Reader Space: A Hard Working Cabinet

Not everyone has the luxury to have an entire office space, and even if you do, you may find that using it isn't always the most convenient since most likely it is placed away from our main living areas.  Today's reader shows us how dedicating one kitchen cabinet can be a complete game changer!

Kristin shared a photo of a completed kitchen cabinet project on Facebook and I was so intrigued to learn more, in inquired. 

I asked her all the nosy questions like, "Do you love it?"  "How has it changed your day to day routine/life?"  "Do you want to do my cabinet next?"  OK, so I didn't ask that last one, but I really wanted to and this is why:

Doesn't a picture like that just make you feel more relaxed?  And although it's simply beautiful, it's actually a working system!

Kristin wrote:

"I don't have any "before" pictures, but it was a mess.  Ziplock bags of markers, post-it notes, batteries, etc...  Stationary, cards and envelopes stacked in piles.  Stamps, checkbooks, loose change and other office supplies just thrown in a drawer or in the cabinet.  We've moved a couple of times in the last five years and the junk drawer just got carried from house to house in Ziplock bags.  

So far it's working out great!  I have all of my greeting cards available quickly and organized by category {Birthday, Sympathy, Thank You, etc...}  

It also means I know when I am running low on cards so I can stock up {I buy generic cards so they are on hand and I don't have to run to the store every time I need send out a Sympathy, Get Well or Congratulations card}.

It makes paying bills and sending out cards less painless because I don't have to dig through piles.  That means everything gets out in a very timely manner!  

Most importantly EVERYTHING has a home so when I open the cabinet things aren't falling out!

Here's more info about the space - 

TOP SHELF

Boxes that contain misc. office supply items {label makers, calculators, extra tape, etc.}

MIDDLE SHELF

The middle shelf has all of our greeting cards. There is a box for 'Misc. Cards' {Birthday, Sympathy, Congratulations, Get Well, etc...} and a box for 'Thank You' Cards and personalized 'Blank' Cards. 

BOTTOM SHELF

On the left of the bottom shelf there are boxes that contain the following - 

• Small notepads and post-its
• Extra checks
• Markers
• Pens and pencils
• Loose batteries

On the right of bottom shelf there are organizers that contain - 

• Loose change
• Checkbooks
• Address labels
• Blank envelopes

CABINET DOORS

The back of the cabinet doors are covered in cork board for things that come in the mail that we can't 'file away' yet {invitations, coupons, appointment reminders, etc}. I got this idea off Pinterest.

COUNTER TOP

The 2 drawer organizer on the counter we use for the following - 

• Our Keys
• My husband's wallet
• Gift cards & coupons
• Pocket camera, flash drives and other small electronics

Here is a source list for those interested:

• 2 Drawer Organizer
• Chalkboard Labels
• Greeting Card Organizers
• Stackable Storage Boxes
• Letter Organizer
• Cork Board
• Push Pins
• Change Holder
• Boxes on Top Shelf - those are from Pottery Barn, but aren't carried anymore. 

A special THANK YOU to Kristin for allowing me to get all cabinet personal with her!  She has such a fabulous and lovely system!

• She realized her system wasn't working and decided to do something awesome about it!
• The stacking bins are not only labeled, but clear so you can see the contents quickly and easily. 
• By stacking the bins, you don't have multiple random items rolling around and falling out when the door opens.
• The labels are not only adorable, but versatile enough to switch up as her needs change.
• All of the families necessities are in one happy place.  
• I love that she pre-purchases cards so that she always has them on hand when the moment strikes.  It really encourages keeping hand written notes alive and squashes the need to send a quick email.
• Because these items are in a central location, it's easier to upkeep.  If she were to have to run all of her bills to a separate space/office, they may just end up in a pile on the kitchen anyway.  It's always a good idea to keep items where they make the most sense for day to day living.
• The cabinet has helped her be efficient in getting things done and out in a timely manner.
• It's so much prettier and more functional than the typical "junk drawer".

Now it's your turn.  What's your favorite part?  Anyone already halfway through emptying out a cabinet to get started?

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please send your story and photos to iheartorganizing@gmail.com and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!  More info HERE.