Champagne Quality Wall & Closet Storage on a Beer Budget

Storage space is one of those phantom creatures that everyone wants but can never find or create enough of. It's a constant game of cat and mouse; organize one area just to acquire more shit in another, and forever chasing that pivotal moment when everything is unrealistically in order. With only one linen/coat closet combination for the whole house, I play this game often and try to be creative with every single nook and cranny I can get my stubby little hands on. Cue the underutilized laundry room as my next victim. 

​Once the laundry room was near completion during our reno, I started the planning process of trying to figure out what to do with the WTF space between the appliances and the door. Too small to install a sink, but too big to leave for dead. It looked like it was designed for a hamper or two, but that's an underwhelming solution since 7 feet of wall space would be left empty without some effort.   

​If I was able to dream big, I wanted a mix of functional hang-drying space along with additional storage for my gift wrap collection (because that's normal). I had seen some rockin' photos during multiple Pinterest sessions of beautiful storage setups using the Elfa system from the Container Store. When it was close to go-time, I went on their site to see what a 6'ish high X 3'ish wide wall unit would run me. My jaw hit the floor and I most definitely sharted. Just for one of the nifty Elfa pull out drawers (not including anything to mount it to the wall, mind you), the total was almost $50. Whattt??? For ONE? Does it come with a mini bottle of Dom Pérignon inside??? Gah, nope. So despite my aching yearn for the product line, I had to figure out another more cheap-ass friendly solution. Tried big box hardware stores next. Again, no luck. Then the perfect majestic unicorn google search presented itself before me. Her name was ALGOT, and she lived at IKEA. 

I again went online and designed a similar setup on IKEA.com, then went in and picked up all the parts at my local store. For the WHOLE ENCHILADA, including bells, whistles and enough hooks to make even the most garish pirate blush, I ran out of there for $80. And when I say ran, I mean sprinted because I was seriously concerned of being accused of theft it was so cheap.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "but it's from IKEA, it's gatta be made of boogers!" Nope, wrong! All the parts are hardy and quite robust. No regrets. Want your own? I know you do...

• You can choose a pre-designed system for your work space, closet, or laundry room here
• Create your own masterpiece using their design center here
• Or if you dig what I already setup, I've included the shopping list of all the necessary parts here
  • For the exception of the 4 small hook add-on, everything can be ordered online if you don't have a local IKEA store

Installation wasn't too treacherous. But wanted to be sure the wall system was hung high enough to accommodate a dirty laundry basket. It is a laundry room, after all. To put a spin (ha, washing machine joke) on the standard plastic alternative, I found a woven option with similar hamper dimensions in the basket aisle at Home Goods. And by pure chance and more surprise sharts, was able to find its coordinating lidded brother for additional dust-free storage on the top shelf. 
Similar Option, Similar Option 2

​If gift wrap isn't your thang, these drawers (5 gallon & 12 gallon) are equipped and sturdy enough to hold any number of things that you need to store with easy access. And the best part? They aren't see-through and adding a lid is a whopping $2!
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4 Hook Rack Add-On; $1
Great for drying bathing suits!

Adjustable Triple Hook Add-On; $2

With 22 gallons of drawer space dedicated to cards, tissue paper and bags, you didn't think I'd forget about the rolls of gift wrap did you? C'mon now.

Picked up this ClosetMaid system from Target to solidify that I have a gift wrapping hoarding issue. In hindsight, I should have just committed to the full door option like I have in the pantry for more random crap, but whatevs.

You ready for the final total? Including the wall unit with add-ons, both baskets & behind the door storage...
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$148

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