by Natalie Morey | May 18, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Tips
Clutter is unnecessary and causes us to be unproductive. However, the good news is that you can easily manage the clutter in your home or life. Follow our tips on clearing clutter and you will be well on your way to a clutter free home and life.
Tips On Clearing Clutter
Tips on Clearing Clutter
When you want to get organised and clear clutter in your wardrobe, kitchen, home office or house in general start by asking yourself:
- Do I love this item?
- Have I used or wore it in the past year?
- Is it really garbage?
- Do I have another one that is in better condition?
- Should I really keep two of them?
- Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it?
- Or does it give me guilt and make me sad when I see the item?
Tips on Clearing the Clutter
My key tips to help you start clearing your clutter are:
- Pick one room first (don’t worry about the rest of the house)
- Start small. It is often quite overwhelming when you look at the whole house or a room so only look at one area first i.e. one shelve in one cupboard first. Clear that space and then move on.
- If you don’t have a whole day to spend clearing the clutter, set aside 15 minutes every day. Don’t get sidetracked, just focus on the job.
- Set a timer and don’t stop until you are finished.
- Create piles or categories for sorting items. i.e. keep, donate, rubbish, repair.
- Get a rubbish bag and fill it with rubbish or items to donate. If you did that every day, seven bags of rubbish would be cleared in a week. Now, that’s a great start.
I have also listed below some of my key tips to help you work through the process of actually clearing the clutter.
Sentimental Items
Be sentimental but selective. Choose a beautiful box in which to keep sentimental items. For example, keep a few cherished baby clothes and give the rest to someone who will use them. Put photos into albums only keeping the best ones and let the others go.
Broken things
Give yourself a deadline by which broken items must be fixed by. If they are not fixed by then, they need to be recycled or thrown out.
Presents
Ask yourself, can I re-gift or give them to someone else who will use them?
Paper
Be ruthless with paper. Put junk mail straight in the recycling bin and decide how long you will keep other newspapers and documents for. Use your recycling bin and ask yourself; When will I really have time to sit down and read that pile of papers or junk mail ?
Clothes
Ask yourself when was the last time I wore it and did it make me feel amazing?
Kitchen items
Again, ask yourself when was the last time I used it. Do I really need two of them?
How does it feel when you clear the clutter?
As you put things in the bin or charity shop bag, you may feel good and even feel a huge sense of relief. Or you may feel guilty that you are wasting money by throwing things away. You may also feel guilty that you are letting go of unwanted presents or baby clothes.
Many of my clients come from families where hoarding is a common problem. Often people have lots of clutter because that’s what they were taught and brought up with. You need to identify this and take action to change those behaviours.
I take the approach – “one in, one out”. Remember, you can only use one vacuum cleaner at a time.
Helping you decide what to declutter
If you really feel panicky about letting go of something then store it for three months.
Put a date on it before you store it away. If you haven’t used it in three months then give it away, knowing that it has not been used.
The benefits of clearing the clutter
There are massive benefits for you to get motivated, clear the clutter and become more organised. You will:
- Have a more relaxed and organised home
- Feel more organised and in control of your live
- Find that getting dressed and ready for work in the morning will be so much easier when you know exactly what is in your wardrobe.
There are massive benefits physiologically as well. I know myself; if I have a messy desk then my mind feels cluttered. I am not as productive when I sit down to work because I am surrounded with papers. A clear, uncluttered desk helps me think straight.
If you don’t have lots of clutter in your pantry, you won’t go and buy extra grocery items, thinking you need them. Often because of the clutter and lack of systems, clients will end up buying duplicate packets of food because they cannot find them in the pantry. They don’t have a set stop to store certain foods. It all just gets put in the pantry on different shelves and it starts to build up after a while.
With an organised wardrobe you will have a much better idea of what you actually need when you go shopping.
Good luck with clearing your clutter. Remember, be focused and have a plan of attack. If you find you need some assistance, then one of our clutter experts is only a phone call away. A free, no-obligation chat with us may be the first step you need to help you clear the clutter in your home and life.
by Natalie Morey | May 10, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Tips
We were pretty chuffed to be included in this months edition of the Home Beautiful Magazine – 40 ways to get sorted.
As you know, we love to declutter and get our clients sorted. These clever out of the box storage ideas will help you declutter and restore order in the most stylish ways.
In the article, 40 ways to get sorted – Storage solutions for every room of the house, it gives lots of tips and solutions to help people get organised.
Whether you need to declutter and organise your hallway, need some stylish home office organising tips or need to organise your living room, there is some great storage solutions.
We hope you get some ideas or inspiration to get inspired and organised this February. To read the full article click here.
Happy Organising,
Natalie Morey
by Natalie Morey | Mar 21, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Tips
Hickson Hanger
Do you have clothing items you don’t wear just because you can’t find them in your wardrobe? Are you sick of trying to find a matching bra for your dress or top? Are you running out of hanging space? If you answered yes, then we have got the right hanger for you.
The multiple-garment Hickson Hanger will keep your wardrobe organised and saves you precious time. Fit up to 8 items on 1 hanger. Cost: $10.00
Under Bed Storage
Need more space to store stuff? This bed storage lets you keep things like duvets or winter clothes in under bed storage boxes or in a storage unit at the foot of your bed. So your things stay out of the way but still close at hand. Cost: $39.95
Skubb Storage Boxes
If chaos is king inside your drawers or wardrobe, the SKUBB storage series puts you back in charge. The boxes and hanging organisers come in different sizes which means you can divide your clothes, shoes and accessories so you find everything fast. The boxes also fold flat when not in use so you can store them away easily. The come in a range of colours including white, black, light green and pink. Prices range from $9.99.
Scarftastic
A two in one product which holds all your scarves or holds all your ties for him.
The Scarftastic has 8 rows to hold over 20 scarves or more than 40 ties. Cost $12.00
Valet
As a professional organiser I cannot help myself. I like to get my clothes already and ironed the night before work so I’m all organised in the morning. This little number is perfect for this. Keep your suits crinkle free and in ready-to-wear condition with this Valet.
The hanger is designed with its sturdy in-built coat hanger at the back for jackets and a rail for pants to drape over. Neat and petite this handy all in one hanger looks elegant in the corner of your master bedroom, guest room or office. Cost: $99.00
Boot Keeper Clip – White
As experts in wardrobe organisation we know that shoe storage can make a difference to your life; and now it’s easy to preserve your boots and keep them next-occasion-ready thanks to the Boot Keeper Clip.
Use the Boot Keeper Clip to keep your prized winter shoes upright, in-shape and wrinkle-free. When you’re not using your boots, simply hang the ring on a doorknob or store them neatly in the base of your wardrobe! Whether you store your shoes in your wardrobe, the garage or at the front entrance to your home, the Boot Keeper provides a clever, easy to use space saving storage solution. Cost: $14.95
Inflatable Boot support
As another alternative, Booty Shapers are an inexpensive and simple way to preserve your investment. Don’t leave boots bending and crumpled at the bottom of your cupboard or tossed into a corner.
Inflate the inserts to keep boots in shape when they’re not being worn. It’s that simple. They are also a great travel accessory as they prevent your boots from getting squashed in your suitcase and they are reusable and ideal for summer storage. They contour to shape the boot but won’t stretch the leather and best of all, it keeps your wardrobe neat and organised. Visit Howards for more details. Cost $9.95
by Natalie Morey | Nov 26, 2012 | Declutter tips, Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Tips
Christmas Organising
Now is the perfect time to get organised and make sure you write and mail your Christmas cards this year. Getting your Christmas cards out on time, only takes a little bit of forward planning, so what are you waiting for.
Tips To Get You Organised
Here are some of our key tips on making sure your Christmas cards get mailed this year.
- Type up your Christmas card list and keep it in a safe place so that you can refer to it (to add or delete names) year after year. I also put an asterisk next to any overseas addresses, as a reminder to post their card early.
- I find the easiest way to manage my Christmas Card list is in Excel. That way I can mail merge and print off addresses directly onto labels. You can also print directly onto the envelope, which saves you not only time but also the cost of the label.
- Create your own “return to sender labels” using labels purchased from Office Works. I have used http://www.coastallabels.com.au before and they were very quick and well priced. Also check out: https://www.thatsmine.com.au
- Set a date and plan to write your Christmas cards in the last week of November, because otherwise Christmas day will be here before you know it and that pile of blank Christmas cards will still be sitting on your desk.
- Christmas cards with ‘card only’ marked on the envelope can be posted at a reduced rate during November and December.
- Overseas mail at Christmas time takes longer to arrive. Plan ahead and arrange to send cards or presents in early to mid November, to avoid disappointments (and the very long queues at the post office).
- For great savings, buy Christmas cards, wrapping paper, ribbons and decorations at post-Christmas sales – you would be amazed how much you can save.
Until next time, happy organising.
Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser.
by Natalie Morey | Nov 19, 2012 | Declutter tips, House Packing and House Unpacking |
Are You Moving House?
Moving house is a huge job. However, moving doesn’t have to be an ordeal. This checklist and timeline should help you plan for your move. I would also recommend that you start organising your move, at least a month in advance. For big moves, or interstate moves you will need to start organising your move much earlier than 4 weeks. Good luck and I hope these moving tips, help take the pressure off your move.
4 Weeks Before the Move
- Set up a “Moving House Folder” containing all your moving documents
- Organise removalist quotes. (Remember the good ones always book out first)
- Make a floor plan of your new house detailing where your furniture will go. Dispose of items that won’t fit.
- Start decluttering your house and throw out or donate items that you don’t want to take to the new house.
- If renting, formally notify the realestate agent of your vacate date.
2 Weeks Before the Move
- Confirm house and carpet cleaning. (Check with your realestate agent, if they have preferred suppliers)
- Organise utility connection/disconnections.
- Start using up any remaining food in your refrigerator/freezer.
- Cancel newspaper, milk and other deliveries
- Finalise any additional moving documentation such as transit insurance, house or contents insurance.
- Organise for pets to be moved to their new home
- Organise accommodation and travel arrangements for the duration of the moving process.
1 Week Before the Move
- Lodge your Australia Post Mail Redirection forms.
- Advise relevant organisations of your change of address details.
- Back up your computer hard drive and ensure your printer and scanner are ready to be packed securely.
- Organise rubbish removal
1 Day Before the Move
- If booked, professional packers will arrive and pack up your house in a day. Remember to leave out items not to be packed including clothes and medicines that might be required on the day of the move.
- Place important items in your “Moving House Survival Kit” e.g. new keys and remote control, mobile phone charger, Panadol, toilet paper, kid’s toys or activities, phone number of your new local takeaway place and your “Moving House Folder”.
On The Moving Day
- If appropriate, reserve a park out the front of your apartment or house for the removalists
- Do a final check of all cupboards, rooms and outdoor areas before the removalist leaves.
- Let the cleaners in so they can start the vacate clean.
- Do a final check of the property ensuring it’s thoroughly cleaned, rubbish removed, light globes replaced.
- Return the keys to the realestate agent.
- Once you’re settled into your new home, complete and return the property inspection report to the real estate agent, within the agreed time frame.
Don’t have time to organise your move, pack and then unpack at the other end?
Then contact The Lifestylers Group and we can organise it for you. Whether it’s packing up the kitchen, the entire house or helping to organise your move, we can help take the hassle out of moving house. The Lifestylers Group offer a comprehensive house relocation service including:
Relocation Assistance | House Packing and Unpacking | Home Organising & Decluttering
Until next time, happy moving.
Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser.
by Natalie Morey | Nov 15, 2012 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Tips
Christmas Organising
As professional organisers we like to be organised and start planning things well in advance, especially when it comes to Christmas. Suppliers book out quickly, so it is important to start thinking about the services you might need over the Christmas and holiday period. Home security becomes even more important at Christmas and holiday time, so now is the time to start thinking about this. Here are some tips for holiday home safety this Christmas.
Christmas Home Security Tips
- This may sound a little strange, however don’t display your Christmas tree and gifts right in the front window. Whilst it looks great with the Christmas lights flashing, it’s also an invitation for burglars to check out your Christmas shopping! If you must place your tree in front of the window, make sure you display them in a way that they are not too obvious.
- This is an oldie but a goodie – Don’t hide your door key under a mat. The first place a burglar will look for a house key is under a mat. And the second place that they will look is under a rock, flower pot or door ledge, so think again when you are hiding your key.
- Speak with a trusted friend or neighbour and leave a spare key with them, if you need to. Alternatively, you could use The Lifestylers Group, key holding service.
- I’m sure your Christmas lights look amazing, however be mindful of your security if you run a cord from inside the house, out to the lights. Even if it’s ajar, this provides easy access for would-be criminals. I always say that opportunity creates a thief.
- Don’t leave information on you answering machine that indicates you’re on holidays.
- If you are away for a while, be careful that your answer machine doesn’t fill up with messages – as it’s another clue that you’re not home.
- Arrange to forward your home phone number to your mobile, a neighbour or to The Lifestylers Group for the duration of your holiday.
- Keep your drapes or blinds closed at night. If you’re not there, then get someone to pop in each night to close the blinds and open them in the morning.
- Buy an inexpensive, 24 hour timer for your lamps. This turns them on and off, giving the illusion that you are home.
- Don’t leave your rubbish bins out on the street.
- A good friend of mine once left their rubbish bin out for two nights and on the third day, they got broken into.
- Don’t let newspapers pile up on your front door step. Get Australia Post to hold your mail. It only costs a small amount. If you have run out of time, then get The Lifestylers Group to do it for you.
One of the girls at work always says “Opportunity creates a thief”. What opportunities are you providing for a would-be thief?
The Christmas Organising Services
If you need help in organising your home security this Christmas then contact The Lifestylers Group. The Lifestylers Group can visit your home, put the blinds up and down each day, water the plants and the put the rubbish bins out (and most importantly retrieve them). We can also collect and action your mail, pay your bills and follow up on any urgent correspondence whilst you are on leave. So, now you can relax and enjoy your holiday. For more information, call The Lifestylers Group on 03 9421 1070.
Until next time, happy organising.
Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser
