Organize Your Life: the COAT MOUND

Let me introduce you to...

the

COAT MOUND!!

I immagine it is known by other names in other households, but in this house, it is the COAT MOUND. 

We have never lived in a home with say...

an entryway

or

a Mud Room...oh, a mudroom.  These are the things dreams are made of!! 

Up until Christmas, we used this coat tree to house our mound of many coats.  But oh, the mound became a real nuisance!  Coats would fall off, kids couldn't find THEIR coat: "that's not my coat, that's your JACKET!" 

While I was shopping at Hobby Lobby before Christmas last year, I wandered by an inspiration!! 

I found these iron-like letters with a heavyduty hook on them. 

Yes...

the lightbulb...

came on.

I purchased a each of my child's first name initial.  The older two already recognized their letters so it was perfect.  We no longer have the COAT MOUND. 

Astounding I know.

Instead, each child knows where his/her coat goes.  We purposly placed each letter within easy reach of short bodies so they could each put their own coat away and get it out again.   

The last 3 1/2 months of winter was so much more organized (coat wise that is!).  Oh, did I mention these letters were clearanced out?  I got them for just a few dollars a piece and they were put in their stockings.  I know, boring stocking gift but hey!  They're useful! 

Go any great tips for your winter coats?  Muddy boots?  Nasty shoes?  Please share!