When I first heard about a family closet I wasn't sure what to think about it. It sounded so strange..but then again a lot of things sounded strange to me at first and yet I am doing them now.
Putting everyone's clothes in the same closet? (or room depending on the size of your family) Then I did a little reading, it wasn't too long ago that families always had their clothes in one closet. But as society 'progressed' it became a sign of 'wealth' to have the need for a closet in every bedroom.
When we made the commitment, 4 years ago, to simplify our lives, we made a lot of changes. They were mainly monetary at first. Which then effected out home life. meaning, you spend less, you buy less, you use more of what you have. It then lead me to realize what we really do and don't need. So I started getting rid of things we don't need or don't use regularly. It has been a slow process. I have hit a few speed bumps along the way (Hubby doesn't like to throw things away) Plus it has been a learning experience for me as well. Things I thought I needed and tried to hold onto that have just made my life more of a headache. Well...lets just say I have learned a few lessons along the way. ;o)
One day, not too long after I had Little Bit, I walked into my closet (which was filled beyond comprehension) and decided enough was enough. I threw out everything that wasn't immediately necessary (that included anything that wasn't the size I was currently in and the one size below that.) I gave away 8 BIG trash bags of clothes! It was very refreshing. I thought I would miss it eventually...but I haven't missed a single item that I got rid of. I am even considering getting rid of a little more. Once you get into the process of simplifying and purging stuff that you do not need...it almost becomes an addiction. But for the sake of that sounding bad...We shall call it a good habit instead!
I recently was helping the children clean up their rooms and put away clothes. It occurred to me that having all their clothes in separate rooms was just making more work for me. Um HELLO..who needs that?! Washing the clothes, folding the clothes, having the children take them upstairs. Telling them to put the clothes away..only to find them unfolded in the drawer or stuffed somewhere inappropriate (ei. in a toy box. Oh come on like it has never happened at your house?)
So I decided then and there to combine their closets together and make my life a little easier! Most family closets are located near the laundry room. I considered this, but it is just not going to work with the way our house is laid out. When we add on one day I will be including a family closet in the plans
The best place for our house to have a family closet (at least for all the kids clothes) was in one of the kids' rooms. I actually chose the room with the smaller closet.
I thought the whole process would be difficult but it really wasn't. It was went together in just a couple hours.
I used one large dresser..each child has a dresser, that holds their pajamas, socks, underwear, and pants. The closet has outfits, shirts and dresses. They only have what they are currently wearing available to them.
It has saved me a lot of time! I fold their clothes and take it all to one place and put it all away. They still have to help put their clothes away, but now it is more stream lined.
I have been using the family closet system for almost 2 months now. We have worked out the kinks and gotten used to where everything is and where everything needs to go. I have to say that I only have one regret..I wish I had done it sooner! haha The clothes are so much easier to keep put away and I no longer find clothing items stuffed random places. Also, an added bonus, my laundry room no longer is piled high with clothes that need put away. Everything has a places and is put in it!
I know a few of my readers and friends have been waiting to see these pictures. (yes I am referring to you, Brandi ;o) I hope this helps you with your family closet.)
The entire family closet at our house fits into one regular sized closet and, one three drawer dresser. It surprises me just because before combining everything together it seemed I had issues fitting just Bub's clothes into these two areas. I guess there is a lot to be said for a little bit of downsizing and a lot of organization!
So ...here it is!
This is the dresser that is all fits into. There is a drawer for each child. I also stored Bub's hats and Little Bits shoes on top. The hamper next to the dresser is not for dirty clothes. It is used for clothes that are grown out of..that way items that do not fit can be added in while sorting or when I am searching for something for a child and realize an item will no longer fit. Once it gets full, I sort it into keep, give away and throw away piles. I also make it a point to go through the closet when this hamper is full and make sure I haven't missed anything that no longer fits or need thrown away.
This is a picture of the inside of Little Bits drawer. I set up each childs' drawer the same way. It helps to avoid confusion when the children are helping to put clothes away. The drawers are Socks/under things,pants (and onsies where needed) and pajamas.
Only shirts and dresses get hung up. Except for the occasional outfits that Sis has and of course Little Bits outfits are kept together on hangers as well. I sort the clothes oldest to youngest..and when I have a moment I like to sort them short sleeve to long sleeve as well. This does not happen often. ;o)
The shelf above the clothes is currently being used for extra sheets and blankets and the box is summer clothes that were worn this past year and I know will fit next year.
This is the bottom of the closet. It has two totes of clothes that do not fit yet, and one tote of legos that I do not let Bub have out all the time..they create too much of a mess to be out 24/7. So Bub has to ask permission and his room has to be cleaned up before he gets them out. I do not allow anything else to be stored in this closet. The children are not allowed in the closet or the dresser unless they are getting an item or putting something away. I let them drop their hangers onto the bottom of the closet when they are getting their clothes..it is fun for them and also makes them accessibly when I ask them to gather hangers when we are putting clothes away.
Well, there you have it. Homestead Mommy's version of the family closet.
Blessings!
Homestead Mommy~I would love to see all of your family closets as well! Please feel free to add your link in a comment below.
