by Natalie Morey | May 21, 2025 | Declutter tips, Organise, Organising, Tips
Tame the Chaos: 9 Drop Zone Tips from Our Team
The drop zone – it’s arguably one of the most-used (and most-abused) spaces in the home. Located near your most common entrance, it catches everything from shoes and school bags to mystery crumbs and 14 unmatched socks. There’s never been a better time to take back control.
We asked our team of decluttering pros to spill their secrets. Here’s what they shared:
Location, location, location
Your drop zone should be near the door you use the most – garage, front or back. Don’t overthink it. If your kids barge in like a cyclone through the garage every day, that’s where the drop zone goes.
Contain the clutter
Use baskets, trays or tubs for each person. Bonus points for labelling them – and no, “stuff” is not a valid label.
Go vertical
Install hooks for bags, hats and coats. Wall space is often wasted real estate – give it a job and make it earn its keep.
A seat is not a luxury
A bench gives you somewhere to perch while wrestling on shoes. It also doubles as extra storage if it opens or has baskets underneath. Genius.
Corral the shoes
Use a shoe rack, tray or cubbies. Unless you love tripping over sneakers at 7am, this one’s essential.
Set up a charging station
Corral cords and chargers in one spot so no one “forgets” their phone again. Tech tidy = less morning chaos.
Use a family calendar or whiteboard
Keep schedules and notes here. Think of it as your family’s mission control. (Also one less excuse for forgetting school photo day.)
Keep it kid-friendly
Hooks at kid height, low baskets and a visual routine chart can help the little ones to use the space independently.
Regularly reset
Once a week, do a quick tidy up. Put rogue items back where they belong (no, the umbrella does not live on the floor).
by Natalie Morey | Mar 5, 2025 | Declutter tips, Organise, Organising, Tips
With the start of a new season, it’s the perfect time for a mini declutter. Get your winter wardrobe neat and organised with these smart storage solutions.
1) Fold bulky jumpers instead of hanging them to prevent stretching. Fold in short even stacks to prevent them from falling over.
2) Use drawer dividers or containers to keep jumpers grouped neatly. Felt ones are great as your woollen clothes won’t catch on them.
3) Adjustable draw dividers is another way to help keep bulky items organised.
4) Use acrylic dividers. These clip onto your shelves and are the perfect solution to keep items grouped and stacked upright.
by Natalie Morey | Mar 4, 2025 | Declutter tips, Organise, Organising, Tips
As an industry leader, The Lifestylers Group is often called upon to provide information and advice.
Here we are featured in the Bunnings Magazine. Declutter your home: 16 easy tips
Bunnings Warehouse,
January 2025
Bunnings Magazine – January
by Natalie Morey | Nov 7, 2024 | Declutter tips, Organise, Organising, Tips
With only 7 weekends till Christmas, here’s 7 tips to get organised this Christmas.
1. Create a Christmas Checklist
- Why: Having a visual timeline can help you break down tasks into manageable chunks.
- How: Mark important dates such as parties, school or sporting breakups and deadlines for holiday cards or meals. Write down tasks like shopping, decorating and wrapping gifts. Assign deadlines to each task so you stay on track.
2. Start Gift Shopping Early (and Make a List)
- Why: Avoid the stress of last-minute shopping and ensure you find thoughtful gifts.
- How: Make a list of everyone you need to shop for, along with ideas for each person. Check off each name as you purchase or order the gifts. Consider shopping online to save time and avoid crowded stores.
3. Declutter and Organise Your Space
- Why: A tidy home creates a peaceful environment for the holidays and makes room for gifts and decorations.
- How: Spend a couple of weekends decluttering key areas like your entryway, living room and kitchen. Donate or sell items you no longer use. Also, consider organising your storage spaces so you can easily access your holiday decorations when it’s time to put them up.
4. Plan Your Holiday Meals Early
- Why: Planning ahead helps you avoid the chaos of last-minute grocery runs and ensures you don’t forget any ingredients.
- How: Create a menu for all meals you’ll be hosting and make a shopping list. Consider ordering non-perishable items in advance or using delivery services to save time. If you’re hosting multiple people, coordinate with guests about what they’ll bring.
5. Set a Budget
- Why: Avoid financial stress by sticking to a holiday budget.
- How: Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to track expenses and stick to your limits. Include a buffer for unexpected expenses (like shipping fees or extra ingredients).
6. Tackle Holiday Cards Early
- Why: Sending cards can be time-consuming, so starting early helps you avoid rushing through them.
- How: Address envelopes and write personalized notes in advance. If you’re ordering custom cards, plan ahead for printing and shipping times. Set aside time to send them out before the holidays get too hectic.
7. Prepare for Guests
- Why: You want your guests to feel welcome
- How: If you’re hosting, prepare your guest room or space. This might mean decluttering or clearing out items to make space or planning for additional meals or activities. Consider if you need to buy extra presents so everyone gets a gift on Christmas day?
By following our 7 tips to get organised this Christmas, hopefully you’ll give yourself more time to relax and enjoy the true spirit of the season without feeling overwhelmed. And if you are feeling overwhelmed, then contact The Lifestylers Group. Our team of Professional Organisers love helping people to declutter and organise their homes.
