Tackling a Mess in Stages

This family moved a ton of stuff into their garage temporarily during a remodel. They must have been in a hurry because it appears things were randomly stashed with no attempt to create zones for like items.

The remodel is finished and now they have to move it all back in. What a good opportunity to evaluate, eliminate and integrate their belongings.

We started the move with some big items - the file cabinets above and the clothes racks below - and did it in stages.

Most of the clothes - costumes for theatrical productions - were consolidated into one rack:

Then, after emptying the file cabinets we removed a tall one from the home office closet...

..and replaced it with three smaller, matching ones...

...which in turn inspired the owners to whittle down the costume collection and hang it above these shorter file cabinets.

Project Plus: one pleasing closet with easy to find papers and costumes.

Project Minus: reams of paper, two clothes racks, several bags of clothes and an ugly file cabinet - which I guess makes this a Project Plus.

Check back for the progress on the rest of the garage.

rePURPOSING Things: Tools, Golf Club and What Else?

Sacramento is brimming with clever  bike racks. Here is a new one on the refurbished R Street Corridor.

I spot a golf club and crescent wrenches. What else do you see?

rePURPOSING Things: Shipping Containers

This was across 15th Street from Space 4 Art in San Diego's East Village.

It took me a minute to realize that it was a home, complete with courtyard entry.

It fits right into the industrial area and is a fabulous example of large-scale repurposing!

rePURPOSING Things: Shopping Cart

I am not in any way suggesting you appropriate one from a store but if I found myself the owner of a discarded shopping cart I would most certainly change it into a chair.

I came across this at an art opening in San Diego's East Village. It is remarkably comfortable - all it needs is a little seat cushion to soften the wire grid - and fits the body well. And is it fun! After a few beers it was hard to resist a little roll around.

iPhone photos by Lisa Vella