Organizing My *MESSY* Junk Closet & Trying To Make It Look Cute!

Hey guys! I'm Alexandra Gater and I show you how to do rental-friendly upgrades and DIY projects on a budget. New videos every Saturday! Today I’m organizing my MESSY junk closet. Some people have a junk drawer, I have a junk closet and I'm NOT proud of how out-of-hand it has gotten! I hope this video gives you some cleaning and organizing inspo for the messy corners of your home.
Rhiannon Ashlee’s channel: bit.ly/3lmfnnA
Products mentioned in this video:
Links marked with a AF are affiliate links. That means I receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products through this link. Products marked with * means they were gifted to me from brands but I was not paid to feature them in this video.
Canadian Links:
Laundry baskets: fave.co/3yetpve AF
Crates: fave.co/2Viw6gM AF
White basket: amzn.to/3BZ0s8Y AF
Distressed metal caddy: amzn.to/3yi3Eu1 AF
Under-shelf storage: amzn.to/3fgE6WR AF
Plastic bag holder: amzn.to/3xd6BL5 AF
Paper bag: amzn.to/3j8ytuH AF
Tiny woven basket: bit.ly/3rIWa0E *
U.S. Links:
Laundry baskets: fave.co/3j9d1Wq AF
Crates: fave.co/3j8dOXM AF
White basket: amzn.to/3BY6Ehk AF
Distressed metal caddy: amzn.to/3yerXZO AF
Under-shelf storage: amzn.to/3lf4m7O AF
Plastic bag holder: amzn.to/3xgqlNM AF
Tiny woven basket: bit.ly/3rIWa0E *
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Alexandra Gater
P.O. Box 68555 Walmer
Toronto, ON
M5S 3C9
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Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your continued support. I get to make these videos for a living, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
Videographer, Carla Antonio: carlaantonio.com
Senior Editor, James Resendes: vimeo.com/jame...
Junior editor/vlog editor, Alessandra Sconza vimeo.com/asconza
Intro designed and animated by Lindsey Deschamps: www.lindseydes...
All music sourced by licensing.
All opinions are my own. It's important to hire licensed professionals for certain projects; if you're unsure or unqualified, please don't attempt any projects seen in my videos yourself.

[@lesleyann5118]

Can you put the black bag inside the grey suitcase? Storing luggage inside of other luggage is my pro tip!

[@Chaloves]

Yup I do the same thing! Or to put the smaller luggage to the bigger luggage.

[@LianaCarolina2]

I feel like the luggage is dirty, to put inside the other one, no? I guess you could clean it and put inside a plastic bag also...

[@AdriaSak]

@@LianaCarolina2 Put the smaller one in a garbage bag, that is what I do.

[@lesleyann5118]

@@LianaCarolina2 Or clean the inside before you pack every time. That’s what I do anyway, especially if it has been sitting for a while.

[@crazzee247]

I rolled my eyes so hard when she took it out and said, “I didn’t like the way the black bag looked.” SIS. I can’t…

[@norafleming8304]

This is awesome! Couple of thoughts: 1. Don't take your paint rollers out of the bag. They will get dust, lint, pet hair, bugs and everything else on them. Then when you go to paint those things will be stuck to your wall in the paint. 2. Can you put the backpack in the suitcase? Then it's out of the way and hidden but kept with like things. Can't wait to see more of your makeovers for this aparentment! ❤

[@karenrobbins4622]

Looks great! Only thing I would suggest is to label the baskets and bins AND the shelves so that everything will stay organized and neat. I finally did a complete overhaul of our utility drawer, and I know the only way it's stayed the same was because of the labels. If you have more than one person using a system, everyone needs to KNOW the system! My hubby is a "tosser"! 😁

[@rtd1791]

Yea. Swoon worthy labels are all the closet need to be a save on Pinterest

[@paintingmonkey]

"My hubby is a "tosser"!" *laughs in British English* (no srsly, enjoyed your pun AND your suggestion, labels are so helpful in cupboards :) )

[@sheilaenglish7329]

Absolutely, labels are a must, especially when more than one person is using the space.

[@merlinsmama1600]

"My hubby is a "tosser"!" That's a bit harsh isn't it?! 🤣

[@lynnetrue4103]

I think having to assemble the Dyson every time you use it is worth the space saved and not having it hit you in the face every time you open the door if it were hung there instead.

[@mapleleaf0]

I think it's going on the wall above the white recycle can, not on the swinging door.

[@GoogleUser-wx8mw]

I know I've said this before, but it is worth a repeat: You do the BEST reveal footage!!!!! It is slow and smooth so we can savor it like a great cup of coffee at the end of a delicious dinner. And just when I'm thinking, "Wait, let me see that again," I get to see it again from a slightly different angle. Team AG's filming/recording and editing is the bomb. Keep up the great work.

[@iamkalixa]

A friend who will get in your basket is a friend indeed!

[@nefertiti1052]

guys quick question but isn't 30 dollars for a little basket an astronomical price? I think I could get something similar for the equivalent of 5 dollars but maybe it's just the country difference

[@Mar10la]

It's not a country difference, it's the brand. Hay is very expensive (design brand). I wouldn't spend that much on storage containers either, but to each their own

[@Sunflowers9191]

Alexandra always seems to buy things on the expensive side because she really cares about how things look (no offense) You can definitely buy much cheaper options for sure, I would never spend so much money on storage containers either especially if it’s inside a closet!

[@nefertiti1052]

@@Sunflowers9191 ok thanks because I was going crazy. That is literally 4.6k pesos for me. I bought a new vaccum cleaner today and it costed twice as much and it looks just like the one alexandra has so I was shook. (Different brand obviously) and the same same little crates are about 1 dollar here.

[@Mar10la]

@@Sunflowers9191 True. I think she prefers design over budget, and that is fine. Honestly, I see so much videos with budget store storage containers, that it is nice to see a different aesthetic for a change. And even though I wouldn't spend as much, I think it's better to buy more expensive ones you really enjoy and you are happy with for a lifetime, then changing up budget items because trends change or they weren't really your taste to begin with

[@Sunflowers9191]

@@Mar10la but who enjoys storage containers though? haha. I just bought a bunch of very simple ones for a couple of euros whom are good enough for me. I’ve had some for years and they still do the job. Things like these to me are not worth splurging on but like you said; each to their own ;)

[@maryannenelson-loefke3990]

I'm a 70 yr old human, and I enjoy your channel a lot! I admire your creativity and the fact the you are such an entrepreneur. I also love your spirit. Like you said when you were talking about your stomach issues, we don't see other parts of your daily life, but what I do see, I appreciate. I may even have to try some of your pink!! And of course your paring down and organizing is definitely inspiring. Go for it sister!

[@quirkysaucy]

I love the team input in these videos. Go Team AG!

[@baileycullum2392]

Love the closet! But maybe put a baggy in to line the recycling basket so if a battery explodes its not all over it

[@Mar10la]

This! They can leak and then you have toxins all over the place...

[@Beruthiel45]

You're probably right, but I'm an old lady and the only exploded batteries I've seen in three quarters of a century have oozed rather than exploded, and all occurred inside the products they were powering. Making them unusable. If you have batteries old enough to ooze or leak in a container meant for safe disposal then you'd be saving them too long! 😱

[@stephh_nz]

That, and take the basket off the door… “oh hey random high hook, you need a basket!”

[@Mar10la]

@@Beruthiel45 I am in my thirthies and my first battery leaks occured when I was in my teens. Since then it happened a couple of times. Might be that it's the quality of the battery, I don't know. Point is that you can't predict it happening and there is no point taking any risks with it

[@FurnitureFan]

Yes, they can leak - I keep mine in recycled butter spread containers, which are waterproof. (They looked weird so I covered them with leftover peel&stick pieces of wallpaper.)

[@kirstenrubberducky]

I love how chilled about life Noah is! That closet could have led to Narnia and he'd have been like 'that's cool.' He's so grounded and chilled!

[@samanthab3292]

His energy definitely calms & compliments her energy lol ✨

[@michellealjunaidi8471]

I bet AG wishes it would lead to Narina too.

[@leahreid9936]

Stumbled across your page and I'm SHOOK. Your ideas and solutions are incredible and I am here for all of this....and wish you were here for all of MY space!

[@senselessrose]

This closet transformation is so satisfying. I love the utensil caddy tool box and all the cute baskets. I need to do something like this soon

[@sydneykasmar]

Thanks for walking us through taking everything out of the junk spaces and for speaking about measuring the shelves so we make accurate size choices on containers.

[@tracygarrett3952]

The stacked crates will become a PITA. Even labeled, you'd have to remove the top two to get to the bottom crate. They're pretty, but this is not the best use casr for them. Anyway, we never know what works best until we use it for awhile.

[@kokohale]

Same. I'd rather use those workshop/utility stackables with the open dip in the middle to fit your arm, but in clear acrylic.

[@janisdardaris4605]

Not a problem. More than likely she doesn’t use things in those crates on a daily basis.

[@Gagoum17]

Amazon's the devil though 😓 would love a video on how to do this ethically! Love your videos otherwise, have been following for a bit and am a total organisation nerd too. So thanks for the great content!

[@anneallen3566]

AG has an entire shop on Amazon. I will not shop there.

[@TamarLitvot]

So hard to avoid Amazon. I try to buy directly from the originators of the item or a competitor to Amazon even if it costs a little more. But often there’s no choice (for a variety of reasons). I agree with Senator Elizabeth Warren that we need to break Amazon up.

[@karaumbenhauer2049]

Great use of space! I see peel and stick wallpaper in there in your future!! Lol

[@oliviagiles]

You are so bright and lovely, you light up my day. I am now going to do something about my pantry.

[@srl88288]

Alexandra, don't be too hard on yourself.... I've had a junk garage for the longest time (at least 5+ years *😬*)!! Easy to forget because I don't go in there too often,and when I do, it's a very quick visit! Slowly going through items and throwing away/donating (plenty of childhood memories making it difficult). Love your content!

[@ellynmerydith2590]

Alexandra, you are so inspirational and motivational for me. I have a huge task of cleaning up and organizing my mom’s home. Some days the only way I can do anything is to stop for one of your videos! I just retired during the pandemic and have been spending a lot of my time with my mom, whose vision has deteriorated over the years. 30 years ago she was a huge dyi person. When SHE retired she remodeled her bathroom and kitchen herself, with a bunch of great hacks. And it was extraordinarily organized. As she lost her vision every closet, cabinet, and storage room grew layers of stuff. Now it is impossible to know what is behind the scenes! I know my mom would not like this at all if she could see! So, without a team, I’m slowly working my way through all of this. My college age daughters try to help but they become overwhelmed fast!! I am just using plain brown paper boxes to organize everything. We seem to have them in every size and shape! Reusing is better than recycling, and I’m starting to think about spray painting them to cute-ify, homogenize, and maybe color code them. I suspect there are tons of elders who need help with this process.

[@lovingandlovingturquoisela8043]

Thanks for showing that closet organization can be aesthetically pleasing! Glad I’m not the only one who wants it to look nice even though it’s just me who sees it lol. I would add labels to the crates to keep the system working.

[@leanneworthington7464]

I don’t know if anyone else has said it but why don’t you switch Lottie’s food container to the left and the crates to the right so you can hang the hoover in the nook?

[@marybethlongstreth186]

Labels on outside until Noah (and you) remember what is where. Put the other bag inside of the suitcase (wasted space). Good job and the dyson is better broken down. I have tried everything and it's a snap to put together!

[@katsnow9256]

Wow, what a difference!! Now I'm looking around my room and (in my head) putting up shelves and reorganizing my closet! I love the whole basket solution!

[@beverlydust5381]

This has inspired me to tackle my messy areas of my home. If you can do it so can I.

[@lindawarden-burglund9603]

Thanks for the motivation! I have only one "junk" closet, in my hallway, under the stairs. The problem is its very deep and I can't figure out how to organize it so I can get to everything. It's also a coat closet. Maybe I should make a floor plan on paper. You've inspired me to finally figure out a solution!

[@FurnitureFan]

Trolleys?

[@marywilson7669]

I always empty my Dyson before putting away!

[@amyweaver7413]

Now I have to go organize my linen closet. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@conniebreines1725]

You are so smart and positive and happy. Love your videos💕💕💕💕

[@carodeux]

Bravo! This is my favorite kind of organizing. You need labels, though.

[@Sofialovesyou]

Thanks Alexandra, this is my sign to get off my couch and clean my junk closet.

[@jinjun2623]

you can put the black backpack in the suitcase for storage! love your videos!!!

[@marilynwoodard7961]

This was inspiring. I still have places to reorganize. I particularly like your tip to overbuy storage items!

[@ennasus5964]

This was such fun to watch thanks to your bubbly personality and James' brilliant editing!😄😅😂👍👌

[@sashac7002]

But..but.. where is the menorah going? I was so hoping it had a shining moment. 🔥🔥

[@rachelchanel7941]

I kind of wanted to know where it was going too.

[@m.maclellan7147]

Why do I see it with PINK candles ?! ;) And if one of them (or both) are Jewish, what are those little things that they put outside entrances ? Always loved those (not Jewish, so forgive my lack of knowledge!) It is kind of like a "good luck" charm.....?

[@kathleenhorn2551]

@@m.maclellan7147 a mezuzah! It typically contains a scroll on the inside of it with a Torah verse. I too was wondering where the menorah was going to go! The mystery continues 😂

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 67 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼 ❤️ ❤️

[@karmanjones8346]

I dont know if anyone has mentioned or can see ,a new love seems to bring much joy and it radiates thur the screen. just a great new vide..thanks

[@karenjp5848]

Alexandra, great info as usual. JAMES!!! “… hello darkness my old friend… “, I burst out laughing!!!🤣🤣 Do you ever crack yourself up? 👍😂

[@ellengates7843]

Great job, I hate junk drawers or closets (but we all have them). I would label those 3 "household" baskets and pack the backpack inside your carry on, that way they are together.

[@thatmusthavebeenthesun]

I love it but omg I cant wait to see makeover the kitchen!!! Such a tease haha

[@cosminaivan6392]

I can’t wrap my head around the fact that a 30$ basket is called “a good price” wow🤣

[@anneallen3566]

I can’t believe a 20-something has a Dyson.

[@ltilley7343]

Same lol

[@jboudie]

@@anneallen3566 Lol I mean....She owns her own company with employees and an office space. Why does it surprise you that she would have a top quality vacuum?

[@JLWats]

You can buy dyson refurbished on eBay so they are cheaper!

[@FurnitureFan]

@@anneallen3566 I know plenty of people who have a Dyson because they or their partner has asthma & it helps to have a really good vacuum cleaner.

[@apinupaweek]

Your Dyson should’ve come with a wall mount/charger. I know mine does and it’s older, so yours probably did too.

[@skyhigh9690]

It does, she said there isn’t a plug for the charger.

[@clairehudson3802]

Yes, mine is mounted to a wall in my bed room by a plug. I use it everyday and it is just practical. I like these videos but they are all a fantasy. This is my basket for dead batteries and lightbulbs. Pure and delightful Fantasy.

[@tonimcmorris5603]

I feel like a great addition to your cupboard would be clip on whiteboard labels so you know what’s in every basket or box. Looks amazing though

[@nataliehanlon1595]

I feel like James needs more credit for his editing

[@michelleleonard5296]

YESSSSS Totally agree!!!

[@mtralyson4659]

Yes 🌞

[@samanthab3292]

James: king editor 👑

[@maryiorio426]

Yes! His additions crack me up! Go James!

[@kellykelly7747]

Another GREAT organization video. Love your vids.

[@alisonnicholson8060]

Travel bag for scews and drill bits, Genius!

[@marykempski3986]

Why am I so happy about that? Lol! Good job, Alexandra.

[@sybilleulinski1827]

Who would have thought tidying and organising a closet could be so much fun? Watching you is infectious! I'm going to buy baskets/crates tomorrow to sort my messy closet out!

[@tempest510]

Seriously. I needed this, so bad! Inspiring 💖

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

I really like what you did. I think labels on the crates would be helpful. I have one of these closets. wow 💕

[@Marfmellow88]

I love organizing, it can be expensive though I find. I might buy some of those ikea wood crates and paint them pretty colors, those plastic crates a little outside my budget. So satisfying tho! Nice job! When I finish organizing something I keep having to go back and look at it lol such a proud moment!

[@mimijohnson7714]

Thanks for inspiring me to get more projects done! Dear Alaxandra, please label the areas bins! You’ll be glad you did!

[@Sylvia-bc6mp]

I have a junk closet that I've been thinking about sorting for a few weeks now. But today I stop thinking about it and do something about it. Gonna order some storage. You've given me so great inspiration. Great video 👍

[@mariel9037]

It’s the Monica Geller secret closet 😂

[@annasherriff123]

😱

[@samanthab3292]

Monica would have stacked stuff on that top shelf tho 🤣

[@Bleufacez]

I hang the dyson and steam mop upside down on door hanger for clothes. I do disassemble the bulky part where the charger thing is tho but not the tube and bottom suction thing. All the extras are in a clear bag.

[@maryannkom299]

It’s so satisfying! I recently did the same in my guest room. There’s shelving in the corner of the room, and everything I didn’t know what to do with, just ended up on those shelves. It’s also my guest room. We recently replaced th flooring in there, and it got me all ready to organize those shelves. So I bought collapsible fabric bins from Dollar Tree and fill them up and labeled them with the contents, it looks so nice now! I put my printer and plastic organizer draws under the shelves and used a tension rod. And put a curtain in front of them so while it’s still easy to get to those things, they’re hidden now. My guest room now looks lovely and I’m no longer ashamed of it. I even splurged on a new bedspread and sham to make it pretty.

[@melissadunaway1358]

I need this crates! Love his reaction!

[@julieevans8283]

Definitely enjoyed watching you move and shuffle things around. I had this vision of you having it all figured out before you started, this was satisfying and made it doable.

[@wendyp8488]

This video on organizing a junk closet was very relatable and helpful for me. Thank you ⭐️

[@MegDesignsCA]

Such a fun video!!! Thanks for the inspiration! 🌷

[@kirataylor9294]

Seriously James’s editing is just awesome! 👏

[@TamarLitvot]

He’s so much fun!

[@holdenbabyboy]

Closet looks great. It's so cleansing to get stuff organized.

[@nikkifa]

I have cleaning/ tidying OCDs. This gives me SO MUCH JOY! Great job! :-)

[@Jazzy_]

I was screaming "take the Dyson apart!!" And then you did 🥳

[@source5729]

That inspired me to tackle my closets!

[@jessicacurtis5637]

Thank you for the pre-inspo. I am moving into a new place in Boston next week and will have a cupboard just like this in the kitchen.

[@m.maclellan7147]

Welcome to Boston ! Native that lives 30 miles South of the city (oh, the rents in Beantown!)

[@alicejump2290]

Sensible and well thought out, plus attractive! Blessed and safe days!

[@elismorales8384]

Thanks for the ideas. Hi from Puerto Rico.☀️🌴🌻

[@rachelchanel7941]

Moral of the video: I need baskets in my life.

[@laurajeansimons5212]

very satisfying to watch!

[@suadakurtodza1874]

enjoy every time with you🥰♥️

[@kimeejae]

Looks great! Very inspirational. Dancing to Deniece Williams was a bonus! Let’s hear it for another great makeover 🎊 And the great dance moves💞

[@cathypritchard4306]

So satisfying. Great job😋

[@yorkielover1027]

There is this brand called Joseph Joseph that has really good products for organizing. I got the double trash can. The top is for regular trash and the bottom is for recycling. And it looks so stylish!!! I needed a solution for both trash and recycling living in a small place and this was the best solution 😃

[@triciahommon6424]

I personally think that closet is a pantry. I could be wrong if you have a pantry somewhere else in the kitchen area. I'm happy it works well for your needs. I love your video's and your decorating!

[@tlea1223]

Looks good and will help you guys tremendously... You are nesting well....!!!!!!

[@lenoraberendt750]

Wow…great job! It looks awesome. 👍

[@amritad4562]

Love you Alexandra !!

[@nm6818]

So good. I also store my dyson dismantled, as I live in a small place. It's fine, easy to take out, etc. Love this video. Btw, you and Noah are really good together. He gets you and what makes you happy.

[@tbebeh808]

This could not come at a better time! I've been really needing to organize my junk closet as well!! Thanks hon ❤😊

[@dianamcmahon51510]

Sooo satisfying!

[@jboudie]

i had to pause the video half way through so i could hop up and empty out my small junk/linen closet to reorganize it hahaha just finished and it looks great! now i can resume the video to see how yours turned out XD

[@sra_the_librarian]

Great motivation to tackle my junk closet!

[@Beruthiel45]

I love organising videos. 😁👍💖 I just reorganised my broom closet, the cupboards above my washer and dryer, and, for about the 10th time this year, some kitchen cupboards. Very rewarding! Well done Alexandra! 😊 👍 💖

[@natashaheino2412]

You should put a plastic bag into the basket where batteries and might bulbs will be stored until you recycle them as they can leak out if you wait for a long time

[@zeenatreddy7692]

I came for the organisation but I stayed for James's editing

[@littlemilkweed]

Such a satisfying makeover! I have a hard time justifying spending any $ to make a junk closet cute, but it would be so refreshing to have it actually look appealing , so maybe I need to shift on that! Also, LOVE the Sesame Street clip, James!

[@FurnitureFan]

Honestly, you can get any old boxes to fit the space and paint them. It doesn't have to be a big purchase of new crates. Hers does look great.

[@dssouthern]

Just a tip.....it looks more uniform when the baskets and bins all match.

[@mispipocas]

It turned out beautiful (just like everything you and your team do). I was just wondering where are you going to put the things you took out and did not come in again 🤔

[@TamarLitvot]

Yep, asked about the menorah. Probably will end up as part of shelf decor.

[@blessthishome3909]

We have a junk basement, but have been working on purging and cleaning it up.

[@margomarino1149]

Oh the Monica closet from friends!!!! I love your videos and the kitty of course!!!

[@nancyberg6260]

God bless the child that makes her own...storage. ....

[@wandaroach765]

Great job I love organization 😀

[@trixieloo]

Super inspiring. I might look into those hanging shelves for our garage. That’s a disaster zone!

[@trishawall9619]

Alexandra, you're so stinkin' cute! Loved the opening! 🙃

[@eloradesign4636]

This was so fun!

[@berlinorama]

I really have to tackle my messy pantry/utility closet so this was inspirational.

[@ivonnebadillo632]

Great job team A.G. James had me rolling!😂 Soooo satisfying!👩🏻‍🔧

[@shalinisen]

I dunno why but I was waiting for a hanging plant pot for final touches 😂😂😂 love storage solutions. Thanks 👍🏼

[@ruthanderson1758]

Great job. It's inspired me to do a bit of re-organizing in my walk-in closet.