Living in an organised home not only helps you find the keys faster, it can also have a positive impact on overconsumption, saving you money in the long run. “When items get lost, you convince yourself you need new ones,” says Lisa Hodgson, founder of online course The Intentional Home, who sees the impact of helping clients get organised. “When people pare back, they experience gratitude for what they have.”
According to Anita Birges, organisation expert and founder of Mise en Place, wardrobes and kitchen cupboards are among the unruliest spaces in our homes—and a great place to start.
Where to begin
Pinpoint your goal
“Defining what you want to achieve keeps you focused and leads to less ‘clutter shuffling’ and more meaningful decisions,” says Cath Buxton, home organisation expert at My Curated Life . “Do you want to feel less stressed and overwhelmed? More focused and productive? Or perhaps you want a simpler, calmer home?”
Start small
Avoid overwhelm and start with one drawer, cupboard or shelf, says Buxton. “Empty it out and make intentional decisions about what to keep and clean before reorganising your items. Try non-sentimental items first and build momentum.”
Think ahead
Before you tackle a room, have a plan and an endgame, says Birges. “For an office, do you need a shredder or storage boxes and labels? How will you recycle responsibly?” Think about these questions ahead of time so you don’t run into speed bumps. “Don’t shop to ‘stock up on storage items’—plan what you need. Measure twice, buy once—you don’t want decluttering clutter,” Birges adds.
