When it comes to getting organised at home, we often don’t look for solutions until things are way out of hand. But if you’re moving into a new house, it’s the perfect time to get organised and stay organised. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these handy tips.
Choose a handy spot to keep your belongings when you arrive home. Otherwise, bags, keys, wallets and paperwork will spread throughout your house very quickly. A narrow table, hallstand, shelving or wall hooks can help you keep everything neat and tidy in your entry. Decide on a specific place to store each item you come home with – keys in a basket, mail in a tray, etc. If you put things where they belong from the start, it will soon become a habit, and you won’t have to think about it at all!
Every home has bits and pieces that need a specific place to be stored. Things like medication, first aid supplies, light bulbs, wrapping paper, Christmas decorations – the list is endless. These items, which tend to come in all shapes and sizes, can quickly make a mess in your cupboards and drawers. But don’t despair! Group similar items together and store them in labelled boxes, which can then be stacked neatly on shelves, and you won’t look back.
With most people opting for electronic bills and statements these days, chances are, the amount of paperwork you have to file at home is much less than it used to be. But don’t let this fool you into thinking that you don’t need a filing system. Folders labelled in broad categories such as car, school, household bills, tax, etc, will help ensure that you have what you need at your fingertips. If you don’t have enough paperwork to justify purchasing a filing cabinet, file boxes are just as functional. Whatever filing system you choose, make sure it’s easily accessible. If it’s too hard to use, you probably won’t use it.
Getting rid of duplicates is one of the easiest ways to declutter. Why have five wooden spoons, when you only need one or two? Or dozens of coffee mugs? The simple rule is ‘one in, one out.’ So whenever you get something new, get rid of something similar that’s old.
One of the main reasons things pile up on bench tops, tables and floors is that they have no ‘home’. Make sure everything ‘lives’ somewhere. Storing items in the room where they’re used helps ensure they get put away when you’re finished using them. If it’s something you use frequently, make sure it’s easy to access. If you need to reach up to a high shelf and take down a huge, heavy platter just so you can put a bowl away, chances are, you won’t do it.
Most wardrobes are full of clothes we hardly wear. In fact, we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. So it’s a great idea to sort through your clothes before you move into your new home, and then follow up at the end of every season. Toss items that don’t fit or aren’t comfortable into a bag, and take it to a charity store or vintage clothing shop. You could even make a little extra cash! And remember, don’t hold onto things because you think you might need them one day. The key to decluttering is actually getting rid of things, not simply rearranging them.
The laundry is one room that seems to accumulate odds and ends very quickly. But there are a few easy fixes that can really help. Keep a a small basket on the bench for odd socks, a bowl for items emptied out of pockets, and a few extra baskets or bags to separate delicate and dry clean only items. If you have lots of delicates that need hand washing, you may also want to get a portable drying rack that you can put away when not in use.
Use a basket, bin or large tote bag to collect items you want to give away. We often hold on to clutter, simply because there’s no clear plan to get it out of the house. Having a dedicated spot to put items you no longer need makes clearing clutter much easier. Then once it’s full, just grab it and go!
With over 35 years experience building quality homes, Hallmark Homes make the whole process easy and enjoyable. In fact, around 70% of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals – probably because we go to great lengths to understand your individual needs, delivering a high level of personal service.
So if you’re thinking of building a new home in South-East Queensland, our friendly team is ready to help. Come and check out one of our display centres for yourself. If you have any questions about our home designs or house and land packages, please contact us today.
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