How to Organize Sports Balls

(via Spacehoppas Sports Facility)

Yesterday, I helped a client tackle her sports closet (pun intended).  It was packed full of equipment but as we sorted through, we realized that most of the space was consumed by sports balls.  Lots of basketballs, a few soccer balls and a handful of baseballs and tennis balls, totaling close to 50 altogether.  In one closet!

There has got to be a better solution for storing athletic balls indoors rather than shoving them in a closet.  Of course, my first direction was to pare down the number of balls, moving out any old, childish or deflated ones.  And when we were looking at a much more reasonable number, I suggested a few different options:

This chute is vertical and holds up to 4 basketballs.  You can mount it on the wall OR directly to the basketball post, keeping them on hand for a pickup game.

This holder is individual and comes in different sizes for a football, soccer ball or basketball.  Then you can pick the one(s) you need and have a bit more flexibility with where to place it.

Chances are that basketballs aren't your only problem with sports equipment clutter.  This rack can hold  lots more than just sports balls.  And notice the great detail on the netted bag- it has a top AND side opening so you can grab a ball from the bottom without digging too deep!

In the end, I think we're gonna go with the chute, since the closet has built-in shelving to use for other sporting goods.  And she'd like for her front hall closet to hold more than just athletic gear.  Even if you don't have a closet, you could adapt your mudroom to house some sports equipment, too.

Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you organize all your basketballs and such?

The Right Umbrella Stand for You

 Oh, April showers, I do hope you bring beautiful May flowers.  That'll make these rainy days worth it.  

What are you doing with all these soggy days- a closet clean out, perhaps?  Or might you like to take a stroll in the rain?  *Make sure to gather your galoshes in your mud room to keep from tracking sloppy steps around your home.  Either way, better keep your umbrella close at hand.  And when you're back home from running errands (or just running in the rain), here are a few stands to keep the drippy mess at bay:

What a sleek design!  It's so open and minimal, you'd barely notice it.  A great stand for a small space.

Um....did I mention how much I love owls?!  This would be my pick, for nothing other than it's whimsical hootie-ness.

This one has a linear spin to it.  It'd fit nicely behind an open door or in a closet, keeping the mess out of sight.

I'll admit that right now, I leave my umbrella in the hallway outside my apartment, letting it dry off.  I can't wait until I have a home with a foyer to place my cute owl umbrella stand.  Ah, day dreams...

Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you store your drippy umbrellas?

Picking the Right Storage Bench

One of my favorite tips for keeping a small space organized is finding a piece that can multi-task.  Using a storage bench for your entry way, mud room, bedroom or any other room is like adding an extra closet to the space.  And we all know how precious closet space is.

This classic, wooden bench has built-in cabinets.  Place it in your dining room, as it's perfect for hiding servingware and extra place settings.

(via Organize.com)

The tailored look of this nailhead upholstered bench is a gorgeous choice for a sophisticated bedroom.  It can serves as a linen closet, housing your extra blankets and second set of sheets.

(West Elm)

I like this subtle color this fabric can add to a room.  And the deep chest can store all your board games, perfect for family night fun.

(via Home Decorators Collection)

Talk about multi-tasking: this bench has both cubbies underneath AND shallow storage on top.  You can even pick out your own baskets or bins to add color and streamline the organized look.

(Real Simple via Bed, Bath and Beyond)

 A storage bench that acts as a true seating area.  The grander scale of this furniture would make a lovely statement in your foyer and use the underneath bins for shoes, outerwear accessories and the kids bags.

(via Brookstone)

Tell me, Appleshiners, how would you use a storage bench?

Appleshine: Coat Closet

Hi friends!  This week, I Appleshined a coat closet.  My client was already halfway there with good intentions (note the matching hangers, wicker baskets and large bins) but needed a little direction in order to complete the look.

The main goal was to get everything off the floor, except for shoes.  And I even limited those to 'utility shoes' like sneakers, rain boots, snow boots, etc.  Anything else (ie- nicer) went into their bedroom closets.  Luckily, the green bins were a perfect size for the job and the bendable material allowed for a little give with the odd shoe sticking out.

The baskets on the top shelved housed outerwear accessories like gloves, scarves, hats and umbrellas.  I arranged the jackets by seasonal weight, the lighter, warmer-weather jackets in the front and the heavy, winter coats in the back.  The kids coats were moved into their own sections in the family mud room.

Like I said, all the key tools were there but needed that organizational finesse to make it functional.  Sometimes, it just takes a little extra time to think through the flow of the space to create a truly organized system.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what tricks do you have for organizing your coat closet?

PS- Check back tomorrow for a very cool post on some very cool, space saving furniture!

Wet Shoes on Rainy Days

Well, isn't this just a great idea?!  Instead of laying out extra doormats or newspapers (they just get soggy), you can set a boot tray by your door.  Set your wet or muddy shoes on the rocks and let them drip dry.  Then give the rocks a soapy rinse every now and again when you wipe down the inside of the tray.  I really like this nifty tip and here are some others to choose from:

A wall-mounted shoe rack, like this one, keeps your bulky boots up and outta the way.

This rug is easy to roll out when you need it and roll up when you don't.  And you can toss it in the wash when it gets too dirty.

An inverted pegboard is a simply, functional design for holding soggy Wellies.

I'm hoping my weekend will stay (mostly) dry...especially cause I tossed out my rainboots in my last closet raid and have yet to get a new pair!  Or maybe I'll use that as an excuse to go shopping.  Either way, I plan on enjoying my weekend (and the start of March Madness!) and I hope you are, too.


Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you store your wet shoes?

Mud Rooms

It's a spot for all your outside stuff to reside while you're inside your home. Most are divided by family member, including room for shoes, bags, coats and other small items.  Cubbies and baskets are typical but some are simply a bench and coat rack.  I've found a few images of mud room concepts that I like:

This is one of the first mud room's that I Appleshined.  I kept it simple to go with their natural decor.  They'd already picked out these large wicker baskets to hold all the kids' shoes underneath.

This is a similar concept to the one above.  Here they use pegboards as the backsplash, which offers a little color and flexibility when hanging different items.

I love how a simple closet can multi-task from clothes storage to a desk to even a mud room.  Again, using baskets to store smaller items keeps the look clean.  And placing the shoes on shelving keeps them from clumping on the floor.

Centsational Girl did a great job with her entry way.  She used a basic storage bench and a few hooks; it serves it's purpose while still maintaining an artistic aesthetic.

Tell me, Appleshiners, how did you arrange your mud room?