I’d like to start by letting you know that we play a lot of games. When it came time to start organizing and minimizing the amount of “stuff” in this closet I thought I would get rid of more. Instead, I got excited about some of the games we have not played in a while.

I basically followed the same steps I have been using for any minimizing project.

1. Determine the purpose of the space
2. Sort through & categorize all items in the space
3. Decide how to store the items
4. Create a system
5. Decorate!

Step 1: Determine the purpose for the space

This one is pretty easy. This space is for games, puzzles, art supplies, and gift bags. I know that gift bags don’t really fit in but we use them often enough that I like having them easily accessible in this space.

Step 2: Sort through & categorize all the items in the space

In the sorting process, I planned on making a pile of games to donate. However, I only had one card game! The rest of the games we play and we wanted to hold on to. I ended up with piles of card games, board games, puzzles, crafts, and gift bags.

I did end up throwing out three bags of old crafting materials. It’s amazing how many crayons, colored pencils and odds and ends can add up!

Step 3: Decide how to store the items

I decided to just stack the board games. I did see some creative ideas on Pinterest for storage, but since all the games actually fit in the closet I didn’t get too creative. We ended up with a lot of card games though. I decided to make storage easier for card games to buy this set of drawers from Target to store cards and dice in.

I loved the idea from Uncluttered Simplicity for using a hamper to store wrapping paper. I bought a small one to put in rolls of paper for coloring and my wrapping paper. Then I purchased an accordion file and put my tissue paper in there.

Finally, I organized the gift bags by size and set them in a bin at the bottom of the basket to keep them in place yet easy to grab when needed. Now it is all contained within the hamper and not a mess on the floor of the closet!

Step 4: Create a system

This one is pretty easy. You take a game out then put it back! Maybe I should say this SHOULD be easy:) We will see how we do.

Step 5: Decorate

Who doesn’t love barn doors? I am lucky enough to have a very handy husband and he installed a barn door in this space and WOW has it made a difference.

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With such a big collection of games, I feel compelled to share with you some of our favorite games. In no particular order here are some of our favorites.

1. Ticket to Ride
2. Mexican Train
3. Monopoly Deal (this one is usually in my purse for when we go out to dinner)
4. Clue
5. Nut

I have to say, since starting the 52 Weeks of Wonder Challenge I am very pleased with taking steps to minimize and organize my house. I have now minimized the mudroom and the drop zone. I also minimized my closet by creating a capsule wardrobe. Let’s not forget I repurposed a secretaries desk into a charging station to get rid of all the cords that were all over the house! Coming soon….the laundry room!!