Ataxophobia

Ataxophobia: the fear of disorder or untidiness.

Okay, so I don't think I'm 100% ataxophobic....but I will admit to at least 80%. I must also mention that I was NOT always organized and tidy....seriously, just ask my mom. My room was never clean & I was the champion of the throw-random-items-into-closets-and-drawers cleaning method. I would have never dreamed of turning into the freak that I am today.

In high school, I started organizing my notebooks & folders. It made homework & studying a lot easier & less stressful. I went to college and my notebook organization graduated to new levels complete with color coding & labels....hmmm, organizing is fun!

Since I got married in 2001, we have lived in smaller apartments with little or no storage space. I started applying my schoolwork organization methods to my closet spaces. As our family grew....so did my quasi-OCD organization insanity. Since we moved into our house, all our items in storage at other people's houses made their way back to us. Translation: "Great! Now that you have a house....you can take back all your junk!"

Last April I gave my readers a small glimpse into the psychotic world that is Rachel Sheldon by revealing the contents of my diaper bag/purse. If you did not see it, then click here. After much debate.....I have decided to allow you to see my closet spaces & basement storage. Go ahead....open mockery is welcome & accepted. I am no longer ashamed.

Main Level Closet - the "Supply Closet"
Sofia can easily reach all her art supplies.
The shoe holder has all our winter mittens, hats, etc.
Winter items go back to storage & are replaced with summer stuff.



Top shelf



Right Side



Left Side



Basement Storage - Main Wall
Yes, I have a giant box filled with empty boxes...with the label "Empty Boxes"



Basement Storage - Back Room



Back Room - Left Side
Mostly college books & paperwork


Back Room - Right Side
Yes, all the clothing bins are labeled


Back Room- Far Wall
Sewing stuff & baby gift stuff



Toy Closet
I allow my girls to take out a few bins at a time.
If they want more, they must put away what they pulled out.
Is this tyrannical & make me a control freak mommy? Yes.
Does this keep my house clean & my sanity in check? Yes.



Upstairs Closets
Linen Closet & Bathroom Closet



Random Facts Pertaining to My Closet Spaces
1. Walmart has incredible back to school storage bin sales. This is when I buy them. I'm pretty sure I bought the smaller bins in packs of 5 for $3.

2. The wire racks are from Aldi. They occasionally get random items & crazy markdown prices. They had the wire 5-shelf units for $30....normally they go for $75-$150.

3. My husband got me a gift card to The Container Store for my birthday....it was easily one of my most favorite gifts....ever.

4. Garage Sales & Craigslist are also great places to find storage containers & organizational type of stuff. I have found fantastic deals on basic plastic containers & shelving units.

5. I love to buy in bulk...and with coupons. Now that I have the space, I feel like I have a mini-store in my basement....awesome.


So there it is. I'm really not crazy....just crazy about space usage. I feel like it's a giant Tetris game....which btw, I am the master player. (Megan G, please back me up on this one)