Utility Closet Makeover!

[@1DawnMarie1]

This will be the perfect start to Monday morning!!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I hope so!! I can’t wait!

[@helenjanekachmarik449]

You are such a natural in front of a camera and are so darn cute! I absolutely love your enthusiasm for what seemed like a major headache. You make it look easy and so do-able and the result looks sooooo good. I feel like organizing My whole house with the inspiration you portray. Thank you so very very much for always being a bright spot in my day when I watch one of your videos. Wish I lived in your neighborhood and could come have a cup of coffee with you! You truly do make my living more joyful!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Helen, thank you so much! That means the world to me and I truly appreciate it. I'm honored.

[@donnabaardsen5372]

Jen, we are kindred spirits! Being highly organized is my absolute happy place. Your utility closet is so well done, and right up my alley. As already said, your home is wonderfully minimalist, and so well organized/put together. Such an inspiration! What many don't realize is the more organized one is, the more free time one actually has; because they won't have to waste time hunting things down. A shout out to your hubby, Scott, for helping, and for allowing you to film him, albeit from the back🙄. Keep these oh, so helpful video's coming🥰

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Donna, it's so true. Being able to find things is such a time saver and really does improve our quality of life! It's not just for show - it's seriously game changing business!

[@MsToady]

It looks great! So rewarding to enhance space that you use frequently!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YES! It really has improved my daily life!

[@lisasproul8027]

Nice to have a space you visit often all organized!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Isn't it funny home sometimes the MOST USED spaces get the least amount of attention? I have already mopped my floor this morning and I can't remember the last time I did that (well, ya know, when something sticky and gross hadn't spilled;)

[@christyl7763]

That looks awesome! I love love love organization. People have teased me forever. I love the way being organized makes me feel. Like I can breathe.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Nothing wrong with that, Christy!!

[@beccaschlomann7592]

That came out great! I love the way it worked out with the small shelves on one side and a narrow open area for the vacuum and mop and broom on the other side! Now I just need someone to build me a utility closet. 😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yeah, we've never had one until this house! I definitely don't take it for granted!

[@kelseyhogan8636]

Beautiful transformation! Cleaning and organizing brings me great joy so I loved witnessing the amazing job you did here! 🙏🏼

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Kelsey! Happy to report it's still working beautifully!

[@kelseyhogan8636]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I'm not surprised, organizing seems like it's in very much in your wheelhouse!

[@7cats2]

Oh my gosh... finally! Someone organizing a closet like the one I have! My issue is that this tiny little space is what I have for everything. I do not have any other linen closet... I have to store towels, paper towels, bath tissue, medicines and cosmetics.. everything, in this one tiny little space. I have been in my house for a little over 20 years and this little closet has given me my biggest challenge. Your video has given me some ideas though and I'm almost motivated to get in there right now and break it all down and start over... It's a really big job though... Maybe I'll just start working on a plan for what to do with it first 😅 anyhow, thanks so much for sharing... All your hard work paid off because it looks great!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Those closets are TRICKY and I'm so glad I could give you some ideas!!! Yes, that's A LOT to ask one small closet to do so being creative is key!

[@sarairvine9622]

Good morning!! Happy Thanksgiving to the Canadians among us!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I hope you have a fabulous day, Sara! So glad I could be part of your Thanksgiving! LOL!

[@cindyellacott102]

Happy Thanksgiving Sara!

[@laureng4024]

This turned out so good! The music and narration gave the video a nice cohesive feel. I also really enjoy when you go through why you organized certain items in places because it always gives me ideas for my own stuff. Thanks!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Lauren! Thank you!

[@Ashleew]

Your narration was great in this video! Not that it’s ever bad, just seems extra great today. We rent and didn’t want to do anything permanent in our closet. We bought an over the toilet free standing shelving unit for our utility closet. Open space below for vacuum while adding shelving for cleaners and such above.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

What a great idea, Ashlee! Love that!

[@marypruitt6312]

Looks great! Impressive redesign of the space!!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Well I did do this for a living for three years so I have no idea why it took me so long to do this in my own home?! Something about cobblers children and no shoes.🤣 Thanks, Mary!

[@susanalley79]

Hopefully this will get me motivated on this rainy Monday morning!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I hope so, Susan! Honestly, I just mopped my kitchen floor for the first time in weeks (or maybe months? Yikes) so it worked for me!

[@myeramimclerie7869]

I love this video so much! 😍 Could relate so much to your joy when you saw that your vacuum fits. 😍 I think I'm getting mature... Yeah, mature, definitely not old. Mature. Yep. 👵

[@amanda7638]

Always love your organizing videos, they are so real and functional I love them!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Just like me, Amanda! LOL! Thank you so much I truly appreciate it and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@justinemcmurray669]

That was a great suggestion about waiting to take the stickers off the bins. This video was very helpful, thank you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@cavlizzy]

Great video Jen.... LOVE the "before" & "after" - So satisfying! :)

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thanks, Laurie!! I have to agree with you - that's one thing I love about making videos about these projects, it's very satisfying to have the photo proof of the transformation!

[@melissajmeli]

You’ve inspired me to get my under sink and storage closets in my little New York apartment better organized!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

You really ARE catching up, Melissa!🤣Thank you!❤️

[@nicolefreeman5978]

I love it!!! The shelves are so much more practical for what you need, instead of the coat-closet-style hanging space! Great job! I still need to DM you pix of my pantry before and after, inspired by you! 😍

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yeah, seriously, WHY was that hanging space even there?? We have a coat closet by the front door! So odd. But it now functions so much better! Thanks, Nicole!

[@Benasboysandgirl]

Well that’s a gorgeous closet!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you so much!

[@carolsmith5588]

Great organization! You are inspiring me to get cracking on my house! Thanks for the kick in the butt!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Hurray!! Love that, Carol. So many awesome YT creators have done that for me so it's great when I can pay that forward!

[@caraevans7105]

Love this! This should fall under the heading of “inspirational videos”.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Awww thanks, Cara!!

[@GarryLivingstone]

Excellent video I am inspired. Our closet is exactly the same size/layout as yours. Thanks so much

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

My pleasure! We still use it just like this and I am so happy with it even years later

[@tawnyamahaffey2377]

Thank you for inspiring us yet again! We’ve now talked about moving our broom and swiffer to a different spot and possibly redoing a hall closet and turning it into more of a utility closet!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly, I clean a lot. And honestly, I don't mind it! But when I can't find things it bums me out and turns things into far more of a chore than they should be. It really does make a difference!

[@trishsp3160]

Fantastic transformation!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you so much, Trish!

[@elizabethlevey4796]

Oh so cute, Jen! I also feel so proud when I measure something fits correctly. 🤣

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It's the little victories that are getting me through right now, Liz!😂❤️

[@rebeccahandman2650]

Look great! So much inspiration! Thank you

[@JohnThomasAbroad]

And I’m really glad I found your channel. I always need help organizing things and I found this video so helpful. When I move back to the US I will need to look into the Elfa(sp?) shelving systems.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Elfa is correct and yes, it really is the best. Thanks so much, John, I'm glad you found my channel too!

[@cindyellacott102]

Well done! I love the end result!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Cindy, it's truly just so perfect for us! Looks great and works great.

[@valeriewhittaker3521]

This gives me hope that I can tackle my utility closet as well! Looks great and love that you still have room to grow!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thanks, Valerie! And yes, you absolutely CAN!

[@MedalsandMagic]

This turned out magnificent, Jen! And HELLOOOOOO to Scott - he's so wonderful to do the painting for this space. I love a good DIY project and this one motivated me to work on our closets this fall. Thanks for sharing, Jen! ✨❤️ ✨

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It helps that he's super tall - and also I loathe painting and he doesn't mind it so we make a good team! And hurray for motivation! Hope you have a great day, Michelle!

[@charliehuffman326]

If I didn't know you to be of the highest integrity, I would swear that you actually made the closet physically larger in order to accomplish this makeover. Wow! Also loving the embedded (not sure that's the correct terminology) music weaved throughout the whole video. Seamlessly done and really gives it that little extra je ne sais quoi-set. :-)

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Gee, Charlie, thanks for noticing! Seriously it takes a long time to make the music work just right and I'm a bit of a perfectionist about it so it means a lot to me that you noticed!!! And nope, no witchcraft involved. This time.😂

[@SteveFeatherstone]

Is it wrong that I think this could be favorite video of yours!!! I definitely need to do something with my junk cupboard. Any top tips for storing shopping bags, I seem to accumulate them. Also last week we got a rare appearance from one of your sons and today we get fleeting glimpse of Scott. I never thought to have small bins on the back of the door. Thanks Jen, I'm inspired

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Steve I needed to hear that! It's not doing so well numbers wise but I was so proud of it so as long as somebody likes it, we are GOOD TO GO.

[@susanmason1534]

Oh my GOSH serves me right for watching this with my coffee pre-work today. Now I just want to go attack some things instead of doing my actual job. I love it, this looks amazing! (It’s totally normal to just have this face 😍 when looking at organized cleaning supplies right? Right.)

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Well, Susan, if it's not normal than you and I are in the same boat so who cares?!?!?! I hope you have a great work day and thank you for spending some time with me!!

[@1DawnMarie1]

I am feeling the same way! I'm working but at least 50% of my brain power right now is just thinking of little projects I want to do around the house instead!

[@amiehegeman]

Nice! We just redid our utility closet too with Uline. We plan on doing our pantry next, also with Uline. Looks great!

[@rlglezglez8391]

You did a beautiful job! And give me ideas

[@annemarie2921]

We just sold our family home and building a "downsized" home in the next few months and this is perfect timing! So many good ideas!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

That's an exciting but also daunting transition, Anne Marie. We have that coming in a few years and I'm already trying to de-clutter and get rid of things in anticipation! I told Scott, we are not taking ONE THING we don't love to that new house . . .

[@annemarie2921]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge We started tossing and donating a year ago. The move was crazy easy as a result! Our neighbors son knocked on our door on August 2nd and said he heard from his parents that we were selling our house and offered to buy it. We were moved out and closed on the house by August 27th! De-clutter now and easy peasy later. Cant wait to get all the Elfa solutions for our closets. I pour over all your closet videos and have sketches of our dream closets because of you! xo

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@annemarie2921 Oh my goodness, I love that!!!! You can actually look up the plan numbers for my master closet and pantry space if you're interested - I'm happy to share and the Elfa design team can see what you love!

[@annemarie2921]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Oh My Gosh! Thank you Jen! You're the best :)

[@annapower1833]

Looks amazing Jen! Great job. Giving me some great ideas on how to organize our new closet when we move

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh I'm so glad, Anna! Yes, when you first move in is DEFINITELY the time to do this - otherwise it just never seems to happen (or in my case it happens five years later;)

[@normarenwick5061]

I love these video I love organising it may only last a few days in this house but I love it

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

They say that the more you use a space the more maintenance required to keep it organized so I get that it's always a battle, Norma!!

[@sarairvine9622]

You inspired me to clean out and tidy my laundry room today. That was a good workout!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh I’m so glad! Now you can enjoy your thanksgiving dinner - you’ve earned it!

[@ginacampbell2486]

That closet looks incredible!!❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Gina! I’m so happy with the end result!

[@noraw8955]

Looks great! I wish that you could come help me with my closet, lol! This definitely gives me motivation, thank you!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I'm so glad, Nora!! I'm thrilled with the way it turned out and most importantly it will WORK for our family!

[@maureencrawford2275]

*applause!*. I love it!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh thank you!! We STILL love it and it has stayed organized which is the real test right??

[@Liezjeuh]

I'd love a cookie.... :-) (and that Vitamix blender!) But seriously: what a difference! Well done! I love how it all fits just perfectly!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I am easily distracted by cookies.😂😂😂And yes, lots of measuring before I actually purchased anything. That's the key!

[@Liezjeuh]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Me 2, now I really want cookies. :p

[@1DawnMarie1]

Back for my second watch, since chatting during the premier means I didn't pay super close attention!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

LOL Well I appreciate that very much, Dawn! Was fun having you there this morning!

[@CandyceGirl]

Great job!!!😎

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

thanks, Candyce! I'm really happy with it.

[@Momsolo]

Very nice job 😌

[@stephaniejean-baptist1231]

Hi! This would work great in my closet but i cant find those 12 inch shelves anywhere online or at my local home improvement stores. May i ask where you got them from please?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

They’re all from the container store (I think the link is in the description)

[@TerriR1818]

Looks fantastic! Giving me inspiration for the new house in a few months. But wait, no rainbow colors?🙄💖

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

BWAHAHAHA your snark is noted and WILDLY appreciated, Terri. 😂😂😂 And yes, getting stuff done right when ou first move in is such a great idea. Wish I'd done that!😩

[@elizabethholewienko9354]

Looks awesome!! We have this deep "coat closet" and I cannot figure out what to do with it.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Those are SO TRICKY and I don't understand why builders put them in!

[@elizabethholewienko9354]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I agree.

[@kaseydarr1852]

That turned out great Jen. Look at you becoming a diy person 🤣🤣🤣

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Well, in fairness, I had to install Elfa as part of my old job so that one I got paid to do LOLOL

[@kaseydarr1852]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge perhaps, but you have to start somewhere. A closet today, a kitchen remodel tomorrow! Maybe throw a couple smaller ones in for good measure, but you get the idea. Nothing is impossible!

[@CyndiAKADisneyqueen]

Loved this!! Great job my friend!! I may have to challenge you to a dollar tree organization video lol

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I think you're not ready to venture out to Dollar Tree yet but if you ARE we should totally do a collab! That would be fun! We could set a budget and see what we could get. I already know you would win.

[@CyndiAKADisneyqueen]

Joyful Living with Jen Lefforge actually it’s one of only three stores I’ve set foot in lol

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@CyndiAKADisneyqueen OK that's perfect then! Woohoo! GAME ON! (which is funny because neither one of us is competitive at all LOL)

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

That was incredible! We’d love to do this in some of our closets, but ya know...apartment living... 🙄😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Little known fact: because Elfa only requires screws at the very top, if you're allowed to hang pictures you can hang Elfa. I designed many a closet for apartment dwellers. And then you can take it with you! They also have free standing options.

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge well crap, now we don’t have excuses... 😂

[@majorhollingshead5906]

I love it. 😘❤️

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thanks, Major! I'm thrilled with the way it turned out.

[@HappyTravelVlogs]

Jen what is that door storage you have there??? I love it!!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It's the Elfa door and wall rack!! You can get it online and it's super easy to install and there are lots of options for customizing it.

[@HappyTravelVlogs]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge wow that's awesome! Thanks Jen!

[@dawnturpin]

I still wish I could transport you here to hire you to work your magic in my closets

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I know! I wish I could!

[@joysharpe1500]

I need you to organize my life!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

LOL Well, it's a lot of work doing it for myself and yes, I agree, outsourcing would be lovely!

[@annad.benitez2347]

right on point

[@shelleynorthrop9276]

It's a system! (a la The Home Edit)🌈

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yeah, to be fair. they taught us that at the container store. The Home Edit girls stole it;).

[@hannahelizabeththomas9267]

Do you want a cookie? Yes please lol

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes clearly I am distracted by cookies . . .LOLOL

[@lizramirez4308]

What is the size is the closet?

[@Longjohnsilver58]

I want a cookie…oh, was that rhetorical? 😂

[@soodabobble]

What is the system on the door called?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Everything I used here is Elfa from the Container store

[@donnalynnmanning1225]

Great transformation! I love that feeling of accomplishment! 👍

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Couldn’t agree more. Can you tell how proud of myself I am??🤣🤣