Kevin's Totally Cool Boot Box

Really Kevin? Do you NEED nine coats hanging here?

I have helped people all over Central Illinois get organized so you would think my problem would be one I could solve pretty easily. Here's the problem, the front door to our house is the main door and really the only door easy to use. Now, I do have a coat closet at the front entry so you would think it would be easy to use. And it is, for me! But for Kevin, well, that's a different story. For a while, he would lay his coat on the steps across from the closet. That's right, four feet away! And his work boots would be placed right in front of the vent by the front door so they can dry. I finally found a pub mirror with six hooks so he could hang a coat as he is in and out of the house. The other day I counted nine, yes, nine of his coats hanging on it. They hang there because he is going to wear them again soon. Okay, but seriously, NINE coats? They are all varying weights, but we do have a closet four feet away!

Before, an ugly green toy chest.

One day, I was at this really great store, Classic Home Consignment (look to your left for a link!) and saw a really ugly toy chest that was actually kind of cool! But it was green. I like green, just not really this green! Anyway, I think it would work for boots next to the door and with some feet, could sit above the vent. Score! I take it home and strongly suggest he could paint and distress it somewhat and it would make a great place for all those boots! Anything to keep the vent air from blowing straight across them and sending who knows what germs and all right into my living space. Now, I'm not a germophobe but considering he works at the Sanitary District, well, would you want those germs in YOUR house? At one point, there were seven pairs of his boots and shoes in front of that vent. Oh the microscopic gunk! Don't you love this? Check out the paperback books acting as legs. One day, we loaded this toy chest into the truck and took it to The Briarwood in Sullivan. Another link you will find on the left. We had it painted at The Briarwood and the result is just fabulous!  We told them we wanted some legs and whatever would do but what they came up with, well it looks like the toy chest/boot box was already made with them! 

After, a beautiful boot storage unit.
LOVE the legs and new color!

Several people have suggested putting a lid on it but there is no way Kevin would lift that lid and put his boots in if he won't open a closet door to hang a coat or put his boots away. Plus, that would just be one more surface that junk can find it's way onto.
Over the many years of designing organization systems for people, I have found that we are all pretty much alike. Men won't do two actions to put something away. For example, they won't open a closet door and hang a coat on a hanger then close the door. They won't lift a lid to put something inside and then close the lid. They would rather toss a coat on a hook or throw something into a bin. I will discuss women another day!
Anyway, I look forward to taking the bathroom vanity to The Briarwood, and I have a dresser, and well, I am sure I can find many other things to take, and when I run out of paint projects, I guess I will have to hit the consignment stores and re-sale shops, maybe I will have them make me stuff...the possibilities are endless!