Organized Entry: Creating a Drop Zone {for the little things}

About a week ago, I posted about my new console that we have in our entry and how I would like to eventually create a charging station as well as add a lamp. So I posted about ways to possibly manage the cords. (Read more about that here.)

While I haven't gotten there quite yet, I did have some fun and started organizing the drawers. Yes that is totally my idea of fun.

And yes, the drawers were needing some direction. 

See how stuff just accumulates if you don't designate a space for it? 

You may be wondering why I didn't organize it as soon as I got it. Well, I decided I wanted to let our family "live" with it for a bit to see what it really got used for as well as the kinds of things that sort of landed there.

Once I'd given it a little time, I decided to jump in. 

 First step: Empty everything out. 

 And by that I mean I:

1. emptied everything 
2. got rid of things that didn't belong 
3. sorted them into like categories. 

I then used one my favorite tools, a notebook, and wrote down everything that I could come up with that we may possibly need in our entry (and that would fit in the drawers). I tried grouping my list into categories as well. I consulted with hubs too in case there was something that I hadn't thought of. 

Another important step : measure everything. 

I measured the drawers' height, width, and length with another favorite tool, a tape measure, so that I could find containers to fit. I have learned one too many times that SO much time can be wasted when you don't measure. I have also learned, if you aren't sure, always buy more than what you think you need because that too wastes SO much time when you have to keep returning to the store. 

If you have take things back at the end of the project, 

then it is a one time trip and you're done.

The containers came from a few places: Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Target---all of which were very inexpensive. Yippee!!

I also bought and cut rubber gripper shelf liner. Not only does it make the drawers a little prettier, but it helps keep containers and such from sliding around.

The larger clear bins fit perfectly. (Remember the measuring?) I like these because I can remove the whole container of something if I need to take it somewhere else for a quick second. I can also wipe them down when needed.

The smaller containers from Target fit perfectly side by side. 

With a few labels, they make the perfect spot for keys, phones, etc. Hubby and I each have our own drawer for those types of things.

The top-middle drawer got a small desk supply organizer that I already had and just so happened to fit (lucky). This drawer holds not only supplies but some stationary, notepads, envelopes, checkbook, and stamps. All of this comes in very handy when you are dealing with things as you're heading out the door.

The kids each have their own drawers as well for things like the Leapster, their sunglasses, gum and...we'll see. I'm sure it will evolve over time. But I figured they needed a little spot as well to call their own. And it is never too early to start teaching organization! :) (Okay, off my soapbox.)

The middle row, middle drawer holds essentials such as a lint roller, sunscreen, lotion, sanitizer, and chap stick.  

One of the bottom drawers contains my camera, Camera Coat (which I love), exra lens, and extra memory cards. I do have more that goes with my camera but it is stored somewhere else. This is what I use on a daily basis and makes it easy for me to store and grab on quick notice. (Obviously I couldn't put my camera in there for the picture or the picture wouldn't have existed. :)

So that is it for now. I actually was left with TWO empty drawers-- which I am totally fine with. I know it won't be long before they get used --especially since as a family our needs are always changing.

Still not completely done with this little space but it is definitely a lot more functional. I can't tell you how excited I get about little spots that pack so much punch. Gets my heart all a flutter. :) And I can assure you that it won't be long until I'm working on it some more. So many ideas.....so little time. 

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Entry Console and Cord Management

Does your house say "Welcome" as you enter your door? 

Do you have a designated "drop zone" for putting things as you walk in?

This was what you saw as you opened our front door. I say was because we've made a few little changes since this picture was taken. 

You may recognize this little desk. We recently moved it into my five year old's bedroom. {And is she excited to have her very own desk. :)}

It used to serve as a place to hold hubby and my keys, glasses, phones, etc. (hence the his and hers labels on the drawers.) And while it was okay, it really wasn't big enough to hold everything we'd like and it just seemed a little puny for the space.

Enter our new entry console. This was a Christmas present from my mom. Pretty isn't it? And it fits the space perfectly. And all the drawers......yippee!! Can you say an organizer's dream??? ;) Oh and the clock I found at Homegoods and makes a great addition I think. I wanted one with actual numbers so that my kiddos will be able to start reading it sooner than later. I love having a clock where we are getting ready to leave the house each day. Helps to keep us all in check.

And while I am so happy with my new console, there are a couple little things I'm wanting to add: 

1. a lamp of some sorts
2. a place to charge some of our devices

Now you may be wondering what my hold up has been.

Enter my dilemma. 

For whatever reason the builder(s) decided to put an outlet on the wall with the stairs and none on the wall behind my console. (The nerve, right?) To some that may be no big deal but it is actually one of my BIGGEST PET PEEVES. I don't want to see cords hanging out--especially right as you enter my front door. 

But I am still determined and am in the planning stages as I type. :) I thought about having the outlet moved or one added but that is quite an undertaking that I'm not wanting to take on....yet anyway.

So here are some thoughts. I came across this great site called Cable Ties and More. They are sort of a meca for cable management products from cable ties, cord identification, to cord covers and so much more.

So here are some of my thoughts while planning. 

Option 1

 A decorative lamp cover might work.

It just slips over the cord and looks a little more decorative and intentional. Easy peasy. And they come in just about any color you could want.

Option 2

A wall cover to cover the cord from the wall to the floor.

The best part about this is that it is paintable so that I could paint it the same color as my wall making it virtually invisible. And it is self adhesive for easy installation.

They even have cord covers that look like part of you molding.

How cool is that?

As you can see I'm still in the planning stages. But my wheels are spinning. Once I figure out the route I'm going to take I will definitely share what I come up with.

Oh and I'm sure you're wanting to see how I organized all those drawers???

Stay tuned!!! (Enter my evil laugh. Just kiddin'. :)

Happy Friday!!

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