Utility Closet Tour ║ Large Family, Small House Organization

Today we'll look inside our "Utility Closet" to see what's in there and a bit about how it's organized. When this house was built in 1940, this little room was two closets- one for each bedroom. At some point, someone tore out the dividing wall and built an organizer to make one "walk-in" closet. It's very narrow and wasn't really workable that way. Tom tore out the organizer when we bought the house and built new shelving for my shoes, jeans, etc. and then put giant spike nails in the wall for me to hang my clothes. Fast forward several years and many children... we needed space for storing utilitarian items so my clothes moved out and we re-purposed the closet for cleaning supplies, gift wrap supplies, home maintenance supplies, and so on.
www.andreamills.tv
Mills Family
P.O. Box 323
Moorcroft, Wyoming 82721

[@conniemiller411]

Not only did she keep her house organized but she kept all things supplied, and a stock of backup items....all in a small house. I can’t keep organized or household supplies of anything including food. I have to go to the store almost daily. This lady was a miracle.

[@Petruskinhap972]

My sweet Andrea, my all time favorite KZbinr. I miss you so much, you were so knowledgeable, inspirational, humble and just an overall great person. I don't understand why your journey was cut so short.❤

[@lolitamorris2943]

This is so fun to watch ! She was an angel and her family has a legacy here !

[@martaaberg3330]

I've decided one of the reasons you are such a calm person is that you are so organized, you've reduced your stress by half, lol! I know you say that having 8 kids and living in a small house requires you to be organized, but you really have an amazing natural talent for it. I currently have no utility closet; nowhere for the vacuum, mops, brooms, etc., to live. It's frustrating.

[@hilaryaddy9463]

you're a supermom. 8 children & your house is so organized! & you homeschool & still find the time to do fun things with all your kids. I have 2 children & can barely keep up.

[@amy.thomson1989]

Gosh I wish she was around today to help me organise my house. Imagine with technology we could FaceTime and get real time Andrea help and advice ❤

[@margaretbedwell58]

Andrea, your organization skills are outstanding. You have managed to create homes for a lot of necessary stuff that gets lost in the shuffle (or better yet...where did I put that?) I have a lot of those moments. I am new to your channel and have been enjoying watching your children...especially with their schooling. I am impressed with Solomon's coloring. He is meticulously in the lines and yet I can tell he does not always like the process of school. What great parents y'all are, an inspiration to many young parents out there. Have a Blessed day.

[@caroldeaton619]

RIP Angel Andrea

[@nataliap9970]

Wow! That closet door always looked so small and narrow in your videos, I never imagined so much stuff could fit in there!

[@1959dixie]

She honestly thought of everything. ❤️

[@CookieCrumbFun]

I love these organizing videos of yours, I always end up with ideas to use here. I was looking around the house and thinking of how to make some of that work for us. Thank you again!!!

[@dragonflyneb]

You did a great job now you can find everything. I can not say that about my house. You have given me motivation to start. Love the idea to label.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

The genius of labelling isn't so you can find things- though that's partly it- it's so you know where to put them back. It helps us so much!

[@poppycopper1]

Wow it's like Mary poppins carpet bag, well done xxxx

[@n.a.garciafamily]

Wonderful comment.

[@InHimAlone]

That closet is much bigger than I always imagined! As always, you have used your space very efficiently. I am no expert, but I think the "flat tipped screws" are just small bolts. A screw can be driven directly into wood, but a bolt needs a pre-drilled hole. Thanks for the tour, I always get a lot of ideas from you! :)

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

Thank you. :) If I ever re-label my drawers I'll call them bolts and think of my friend Sheri!

[@TIBBIEGIRL1]

I didn’t know you before your passing I wish I did but you organize so nicely you did a great job your husband should have it pretty easy finding things. Thanks to you god bless

[@volition51]

I love to look at this video for that happy feeling that comes from observing all the order. Thank you so much!

[@pjl2963]

We keep an old school phone too, for the same reason! Enjoyed the tour...I was in Heaven with all those labels, and a place for everything! I love organization!

[@beckysebben5751]

Gosh, I miss you!! Such a amazing woman Lots of love from Michigan

[@ellalee6502]

Your videos are helpful and encouraging. Thank you for sharing.

[@weaver7249]

You have done an amazing job with this closet and you labeling is fantastic. You are really something - great mom - great life.

[@thehomespunwife]

I'm so motivated after watching your organizational skills, Andrea. Thanks for sharing all these great ideas...

[@amk8256]

Just wanted to say I enjoy your videos. You are such a lovely person and I love your ideas!

[@thefranks8726]

Your home is so well organized and cozy, it’s very inspiring!

[@faithchurch1495]

I am so impressed! I will definitely be using your organizing ideas!

[@DixieGirl9876]

Love the gift wrap solution!

[@souldawn2187]

Makes a big difference when you label them! I try putting stuff on baskets and boxes but since I don't label them I forget what's in them 😖 I'm learning a lot from your videos. Thank you Andrea Mills 😃 👍🏼 x 💯

[@heathermicola3894]

Very impressive I love seeing such an organized area, it inspires me to want to do the same.

[@justmeblomberg8940]

I love how organized you are. We have a small house as well. 2 bedrooms,but we made one larger bedroom. I'm pretty organized,you have to be in a small home. Thanks for sharing.

[@heiditagge5776]

Miss Andrea 💔

[@LifeByJen]

Wow you really made good use of your space!!! I'm totally amazed!!!

[@tracycook5445]

What a great set up. I have a cupboard in my kitchen that had the water tank in it. Now my landlord had a new boiler fitted I have a space to use. I also have an In wanted book case I Kon Maried the book stash. I want to fit it out. I live alone so want to maximise my one bed apartment. Also I'm giving the whole place the Kin Mari treatment. Being partial disabled I need to make it work for me. Love your closet

[@volition51]

Love the cozy spot for the kids, and the paint cans showing their colors! It's so nice to have a place to put "little do-dads" - stuff I don't know what to do with 😊 Great organizing!

[@MegaliciousTV]

I really love your videos! I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and have watched so many already. Really enjoying all the content you put out!

[@1TwinkleC]

Great job. I live in a small home. It is always a challenge to keep it organized.

[@ericacastro6773]

Thank you, You gave me great ideas!

[@stacieocker]

I just recently found your channel and you have quickly become my favorite :) You have really utilized every corner of your home, I love what you have done with the different spaces

[@janshrum7286]

Absolutely love your videos

[@kathyromano2736]

I watch you on my smart tv but I am new because of covi d I am alone most of the day Thank you for being here so it feels better oh you bring a smile and I feel not being alone all day

[@brielynn]

I never thought to keep an old plug in phone in my emergency kit. I am definitely adding one. Another awesome video! My dad had all his nails, screw, and little tools and odds and ends in a drawer system like that. I stole 1 for my sewing odds and ends, and my mother stole the other for her needlepoint accessories and fibers. They are super handy, but I think his collection had a majority of rusty old nails and screws and pins of varying sizes, and he always uses a house project as an excuse to go to the hardware store.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

Tom's shed is a scary place that I never organize. I only get to tidy the things that are in the house. If I had my way, everything I own would be stored in a little plastic drawer- if only they were more attractive. I'm well on my way to making my dream a reality. :)

[@traceywye6480]

now I know what to use all the storage things I have collected over the years and I have an old coal hole which is similar in size just a junk space waiting to be sorted. than you

[@kerry7418]

Pointy screws! I love that.

[@debbieomi]

I keep an "old style" phone too, for the same reason. I put that in quotes because for me, an old style is going to be the rotary dials that had wires coming out of the cord. LOL

[@thebigblessedbayers1376]

Inspiring!!!!!

[@deborahcook7652]

Very good....our home doesn't even have a phone hook for the old phones....and the one home phones here are from the cable company so how would you suggest to use one

[@AtHomeWithJenn]

I discovered Andrea from a channel that was asking for prayer for her. I can't believe she is no longer here. It makes me sad. Kinda feels like she's on a temporary business trip somewhere and we're waiting for her to return.😥 RIP sweet Andrea🌷❤

[@antoniasmith2958]

hugs!!! I am going to watch this again!! I almost have the courage/ambition/motivation to attack my utility dungeon!! Have you read "Love The Home You Have"?

[@TheBonnieberry]

you inspire me to greatness lol...ty I have let things gooooooooooo way too long smile

[@jojoply]

I would really love for you to come stay with me for a week and help me figure out my mess! It would prob take a month...

[@melissasfrugalfinds]

Very nice & inspirational! Did you make the tags for the plastic drawers on the computer or with a label maker?

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

Both... I have a Brother P-touch label maker similar to this one: www.amazon.com/Brother-Connectable-Label-Maker-PT-P700/dp/B00DSYEB28/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1491971343&sr=8-7&keywords=brother+p+touch+label+maker You design the labels on your computer and print them out with the label maker. I use it for everything and I love it!

[@cryssbou7864]

ha ha ha ha ohhh i'm giggling here over the names for the screws cause I do the same thing ...

[@evem4876]

Hi Andrea can you please tell me about the Kin Mari system ? I'm very interested in this. thank you sweetie. Blessings to you....

[@andih5895]

Look up kon Mari on KZbin, she's an organizer/style of organization, it's great

[@heavenmiller3619]

HI ANDREA!

[@lindap5525]

What are the knotted towels used for?

[@lynnwilson665]

You mentioned something and I probably am writing this incorrectly but can you about tell about calamari organizing and you also mentioned it on a previous video can you let me know what that is. Also love the closet!💕👍🏻😎

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

It's called the KonMari method. Here's her book: www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491529180&sr=8-1&keywords=konmari Also, here are the videos I've made so far talking about my progress: kzbin.info/aero/PLd2pt5YWp66DgBY7Guwy4Jsd9t-kQ7_7z

[@Nightowlnursery]

I need you to come organize my house ... LOL Xxxx kiM

[@2plus2by2]

Ah, the emergency princess phone. People who live in cities don't know.... my parents and us have them tucked away too. Blizzard whipped through last night, started thinking we'd need ours today.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

We've needed ours a time or two. My friend was just telling me a story about her elderly parents in Florida. Their breaker flipped and her dad's mind isn't what it used to be so it didn't occur to him that might be the reason they didn't have electricity. They have an emergency cell phone that they, of course, never use so it wasn't charged. It was a couple of days before their son came over when he couldn't get a hold of them and discovered the problem. I think it might be wise for elderly people to have one plugged in somewhere, just in case.

[@simplyunimaginable4102]

How did Tom cut the wires for your wrapping paper holder?

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

I think he may have used tin snips, but I'm not positive. I recall it was hard to cut them.

[@peppersmama2629]

Do you guys have a garage?

[@antoniasmith2958]

where did you find those plastic jars for paint?

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

They are the same jars I use in my pantry. I got them from US Plastics. You buy the jars and lids separately, but all together they're $1.15 per quart jar. Jars: www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=123105&catid=604 LIds: www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=123114&catid=604

[@jasper63689]

Tom what do you use salt for the dishwasher for?

[@melodyrae5076]

Diane Lieswald if I remember correctly she had said in one of the videos that her dishwasher had a water softener in it. So maybe that’s why. I never knew they made them that way.

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

So, honestly, what percentage of the time do you put things right back where they go? Because at my house......LOL! xoj

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

It's been 3 weeks since I did my little closet renovation and I've only had to call someone back twice- _twice_! - to put something back where it goes. I've come to the conclusion over time that the more sensory pleasure you get putting things away (smooth gliding drawers, attractive labels, having things fit just right, seeing it all tidy) the more likely you are to do it.

[@S.Patierno]

Andrea Mills yes yes and yes lol!!!

[@hp6958]

What's the salt for your dishwasher for?

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

Our town has super hard water so we have a dishwasher with a built-in water softener.

[@lizzielewalski9868]

Do you children learn some parts of Montessori teachings? I know you do homeschool but I've seen a few things in videos and answers to comments that has me wondering.

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

I'm not well-versed in Montessori, though I've read a little about it. I recall thinking that it espoused some of Charlotte Mason's ideas which I _am_ well-versed on so maybe that's where it's coming from. My friend taught at a Montessori school once and she really liked how they did things.

[@dianeandersen150]

👏😎❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kittymollykitty4785]

Where do you guys live in America

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

Moorcroft, Wyoming!

[@southerngrace7895]

You could be a professional organizer!

[@loveinsideyou]

:)

[@joshuacreel3000]

flat tip screws are bolts lol

[@ebizzychris1780]

You put salt in a dishwasher??

[@TheMillsFamilyVlog]

We have extremely hard water here and since we don't have a whole-house water softener, we have a dishwasher with a built in water softener. We have to add salt to it ever few weeks. If we don't, the dishes don't come clean and they get mineral build-up on them. It literally took the paint off of my glass measuring cups before we got the new dishwasher. (This all began when our town dug a new water well a few years ago.)

[@InHimAlone]

My friend is having the same issue since they don't have a water softener. I didn't know they made dishwashers with built-in ones. Smart!

[@huckleberryplanet4105]

Andrea Mills The same thing happened to my glass measuring cups! I thought it was from the lemi-shine that we add to the dishwasher, but it must have been the hard water itself.

[@martaaberg3330]

Dishwasher detergent is usually what takes the paint off your pyrex (bowls, measuring cups, etc.). I wonder if hard water makes it worse?

[@kristalschlichting2141]

@@huckleberryplanet4105 I make my own Lemishine and it's just salt and citric acid. If the salt in her dishwasher doesn't remove the print maybe it's the citric acid in the Lemishine. I have had the same issue.

[@allisonisaacs6131]

Thomas is not a kid