Before & After Archives - Neat Freak McKinney

New Year, New Goals

Published on January 2, 2020December 23, 2019 by neatfreakmckinneyLeave a comment

Well can you believe 2020 is here? I cannot! Time is flying by so quickly! That meme going around that says 1980 was 20 years ago made me stop and say, right?? LOL.

Do You Make New Year’s Goals?

I always used to do the same ole same ole until I realized that “getting healthy” should be a year round goal, not just a once a year goal. So if one of your New Year, New Goals is to get organized, I can help you make that a year round goal as well!

Where do I start?

Where do I start is a question I get a lot! My answer is simple. Start somewhere. Start small. Create small victories so you feel accomplished. Small victories add up to bigger victories and pretty soon you’ve done it!

This year I decided to take my own advice and start small. I have several closets in my home that don’t have a “set purpose”. We are empty nesters now and that created several empty bedrooms and closets. I want those closets to be on my New Year, New Goals list.

One closet in particular is the one right outside my office. I am blessed to have two coat closets in this house plan. We use one for coats, and the other one was being used for all our winter gear. When we moved here from Colorado in 2012, we had all the outdoor snow gear, so I designated that closet as the “winter” closet. Fast forward to being back in Texas a while made me realize we hadn’t used that gear in years. So I sold most of it on my neighborhood Facebook market place, and all that was left was this….

Two pairs of boots, some old videos, extra light bulbs, and off season decor storage during Christmas!

First Step: Make a plan for your space.

This closet is my first project on my New Year, New Goals list. I decided to better utilize this closet for all my Neat Freak McKinney back stock. I like to keep my favorite organizing products on hand, and my office and car were overflowing. Enter the extra coat closet!

Why I chose an Elfa System:

I decided to take advantage of the Elfa Sale and put in an over the door system! It’s so easy to install! Here are the parts I started with:

The first thing you need to do is measure your door. We have 8 foot doors in our home and this length fits my doors perfectly! They come ready made in two sizes but can be cut to fit!

Next, I assembled all the parts on the door. No holes or drilling required. It might have been easier with another set of hands, but I can do these in my sleep by now and don’t need any extra help, other than a ladder.

I also needed the commercial sized over the door hook. So be sure you measure the width of your door too!

The Kit Comes With Everything You Need To Install

It literally took me five minutes to install. It comes with an Allen wrench to tighten and secure the top bracket. It’s so easy!

Next, I added in all the back stock I had in my office and car. This system is great because you can change the height of each basket to fit your needs.

I added this utility board to hang decor from. You can customize it with all different types of hooks! They even have clear boxes that clip on to hold tape, ribbon, safety pins, anything you want! This system is so versatile and that’s why I love it. All my clients have different needs and I can custom fit for any space!

The rest of the space I am using for storage. I incorporated my stacking drawers that hold so much, my light ring, tripod, garment rack, and extra tall light bulbs! Everything I need to Neat Freak is all right there!

I am so excited about this! Organizing makes me happy! This closet now has one purpose and is steps away from my office!

Right now everything Elfa is 30% off! 30% off all products and 30% off installation too! I can help you design the closet of your dreams. Whether it be a storage closet or your Master Closet, I can help you. Email me if you’re interested! I can help you locally or virtually!

What are your New Year, New Goals going to be?

New Year, New Goals are my specialty! Follow me here on Instagram, or here on FaceBook, or here on Pinterest for more inspiration! I’d love to hear from you!

Ready to help you today,

Lisa

{this post has been partially sponsored by The Container Store. All opinions and pictures are mine}

Before and After: Pantry Edition

Published on November 4, 2019November 4, 2019 by neatfreakmckinneyLeave a comment

Whenever I show before and afters of pantries on my Instagram feed they get the most comments and likes. I think it’s because it gives people ideas, hope, and inspiration to know that a crazy space can become an organized space.

Want to see some of my favorite before & after pantries? Let me show you…

Before & After: Pantry #1

Before: My client had tried to create order by using small clear bins, however the bins were too small for the amount she was tying to contain, and because they were see through, the bins created visual clutter. The other issue was that she had great Oxo brand containers , but they were spread throughout the pantry. They make a cleaner visual impact when they are all together. Storing holiday items used once a year also took up space that could be used for everyday items.

After: By using larger baskets and bins, as well as creating zones, I was able to bring order to every shelf. Storing like with like, she now knows exactly how much of every item she has, and it’s easy to find. These large lazy susan’s are my favorite for pantry corners and top shelves. You can twirl the lazy susan and bring what you want to the front with ease, no step stool needed. Lazy susan’s in corners use all the available space so nothing gets lost in the back.

I always try and use large floor baskets to hold items like paper towels, lunch boxes, large amounts of snacks, etc. Adding labels also helps everyone in the house know exactly where everything is, and where it goes when you’re unloading groceries.

The holiday items now live in an unused cupboard up high.

Before & After: Pantry #2

Before: No rhyme or reason to where items are put. They have no idea how much they have of anything, or where it is. This makes for double purchases as well as waste when lost and unused items become expired. There was a lot of wasted space in here as well. Let me show you how I solved these problems.

After: I created zones; baking, breakfast, lunch, dinner, baby food, canned goods etc. Keeping like with like they will know exactly how much they have. I also put all the Oxo containers together, again creating visually clean lines. Lazy susan’s hold bottles of vinegars and oils, and bamboo bin clips tell you exactly what is in each basket. In the blue floor baskets I stored lunch boxes and reusable bags. The sides of the pantry are lined with bins too, and the dog food was relocated there. Every inch of the pantry is being used to its potential now.

Before & After: Pantry #3

Before: Costco purchases left on the floor in boxes made everything hard to get to plus created a ton of visual clutter. Again, there is no rhyme or reason as to where things go. This creates chaos and frustration when trying to find what you know you have.

After: I took everything out of the big Costco packages and put the contents into bins my client already had (similar ones here). This makes it easy to grab and go. When the bin gets low you know it’s time to buy more. I also used my favorite affordable white bins and labels (click here to order) to clearly distinguish where everything is. What’s for dinner? Let’s go look in the dinner bin and see what we have! Kids want to pack a lunch? The lunch bin has everything they need, just bring the bin to the counter, pack their lunch, and off to school they go. So easy. Want a snack? Grab the eat first bin and find all the opened snacks. Once again, I used large lazy susan’s in all the corners to hold jars and bottles, and cereal containers stored all together make it visually pleasing.

You too can have an organized pantry!

Do you see a formula here? Zones, bins, labels, and floor baskets are my go to when I am organizing any pantry. You can do it too by following these easy steps:

Take everything out: sort everything into like piles and check expiration dates.

Create zones: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, eat first, baking, canned goods, etc.

Plan the layout of your pantry for what works best for your family. It’s not one size fits all. See my pantry here (click “My Pantry” under my saved stories).

Find containers that fit your space. Bins, lazy susan’s, Oxo storage containers, can stackers, baskets, and floor baskets.

Now label and put it all back in. Enjoy!

Live in the DFW area? I can help you! I”m an email away. Don’t live in the Dallas area, that’s ok! I offer virtual organizing sessions via FaceTime. It’s really fun. We facetime for 45 minutes and talk about your space. I then send you a detailed to do list complete with links for products.

You can see other posts about pantries here.

As always, I’m ready to help you today,

Lisa

Instagram

Facebook

Custom Master Closet

Published on October 28, 2019 by neatfreakmckinney1 Comment

A few weeks ago I was asked to be part of a fun collaboration with a new client. The client was surprising his wife with an amazing anniversary gift…a new custom master closet from The Container Store. He pulled off the surprise by scheduling a trip for he and his wife during the installation period. So fun right?!

Step 1: Design your dream master closet!

He started by visiting our local Container Store to set up a meeting with a custom master closet design specialist. Anna at the Fairview Container Store was the designer on this project. She met with the client several times in the store and at their home to discuss the wants and desires of the new custom master closet.

TCS designers will take the dimensions of your existing master closet, (or any closet in your home) and design the space of your dreams, complete with 3D pictures to get a real feel for the new space. The custom master closet designer will also make a trip to your home to measure again, and discuss your master closet desires in depth.

Once that process is done, the measurements get sent off for production. Depending on the size of the job, installation will begin in a matter of weeks.

Step 2: Where do I fit in?

Normally, I would come in after the custom master closet is finished, but in this instance, the client needed extra help during the install process to make sure it was all finished by the time they returned from their trip. We had four days to complete the entire process.

We arrived at their home minutes after they left for the airport and immediately got to work. We emptied the entire closet so the demo team could get busy. In a matter of hours, the master closet demolition was done.

The existing master closet during the emptying process.

Next, the electricians got to work wiring the lighting for the new custom master closet. The client chose special lighting all around the closet with extra lights on the shoe tower. While they were busy doing all that, we were changing out hangers, sorting clothes into like piles and shopping for organizing products to fit the space.

The next day the closet installers got to work, it was really fun to see the process unfold.

During the master closet installation process.

Four days later ….the results were astonishing….we made the deadline with hours to spare….the only thing left to do is to lay the carpet and do some touch up paint.

Here are some before and after pictures ….they say it best….

Can you believe the transformation? Before, no rhyme or reason to where the clothes and shoes were stored… after, a beautifully categorized space. Shoes with shoes, suits with suits… like with like items now have their own special place to live in this custom master closet by The Container Store.

Want to see more behind the scenes from this project? Visit my InstaGram bio and hit “TCS Closet” in my saved stories. Want to shop this closet? Find all the links to the products we used below.

Black Wooden Hangers

Suit Coat Hangers

Tall Boot Inserts

Acrylic Clutch Organizer

Black Diamond Bins

Bristol Storage Boxes

Matte Black Bin Clip Labels

Storage Box Labels

Mirrored Acrylic Box

You too can have the custom master closet of your dreams…the designers at TCS and I would love to help you! I’m an email away.

Ready to help you today,

Lisa

Instagram

Facebook

Fridge Organization 101

Published on October 8, 2019October 9, 2019 by neatfreakmckinneyLeave a comment

Want to know how I organize my fridge?

I’ve always loved having an organized fridge. Let me tell you how I organize my fridge, saving time and money.

Step 1. Clean.

The first thing I do when organizing my fridge is empty it all out. This is the best time to clean it and sort through all your leftovers and condiments. I usually do it when the fridge is running low of food.

Then, I like to wash it down with warm water and vinegar. Smells clean and fresh.

Step 2. Line the fridge.

Step two of organizing my fridge is to insert new Fridgecoasters. They come in so many pretty colors. This time I chose the mint. They are like coasters for your fridge, absorbing spills and keeping your bins and shelves easy to clean. When you order them they send enough to line your fridge twice! I change mine out once a quarter unless there is a spill. They are also biodegradable and can be added to your compost or recycle bin when you are done with them.

Step 3. Create zones.

I love creating zones when I organize my fridge, and I do it by adding these fridge bins! I have them labeled to make it easier for my family to find all the like items together. It also helps when my family puts away groceries, they know where everything goes. I have one for fruit, lunch, and snacks.

Labels make it easy to find what you want.

Create a lunch bin with all your favorites in one place.

I love organizing my fridge this way. When I want lunch (my favorite is a veggie and hummus sandwich) I just grab my lunch bin and take it to the counter. The same goes when packing lunches. You can grab all the bins, bring them to the counter and everyone can make their own lunches. When you organize like with like, you know exactly how much you have. Makes less waste too, as nothing gets lost in the back of the fridge.

Step 4. Decant.

Just like with snacks in my pantry, I like to decant my liquids too. These carafes make it easy to see exactly how much milk and OJ is left. I don’t have to worry about expiration dates as we always run out before they expire.

The other product I love to use are these wine stackers. They are perfect for keeping white wine cold or stacking my hubby’s favorite lemonade. The bottles are too tall to stand up so these stackers help a ton! Use that vertical space.

I also keep frozen drinks in my freezer for company or parties. I like to have drinks ready, all I have to do is take out a frozen treat and make it in this carafe. Drinks look prettier when served in clear carafes don’t you think?

Step 5. Food Prep

Last but not least, I prep food for the week. I love using these egg trays. I keep one dozen hard boiled eggs (perfect for a quick breakfast, in salads, egg salad sandwiches, etc) and one dozen raw eggs for baking or scrambled eggs.

I also wash and prep all our veggies! These Oxo Green Saver containers help keep my fruits and veggies lasting longer. They come with a carbon filter which absorbs ethylene gas, keeping my produce from turning bad. I love the strainer that is included as well. I keep grapes in one of them and just wash as I eat them.

You can also find more food prepping ideas here….Food Prepping – Back To School Edition or here.

Last step….enjoy!

Having an organized fridge saves you time and money. Time is valuable and having food prepped and ready to go each week will cut down your stress, I promise. Prepping healthy food to eat eliminates those last minute decisions to run through the drive through. Time and money saved!

Organizing your fridge is as easy as this!

Are you in the DFW area? Do you need help organizing your fridge or other areas of your home? I’m an email away. And did you know I offer virtual organizing? I FaceTime with you and help answer all your questions during our call, then send you a detailed to do list and a follow up email in two weeks. Click here to schedule. I promise it’s fun!

As always, I’m ready to help you today,

Lisa

Instagram

Facebook

**this blog was done via partnership with The Container Store, however all editorial comments and opinions are mine.

I Love Pantries

Published on September 24, 2019 by neatfreakmckinneyLeave a comment

Why do I love pantries so much?

I love organizing pantries so much because I’ve always felt that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s my happy place, and I want to make it yours too! We spend so much time in our kitchens through out the day that we need to make it a priority! You should love being in your space. I can help you make it pretty as well as functional.

I look back fondly, to the years when my kids were little, of cooking and creating good meals for my family. I’ve always loved cooking for large groups, after all I am the oldest of seven, I can do it with my eyes shut. Like my Grandma, feeding people is my love language. So naturally for me, creating a functional yet pretty space in any pantry is a must.

How I organize a pantry.

If you follow me on instagram you know the drill by now. Take it all out. By taking everything out of the space, you will touch and see it all, forcing you to decide if you want it, need it, and/or use it.

Next step is sorting. Sort like with like. Check expiration dates during this process. I put all the baking together, all the lunch items together, all the snacks together and so on. If I had a quarter for every time I heard “how did I end up with five of these?” I’d be rich.

Now create Zones. Here is how I zone my pantries: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, eat first (snacks), baking, paper goods, cleaning supplies (if applicable). I use the top shelf for large items that aren’t used very often.

Next, choose your favorite organizing supplies. Mine are Oxo brand containers, baskets, bins, lazy susans , can stackers, and labels.

Lastly, use floor baskets help hide clutter. I use big floor baskets for paper and plastic sacks, lunch boxes, cleaning supplies, paper goods, and Costco snacks.

Hide the clutter with large floor baskets.

Now, it’s time to enjoy!

That’s it! That’s my pantry formula!

I’d love to help you organize your pantry too! Did you know I do virtual organizing? It’s so fun and easy. We FaceTime for forty five minutes and then I send you a detailed to do list and links to all the products. It’s that easy. Or if you live in the DFW area, I’ll drive straight to your house. I also travel! Send me a plane ticket and I’m there! We will have fun, I promise.

Is redoing your pantry on your to do list?

I’m ready to help you today,

Lisa

Instagram

Facebook

I Like-It!

Published on July 22, 2019 by neatfreakmckinneyLeave a comment

Do you ever come across a product that has so many uses you just can’t wait to use it?

Well this is that product for me….”this month” anyway lol!

Exhibit A:

The dreaded water bottle situation….no matter what system I use it has never worked! It is a constant mess; it doesn’t help that I have a rotating door of family members and grand babies needing water bottles. Not complaining just stating the facts 😉

If I could redo my kitchen, I’d choose all deep drawers instead of cupboards….but since I can’t, this is the best solution I found!

Before:

And AFTER…..

I am in love with the like-it bins from The Container Store! Here I used the short wide drawer. They fit perfectly inside my kitchen cabinet shelf. No more bending over trying to find all the lids, or sweet family members just putting things in the wrong bin….at least they try ;-)….now they are all neatly contained in this one drawer!

I separated the drawers by water bottles and lunch items. It looks so nice and clean now!

Exhibit B:

I needed some more storage in my Neat Freak office to hold supplies. I like to stock up on things that I use all the time. But I wanted them in the closet, not sitting on my desk. So….you guessed it, I used the like-it bins here too!

For this project I used two tall wide drawers and two tall medium drawers.

They fit perfectly on the floor and give me the storage I need!

I added some simple labels and just like that I’m organized and happy!

Exhibit C:

The laundry room! Most clients I work with need extra storage in the laundry room. These work perfectly!

I stacked three tall wide like-it bins to create extra storage in the laundry room. I paired it with the three bin laundry sorter and we have instant organization!

Exhibits D, E, F, G, H, I and J!

I have so many ideas floating around in my head on how to use these drawers!

Dorm Room: school supplies, bathroom supplies, dresser drawers

Baby Room: diapers, wipes, changing pads, baby clothes, bath supplies

Closets: use as a dresser for young children’s clothing so they can dress themselves

Kitchen: under the sink storage, pantry drawers, cleaning supplies

Bathrooms: back stock supplies, personal products, washcloths, cleaning supplies

Garage: tool storage, golf balls, golf accessories, power cords, gardening supplies

Back yard: bbq tools, pool supplies, pool towels, pool toys, swim diapers

What ideas do you have? Tell me, I’d love to hear! And as always, if you need help, I’m an email away!

Ready when you are,

Lisa

Instagram

Facebook