Wow, Alexa! That area looks great, and I love the canisters!
Zchristy, I agree, it is amazing that it was there the whole time. LOL!
Overall Rating: 2 votes
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Posted 1 month ago #
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Thanks, y'all! I'm on an Unclutterer high right now - I kept powering through that kitchen and have gotten where I identified everything that should be back in that deep hole, cleared off the top of the fridge, moved the 10 Pottery Barn Kids sectioned plates that we had in the cabinet down to storage for my sister (having a baby now), and just purged 12 - yes, 12 - flower vases that I had kept over the years (FTD and 1-800-flowers do not equal priceless.) and much much more!
Next stop has to be going through those cabinets and drawers and re-evaluating - got to find that great post that had the list of things I should have, then said to give away the rest! Easy fix would be to get those collapsable measuring cups - for the drawer that won't open because the measuring cups always jam up and -
so help me -
I will replace ALL of our tupperware someday so it is neat and easy in there. Like everyone, we have no stackable size and never find the lids. Ugh!zChristy, I'll let you know how I organize those baskets. Right now, I'm reveling in the "empty basket - oh, what shall I put in there!" feeling. But, moreover, I want it to be really the RIGHT stuff, not just stuff I throw in the there.
I started with one basket for the girls' daily homework supplies - we have a set of things we use everyday for homework and I had it in containers within a clear plastic bin, but the bin had no where to go and was on the FLOOR of my dining room! I took it out and stacked the containers in a basket with their eraser and pencil box on top. It's top left so they can grab the basket on the way to do homework at our dining room table. Then all can go back in and basket can go back to its home. VERY happy with that first basket allocation!
I'll keep you posted on progress! Thanks again for all the support!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Looks great!!
p.s. edited to add - I hate the recycling in my house too!!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Well, I love reading about your progress, Alexa. I'm not making much progress right now myself. I had a couple of setbacks, but I should be on my way again shortly.
Posted 1 month ago # -
I know - it does take a lot of time, especially when tackling gargantuan projects like mine! How does everyone do it? I am a freelancer and work from home and basically got NO work done yesterday, plus I put my kids in aftercare (2 hours extra at school) to get all that done! Don't know that I could do that often, nor take a whole weekend day to tackle things, say like my office!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Congrats akcorcoran! I have been following along. It is interesting to see how others solve these problem areas. Your solution looks great and is still very functional. Please post your "after" pics when the canasters arrive! thanks for your discussion
Posted 1 month ago # -
UPDATE ON PROGRESS!
(Sorry for bad quality of pics - from my iPhone - saving for good pics when the room is all finished!)I found a spot for recycling! Actually directly across from where it was and even better b/c it's behind a closed cabinet! Uncluttering works in mysterious ways! Could be better if we had those tilt out things but these work for now. Blue round is for cans and white is for paper:
http://bit.ly/9wQUNhAnd, PROCESSED THE DEEP HOLE and...
Found a spot for cans that can always be replenished and is out of sight (this is right next to the fridge!) And, we have one of those can stack things that takes up minimal space in the fridge, so you do replace them one by one:
http://bit.ly/9FDn01And, top of fridge cleaned out (gave away 12 vases in the back cabinet and got rid of other junk). These remaining items will go in the stacking shelves that will be going in the deep hole:
http://bit.ly/9krDS5Deep hole is ready for shelves (except that durn pasta thing) and the few remaining items will go in shelves or my incoming caniters - kind of wish shelves when wide instead of long but I do still need spot for knives to keep away from kids:
http://bit.ly/cwV0ZvSorry if I'm oversharing progress but you guys are like unclutterer therapy for me, and I wouldn't have gotten as far if not for you! Thx!
Posted 1 month ago # -
OK, back around to now getting something for the deep hole - and @Spelunk's suggestion of the elfa drawers -
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/elfa/drawerSystems/cabinetSizedelfaDrawers?productId=10021471I took measurements and this would fit - the narrow size would leave about 12 inches - the normal only about 8 and my knife block is there (b/c of kiddos). Do you think I just fill virtually the whole space but knives so I *can't* clutter it up?
Also, I do sort of with there was something slightly less transparent but I can only find plastic shelves (and those are completely transparent or cheap closet sort of stuff).
Do you think wire mesh is the way to go? Dang, this elfa stuff is expensive, so I want to be sure it will work b/c I don't have a container store nearby to return it... shipping is $22.50!
EDITED TO ADD: I've been poking around now and really can't find anything similar except the plastic slide out ones which aren't as nice, I think. Anyone else find anything? If this suits the needs, I won't delay. I'm all about action these days!
Posted 1 month ago # -
If you are still going to store snacks in the deep hole, I would suggest baskets. My MIL has a deep hole next to her fridge, and she filled the space with three rectangular baskets. One is for bread, one is for chips & snacks, sometimes the third holds potatoes. It looks nice and works well - you can slide a basket out to see what's at the bottom.
Posted 1 month ago # -
What you have done so far looks fantastic! Does your microwave fit in the hole by any chance? My inlaws have a similar set-up and theirs fits in there perfectly. This would clear your usable counter space of the microwave.
Posted 1 month ago # -
@Shannon, we did have the toaster there (it's a toaster oven that does look like a microwave) but the girls can't reach it - or really no one can to pull things in and out of it. I would love for it to be there so maybe I'll give it a fly again tomorrow and see if anyone could make that work. It would fit there for sure.
@SLTMom, I might try some baskets as a temporary solution - that would be a good idea to see if that's enough to solve the problem (and before spending money). I kind of liked the clean containment of the shelf system and it doesn't use the height of the space. It would if they were stackable baskets of some sort, but otherwise, I use don't necessarily use the height their between the counter and cabinets, even with deep baskets? What size basket did she use? If they are too deep, then it will be hard to find stuff in them maybe. But, I would *much* more like the aesthetic of baskets... I wish they made a shelf system like that with baskets!
I actually tried earlier today looking in office supplies for what would essentially be a desktop shelf system (with drawers) - but couldn't really find anything that was actually as practical as the elfa.
That one comes within one inch of the bottom of the cabinet above, so it's basically a complete fit of that space.
Oh, what to do...?
Posted 1 month ago # -
Here are some inexpensive stacking bins... again the shipping may make them pricier. http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/openBinsBaskets/naturalMaterials
(the canvas set- in whichever size would work)
You have really pared down the things in the hole. It does look like a pretty basket may do the trick. Good luck! You are doing great! I have had a great success in my oldest son's room this week. I know how good this can feel! :)Posted 1 month ago # -
TODAY'S PROGRESS:
Allright, everyone! I was won over by your baskets argument so I set out to try those today (thx, @SLTmom). And, my husband and I talked about the top of the fridge - since we can't actually use the cabinets up there easily, we decided we weren't opposed to storage on top, it just needed to be uncluttered storage - so contained and visibly appealing.
And, @Shannon, I decided to try the toaster oven back in the deep hole. I got a lot of grumbling and grief from husband who says it's too difficult, the girls won't be able to reach it well and you'd have to pull your toast out sideways. I think it's not that hard, the girls have a stool, and - geez - get over it on sideways toast! It makes me have about 5 ft now of counter space - I previously had about 2 1/2!
Plus, I tried a new novel concept - TRY IT! I often wait until I have the perfect solution, searching and wasting time. Figured I'd try the toaster sideways and if we don't like it, gasp, I can move it back!
So, for those following along - here's the new progress:
Top of Fridge:
http://bit.ly/cnQP0b(oh the irony - turns out that those baskets came in a set with the art baskets I use on the counter - who knew? And, again, I already owned them! http://bit.ly/cu8bvH )
Deep Hole (now Neat Hole!):
http://bit.ly/bz88RBNewfound Counter Space: (getting to the window clutter next!)
http://bit.ly/8ZwiTBFor your amusement, all the baskets I tried before settling on these! :-)
http://bit.ly/bIS9K3And, if @jsights is still following this post, wanted to tell you on the dishware and top cabinets that those little metal rack space savers work! I have three top cabinets total and they are glass fronted. I used the little chrome cabinet organizers and we fit an amazing amount of stuff, plus it's completely usable. This is our everyday - used for every meal. And, I've got the one platter standing up in back and the bowls showing so it's visually pretty since it's glass-fronted. I need to get one more for 2nd shelf. I'd try them if you haven't already! Here's our cabinet: http://bit.ly/c1fDfR
OK, did all that in the first hour of the day! Now, I'm actually going back my real job as a freelance marketing/web person!
Thanks all for continuing to support me!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Good Grief you have a lot of empty baskets! LOL Looks amazing. :)
Posted 1 month ago # -
I know, right? @zChristy, it's the cruel irony of my uncluttering situation! I have junk everywhere and then 10+ empty baskets!!! It's just digging out of the hole that has to happen first, and then you guys helping me turn the light bulb on so I use things I already have!!!
Posted 1 month ago # -
I love how its all worked out Alexa - can't wait to see it with the canisters!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Tell your family that "sideways toast" is all the rage in Europe! :) Everything looks great!!
Posted 1 month ago # -
This is so exciting! I love it that you are making so much progress!
Posted 1 month ago # -
Thanks for all the encouragement! Y'all, I am physically and emotionally exhausted! This uncluttering business takes a lot out of you! It's like mike 17 of marathon (so I hear, no way I'd ever run one!). Thx for helping me stick with it. Hubby did come home late tonight after I pushed further to unclutter windowsill, girls were in bed and everything in kitchen was immaculate - and the first thing he said was, "Honey, the kitchen looks GREAT!" Very nice to hear...
Tonight's update: Canisters shipped!
And we're all excited about our European toast tomorrow, @Shannon, LOL!!!
Posted 1 month ago # -
If the European Sideways toast was not a hit this morning, perhaps you could use an extension cord for the toaster so that you could pull it out and turn it in the mornings while everyone uses it, then slide it back into the hole when you are done with it. We don't use our toaster everyday and we have a lot of cabinet space so we keep it in a cupboard and pull it out as needed. Keeping it there really does give you a lot more usable counter space. Can't wait to see the finished kitchen with your beautiful new canisters. They will be the "jewelry" to dress up all of your hard work! Have a great weekend!
Posted 1 month ago #
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