Organization – Make Simple Happen

I’m Amber~ it’s been so fun to connect in this space. Thought I would create a quick intro post for new friends. I’m a native to Colorado, but the hubs and I spent almost a decade moving from coast-to-coast, where we lived in teeny tiny spaces, so we could be right in the heart of some favorite areas of the city. (Both San Diego and outside of Washington D.C. in NOVA). I think that’s where my love of design & organization really bloomed. ⁣

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We only recently become official homeowners (to both the house and the garden—my happy, happy place!!) where we are DIY-ing our way through updating an older 70’s home, and soaking up those early childhood years with our sweet littles. 🧑👧⁣
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It’s not some glamorous new build or extravagant space, by any means—which I actually really take pride in—but it IS a place that feels like home 🏡. I’ll be sharing some fun projects and updates here along the way–especially the deals and steals and budget-friendly upgrades! Thanks for joining me 🌸🌸⁣ (PS–would love to connect over on Instagram too. Find me @MakeSimpleHappen).

First up: The Entry Closet Turned DIY MudRoom:

Finished the refresh of this use-to-be entry coat closet which now flows so much better and is the perfect drop zone for All.the.Things. (you know: mail, backpacks, coats, shoes, keys, sunscreen, umbrellas…). I wanted to make it both super cute AND functional!

Best part, the only new purchases were a small can of #sherwinwilliamspaint, the bench, coat hooks and a larger road, sticky wallpaper decals, and the front door wreath from @hearthandhand_target ! All in all, under $250. Love when projects are easy and low cost. 🙌 ⁣ (Btw, I try to have direct links to products over in my LIKE.to.Know.It profile)

The labor of love was definitely my husband sanding down that solid front door to its original color. (Looks sooo much better. May want to paint it black, and then he will kill me 😂). Otherwise, even the individual tile decals were done in less than an hour. ⁣

As for organization, I tried to have a special spot for all the little things we grab on the way out for a fun adventure (or things we bring back home with us!). Baskets are gold for the cute factor and keeping organized, right?! ⁣

I’m almost out of projects ‘round here. So quarantine better end so I can come to your homes and organize and style! #YesPlease! Xoxo

Links to other DIY updates to come…

If you have followed me for a bit, you know that this is one of the FIRST things I advocate for when trying to create a cleaner, more organized, and most of all HEALTHIER home. (And it happens to be the question I get asked the most frequently, too!).

There are so many good reasons to leave the shoes at the door–the biggest being viruses, bacteria, waste, herbicide and pesticide toxins, heavy metals, and dirt & grim, in general, which Medical studies show are very common on the bottom of your shoes, AND can live there for several days. A friend shared an article today about the corona virus and how it can live on your shoes for up to 5 days. So there ya go! YUCK.

The good news is, you only need 4 key things to make a Shoe-Free House happen!

For EACH Entrance:

1. Rug or Mat to wipe shoes off when you immediately enter.

2. A Shoe Rack/Basket/Tray to store your shoes in an orderly way.

3. A organized corner to store the “goods”.

This is important, because if you come in through the garage one day, the front door another, or in-and-out from the backyard when playing or gardening, you’ll need a spot at each entrance to kick off the shoes right away. It defeats the purpose if you walk through the house to get to the spot where your shoes are stored.

4. A commitment from the members of the house to make it a habit.

It may take a few kind reminders but after a week or so, everyone will be in the groove of kicking off their shoes as soon as they walk through the door. If you aren’t used to bare feet at home, you may want to stick some socks or indoor slippers nearby for family members to slip on. 🙂 I have found this especially true for guests–like when my in-laws come to visit. After a bit, they got used to packing a pair of their own socks to bring along when coming over.

First Step: Prep

To start out fresh, spend an afternoon doing a deep clean on the hard surfaces and carpeted areas of your home. (Sweep/Vacuum, and wash). Dont forget to throw the mats and rugs in the washer, as well.

We love Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner for a safe and effective option. For other hard surfaces, a mixture of White Distilled Vinegar with warm water and (optional) a few drops of DoTerra’s Lemon Essential Oil for extra disinfecting power and a great scent. Remove all the rugs and move the furniture to do a full-floor clean! This helps with the motivation to keep them clean and free of outside germs.

Second Step: Procure your supplies

Here are a few of my favorite options (click the photo to shop the images):

Expandable+3-Tier+15+Pair+Stackable+Shoe+Rack-Wayfair — 3-tiered expandable shoe rack from Wayfair

Target Iron Shoe Tray — Iron Boot Tray by “Smith & Hawkin” from Target

10073743-shoe-tree-3-tier-chrome_Container Store — Shoe Tree from The Container Store

Third Step: Find a corner or closet near each entry and set up your shoe storage zone!

This doesn’t have to be fancy. Just make it work for your family. I like to have a rug immediately in front of the door, and then a tray, rack or basket next to it where we can easily and neatly store the shoes. Some friends have a closet or a cupboard where their shoes fit in. Awesome. Once the bin fills up, it is time to store some pairs in the bedroom, or distribute to the other “shoe storage zones” around the house. You’ll probably find you have to sweep and vacuum less, too!

Have an outdoor pet? You can add a hanging towel nearby to wipe their paws as they come back in the house. (Norwex would be my preference with natural antibacterial qualities). Because they typically don’t go with you to public spaces like stores, restaurants and public bathrooms, their paws won’t carry nearly as many germs as the bottom of your shoes, so even if you have a pet that comes and goes from the house, having your family remove their shoes is one BIG win in the health and cleanliness column. Whoohoo!

You’re done!

Category: Organization

Fixin’ Up This Old Home–A DIY Journey