THE PROBLEM
How to keep cleaning supplies conveniently located without them being under the sink. (Because under the sink is a deep dark nightmare that whenever possible should be avoided. I know this from years of first-hand experience. And this also solves the issue of your retractable sprayer hose not moving freely because its playing footsie under the sink with the Drano you haven't used in 3 years and the other products you've forgotten about.)
P.S. Drano has a shelf life of 2 years and then needs to be safely disposed of.
THE SOLUTION
(In use for 5+ months at the time of this writing.)
First, let me state the obvious: I realize this back-of-the-door set-up isn't an option for everyone. For five years I lived in an 800 sq ft New York City apartment where I drooled over luxuries like back-of-the-door organizers when the best option available to me was to Tetris the hell out my under-the-sink space. If this is you, I applaud your efforts and pray for your success. Tetris'ing is a highly underrated skill.
But when we moved into our new house I realized that I did have this option available to me. About six steps from my kitchen is our primary coat closet. The one we use every day. Its a small space that's maybe 10 sq. ft. And although I'm still fine-tuning how the closet itself is organized (more on that in a future post because two of my all-time favorite hacks are in that closet), I immediately recognized the back-of-the-door space as incredibly valuable real estate. And honestly, I'm not sure why these spaces don't get used more. There are so many wonderful options and most are pretty budget friendly.
Which brings me to the bit about "on-line spares". My grandmother is the most frugal woman I know. A child of the Great Depression, she knows how to make every penny work hard. She has been married to my grandfather for 65 years (not a typo). My grandfather is also frugal but at his core he is an engineer. He is the most level-headed, methodical person I know. And so it is that my grandmother explained to me that very early on in their marriage my grandfather suggested that she do with household things as they did in the factories where my grandfather worked: keep the one you'll need next (the spare) within easy reach (on/near the factory line) so that if something needs to be swapped out the line (and productivity generally) doesn't need to be stopped. Whether it is canned goods or paper towels, having the next one ready to be used when the time comes is efficient and just plain smart. And I should stress, the theory is NOT about hoarding. It's not about making your basement or garage look like Costco. It's about being able to keep moving uninterrupted.
So, equipped with my newly available back-of-the-door space and the on-line spare theory, I went about creating what you see. I opted to use the Elfa Mesh Over The Door Rack from The Container Store. Not only is this the same modular system that I have used countless times with great success, I loved the ability to add a peg-board to the whole thing. (Bonus: It comes in different sizes, too!) I pooled together all the supplies I hoped to keep in this space. That ranged from your traditional cleaning supplies and tools but given this doors location, it also meant things that might be needed as we run out the door like extra Purell in small bottles, travel packets of wipes, and small pots of hand lotion. As always, I purchased the snap-on bins and baskets of various sizes in multiples so I could play with what I needed and return the extras. ALWAYS buy more and return the extras.
Once I had all the pieces, I played with what fit into what bins since bins vary in width, height, and depth. And although it is wasn't applicable in my situation, you might need to be mindful of how far things protrude once the door is closed. I then played with the spacing between bins making sure that items could be easily placed in and pulled out. The last thing I wanted to do was fight with something designed to make life easier. I then fussed over the arrangement. For example, I made sure the items I would reach for most frequently we're at a comfortable height and I relegated the ugly, mismatched but necessary items to the bottom bin. Once I settled on those configurations the bins and board easily snapped onto the center rail. I loaded them up, made sure the door easily opened and closed and that was that! Onto the next!
TWO FINAL THOUGHTS...
Somewhere in some design book I remember reading about choosing everyday items that are attractive. The author's point was that for little to no marginal cost, we usually have the option to buy a more attractive version of something. If I recall, the example was Amish hand tools. They are simple, well made and look good when in a group. Although it never really occurred to me before reading about it, it makes perfect sense. Why did I think the hot pink dust pan, the yellow scrub brush and red duster all picked up from different places without consideration given to their appearance were going to help my space look like anything OTHER that a mishmash? Once I found Full Circle products that are not only very well made but have a lovely neutral color scheme of grey and white I was sold. When I have a need, I either stick to their products or buy products that coordinate to their neutral color pallet. I think it adds beauty to the order of things. Remembering this principle has been a valuable tool in designing spaces in our home. Especially spaces that are highly functional.
As I write this we are (hopefully) beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel in the COVID-19 pandemic. And although the past year has been fraught with supply and demand issues (Hello, toilet paper hoarding!) you will notice that I keep multiples. Yes, they are my on-line spares, but they are also so pleasing to the eye. There is a scientific explanation for why groups of three are so visually satisfying but I won't pretend I understand it well enough to explain it. What I can tell you is that when I started intentionally putting three of something together, instead of just one or two, I was shocked at how much it elevated the overall appearance. Even if it is just a rack for the back of the door.
Until next time,
Jill
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