Over the Door Organization with The Container Store (A Pinch of Help Fave!)
When it comes to maximizing space, the door is an often under-utilized commodity. Our clients have been delighted with the various ways we’ve infused the door & wall rack solutions from The Container Store when organizing, and I’m excited to show you how I used one in my own home.
*We partnered with The Container Store for this project. All opinions and content are my own. 🙂
As a mom of two, I’m always looking for ways to make things easier on me and the kids. I am always on the lookout for opportunities for improvement from one semester to the next, and with school starting again I decided to test out a new system for my kids by creating an easy, last minute “out the door” station.
My goal was to create a station that housed commonly misplaced/forgotten items that my kids end up having to run upstairs for at the last minute before catching the bus.
Here is our list of last minute “let me run upstairs one more time” items I’ve added so far.
- Hair Ties – If I had a dollar for every time my daughter needed a hair tie, I would be able to buy her enough for a year’s supply. I have a designated spot for them in my bathroom (and so does she), but it seems like once they go out the door with her they never return. And after she goes through her stash, she moves on to mine. She’s even gone as far as to use the rubber bands I have in my organizing kit.
- Head Bands – Another one that my daughter can benefit from. Now last minute headband swaps will be a breeze. 😉
- Chapstick – This is more of an indulgence for me and my husband, but the kids use them as well and in these winter months I can’t seem to keep enough.
- Tissue – I aim to keep my kids as healthy as possible but every now and then there is a sniffle or two. Having a quick pack of tissue on hand to throw in their book bags will be a nice convenience.
- Pencils – Try as I may, I can never keep enough pencils. I’m a little nervous to see if having them this visible makes them disappear faster, or helps them have what they need when they need it. Time will tell.
- Lotion – This one will really come in handy come spring when outfits get shorter, and legs and elbows make their appearance.
- Notebook Paper – It takes them a while to go through a whole pack of paper, but when they do, we replace the whole thing. I love being prepared for last minute needs!
- Lunch Bags – I have to admit, we don’t have the best after school routine anymore. Now that the kids are older and mostly pack their own lunches, I’ve turned a blind eye to what they do with their lunch bags after school. This semester I’m going to have them clean them out and hang them as soon as they get home. Should mean no more smelly leftover food awaiting us in the morning.
- Lint Roller – I’m not sure why (maybe it’s because of our family’s love of black clothing), but it seems like I’m running up the stairs every other day to remove lint before they head out for school. Having one dedicated to being downstairs will be everything!
- Umbrella– One of those items that’s not needed often but when it is you just want to be able to grab and go. I keep mine in my car, but this one here for my daughter is perfect.
- Memo Board – Love this for leaving notes for the kids. Whether it’s a nice treat like this one, or to wish them well on their tests, or to remind them to check lost and found for their coat, a memo board really comes in handy. Since the door and wall rack is made of steel, you can attach anything that is magnetic.
- Last but definitely not least – Deodorant – For some reason my kids have gotten in the habit of only remembering to put on deodorant with barely enough time to rush out the door to catch the bus. The mad dash up the stairs always has me holding my breath in hopes that they make it out in time.
As the days and months go by, I’m excited to switch items in and out. I love the final outcome, and can’t wait to see how utilizing this door rack helps them with those last minute issues before heading out the door.
In addition to the countless ways you can customize and utilize these door and wall racks, I also love how easy it is to install them. If used as an over the door rack there is no drilling or holes at all involved to get this baby up and running.
Here’s a quick video showing more about how it works.
