The kitten and the Helmer

Today I will show you the "before and after" of my storage system.

If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen a preview already.

A very thorough inspection

In case you don't know, the Helmer is "kitten-approved" (or rather "kitten-proof") storage solution.

First the "Before" pictures:

As you can see everything was organized, but not very convenient - I could see through the boxes,
but it was a pain to get something from a box on the bottom.

My first step to a better polish life was to change my principal sorting method:
I went from storing by brand to grouping by colour family.

I also did a "head count" at this stage.

This was a helpful exercise as I started to see what I tend to buy and favor, before that I really had no clue))
It was also great to see some close dupes pop up (see my blue comparison post)

Next, I took my friend Alisha, and to IKEA we went.

One simply does not go to IKEA and not have breakfast,
pictured items were smuggled in to help us make tough decisions
(drink responsibly)

Then came my favorite part - assembly! 

I am not kidding - I freaking love it!

I had some "help"

Finished product: Ta-da!

L-R: assembled cabinet from the AS-IS section and my Helmer
(I love bargains!!)

Now it's time to take a look inside: 

Basic care and maintenance tools

Swatch wheels, my notes with ideas for challenges, arty pouch (dotting tools,  clean up implements etc)
and a big box of tissues (I prefer to using paper towels)

Nail art book, stamping plates, the cutest rubbish bin EVER and my bag of goodies

Inside the bag of goodies: stuff (water decals, striping tape, stripers, polish strips, rhinestones etc etc)

Bottom drawer is the tallest so in go the removers, pedicure lotions/scrubs,
bag with cotton wool, spare cuticle sticks, q-tips etc.
The bottled water is for water marbling

Now the Pièce_de_résistance - HELMER drawres:

Top drawer: all metallic polishes

Second from the top: Bright pinks and purples

Third from the top: Blues and teals

Third from the bottom: Reds, oranges, greens and yellows

Second from the bottom: All the layering polishes and glitters
(not nearly enough)

Bottom drawer: Light pinks, nudes and white polishes

On top of the storage are boxes with polishes that have not bee swatched or catalogued

And here is my desk "AFTER":

Lots more space (the top box has packing material and the bottom box has the blog sale  items)

My advice would be to plan before you shop - know your stash and the requirements.

I hope you enjoyed this post and thanks for stopping by!