Storage Space

If you have a small house (like me) efficient use of space is an issue.  In addition, good storage is critical.

I have three kids and they're like most: spoiled.  So, having the space to put things away is a big deal.   Also, if it's not easy to put things away, or take things out, eventually you'll all get tired and just pile the clean clothes on top of the dresser or dump the toys in a nearby open bin and call it a day.

I like my small house--there are many benefits to small houses.  Particularly this winter if you use oil to heat your home.  My heating costs will go up, but not anywhere near what it will be for my friends with the McMansions. (And even though you can't see me right now I am SO NOT GIGGLING!)

Another benefit is the INability to collect too much.  Eventually there's no more place to put things and you're more strategic with what you keep.

The downside of a small house is that it doesn't take too much to make the place look sloppy.  The upside is that it doesn't take that much to keep it looking nice and clean too.

The key to keeping your house looking tidy? 

1. Don't stack dirty dishes in the sink.
2. Make the beds.
3. Keep the floors free of debris. 
4. Put the clutter away.

By the way, I know this because I saw it in some magazine somewhere--not because I actually subscribe to these rules.  It's just what I heard.

Anyway.. storage.

My daughter went from a tiny room with zero closet space (grounds for a call to social services I'm sure) to a pretty large room (psst.. a bit larger than the room her brothers now share) with a nice sized closet.  The problem was that the closet wasn't really being used.  Not properly anyway.  So, I told dear ole Dave that he had a couple more projects to complete before he went back to work.  The biggest? Closet storage.

I went on the ClosetMaid website.  They have a few tools where you can design your closet based on the dimensions you have.  It's nice because you can plan your closet while in your house looking at it rather than in the middle of home depot looking at massive the racks of accessories while your children run and scream through the store, "Mommy! Mommy! Jimmy just knocked over the light bulb display!"  In fact, leave the kids home--even without kids this is kind of a pain.  My husband, a very educated and former math-camp attendee, had to make more than 5 trips to HD to get all the right parts for our closets.

But now... they're GORE-JUS DAHLING!  My daughter and I got some kick-butt closets now. I'm still not even using half of the functionality--I keep forgetting I have all these shelves and hooks.  Her closet is great though and has helped me keep her room looking even more magically princessified than usual.