Space for Stuff

My friend, Suzyhomemaker recently posted about being anti-pantry.  While I understand her reasoning, I am a fan of the "pantry" or any type of storage space behind a closed door!  I recently completed a closet reorganization trying to make the most out of what hidden space I have.

We have a good amount of cabinets in our kitchen but we do not have a good amount of closets or storage spaces! There are certain things that just can't go into a kitchen cabinet...a vacuum, animal treats, recycling bins, mop bucket etc.  I was convinced that I could transform our cramped closet into a well organized storage space.
So I went to IKEA!  Now for me a trip to IKEA is an all day event...but a fun day out!

I can not share a before picture of the full closet, it is that embarrassing.  Just picture opening a door with one hand and bracing yourself for whatever might come tumbling out!
 


Here is one picture of a pile of stuff that came out of the closet, this is only about a third of everything that was in there!

My main goal was to create more shelves plus enough room to fit two vacuums.  As you can see by the shelves on the door, this closet was a mess!

I purchased a simple shelf that was high but not too deep allowing space for the vacuums!


The dog thought she might be interested in helping to put the shelf together, but decided the IKEA instructions were too complicated for her!


Here is the finished closet!  I was so excited and felt almost liberated!  I love opening the closet door now!

This is a close up of the blue "buckets".  They are from IKEA as well.  They stack and hold much more than I thought they would.

I am amazed with how much stuff I can store in my little storage closet now!