Clutter Challenge #2 - Entryway

This was a simple project I took on many many weeks ago and I'm really proud to say that it's finally done.  Our entry way - well, how would I describe it? - ummmm....it's just a freak'n door that opens up into our very boxy living room.  I really want a mudroom, but if you can't build it might as well improvise.  I was on the hunt for an inexpensive bench that had storage below for shoes, I didn't have any luck.....until I came across this $7 beauty at our local Goodwill.

 

With a little can of exterior white paint, plus a custom piece of wood to add support to the top, we made our own bench with shoe storage. 

 

 

I also got lucky by finding an very cool outdoor bench cushion at Walmart for $13 on clearance.  I had to alter it a bit but I really think it makes the bench very classy.

 

I couldn't be happier that our little house is on it's way to being organized. 

 

 

Linked to:

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Remodelaholic

Clutter Challenge #1 - The Mailman

I don't know how it is for most people but our mailbox is like the outside trash that we keep bringing in, most of the paper we bring in lays in random piles (on the desk, entertainment center, on top of the microwave and kitchen counter) and is never ever looked at.  Today I tackled the problem and made an efficient "Mail Station" for the family. 

Paper Overload



After  making a quick run to Target on my lunch break and fighting through the crowd of "back to school" shoppers in the office supply section, I came up with a plan, crossed my fingers, and got the heck out of there.

Target Haul = $22.32

I love the bright folders I found; how can you ignore a bill in a bright ass folder??!!  Right?!  I labeled 5 folders: Kids, Medical, Bills, Coupons, & Receipts.  I really think this is going to save our home from a being attacked by paper.

 The Bright and

                                                               Beautiful Mail Station

My mom was so sweet and got me a little planner and I brightened that up as well; by using mini sticky notes I was able to add color to each task. 

Another paper challenge is my over abundance of magazines.  Don't get me wrong there is nothing more beautiful then those colorful glossy pages, but after I look at it once they just collect dust.  I looked online for any places that accepted magazines as donations - no luck.  Looks like I'm leaving the house a bit earlier than normal to run to the recycling center.

It's strange why I have

                                                                      so many issues of Maxim

I think as far as first challenges go, it went pretty well....what do ya think?  Next is tackling our entry way.  Seeing as our entry way is pretty much a pile of shoes and comes straight on into the living room, it may take a bit of creativity to make it pretty and tidy.  We'll see what magic I can come up with.  In the mean time we're cheering on USA everyday and wishing all the Olympians the best of luck!





Clutter Challenge

It's Sunday already!!  Eek... I feel like I haven't accomplished much this weekend, as far as the house goes.  I did, however, have a great time spending time with all my family.  I think we're going to start planning for monthly game nights, which is incredibly fantastic because most times we only get together if we take a family weekend trip and that only happens about once a year.

I'm really happy to announce that I picked out the kids room color, Classic Khaki, thanks to the help of Olympic Creative Color Compos.  For once I found paint color to be an easy decision.
 

I already know that August is going to be a very busy month for us, but I'm really hoping all the painting in their room will be complete by the end of it.

Well, the real reason I'm posting is to share another personal challenge that I'm planning on taking on....as if living small isn't challenging enough.  I picked up the book 10,0001 Ways to Declutter Your Home on a Small Budget, my hopes are to post about each suggestion from the book I took on.  Most likely I won't take on all of them, since some of them are irrelevant to me.

I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea or anything, I don't live in a pig sty.  But there is a lot of disorganization in our home that leaves me stumped or unable to move on to the next project.  This is not going to be easy for me because I feel like I have some hoarding tendencies (you should see our shed).  So this is going to be my down and dirty, lets get to the bottom of this problem challenge.  Step by step my family and I are to become clutter free and we're going to share all the good, bad, and ugly with the world!!!

The plans are to take baby steps.  Tomorrow we're going to take on bills, junk mail and magazines!!  Bring it mailman - BRING IT!