Getting Sorted Home Ideas

As published February 5 2009 Issue 562 www.theweekender.com.au

Big THANKS to my friends at Howards Storage who bring us all the great products for a simpler, easier life.

GETTING SORTED
Create order in your house and reclaim some space and style with these simple ways to declutter. When you are short on time, or feel less than energetic, it can be tempting to hurl things into a cupboard and convince yourself you will deal with them later. Yet, when you discover Eskies in your wardrobe and bills in the pantry, Wurtulla professional organiser Jane Gardiner suggests reassessing your possessions, and where you stash them, to streamline your home and life.

“When you are well organised you have more energy and are more productive and efficient,” Jane says. “And, when you consider the 20/80 principle where most people use just 20 per cent of their belongings 80 per cent of the time, it will make the culling process easier.” While overhauling the house may seem overwhelming, the best way to start is to tackle one room at a time.

KITCHEN
The kitchen is a prime place for hordes of unused gadgets and appliances to languish in the back of drawers and cupboards. To eliminate the things you don’t need and use, Jane recommends emptying your third drawer and storing the contents in a box. “Over three weeks I advise people to replace the items back into the drawer one by one as they use things and, after that time, whatever is still left in the box can go.” When storing food in cupboards, opt for square containers that can be easily stacked and maximise available space. If you are a person who loves to cook and has lots of spice and condiment jars, group like items together in labelled baskets or plastic containers. In the pantry, Jane says the best way to begin organising is to dispose of products past their use-by date and consider the way you cook and shop. “It is a good idea to plan ahead when you go grocery shopping, but a lot of people overstock their pantry with things they never use,” she says. “So, look to buy things fresh when you need them, so you are not overspending on items that you’ll eventually throw out.”

LIVING AREA
When looking to minimise clutter, consider your lifestyle and the things you treasure most. Position magazine holders and bookshelves close to the couch as you’ll be more likely to put items away if storage spots are within reach. While it may be tempting to fill shelves to the brim, select a few special items to showcase and conceal the rest. That way you can rotate and exchange pieces for an ever-changing look. Jane recommends having a designated, yet accessible, spot for everything.
“For things like keys and mail, find a good place to keep that works for you. And, if you can’t store them out of sight in a drawer, pick a nice basket or bowl where you can keep things together and find them in a flash.” When looking to buy storage, opt for built-ins if the budget allows. To maximise the feeling of space, look to use floating shelves and cabinets that skim the floor.

MASTER BEDROOM
Bring order to your cupboards by sorting clothes by colour or in groups such as work, weekend and evening wear. If you haven’t worn something in two years, consider donating it to charity or selling it at a garage sale or online. If cupboard space is limited, look to double the hanging space by adding an extra rod as clothes are neater and more accessible if they are hung, rather than stacked.

KIDS ROOMS
When organising children’s bedrooms, Jane recommends restricting furniture to a few functional pieces. “The bedroom should be a sanctuary that should be kept clean and clear to help children sleep. So, if possible, it is a good idea to allocate things like toys, electronics, computers and study desks to a multipurpose room,” she says.
Colour coding is a great way to keep kids’ items organised. Open lid containers are an affordable option as they are easy to access and stow away. To use wall space, invest in racks, hangers and shelves that are adjustable so they can be repositioned as children grow.

HOME OFFICE
If your desk is hidden under a pile of paper and miscellaneous debris, Jane suggests rationalising the amount of paper you keep. “Many people keep books and leaflets that contain information you can easily access online, so consider what you do need to keep and recycle or donate the rest,” she says. While desk and surfaces should be kept clear, she recommends step files for storing and sorting documents that need to be dealt with. Invest in good functional items including a desk with drawers and dividers that can help keep files in order. Rather than keep everything in folders and storage boxes, affix a pin board to the wall and attach reminders, inspirational pictures and important information you need to keep track of.

Stockist: Howards Storage World, Kawana, 5444 6199 or visit www.hsw.com.au