Simplify. Organize. De-Clutter.

Awww… just reading these words makes me feel more peaceful and still.

There are few things that raise my blood pressure or make my heart race more than clutter and disorganization. I know that sounds completely insane but it’s the truth. I am 100% Type A and I cannot, absolutely cannot, stand messiness.

Hmmm. I have two 20 month old boys.

My *insane* need to be organized + Ben & Nathan’s need to destroy everything in sight = A Stressed Out Mama.

I have tried to relax since having the boys when it comes to dirty dishes and piles of laundry. I have even made peace with my arch nemesis – piles of paper/clutter/mail on the counter.

I have learned that during this particular season of my life messes and piles of toys and stacks of dishes are just part of the deal. I’m slowly coming to terms with this.

But, I refuse to just let this place turn into a complete pigs-tie. With that in mind, I recently decided it was time to do a major overhaul of the storage pantry (we have a smaller pantry for everyday use items. The Builder is a “buy in bulk” kind of man, hence, the hundreds of pounds of beans, so we need this pantry for all of his bulk purchases). This is one place where the boys are not allowed. We keep the door closed and I’ve decided it will be my personal sanctuary of order and organization.

It recently became very messy and unorganized (I won’t name any names here but I blame it completely on the other adult living in this house….) so I decided to spend the morning cleaning it up. It was a very productive morning and I felt a sense of relief after I finished. I know, I am a crazy person. But I take what I can get. If spending an hour organizing the pantry provides me with this much joy and satisfaction, I’m accepting my craziness and embracing the little things.

I do love before/after photos, so here they are!

I got rid of all of the bags of flour and sugar and put these canisters to use. Much cleaner looking and easier to see what we actually have. And, I got to break out my label maker. Oh, happy day!

I grouped all of our quick dips and mixes for entertaining all in one place for an easy go-to solution for last minute entertaining (crackers, pita chips, and pretzels are behind this so it is all in one place.

My favorite thing about our pantry is that is hidden away behind unassuming cabinet doors…

And, it’s like a secret little room…love that.

It feels like spring around here so I see other spring cleaning projects in store in the coming weeks! Hurray!! The little things, people. The little things.