Project Simplify - The Closet Before & After

This is my 1st ever blog post here on my new blog.  I'm starting off short & sweet to show you the miracle closet transformation inspired by Simple Mom.  This is the ONLY closet (that isn't in a bedroom) in our 950 sq ft house.  It has previously been a catch-all instead of a useful space... until now!  Without further ado, the "before" pics:

Ick.  As you can see, on the bottom we have bamboo curtains that my husband has been "going to hang up" for nearly 5 years now, a vacuum cleaner for carpet (we have hardwood floors), audio-video cables that don't go to any of our electronics, a box of blankets that I can't get to cause of the junk, and... a shotgun.  (Just F.Y.I. its unloaded and the safety is on.)

So here are the steps I used to tackle this monster:

1. We removed all the coats and jackets.  Anything that we knew we wouldn't use till winter went in the cold weather clothes box in the shed, but that was only three cause Louisiana weather is truly insane.  I also talked my husband into donating three of his seventeen, yes I said SEVENTEEN, to a local shelter.
2. I removed everything from the closet and let my five-year-old vacuum it with our hand-held vacuum.
3. I collected all the extra blankets cluttering up the house and sorted them into quilts, throws to keep, and throws to donate.  
4. I put the throws I wanted to keep back in the box, put the box back in, and hung up the coats.
5. Sorted the junk on the top shelf into tools for the house, tools for the workshop, and trash.
6. I put the tool box with stuff I use around the house regularly, like screwdriver set, might hooks, duct tape, measuring tape, etc back on the shelf.
7. We keep our (nonflammable) cleaning supplies in the hot water heater closet, which sucks, so I pulled out the stuff I use most often like Febreeze, Pledge wipes, and Swiffer Vac stuff in a box.
8. I added a box for electrical adapters, surge protectors, and extension cords.  I also added a box for light bulbs.
9. Finally, I put in the pack'n'play, my yoga mat, and the Swiffer Vac.  Put two extra over-the-door hooks on for diaper bags and back packs... and voila!!!

It only took me about 3 hours total to achieve my "after" even with a break in the middle to put the kids to bed.  In the interest of full disclosure, I have not labeled the boxes yet, but I am borrowing my mom's label maker tomorrow.  

I am so excited about having this useful space.  It was so irritating and stressful every time I opened that closet, but now I think I'm going to leave it open just so I can admire it.  I cannot wait to see what I can do with next week's project.  

I think I'll go sort out the bathroom cabinet now...