Fall Organization Hacks | Fall Series Vol. 2
Fall is here! The temps have chilled, the air feels a little more crisp and bonafide fall lovers are showing out. From the changing leaves, festive events, layered sense of fashion and style; to the warm and cozy decor, fall home organization and holiday preparation, fall is truly a wonderful time of year. As for me, I am fully embracing the new season and the change that it brings (read more here). I find myself wanting to get out, explore and create content just as much as I look forward to retreating indoors with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket. It’s like Beyoncรฉ said in a recent interview, “I’m not happy if I’m not creating.” However, if I’m not organized, Iโm just not motivated to create.
Just recently, my excitement and efforts to create content simmered down due to feelings of disorder. I felt like I needed to get my house in order – both literally and figuratively. And to be honest, I cleaned and tidied up my living space each week. But I totally avoided the deep-dive organization that I much needed. And when I finally made the time to get it done, it changed my entire mood and vibe, as well as the energy in my home.
Getting Started
When organizing and decorating at home, I try to establish an aesthetically pleasing and well-functioning space that creates a sense of peace (see here). Some key practices include keeping similar items stored together (i.e. wardrobe, beauty and bath, kitchen, office supplies, etc.) and implementing easily accessible storage products (that look neat and tidy). Some say that there is good organization and then there is great organization. Today, I’ll be sharing a few quick ways to organize this fall, as well as some resourceful tools and hacks for GREAT fall organization. Disclaimer: I am not a licensed residential designer or professional organizer. This blog post is not sponsored by any brands/products mentioned and all photos are my own. Note: images were shot using a DSLR camera or an iPhone. So let’s focus on the tips rendered versus consistent photo quality. Haha! Okay let’s go.
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Countering The Clutter
Let’s start with countertops! If you’re like me, it’s super easy to have a congested counter by the end of the week. Actually, by midweek. It’s not impossible to clear off the counter during a busy week. However, I realized that I didn’t have an assigned home to store some of my daily used products. To avoid a build up of clutter, I also needed to establish a system for organizing my less frequently used items/products.
To minimize daily clutter and keep my go-to products and tools altogether, I picked up a few cute marble vanity trays Better Homes & Gardens Marble Tray from Walmart to place evenly throughout the “his and her sinks.” I use one for storing daily skincare items (see left) and kept one empty on the other end of the sinks for guests’ toiletries or personal items (see right). In the middle of the sinks, I included the (Faux Marble Vanity Jewelry Storage Tray), a slightly different decorative tray from Target, which showcases an aromatherapy candle, room spray, stem greenery and a jade rolling face massager.
Thereafter, I updated my storage system for my less frequently used products and any overstock. These included items like soap, body washes, lotions, hair products, feminine hygiene products, medical emergency kit, tissue paper, cotton products, etc. But, in the words of professional organizer and strategist, Marie Kondo, everything should have a home. Therefore, I utilized some cool two-tier space-saving organizers (to be featured later on in the cabinet storage discussion) to rally up and group the products into the aformentioned categories. Once organized by category, I assembled all of the two-tier organizer inside the cabinets in order of importance (less frequently used items in the back and more frequently used products up front).
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Stylishly Discreet Solutions
There is nothing like a chic, functional piece that effortlessly marries style with purpose. Storage pieces that look more like decor are a great way to contain and store items that you’d prefer to hide. During this season, with cooler temps and the holiday season swiftly approaching, needing space to store extra blankets, holiday decor and other seasonal goods is inevitable. Take for instance, this variety of storage baskets and bins (featured below) which are my absolute faves! These large, blush pink Fabric Storage Bin with Tassel store a whole bunch (blankets, pillows, candles, etc.) and have a luxe, linen feel that perfectly complement my bedroom design and theme (see left). The gold knob detail with pink fringe tassels are the icing on the cake.
Additionally, in my foyer, I incorporated these beautiful woven baskets from Target to store laundry products, cleaning tools, larger-sized candles and seasonal decor. Their rich and hearthy design make them perfect for fall organization and they come in two sizes here: Wicker Large Milk Crates and Wicker Small Milk Crates (see middle and right). In my kitchen, underneath the sink, I also store cleaning products in these plastic storage containers from IKEA. Other products and miscellaneous items like garbage bags and recyclable grocery bags fit perfectly in the IKEA storage bins as well.
Makeup Organization
Where are all my makeup lovers at? Okay. Where are my makeup lovers still learning to do your own makeup? Haha. You can’t see it, but my hand is raised. I don’t consider myself a makeup junkie, but I absolutely love the variety of products – primers, foundations, lipsticks, blushes, eye shadows, powders, bronzers, etc. I used to get weak at the sight of a pretty eye palette or tube of lipstick. But I’ve gotten much better over the past couple years. These days, I don’t buy makeup as often as I used to because I like to keep a strict inventory of what I have (and avoid buying products I don’t need). I’ve also received quite a few products from blogger collaborations So organization is key.
Earlier this year, I researched various systems for makeup organization and neat ways to organize beauty products. From eyeshadow palette organizers like these at Amazon, to drawer units like these at Target, I came across several options, described as “sleek, stylish, functional, convenient, durable and long-lasting.” I purchased a variety of acrylic makeup organizers (ranging from $1 to $18), and once arrived, I inserted the them into my IKEA Billy bookcaseon a reserved shelf just for my makeup.
There’s just something about knowing where everything is located. I love how organized and easily accessible my makeup products are, and that I can see where each item is. The clear acrylic design provides an aesthetically appealing display that has helped me reduce clutter, maximize vertical space and save lots of time getting ready. This fall organization hack makes has also made getting ready a lot more fun.
Closet Space
Next up … closet organization! If you ask me, the pinnacle element of every woman’s fall organization is getting her closet together. In this section, I’ll provide a brief run-thru of how I organized my small walk-in closet, as well as the products that I used throughout the process. But be sure to stay tuned in for my upcoming blog on transforming a small closet space, plus more fall organization tips. It’s so good y’all. Okay, back to business … keep reading!
The Air Up There
In the world of interior design and home organization, “negative space” refers to the space not taken up by an object or furniture. In essence, it is the empty places in a room or home where there is no stuff. Negative space also applies to the vertical eye and those spaces up high. Moreover, if carefully planned for, it can bring much-needed convenience for storage in smaller spaces like a walk-in closet.
Here, I used these large white IKEA storage bins directly above the pre-mounted wire clothing rack. While these are no longer sold, IKEA offers a plethora of similar oversized storage bins that allow extra storage outside of your traditional 5-drawer chest or dressers. I’ve linked another great alternative here. But to maximize even more on the overhead space, I will be installing either these floating shelves here or these bracket shelves here to store handbags. Stay tuned.
Concealed Corners
Similarly, concealed corners are also negative space. They make the perfect home for less frequently used items. Shown here is the Hanging Organizer with 6 Compartments from IKEA. In it, I store extra towels and linen, as well as graphic tees and sweatshirts.
What Lies Beneath
For smaller closets, utilize the space beneath hanging clothing with this tip. Featured below, the Expandable Double Hanging Bar with my work pants which are hung underneath blazers and jackets. Space saving perfection!
Extra Extra
When all else fails, turn that extra furniture into storage. Here, I used the popular IKEA Kallax Shelf Unit to store my jewelry and accessories.
Seasonal Switch
For footwear, pack up shoes that you don’t wear during the fall and winter, and store them in totes like this one here for safekeeping until the spring/summer. For your fall closet, showcase shoes by positioning each pair with one facing front and back, to maximize space.
Cabinet Please
Now this is one of my favorites – cabinet space! I love that each of these tips/products can be rotated from room to room for your convenience. Starting with my previously mentioned fave … two-tier basket organizers. I use these, to store bath and beauty products underneath my sink and it’s the perfect addition to any counter top. You can customize your space by using two baskets or remove one and use the other for separate storage. They effectively double up on cabinet space for those with a lot or those with minimal storage space. These can be found at stores like IKEA, The Dollar Store, ROSS, Home Goods, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx.
Another great organization tool is a “Lazy Susan.” I scored this mini version at ROSS for less than $10 and it’s made grabbing for seasonings and spices when I cook, so much more convenient. You can also find similar products at Home Goods, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx in a variety of sizes and colors.
Lastly, pantry storage. I caught these gorgeous, glass storage canisters with wooden lid on sale at Target about a month ago (see right pic). They are perfect for storing dry goods like flour, sugar, whey protein, etc. However, I’ve also used a few for storing dried grains and pastas. I’m actually thinking about getting a few more of the smaller size to use as decorative Christmas showcase. But I’ll save the details for another blog post. Lol! Check out the entire collection here.
Docking Station
Is it me or do cleaning tools always seem to be in the way? I was happy to find this neat and convenient storage system on Amazon this summer. Simply put, it keeps my cleaning tools out the way and all in one central location. I currently don’t use the hooks feature but may eventually use it to hang shorter fall jackets. Click here to check it out.
Seal The Deal
Last but not least … bulk storage. I don’t know about you but when it comes down to switching out my spring/summer clothing for my fall/winter pieces, I get a bit of anxiety. It’s even worse if and when I don’t put away one wardrobes before breaking out the other. Enough to make me scream. Haha! But this is what makes this next fall organization tips, one of my very favorites. Ziploc Space Bags!
These amazing storage bags are designed to save up to 3 times more space while protecting contents from moths, bed bugs, dirt, and odors. I purchased a 4-count flat variety pack which included two large (33.5″ L x 21.5″ W) bags and two extra-large (39.5″ L x 26.5″ W) bags. They are airtight, reusable and provide heavy-duty protection against wear and tear while maximizing storage space. They compactly store and protect items allowing you to hide them in tight spaces or closets. Check out more here.
That’s a wrap! I hope you found these fall organization hacks helpful and that you’re now ready to get organized for fall. Does home organization cause you stress or make you feel at peace? And have you tried any of these organization tips/hacks in your home. Let me know in the comments. And remember …
“Clutter isn’t just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, bad habits, toxic environments and relationships. Clutter is anything that does not support your better self. If it’s not helping you grow or bringing you joy, get rid of it.”
Thanks for stopping by!
Love and light,
A dose of style and inspiration for living!โข
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