An Organized Toddler Closet

This is by far one of the best investments and DIY projects that we have done in our house. We did this closet organization system from Home Depot and really could not be happier with it. We originally installed it in our nursery and love it so much that we designed a system for in our toddler room as well.
Before the closet was an empty space, with only the top shelf and one closet rod. We knew we wanted the majority of our son's clothes, blankets, shoes, socks, etc. to be contained in the closet rather than a dresser. We also knew from experience with the nursery, how helpful it is to start off with a space for everything. Cubbies, drawers, and an additional closet rod were our priorities. I love having cubbies tucked in a closet rather than out in the open. It's just a great way to conceal and organize! So with that in mind, we measured (and then measured again) our space and picked out accessories from the ClosetMaid system that best fit our closet and wish list. Here is what we came up with!
You can see the additional closet rod we added, snuck in there above the laundry basket. It holds coats all year long, but with winter upon us they are currently in our mud room. I love these canvas storage solutions from Pottery Barn Kids. We keep extra diapers, wipes, and sheets in these. Our son's memory book has found a permanent home tucked in the corner. It keeps it safe from curious fingers. It was a must for me to have the hamper inside the closet, because most days it is full! It is so nice not having it out as a constant reminder. In the cubbies below the shelves, I keep his sleeping bags and extra thick blankets.
On the other end of the closet, I stacked photo albums with these cute whale bookends. They used to be displayed in his armoire, but both boys loved pulling the photos out! So for now they are tucked up high. These cubbies were my absolute priority to have in the closet. They are perfect for shoes, blankets, and extra shirts. The weather is so unpredictable in Colorado so I keep a few short sleeve shirts folded in one of the baskets. It's not worth hanging them, but it's nice to have easily accessible for the occasional warm winter day! The last basket that is empty at the moment keeps winter boots or sandals. The winter boots are in the mud room, and sandals have been outgrown! In the bigger baskets with the open shelving, I put pajamas and swimsuits. I keep the drawers for socks, underwear, pants, shorts, and long sleeve shirts. It just keeps everything clutter free!
Lastly, for the drawers I use these organizers from Ikea. They are an absolute must in my opinion. I use them in both of the boys' room for practically everything. They also come in the most perfect sizes. Almost two years later, and this organization system is still my favorite part of our toddler room. It really has been the key to keeping clothes, shoes, diapers, etc. organized and away from my "little helpers". ( for sources and more photos visit my blog at http://www.raisingrustic.com/organizedtoddlercloset/)