With the cooler months upon us it is likely that you are finding yourself spending more time inside your home. But hey, if your home is anything like mine it is sometimes bulging at the seams with clutter, boxes, kids toys and that good old “I’ll keep that for later” drawer.
To be honest, we may not realise it but our hoarding habits can in fact to take a toll on our wellbeing and impact how we feel within our homes.
So, here are some helpful steps to declutter your home and love your space again.
1. Clear the clutter – donate, sell or dispose
There are many in our community that are doing it tough and a great way to support them is by donating quality items such as clothing, books, kitchenware and anything else which charities are calling out for.
And of course, you can always list items for sale or give away on sites like Facebook marketplace and Gumtree.
This process can include checking with family and friends to see if they have an immediate need for anything you want to get rid of.
Work room by room to select items which can be donated, sold or disposed of.
2. Organise – clever and purposeful storage solutions
You may have heard the old saying ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’?.
Well, this idea still rings true. Essentially, we want to ensure that whatever we decide to keep from the decluttering process, has somewhere to be stored and that it should be tidily returned there when not in use.
Look within cupboards and drawers to determine how items can be contained and divided for easy identification and use.
For example, drawer and shelf dividers, storage baskets, clear containers, labels, racks, hooks, crates and caddies are all perfect examples of things we can use to contain and organise our homes. Whether it be the pantry, bathroom, wardrobe or garage there is always an organisation solution to suit! Places like Howards Storage World, Organised HQ, Target, Kmart and Bunnings are great places to start.
3. Maintain – We have cleared the clutter, now to maintain a tidy home
Once you have decluttered, contained and organised where everything will live you need to ensure that organisation is maintained.
Aim to see an empty drawer, shelf or cupboard in each room to allow for future needs. A monthly review of any areas which might appear to be untidy again will help ensure that your home remains in a clutter free state. Consistency is key!
Happy organising!
Gabrielle Towns
Interior Designer
About the Author: Gabrielle is a Launceston based Interior Designer with over 10 years’ experience. She works closely with both residential and commercial clients to create beautiful, considered spaces. A lover of all things art, architecture and design, Gabrielle has extensive experience across project management, client communication and interior finish selections.
When she is not designing you will find her at the easel painting, puzzling with a glass of wine, renovating or enjoying time at the beach with her family.
