do you know how long you’ve had it though is a good question and one that can be quickly remedied in the future by simply marking the date of purchase with a Sharpie on the back of the item.

Abbie from the Organizing Life blog has a great post on When to Toss That Makeup.  She lists the expiration dates on most commonly used beauty products which you’ll find very helpful as you’re going through your stuff.

Also while you’re at it, toss anything that you just don’t like and looks hideous on you.  You know you’re never going to wear it so why wait until it expires, save yourself the trouble and throw it out now.

I’m not a big makeup wearer myself but I do have a favorite brand I love which has alleviated the need for me to experiment with anything else.  Thankfully this helps keep my supply to a minimum (wish I could say the same for my hair products).   I just took a quick picture of my makeup drawer though and it looks like it could still use a little tweaking nonetheless.

Don’t forget to take your before picture and also I’d love to see how many products you were able to part with.

Let the purging begin!

Makeup Expiration Dates is a post from: I'm an Organizing Junkie