Double Nerd Score: Entrez-vous!

Everyone wants to walk into their home and feel relaxed, right? Like you've left behind the troubles of the world and come to private sanctuary. And then there is Jon Hamm to remove my coat and hand me a glass of wine.. yes, but in reality I just want a place in which I can drop my keys, put down my bag and easily get to the couch where ac ertain beagle is supposed to sit and wait for me to get through.

I've been playing with this setup for a few months now, editing it and expanding it to include our school bags, Chloe's needs, mail sorting, what have you.

Our trusty expedit has been a part of the journey.

Originally the poor thing was just slammed against the wall as a catch-all for fantasy books and various mystery paperbacks. This was not exactly the classiest thing to look upon after a long day. No one wants to walk in and think, "Oh right, I have to clean all of this up now, too."

So embarrassing!

At some point, I cleaned it up, moved books around (my life story) and made a system.

Unfortunately, the photo is lost. But I assure you, each cube was be a home for some aspect of our daily needs. Starting from the right it was Library Books/Borrowed items, Chloe's leash, harness and bags, Files and household binder, and finally Grab & Go Items (where I stashed my purse an lint rollers hid). Then on the bottom row, a stack of random books (haha, you can lead me to water but you can't make me drink), a basket for hats and gloves, canvas grocery bags, and a recycling bin for unwanted mail.

I tidied up the top as well, removing the old mail center which was more of hassle than anything. By moving the household binder downstairs (it used to live in our office) I was more likely to instantly file and store bills, statements etc. The three pocket guy I bought from Target worked well before we were married and lived with a roommate.But we needed to move on. Not too long ago I re-did our tea organization. Instead of digging around the large (and often unsightly) boxes. I dug out a wooden box in which cheap silverware had been bought. It worked perfectly and as I looked around my house trying to think of something to upcycle I realized that the other cutlery box would do perfectly.

So, the new system worked well for a few months. The downside was that it was across the room from the door and during Christmas we had to move the coat rack away to make room for the tree.Basically, it just wasn't working.

What to do but turn it around, move it around. I kept hearing "Bend Me, Shape Me" by The American Breed (althought I thought of Bender & Angleyne in Futurama.) I tried puttig against the same wall as the door which just ended up blocking the stair well and the door, sigh. Then I tried a whole other piece instead which was a massive fail. James was feeling ill and trying to nap as I lumbered shelves and pieces up and down the steps. He was very sweet and offered to help but I was good to go (and it's usually best to stay out of my way, am I right?)

Then (and this did require help) I decided to flip it vertically. Ooh.

That was interesting but still on the wrong side of the room. Let;s scoot it to the other wall. (Oh, and I've moved our stereo from the dining room to the living room and it's been in use much more often, happily.)

Now that's better! I changed up some of the cubbies so now we have the key-bowl/grab and go in one small area, house files and mail center (filing and bill paying is so easy!), My University supplies (more about that next time!), hats/scarves/gloves basket, records, Chloe's gear, and empty spot for James' briefcase so it doesn't get kicked around, and grocery bags.