Getting Organized in 2013 with the ClosetMaid 3 Cube Bench (Review & Giveaway)

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

So you've vowed to get organized this year? You're not alone- it's one of the top ten resolutions Americans will make this year. I pride myself on being a fairly organized individual, or at least I did, until I had a baby. I've had to learn to let a lot of things go, but still feel much less stress on my shoulders, when my home is clutter-free. Two of the biggest organizational stressers in my home is lack of closet space, and the sheer amount of toys our two-year-old owns. We've had to come up with some pretty crative storage solutions, using vertical space and more.

One of the easiest ways to add storage and organization to any space, is to bring in a simple cubical bench or shelf. They worked great for us when we were in kindergarten, to keep all of our belongings organized in the classroom, so why wouldn't they work just as well in our homes? Thanks to ClosetMaid, home storage and organization has been given a little facelift, With clean lines, and modern designs, ClosetMaid has an incredible selection of home organization solutions for every space.

I feel like a super lucky duck, because I was given the opportunity to work with ClosetMaid, and was able to select a piece of organizational furniture that I truly needed.

Our latest furniture addition, courtesy of ClosetMaid.

I chose to review the ClosetMaid 3 Cube Bench in Espresso. This wonderful three-cube bench doubles as storage and seating! This piece is part of the Cubeicals® Storage Organizers line from ClosetMaid, and we to help keep us ultra-organized, we also received three of the ClosetMaid® Cubeicals Fabric Drawers in Mocha.

Our new storage bench came to us in a big box, well protected (thanks, ClosetMaid!). I couldn't pick the box up and carry it by myself, but I was able to slide it. When I opened the box, I found lots of pieces (which made me nervous), but they were all clearly labeled with stickers, which was very helpful. I wanted to put this piece together right away. Normally, I just let my husband put stuff together, but for the sake of this review, I needed to prove to myself that I could put it together, all alone.

There were plenty of large pieces, nicely labeled...

Before I did anything, I laid all of the pieces out, and read through the instructions. I found it very helpful that the instruction booklet included short, easy to follow steps, with photos, arrows, and tips.

Detailed, yet easy to follow instructions (for those who are directionally challanged, like me!).

Page by page, I followed the directions, taking my time, and taking care to keep all of the rods, screws, etc separated and within reach. As for tools, I only needed a screwdriver- one of the only tools I know how to use! As I put all of the pieces into place, everything came together wonderfully. All of the pieces fit together, just as they were supposed to, with no trouble at all.

Screws and rods going into the base of the bench...

Since the pieces were all so excellently labeled, I had no trouble telling the backs from the fronts, tops from bottoms, etc. The unfinished sides of each piece were shaded in the diagrams, which was extremely helpful. After I had the base and sides, and inside walls of the cubbies together, I was ready to flip the pieces over, and simply tap the top of the piece into place. I tightened all of the screws, as directed, and pushed on it from the top and the sides to make sure everything was secure.

On its side and missing the top...

Once I felt the bench was put together well enough, I was ready to add the bench cushion and the fabric bins. The 3 Cube Bench does come with a khaki colored cushion, which adheres to the top of the bench with supplied Velcro strips. The fabric bins are sold separately, and are available in an array of colors, which can be mixed and matched. I wanted the bins to match our decor, so I went with the mocha colored bins. They are packaged flat, and easily pop up, and contain a thin piece to line the bottom of the cube with, for support.

Here it is- our new 3 Cube Bench with Fabric Bins...

Originally, I placed this storage bench from ClosetMaid in my family room, because I wanted to use it for toy storage. Our living room is a little bit discombobulated right now, because the Christmas tree is still up, so I moved it in front of the large window in our master bedroom. It looks lovely in either spot, and eventually, I'll move it back to the living room, so it can serve as additional seating, and toy storage, just as I envisioned it.

Doesn't it look great? Stylish, and functional, at a great price! What more could a gal want?

Features of the 3 Cube Bench from ClosetMaid

Cubeicals® Storage Organizers are a convenient way to hold hobbies, toys, media and office supplies. Designed to work perfectly with ClosetMaid® Cubeicals Fabric Drawers.
3 separate cubbies with full backer
Suggest use with Cubeicals Fabric Drawers
Mocha color cushion for top shelf provides seating (included)
Easy to assemble
Material: Laminated wood
CARB 93120 Compliant
Inside Dimensions of 1 Cube: 11.25 in.H x 11.25 in. W x 11.75 in. D
*$65.00*

The Fabric Drawers hold a lot (and I do mean a lot) of stuff! It's going to be great to have a place for all of Balian's 'living room toys' to live, and maybe even some books, as well. Right now, the Fabric Drawers are housing and storing my summertime tees, super thick socks, tights, leggings and more! The cushion on the bench isn't super comfortable, but Balian loves to sit on it, and it's a wonderful extra seating option. My husband and I have been very impressed with the bench's performance and durability, that we're eyeing lots of other ClosetMaid products, too!

We wouldn't mind having...

Activity Storage Table

Activity Table

Cubeicals Stack & Hang 2 Cube Organizer

Stack and Hang 2 Cube Organizer

Storage Locker

15 Cube Organizer
(Hello, shoe storage!)

Whether you're looking for big storage solutions or small ones, ClosetMaid has the perfect solution for you! Many of their storage pieces come in a variety of colors, so you won't have to worry about finding the right pieces to match your existing decor! We're glad to have the 3 Cube Storage Bench, and can't wait to add some storage pieces to our back porch, laundry room, Balian's bedroom, and our tiny closets, too!

Want It? Buy It!

You can browse the entire line of ClosetMaid products on their website, and purchase them right online! You can also look for ClosetMaid products in your local home improvement stores. Stay connected with ClosetMaid on Facebook and Twitter for inspiration, ideas, tips and more!

Cubeicals 3 Cube Bench

Want It? Win It!

One very lucky MBP reader will win their very own 3 Cube Storage Bench, with Fabric Bins! Just use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter to win! First two fields on the Rafflecopter are mandatory and the rest are optional- just remember, the more you do, the greater your chances of winning are!

Special thanks to the team at ClosetMaid for allowing us to try their wonderful storage solutions, and for offering this super giveaway for our readers, as well!

Good luck!

My MBP Signature

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Other than the above mentioned products, which I received directly from this sponsor for review purposes, I was not compensated for facilitating this review. All opinions expressed are my own. Your experience may differ. Mommy's Block Party and its team members are not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment- this is the understood responsibility of the giveaway sponsor.