Organising my Utility - Part One

This is how my new utility room looked a week ago

 

And at the weekend it looked like this

So, now the units are in, and although its not got flooring or been decorated, and in another desperate attempt to get organised again (this build is driving the inner organiser in me mad!) I decided to tackle fitting out the utility cupboards. The space in the new room is great, so I went for maximum storage and functionality (although the designer in me also wants it to look beautiful - why not do chores in a gorgeous room!) - and as you can see I therefore went for high units along one wall, and only a little worksurface. I think that theres more that can be done with this than with smaller wall units.I also plan to have an extra fold down wall hung table or washing dryer on the opposite wall for extra when I need it (trying to think of everything!).

As you can see - I have been left with very simple internal storage areas, which could easily be filled and look cluttered - so I did some looking around and I have found fantastic internal storage units from HOWDENS (I can help you with this if you need a design), and instead of simply shelves, they allow you to make the space work for you, with tall storage and smaller shelving where necessary. I arranged my units like you can see here

So now have storage thats tall for mops, ironing board, and specific places for my hoover etc... - i also arranged the shelving as I thought it would need to be to maximise how I found items quickly etc.... Then I started to fill up with all my items that have up until now been in storage boxes awaiting the build to finish

WOW - a place for everything, and everything in its place. The right hand cupboard is a fridge freezer which we wanted for a drinks fridge to free up the kitchen one, and for extra freezing space out of the kitchen. There is now a shelf for everything, and specifically I want to point out the following:-

• Medicene can be kept out of childrens reach in the small wall hung unit over the worksurface
• Enough work surface for washing baskets, piles of washing etc... when required
• Washing machine and next to it in cupboard are all the washing products so they are to hand
• Specific storage for all items - in correctly sized slots maximising the storage space (I also intend to label the shelves as then any member of the family can put things back where they belong)
• An empty space ready for ironing to be kept (I have a FANTASTIC ironing lady as I have delegated this job to ease my time - a great idea and I think everyone should do this if you can!)

So now - we are nearly there - once the walls and flooring have been decorated, then I can add in hooks ready for guests coats and for shirts etc.. to be hung when ready to be ironed. I will also add in a noticeboard and a wall hung dryer - so watch this space - but for now I hope you are motivated to rearrange your utility space - It has already made such a difference to my family!