Closet Re-organization

C's closet served it's purpose when he was a baby, but being older, it simply didn't work anymore.  He was outgrowing it and things needed to be cleaned out.  We needed different room in the closet.

I must preface this by saying that I did this last fall- early fall and never wrote the post.

Before

As you can see, C's closet held a dresser full of burp cloths, some clothing, random baby items like breast pads, the next size of shoes, books, diapers, empty wipes holders I was saving for projects, and a bunch of other items that either needed to go or be packed away.  It was a mess.

After

After, you can see bins and organization!  My main goal was to make things accessible for C since he was becoming so much more independent.

I only bought the blue crates (which were clearanced for $1 a piece).  Otherwise I simply reused and reorganized other items around his room or from elsewhere in the house
.

Starting at the top, I wanted to use all blue crates, but they wouldn't fit, so I pulled two white bins from elsewhere in the house.  I used cardboard that was on hand and twine to make the labels.  That way I could easily pull down whatever bin I needed.  Lesser used bins were on the far left and right.

Left, is clothing we might need on random days.  In the winter it would be a few shorts and short-sleeved shirts, as well as summer pajamas.  Just in case there was a warm spell I had them on hand.

Next are linens (currently overflowing with his blanket) and diapers/ wipes (includes swim diapers) respectively.  Lastly, extra socks, shoes, hats, mittens.  I have several hats and mittens that were a quarter at the end of the season.  Extra socks for the next size since prices are skyrocketing, and the next size shoe (or boots if I was able to get hardly used hand me downs) since C's feet are always growing like weeds.

The multicolored bin was in a different closet (C has two small closets, this is the largest).  I found it for $5 at a garage sale and knew it was awesome- I just couldn't find the right use.  It now holds underwear, socks, hats, mittens, and off season footwear/ slippers while they fit.  The best part is C can access all these items on his own!  Alternatively, you could purchase some open, stacking bins to throw socks, underwear, or shoes in.  Here is one pricey example.  And of course, what I was originally thinking, an economical option (like this but even cheaper- I couldn't find what I'm talking about online).

To the right is C's hamper.  A simple pop-up we've been using since he was born is perfect for C to throw all his dirty clothes in and keep it concealed in the closet.  These are around $5 just about anywhere.

Other random items were able to be housed in the closet such as a travel bag and a 3-drawer unit.  I haven't found a use for the 3-drawer unit yet, but it's available and fits perfectly.

The dresser is now within C's room, and the extra two blue crates hold other random books (stacked like a bookshelf).  They also serve as a great place to place C's clothes when we pick them out the night before.  The books are in C's other closet.  That closet is more like a bookshelf, so it basically holds puzzles, books, and anything I'd like him to ask permission to use.

What are some storage solutions that work well for you?