Winter Organizing
I was recently invited by a producer at ABC 4 to appear as the organizing expert on the GOOD THINGS UTAH morning show. The TV segment objective was to help their viewers understand how to organize their homes in preparation for the upcoming winter months. I chose to focus on three areas of interest:
- Groom the Garage
- Swap-Out Clothing
- Create an Organized Entry Closet
I promised the show’s viewers a list of the all products I used as winter organizing storage solutions on the show. Every one of these great products came from my local LOWES store. Read on to watch the video and find the products I recommended with buying links for each.
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RANDOM DRAWING WINNERS
Thanks to a generous donation by the Orem LOWES store manager a $50 gift card AND a $75 gift card were awarded in a random drawing that took place on Monday, December 2, 2013. Two lucky winners names were “drawn out of a hat”. (Actually it was a large kitchen mixing bowl, but the outcome was the same.) The two lucky winners were Margaret and Linda. (Read their comments below.) With the money these women won, they can easily organize their homes for winter. Congratulations Margaret and Linda! And thank you Matt for the donation.
WINTER ORGANIZING PRODUCT INFORMATION
Once your home is organized you will feel much better prepared for the upcoming winter months. Click on the green links below for further information about the items you are most interested in using in your own home:
GROOM THE GARAGE buying links
SWAP OUT CLOTHING buying links
ORGANIZED COAT CLOSET buying links
- Decorative Curtain Rod Be sure you measure your door, minus the space needed to close the door, before you go shopping.
- Curtain Rod Clip Rings
- Command 2-Pack Adhesive Hooks Be sure they rod you choose can be held nicely within the hooks you choose.
- Silver Milk Crate Container
- Garment Rail with 4 Hooks
NEED MORE HELP?
Because I have years of experience organizing home spaces of all varieties I know that organizing your garage storage areas, and your family coat closet will save you valuable time this winter. If you already know you can’t organize on your own, (BTW: It is believed 40% of Americans need to work side-by-side with someone who is a natural organizer to understand the complete process, and then they can organize nicely on their own. Another 50% of Americans can do it on their own if they have detailed step-by-step solutions in front of them at the time they organize.) I offer a FREE 20 minute phone analysis for you to decide if I might be your missing link to an organized life. Contact me by clicking here.
OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST
- How to Successfully Organize ANY Home Space
- Garden Tool Storage Solutions
- Can I Change My Past Habits
- Finding Time to Organize
- Holiday Planning and Management
68 Responses to “Winter Organizing”
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November 17th, 2013 at 11:34 pm
A friend shared an organizing secret with me. I will share it with your visitors. I will organize my home for winter by placing a tray filled with rocks inside my front door so visitors can drop their shoes on that tray.
November 21st, 2013 at 10:40 am
I’ll organize my home by de-junking my closets and donating to local DI
November 21st, 2013 at 10:41 am
I loved the curtain rod idea! I’m going to try that out this week.
November 21st, 2013 at 10:42 am
Hi Vicki,
I would use the gift card $ to organize my sewing/craft room for the winter months so I will be able to be more creative in my small space. Lately many projects have been on hold due to not finding what I need to continue!
November 21st, 2013 at 10:43 am
Out with the old coats, hats, gloves! The coat closet has sat for a year unattended,time for a clean, manageable, closet! You were amazing in good things Utah!
November 21st, 2013 at 10:51 am
I will use it for the awesome idea of the curtain rod in the closet!
November 21st, 2013 at 10:53 am
We recently moved to a small town home that has a tiny entry without a closet! My husband works a job where he is out in the elements year round. I plan on hanging a coat rack near the door so that their is all a tidy and convenient place for his work coats. Also a boot tray and small shoe rack near the door so that he can place his wet, muddy boots immediately into the tray. I plan on placing baskets labeled for hats, gloves, etc and one for the dog’s leashes and doggy couture too!
November 21st, 2013 at 11:00 am
We just moved to our home and our entry closet is super small. I would like to use one of the gift cards to make the most out of our closet. I would like to buy bins for the top of the closet as well as buy command hooks so my kids can hang their own jackets.
November 22nd, 2013 at 12:05 am
Loved the segment. I will swap out my summer for winter clothes.
November 22nd, 2013 at 1:00 pm
I was so thrilled to watch the segment on TV today. My husband and I have a goal to clean and organize our garage. Thanks for the ideas. I would love to talk with you after the holidays about you helping me get my home organized.
November 22nd, 2013 at 1:05 pm
I am going to organize my coat closet. I liked the ideas you presented on Good Things Utah. Also, I have goals to get my closet and my kids closet cleaned for winter. All the ideas you presented were great. Can’t wait to use them to organize my home. Thanks so much!
November 24th, 2013 at 1:05 am
I need the hooks and rods on every closet! Really would like to try the tool holder for kitchen and garage. Thanks
November 25th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
I plan to purge the stacks of papers setting around and file away what I need to keep. Also plan to be brave and take on the craft room!!!
November 25th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
I love every idea you shared, especially the “donate” basket. I will be applying all of these things. Thank you Vicki for your expertise.
November 25th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Cleaning out the closets and the pantry. New puppy means need to baby-proof.
November 25th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Buy some storage bins and get organized throughout the whole house.
November 25th, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I hope to organize school gear including hats, gloves, coats, etc for those sleepy winter school mornings when everyone (including me!) seem to move slower.
November 25th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
I will be working on reorganizing our laundry system and cleaning out closets.
November 25th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
I will organize my coat closet and hang hooks on the wall for all the kids gear. Winter adds way too many things to the pile at the door. Coats, boots, gloves. oh mercy!
November 25th, 2013 at 3:32 pm
I want to pare down my Christmas decorations so they will fit in a smaller space after the holidays. Also, I would like to declutter the garage.
November 25th, 2013 at 4:00 pm
I would like to organize my very small entry closet. I have gloves, hats and coats that are too small and I need to make things easier to find. Loved to curtain rod idea!
November 25th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
I would love my closet ready for coat use instead of a collect all 🙂
November 25th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Thanks to my amazing husband, the garage is done! Now it’s my turn to purge the winter clothing and organize my office! I’m definitely adding more hooks!
November 25th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
We just moved into a new home where I have my own Sewing Studio. My goal is to get everything organized soon so I can get back to quilting!
Love your ideas!
November 25th, 2013 at 5:10 pm
I plan to put in a tool bench and better organize my pantry. Good ideas. Thanks.
November 25th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
I would like to put hooks on the back of the mudroom door to hang dry winter wear.
November 25th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
I loved the curtain rod for small items that tend to get tossed and lost!
November 25th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
I plan on clearing out and donating the clothes I don’t need and putting my winter accessories in one place.
November 25th, 2013 at 8:28 pm
I need to get the coat closet ready for little ones to find and put away coats, hats, etc.
November 25th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
I love the ideas. Sometimes it’s good just to have a smaller task to focus on and comlpete as its easy to be overwhelmed by the whole project.
November 25th, 2013 at 8:43 pm
You always have such great ideas! I’m planning to use your ideas in my entry closet. Thank you!
November 25th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
I plan on going through every square inch of my daughters room, and donating toys she no longer uses.
November 25th, 2013 at 9:36 pm
These are great ideas to generate how to better use my space. Having a donate bin handy really helps move things that are no longer loved out of the house.
November 25th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
So excited… Already working on closet. Plan on organizing garage next!
November 25th, 2013 at 10:22 pm
I am relieved and very EXCITED to know I can change my habits and become a more organized person!! I am going to focus on piles of papers and mail that I move from room to room because I have no system that works. And very excited about new closet ideas! Thank you.
November 25th, 2013 at 10:29 pm
i’m really loving the closet ideas. i would love to implement them in an entry closet and my regular closet. very smart! thank you!
November 25th, 2013 at 11:27 pm
I plan on clearing out the warm weather clutter, ie. shoes and clothes for the cold weather stuff.Finding new storage solutions. That way they won’t end up on the couch like they usually do.
November 25th, 2013 at 11:45 pm
I never have unorganized closets on the main floor because our newer home was constructed without any! My husband designed and built me a shelf with hooks for the main entry way. Our next project addresses the empty space in the mudroom. Perhaps we will make/buy cabinets with hooks and a bench.
November 26th, 2013 at 12:09 am
I need to get my craft room/office organized. Everything is stacked so there is no work space. I also have to organize my seasonal decorations. I very much appreciate you suggestions! ! !
November 26th, 2013 at 12:10 am
I like the idea of the curtain rod on the inside of the closet door. By using it to hang my scarves, I will free up shelf space in my closet. Thanks! 🙂
November 26th, 2013 at 1:55 am
I LOVED your segment! Every time I hear you talk, I learn something new! You are my idol! You have motivated me to work on the garage this weekend. I am going to have my husband read your info on Garden Tool Storage (so that we are on the same page). I am going to take the 20+ half empty paint cans to the dump knowing that I really am not ever going to use them again. I’m going to get the boxes in our garage cabinets that are labeled with our married kids name and give them to them so they can decide if they want to keep it and store it at THEIR homes! We are going to take our old big chest freezer to Sims Sheet Metalz where they will actually pay us by the pound for. I’m going to go to Lowes and buy some Blue Hawk Clamps for the tools. You make organizing fun! I love it!
November 26th, 2013 at 1:55 am
We were out of town and missed your spot on tv. I always keep a DI bin going in the garage and also swap out summer/winter clothes. The current ones have hangers backwards and if, at the end of the season, they are still that way it shows me I didn’t use them for a yr. and out they go. I would use the gift card to buy bins/drawers for gloves and hats, and hooks for umbrellas, etc. Thank you. ‘Love your ideas. Linda
November 26th, 2013 at 2:14 am
I loved watching the broadcast and the cleaver ideas that Vicki presented. I especially loved the idea of storing the summer clothes and making room for the winter clothes in our closets.
November 26th, 2013 at 8:40 am
Great ideas once again! I loved the curtain rod idea. Thanks Vicki for your organizing tips!!
November 26th, 2013 at 8:50 am
Instead of keeping my mittens, scarves and winter hats in a plastic bag, I would like to purchase wire hanging baskets for my closet to keep them in. There is room under the top shelf to hang them, and they would be perfect to reach in and select what I need.
November 26th, 2013 at 9:18 am
I love the idea of the curtain rods for the coat closet, I am always hunting down scarfs and gloves that seem to be hiding in there somewhere. I am ready to turn my coat closet into an organized dream this winter!
November 26th, 2013 at 11:23 am
I too need to organize the coat closet which unfortunately under the stairs. I love the curtain rod idea and the other commenters idea of the tray of rocks by the door for muddy boots. Im organizing my spice rack for all my holiday baking. I bought cheap dollar spices in glass jars, washed them out and created adorable labels so all my spices and herbs fit nicely on my shelves in alphabetical order. This is great especially for my home dried herbs and special bulk purchases from health food stores. Love it!!!
November 26th, 2013 at 11:37 am
Thanks for sharing you great tips! I really need to get organized. I am going to organize my entry with your tips. I hope I win the giveaway.
November 26th, 2013 at 12:01 pm
My coat area and my laundry room need desperate attention….as does every closet in my house! This gift card would be soo awesome!
November 26th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Vicki, My home has stayed wonderfully organized since your 5 hours of attentive help last year at this time. Please enter me in your drawing. I’d love to fine tune my mudroom entry. Thanks.
November 26th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
Massive paperwork is what needs to be worked through among many other things !!!!
November 26th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Love the curtain rod idea!
November 26th, 2013 at 5:23 pm
I like the idea of using the breathable crates to hold gloves and hats. We could really use that at our house.
November 26th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
My storage room has all if my Holiday decor AND winter outer wear! It needs help! That’s what I would work on! I need the incentive! 🙂
November 27th, 2013 at 8:49 am
Caren, Paperwork is the #1 organizing challenge for Americans. The holiday season is NOT the time to begin organizing it. I offer two products in my store that could help you whip your papers into shape once January arrives. Visit this link https://www.organize-utah.com/organizing-store/ Happy organizing, Vicki
November 27th, 2013 at 8:52 am
Going to replace swim towels with snow clothes in a big hinged-lid basket by the garage/mudroom entrance.
November 27th, 2013 at 9:00 am
Karen, I love hearing all the things you are going to do (not just planning to do) to better organize your home spaces. BRAVO!
November 27th, 2013 at 9:03 am
MaryAnn, That is a great idea. Using vertical space is so organization savvy! Vicki
November 27th, 2013 at 9:05 am
Kathy, It is great to hear that you are motivated and moving forward on organizing your home. You must be part of the 50% who can do it on their own. Good for you! Vicki
November 27th, 2013 at 9:24 am
Amber, I am a believer that 90 % of us can learn to live an organized life. See my article at https://www.organize-utah.com/changing-behavior-2/ that spells out how change happens and sticks with us. Vicki
November 27th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
I always go through clothing and other items and have a location set aside for family to add to a donation pile. What I would like to have is a storage in the ceiling of my garage for camping gear. It seems like wasted space and our gear is as far away as possible from where we need it. That is definitely my next project. Then I will tackle the paper (my nemesis).
November 27th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
Loved the segment. I feel motivated to tackle the garage! Thanks for your insight Vicki!
November 27th, 2013 at 10:12 pm
I love the curtain rods! My home is in need of a total organization makeover! 🙂
November 27th, 2013 at 10:33 pm
We will organize our 2 garages before the snow hits UT.
November 28th, 2013 at 12:35 am
We need to clear the clutter from our garage, donate a lot to DI, and organize what’s left. My closets need some TLC too. The entry closet is a good place to start- especially with your tips!
November 29th, 2013 at 10:37 pm
I plan on doing a better job in the garage so things won’t get wet with the melted snow.
November 30th, 2013 at 11:31 pm
I would love to purchase a bike storage unit for my garage.
November 30th, 2013 at 11:39 pm
I plan to put wall shoe racks in my garage so I can get my family shoes off the garage floor.