Because of that crazy Target sale earlier in the month I purchased a lot of items. Things were literally piled so high they were falling over. I either needed more storage or to stop buying stuff... and to stop buying, well, that's just ridiculous. So, I got these:
The large storage stacks were from Big Lots and with 20% off came to $20 each. The Stanley tool box was on sale at Target for $7.99 and the bead box from Michael's with a 50% off coupon came to $1.00.
Okay, I don't have EVERYTHING put away, but enough that I can debox (or not) at my leisure without fear of junk falling on top of me. Right now I've just separated boxed playsets and accessories from boxed dolls which are sitting here:
These are stacked on top of my vanity. Not all of these dolls will be deboxed. I'll open those that were bought just for their accessories or bodies and then go from there.
This bookcase is behind my desk. The binders on the bottom are filled with doll clothes. They used to just have the clothes that my mom made but all the stuff I've collected is taking over. I haven't decided if I'll move my mother's stuff to the storage stacks or the new stuff.
It would make more sense to take my mom's stuff out since I'm not really using it. However, those clothes have been sitting on that bookshelf for over 12 years just minding their own business and I don't like the idea of some fancy interloper taking over their spot. Yes, I'm weird I know.
This storage is right next to my desk. It used to have some doll accessories in it but I've removed it all and now it's my utility cart for all the things I need to work on my projects. This dang thing cost $24 from Walmart - how dare they, but it is wider than the average storage unit because it can hold 12x12 scrapbook paper.
My little doll things were becoming over crowded so buying another bead box gave me some wiggle room. I think I need another one actually.
Once I open those dolls and accessories I'm going to need another shoe caddy too. I was hoping to use that Stanley tool box to store stuff, but it's a funky depth. Almost too tall for doll stuff, but not tall enough for tools. I'm sure I'll figure something out.
Anyway, now that I can post again, I feel like I can breathe. Whew!
Welcome back, Not knowing where stuff is makes it harder to work on doll stories and projects. When the doll room is in some type of order I am able to shoot two stories and or build something in the same week. When I blow thru the room like a tornado and leave it that way I can only complete one story or project. Keeping it put together is more work then cleaning the house but its worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Mustiwait, if I had a whole room that I could dedicate to my doll stuff my spending would be out of control! I'd be all, "I have room for that and I have space for this." LOL, I think it's good for my wallet that I have a small place.
DeleteOMG!!! I don't know if congratulating you for your organization, or for the large amount of dollie stuff you have... My mouth is still open...
ReplyDeleteRossetti, I remember everyone's response to the doll interview and most people had more than 300 dolls. LOL, I still feel like my collection is very tiny in comparison.
DeleteOh for Pete sakes, even your organizing is organized, LOL. I'm terrible at organizing, so I'm taking notes from this post. Such great ideas from storing doll clothes, shoes to paint items, etc. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. :)
LOL, Tracy India. I'm not saying I have OCD, but when things are not neatly organized and in their place, I get VERY cranky!
DeleteOh, you collection is awsome :) Clothes in binder - I like it!
ReplyDeleteHi, Elianka. If you put your doll clothes in binders with clear inserts it makes it super easy to see what you have and to organize them. I have also found that if you put your binder underneath a low shelf you can eliminate dust while still giving the clothes room to breathe and not get moldy or smelly.
DeleteAwesome organization! Everything is in its place! Love the binders with the clothing! Neat idea, gonna try that one. Welcome back lol. Great post!
ReplyDeleteBtw, I sent you a small package:) hope u like.
DeleteThanks, Chynadoll. You can fit a lot of stuff in those binders. I even have the hard purses, belts and hats in there.
DeleteI haven't received the package yet, unless someone got it while I was out on Friday, but when I do you can be sure I'll blog about it, lol!
I'm drooling and twitching over your unopened boxes! I love your organization. So the clothes in binders: are they set up in little outfits or per character or what? I desperately need a new method of organization!
ReplyDeleteVita, the clothes in the binders are 1st separated by Male/Female and then each category gets its own plastic baggie(s).
DeleteThe male stuff is easily characterized like this: casual shirts, casual pants, suits, jackets, winter wear and finally uniforms.
The collected ladies stuff is more complex. First anything made with glitter goes into ziplock baggies, never to be seen again. After that it's broken down like so: scarfs, leggings/socks, gloves, handbags and hats. Next I separate by body types; Monster, Moxie Girlz and Bratz go together, then Liv with Barbie and Moxie Teenz by itself. Lastly I organize by: vests, shirts, shorts, pants, sets, dresses, jackets.
The stuff that my mom made is separated by: casual wear, suits, dressy, lingerie and couture.
Thanks for sharing your mission organization. I LOVE seeing doll stuff organized. Need to get around to doing more like that ... cool how you are separating your boxed stuff between things you want to use and things you'll probably keep boxed. Good thinking. And did I say I love your photos?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your mission's progress! (Perfection would be dull ... always a little fun to have some surprises lurking, lol.)
Hiya, D7ana. Thankfully, whatever surprises await, I now have room to store them away, lol.
DeleteI love it muff!! This is exactly how I feel. It is hard to be creative when stuff is everywhere. I have sorted down my stuff and now need to sort that down if that makes sense. Everything looks great and I am thinking about the binder idea if I can find a space for them. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteP.S. My mouth dropped when I saw all of your boxed goodies. : ). Congrats on getting them.
Georgia Girl sorting down what's been sorted down makes total sense! Now that back to school stuff is out you might be able to find some inexpensive binders at Walmart, Big Lots or Dollar Tree. I haven't had to buy a binder in over 15 years so they probably cost more than I would want to spend now.
DeleteWOW Muff! I'm amazed of your mission orgamization. I have some of those tool boxes for clothes, shoes and accesories, my still-in-the-box dolls are hidden in my closet, but every time it's really hard managing to lock! Btw thank you for this post, I've learbed some useful tips :)
ReplyDeleteSergio, I hope I don't get to a point where I cant close my storage doors. I'm running out of room as it is!
DeleteI love your post! Your items look so neat and orderly! Just ready for a post. I don't know if all my doll clothing will fit in to a binder. Right now it is in 2 56 quart containers and another box! I do need a better system for the items I'm selling. The other week I seached high and low for an item I was to ship! Not good! Where do you keep your furniture? That is another problem I have. How to store it so I can find would I need for a shot! I agree with Mustiwait, I could do more stories if I were more organized! Congratz of your project! I can't wait to see more posts.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ms. Leo! The plastic furniture and furnishings are in the 3rd storage stack. Wood furniture is in the 1st stack. I have designated the storage stacks like so, but keep in mind many of the bins are empty right now:
DeleteStack 1: wood furniture, decorative boxes.
Stack 2: foliage, packaging cutouts, music/sports, military/unwanted, mannequins, doll stands/brushes.
Stack 3: Dora Explorer/Lil Woodzeez, Liv, Barbie/Friends Boutique, Tech Deck, large scale furniture.
Stack 4: All sorts of lids, plastic containers, tin cans and anything I made myself.
At first I was going to make labels for each drawer but I don't need to since I can see what's at the edge of each one.
Kudos to you Muff. I'm working on organizing my mass of stuff. I keep all the to go stuff in a couple more boxes & containers. Slowly but surely I'm getting to an acceptable organized state.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dollz4Moi! I do feel better now that things aren't so overcrowded and jammed up.
DeleteGo Ahead Muff, Do Your Thang!! I like the binder ideal too. You'r going to make me spend money!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Brini. I am doing my thang! If you don't want to buy binders you can just buy the inserts or even large ziplop bags and stick them in your storage. I think that's what I may do for the newer clothes and keep my mom's stuff where it is.
DeleteHello from Spain: congratulations for having everything so well organized. It's a great idea toolbox. I copied some of your furniture. I see you have lots of clothes and accessories. I like seeing all your things well organized. A job with very good finish. Congratulations ... Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marta! Things were getting out of control so it's nice to see it all neat and tidy.
DeleteAWW Man! Dont ever invite me to your house because you would be missing a few things LOL! I also have recreated your newly acquired chairs from A.C. Moore I wil be posting soon so check it out!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Jay! As anal as I am, if one item was out of place I would know it immediately and tackle you down! I'm looking forward to your chairs!!!
DeleteI love how organized everything is! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, TM! ^_^
DeleteYay! You're back ^_^. Wonderful job on the organizing! :)
ReplyDeleteHiya Keshia and thanks for the welcome back!
Deletelove the shoes box and the box that have stuff. and if you want to see my blog www.marytownbarbie.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot, Jassica joe! I visited your blog as well. ^_^
DeleteAhh, the bead box for shoes, what a great idea. I have just informed my daughter that I now require her bead box that is full of beads she's not using. Now we'll have to find somewhere to store them. Seriously, great post with lots of good ideas. I am taking notes.
ReplyDeleteCarrickters, bead boxes are the best. It just makes it easier to see what's what.
DeleteI was wondering where you were. Glad to see you have returned.
ReplyDeleteAwww, I can just imagine how great it felt getting this done. Organization is the key to peace and sanity. Great ideas. I love your binder idea. I have too many clothes and not enough space for binders to pull that off, but great idea. I may use one binder for my highly coveted Fashion Avenue outfits. That's a definite possibility.
Vanessa, I think I just like the binder inserts because I can see what I want without having to touch or flip through tons of stuff.
DeleteI like the tool boxes you've made for little things, and for my little ones...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.toolboxes4less.com/
Thank you, Kelly. ^_^
DeleteWow, impressive pictures! It may took you a long time but hey, you really did an amazing job! All those colors make me dizzy xD
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you Dailey! ^_^ It is all rather colorful. I actually like seeing everything still in their boxes, lol.
DeleteYeah, it's like your own little toy store :D
DeleteBut I couldn't resist unboxing everything, I think xD