Friday, February 14, 2014

85 An Organized Cleaning Cabinet

Earlier this week I shared our new laundry room built in.  One of the main reasons that we created the wall-to-wall unit, was to give ourselves a tall cabinet to hold all of our cleaning supplies.  Previously, they had been spread out all over our home, everywhere from the garage to the kitchen to the linen closet.  Heck even the mop and bucket were being stored in the main bathroom shower.  Although the basic everyday all-purpose cleaners remain under our sinks in the bathrooms and kitchen, the remainder of the supplies are living happily in their new cabinet.


Although the above image shows a few of the items we use throughout the week, it doesn't show the stockpile of additional products that were being stashed on a tray on the opposite side of the room.


We have been making our own cleaners and laundry detergent for awhile now, and with that, comes the need to stay stocked on supplies such as baking soda, washing soda, borax, bars of soap and lots of vinegar {the bottles of "water" are actually vinegar, which I transfer to old water bottles for smaller under sink storage}.  We have also been reducing the number of paper towels we use, by switching over to microfiber cloths and sponges.  The goal was to not only store our already made cleaners in the cabinet, but all of these products that we use to make the cleaners as well.

The closet was already off to a great start with the addition of a few grip clips to hold the brooms and mop, however, there was still so much potential.  The large solid wood door was begging to act as additional storage; so I listened and agreed.

I purchased two cabinet organizer racks and a small double rod towel bar.


To install the organizers to the back of the cabinet door, I placed a few of the items within the rack and held them on the door while my husband marked my desired placement.  I made sure that the items I was placing into the rack {especially the lower one}, were simple to put away and take back out.  I also made sure that the items would clear the shelving built inside the cabinet.


Because we built the door ourselves and it is made out of solid wood, we were able to drill right into the door to install the organizers.


Something funny to mention, we initially installed the double towel bar upside down.  Oops!


Everything was stocked into the organizers, which of course, is my favorite part always.  Something about seeing everything fit and nicely organized makes my heart race.



During a recent trip to Target, I picked up a new handled duster for our hard to reach nooks and crannies {previously I was just using a hand mitt to dust}, and also found some really great cleaning clothes I got a little too excited about.  


We have been using special microfiber for dusting and cleaning glass for quite awhile now, but after a use or two, it is always hard to remember what was used on glass and what was used on the wood and dirtier surfaces.  Target had a box of clothes that come pre-labeled with the type of cleaning they are intended for!  I was oddly excited and astounded, and it should now mean no more cleaning mix ups for the Jones family! 


The double towel bar was a perfect spot for all of the extra rags, a hand towel and my cleaning gloves.


The floor of the cabinet was just a painted finish, and although the paint has cured, it was susceptible to chipping and scratching due to the storage of the vacuum cleaner.  I had purchased some shelf liner in a pretty yellow color, however, upon opening it I realized it was not in a finish that would allow for me to wipe it up should something spill or while cleaning.


Once I placed down the yellow liner, I installed a layer of clear over the top.  Problem solved!


The upper shelf holds our mop bucket and laundered mop heads, along with our cleaning caddy.  The bulkier boxes of cleaners and supplies were also tucked on the shelf behind the caddy.



We also added one more clip to hold the new duster, which I love because I have a self diagnosed even disorder {a.k.a. an odd love for symmetry}.


All of these sweet little additions have now doubled the amount of storage inside of the closet!


And made it a bit more cheerful!

I don't love to clean, but I love a clean house.  Hopefully having this new storage setup will make the process even easier.  And the nearby folding counter has already proven to be a really great place to also whip up a new batch of homemade cleaner.


Anyone else been scooping up cleaning supplies that are making your cleaning routine a bit smoother?  Am I the only one that lets out giggles of excitement in the shopping aisles when I discover something new?


85 comments:

  1. LOVE that contact paper! So pretty!

    When are you going to do an updated house tour?! I'm getting a little too excited over here!

    Sarah

    www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. You and me both Sarah! ;) I really want to get my cabinets in the studio re-painted and then hope to go through the entire home and re-photograph it so it flows nicely. I try to update it as we do new projects, but an entire home tour overhaul is definitely on the agenda this year.

      xo!

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    2. What color are you planning on painting it?! I love the white and I think it goes perfectly with the dark charcoal, don't you think that it would be a little weird if you painted it to be more colorful? Not to say that it won't look nice, I'm sure that whatever you come up with will be perfect!

      Delete
    3. The white cabinets are discoloring {not sure if it was bad paint or bad cabinets}, so they need to be re-primed and re-painted. Just one of those necessary updates. :)

      xo!

      Delete
  2. I recently got my hands on a cleaning caddy, per your "under the sink organising" post. You won't believe how much time the cleaning caddy has saved me! Literally cannot thank you enough :) its the little organising "projects" that make big differences to my everyday life that make me the happiest! I'm so glad to have found organising blogs because I dont know anyone in real life thats as enthusiastic about organising lol!

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    Replies
    1. That is so fantastic to hear! The caddy has been so helpful for us as well. And I agree that blogs have been so fantastic for bringing folks with similar passions together, I love it!

      xo!

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  3. I love it!! Wish I had space for one!

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  4. I love this! Sometimes it seems like closets are the hardest thing to organize, especially when so many different types of products are supposed to fit. Great suggestions, as always!

    -Kelcey
    hellokelcey.blogspot.com

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  5. Looks lovely. Wish I had room for a cupboard like this.
    Although I am intrigued as to what you use the grater for. I'm guessing it's not for cheese. Do let us know, please!

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    Replies
    1. It is probably to grate the soap for the homemade laundry soap.

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    2. Haha! I guess that looks a little out of place there. We pair it with a bar of soap to make our own laundry detergent. More on that here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/05/may-mini-challenge-homemade-cleaners.html

      xoxoxo!

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    3. Its most likely for grating soap for homemade cleaners. I personally use my food processor attachment on my blender for that. Much less work but burns fewer calories.

      Delete
  6. That MOP!!! Tell me more! What is it, where can I get it, and do you love it? I desperately need a new one, but want one that is environmentally-friendly, and if at all possible, pretty! Love yours, please let us know where we can find it!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jessica!

      I found the mop at Target a few years back. Overall I really like it! It has microfiber mop heads that clean really well and can be washed over and over {which I love}. It is a little hard to twist the head to ring out the water while mopping, not sure if it is just ours or a manufacture thing. Otherwise, it has worked really well! I believe they still sell the heads at Target, it is the Wayclean Microfiber Twist Mop.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  7. Where do you get all this fabulous contact paper?! I love lining my drawers and shelves but always have to resort to using wrapping paper.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Chelsey!

      I typically find my shelf liner at places like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls, although, it can be hit or miss. I also find a lot of colorful options on Amazon.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  8. So Cute! Where do you buy your shelf liner? And is it removable? I would love to replace the stuff in my kitchen, but there is no way my hubby will let me do something permanent.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Chelsey!

      I typically find my shelf liner at places like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls, although, it can be hit or miss. I also find a lot of colorful options on Amazon.

      Most are not at all permanent, they are designed to be easily removed.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  9. You always have the most beautiful and informative posts! Thank you so much - I love coming over for a visit! Happy Valentine’s Day – I hope you have a wonderful love filled weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Haha! Thanks Jalon! And a very Happy Valentine's Day to you as well!

      Delete
  10. Jennifer, Where did you get the clips that hold your brome and mop? Love this blog post! I am working on organizing my cleaning supplies this weekend, so it came at a great time!

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    Replies
    1. Oooh! Sounds like a fun weekend! :) I found the clips at Home Depot: http://thd.co/1de5EX0

      xo!

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  11. Have you discussed in your blog at all yet about making your own cleaners and detergent? I just started looking into doing that and am interested in what you have been doing.
    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jana!

      Sure have! You can see the post here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/05/may-mini-challenge-homemade-cleaners.html

      xo!

      Delete
  12. This is awesome! I need storage for our brooms, mops and cleaning supplies so this really inspired me. I am off to search for recipes for homemade cleaning supplies!

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  13. I have been wondering how your homemade cleaners been holding up? Are you still adding scented oils to them? Are you finding they last well over time, or do you make small batches more frequently?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amanda!

      I have definitely tweaked a few since starting last year. I don't use any oils in my all purpose cleaner any longer, which now consists of a little castle soap, vinegar and water. And there are times when I cheat and just purchase "green" toilet cleaner because I simply like the ease of the store bought cleaner better than anything I have made yet {which required sprinkling baking soda and adding solution}, but everything else is great and I am really lovin' the process!

      xoxo!
      Jen

      Delete
  14. I also want to know about the mop. Mine is horrible, and yours looks like it would really work well. And washable mop heads? Yes, please! Great job on the whole set up!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amy,

      I found the mop at Target a few years back. Overall I really like it! It has microfiber mop heads that clean really well and can be washed over and over {which I love}. It is a little hard to twist the head to ring out the water while mopping, not sure if it is just ours or a manufacture thing. Otherwise, it has worked really well! I believe they still sell the heads at Target, it is the Wayclean Microfiber Twist Mop.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  15. So beautiful! It's amazing how you can make something as un-glamorous as cleaning supplies... well... glamorous! You have a gift, Ms. Jones. :)

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  16. I love your site so much and was elated to see this. I have been making my "homemade" cleaners for a while. Just in case any of your readers are interested, here are a few of my favorites. Glass/ Shiny Surfaces club soda is the absolute best and great thing spray nozzle fits right onto some club soda bottles - win win for me. Also for disinfecting palin old peroxide is great and again spray nozzle fits directly onto bottle. Great for bathrooms and food prep areas. peroxide and vinegar are a great veggie/fruit wash - just do not mix (spray one on then the other). Washing soda alone makes a great cleaning agent, but I also like to use washing soda with borax and epsom salt for a wonderful scouring powder. It is truly amazing how easy and cheaply we can clean our homes. My absolute favorite has to be 1/2 lemon juice 1/2 olive oil mix for wood and leather. I love using this for my auto dash as well. I sure have learned so much from this site and am truly grateful for your time to have this blog.

    Sincerely,
    Deena

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for sharing the recipes that have been working well for you! I always love reading about ways to streamline the homemade cleaning process! Sounds like you have found some great solutions!

      xoxo!

      Delete
  17. Love what you have done here!! One thing I always love about your posts is the pops of color you have and how you make everything pretty!!! Cleaning supplies are no exception!!! :)

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  18. I'm so jealous of your Laundry cupboard. My son is renovating our laundry and I have put in an order for one just like this, it is very beautiful

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  19. Wow! I love a neat and tidy space and your closet is wonderful! I really like the storage on the door. My new sponges are just thrown around and it is so annoying to find them. Great job making a functional space pretty.

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  20. That beautiful closet makes me actually WANT to clean and that's saying a lot for me. Gorgeous!!

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  21. Ok I know what my problem is now with my cleaning storage!!! I try to keep all of the supplies in the bulk containers; It's ok to buy in bulk but i need to transfer them to easy to hold and store containers. I don't know why I can't just figure it out, thank goodness for you though otherwise I would continue cursing for lack of space. This is going on my weekend to do list!!!

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  22. I love your blog and read every day! Are you still making your own laundry detergent? I know in the past you used Method laundry detergent.

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    Replies
    1. We are! I loved Method but making our own is much less expensive and just as effective {if not more}.

      xo!

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    2. Thanks for your reply. I'll have to try your laundry detergent recipe. I tried making our our own dishwashing powder and it left spots everywhere so I scrapped the whole homemade cleaners.

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    3. Oh no! I have been hesitant to try the homemade dishwasher cleaner because we haven't even had the best of luck with some of the store bought "green" cleaners. Hopefully you find that the homemade laundry detergent is a win though!

      xo!

      Delete
  23. That is amazing! I can't believe how clean and organized your cleaning supplies are! I'm so green with envy!

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  24. Oh Jen, this is the most beautiful cleaning cupboard I've ever seen xx

    I think the part I love most is how easy it looks to get out whatever you need and then put it back again easily (instead of rummaging through the whle cupboard when you need something).

    Hope you don't mind if I show it off on my FB page on your behalf!

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  25. I found out that it is very important to be able to reach your cleaning gear without having to rummage and search for it. I thought I had tackled it alright: http://www.inhaalslag.com/2012/02/38365-schoonmaakmiddelen.html
    But looking at your solution, I realize that I can do better ☺
    Your cleaning storage is beyond "reachable", "organized" and "handy" - it is crisp, fresh and beautiful. Very inspiring!

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  26. I love your cleaning cabinet makes me want to re do mine - half term holidays in UK this coming week so I know exactly what I'll be doing. I've labelled my microfibre cleaning cloths too - but your labels are too cute - I heart, I Heart Organizing :)

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  27. I have a question about your sponge storage. Right now, while they are new and fully packed in the holder it is neat and organized. But once you remove a few to use them, won't they fall over and then fall through the bars? That is one of my problems with those types of organizers. Any thoughts?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mysti!

      It doesn't appear that will be an issue with these types of organizers, however, I have also lined a small piece of cardboard or foam board with shelf liner and placed that in the bottoms of the organizers to prevent items from falling through. I actually just store the new sponges here that I purchase in packages, and as I use them, I don't place them back {I keep one on a dish in my kitchen drawer and one near our utility sink and reuse them until they are falling apart}.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  28. Love this! I love most your stuff but you obviously have a much bigger house than I do. We live in a very small house so while organizing is important to keep it from feeling even smaller, I have limited space to work with. Hard when it is a DIY renovation in progress so every room is constantly changing. lol. I can't wait to try some of the bigger ideas, like this one, when we move in 10 or so years. :)

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  29. What is the brand of those microfiber cloths?

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  30. Hi Jen,
    Beautiful, as usual. :)

    I was wondering, so you don't use your Stick Vac anymore? :)

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    Replies
    1. We do, however, a piece on it broke and we are waiting on a replacement part. As soon as it is fixed, it is compact enough to fit right beside our regular vac.


      xo!

      Delete
  31. noiw that closet looks great, way to make a not-so-popular part of the home look great!

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  32. Love all of you're ideas! Instead of hearing where is this or that Aunt Jacq?!!!... I have everything in its place. Otherwise I would have had to change my name :-) LOL!!!

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  33. Hi - Love the site! - This post was great, and I loved the idea of having hooks for each brush etc.. as it maximises the vertical space in your cupboards. Thanks for sharing!

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  34. Beautiful!
    Seeing that you have 3 boys, I'm really interested to know if your homemade laundry detergent is just as effective in removing the tough stain and spot like the conventional detergent( Tide) does?

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    Replies
    1. I haven't used Tide in years, and we haven't had issues with not being able to get stains out of clothing. We try to be good about pre-treating stains as quickly as possible which also helps. Overall we have been happy with the homemade laundry soap (haven't found a reason to stop making it yet)

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  35. We have a similar style cabinet for our cleaning supplies and it always looks like a bomb went off! Definitely going to be using your ideas to get organized! Goodness I would love a Cricut! I am always drooling over your labels!

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  36. I had to laugh when I saw you posted this!! We have a closet in our hall bathroom, and then a "linen" closet in the same hallway! A day or two ago I decided to convert our bathroom closet into the linen, and our hall closet into a cleaning closet! I was searching for ideas, and checked your blog (as I do almost daily) and my answers were your latest post!! Thank you! :)

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  37. Hi Jen,
    I have looked for the microfiber cloths at Target.com, but do not see the brand you suggested. Is there another brand name for them? Thanks. Love what you have done with the space. Any suggestions for a linen closet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kim!

      I don't see the exact box I purchased online, however, these look extremely similar: http://www.target.com/p/evercare-pastel-microfiber-cleaning-cloths-4-pk/-/A-11145993#prodSlot=medium_1_30&term=microfiber

      xo!

      Delete
  38. Hi Jen,

    I was searching for something on the www a few weeks back (forgot what exactly) when I stumbled upon this beautiful blog of yours. I've been hooked since then. I visit your blog multiple times a day actually but just didn't leave any comment because I've been reading and browsing your previous posts.

    I love neat, tidy and organized spaces although I need to do a lot of working here in our humble abode. Just want you to know, you've been such an inspiration and I am learning a lot of great ideas from you. I am a blogger myself and I thought of sharing the organization that I am going to start soon (lots of them, lol).

    Keep up the great work. All the best! (",)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for taking a moment to comment Lynn! I really appreciate your sweetness and wish you the best with your blog as well! I think blogging about organizing projects is a really fun way to stay inspired and continue on.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  39. I can't believe I'm saying this, but your post actually makes me want to clean! Ha! Now THAT'S inspiring! ; )

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  40. I love how you make organizing an aesthetic-it's not just about having things in order-it really does make every space a happy space!

    http://www.thelipstickchannel.com

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  41. I love how you maximize every inch of space.

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  42. I tried to find some clips just like those at Home Depot a while back, but all they had were 4-8 clips on a metal frame that could be mounted to a wall, which doesn't work for our closet. I'm so glad to hear that HD carries the individual clips now!

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  43. Jen, what vinyl cutter do you use? I'm thinking of investing in one. Also, what is the font you used on the word "Sparkle?"

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    Replies
    1. Hi Martha! I used the Silhouette CAMEO die cutting machine. The font is Sacramento I believe.

      xo!

      Delete
    2. The pretty Sparkle label was the first thing I noticed too - made me smile! Although this is directly organizing related, would love to know if you have found a good source for your vinyl. I just got a Silhouette and am ready to go nuts labeling everything in the house!
      Love your great ideas - you are inspiring me to clean and organize my house. Thanks!

      Delete
    3. Hi Mindy!

      I typically order from Silhouette during their sales/promos and have also found good prices at Expressions Vinyl as well: http://www.expressionsvinyl.com/adhesive-vinyl.html

      xo!

      Delete
    4. Thanks so much! Can't wait to get some vinyl and start cutting some labels to organize various parts of my house. Love your site

      Delete
  44. Thanks, Jen! Now I have another question. When you order 12" or 9" wide vinyl, how many yards long do your order? I would like to store mine in a cabinet similar to the one you purchased from IKEA.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Martha!

      It really depends on the specific project I am ordering it for. I like to order the shorter, less expensive options from Expressions Vinyl for smaller projects. I go longer on colors I use frequently {pink, blue, white and black}. The drawer can probably hold any length you end up with, I stack many of mine two tall. :)

      xo!

      Delete
  45. Hi Jen! Call me nosy, but I saw the bottle with the blue cap behind your grater! What is in that? Also, do you buy your vinegar in large quantities? Because it seems like you would be using a lot of it to buy it in small bottles :) And I am so excited to do this March Cleaning! I love that a few minutes a day can make a difference in cleanliness!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ann!

      I purchase vinegar in the larger gallon sized bottles, and transfer them to empty water bottles to for storing and using it around the home. I find the water bottles are easier to store and pour from.

      xo!

      Delete
  46. Love your organized cleaning cabinet! I am attempting to update our laundry room and provide storage for the vacuum cleaner & cleaning products. Today I started searching online for a storage cabinet to fit those items and saw your site. Where did you purchase the cabinet?

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    Replies
    1. Hello! We built the cabinet, you can find the details here: http://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/diy-laundry-room-storage/

      xoxo!

      Delete
  47. I am thinking about expanding our kitchen and knocking out our hall closet. It currently houses dusters and the mop, vacuum, and steamer. We would have to move all that to our basement and (I think that's where this closet is in your home?) how big of a pain is it to lug things up and down stairs when you need them on the other level of your home? Or do you have something on each level?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      I find that I use the closet more for storing our bulk cleaning supplies, such as paper products, tall handled cleaning supplies, items to make our own cleaners, etc... I still keep a few cleaning supplies under the kitchen and bathroom sinks for day-to-day cleaning (as well as a smaller hand broom/dustpan).

      It is a bit of a pain to lug the vacuum up and down frequently throughout the week (but we use it both up and down stairs so I don't think that could be avoided no matter where we store it), however, I really only need to visit the cleaning cabinet for other items maybe once per week.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  48. Hi Jen - - I absolutely LOVE the shelves on the door in the article you did for BHG. Can you tell me where I can find these? They look very sturdy!

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    Replies
    1. Hello! BHG actually styled the photo you are referencing, but I believe they are just small shelf/book ledges found at stores like Target. Something like these? http://bit.ly/2k17g0Q Another good option to look for are spice racks, similar to these at IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40070185/

      Delete
  49. Jennifer - - I don't post very often - -this may be my 3rd post EVER!! Thanks for VERY much for your quick response. These are PERFECT!! Thanks so very much for the info!

    ReplyDelete

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