Declutter your home: Foolproof tips for declutter novices

Tidying up can often be a real chore, that’s why you need friends like these.

Let’s be honest. Life is often a little disorganised.

And the same goes for our homes. But a weekend is the perfect time to get any messes sorted. A long weekend ever better.

Do that and everything will run more smoothly — your home clearly, but life too, says Diana Baliva, founder of Closet Philosophy.

“When everything has a place or home it makes getting through the busy day that little bit easier and faster too,” she says.

“An organised home makes everything 100 per cent easier and having things easily accessible enables the family to be more independent. ”

A cluttered space isn’t good for much.

THE BEDROOM

The simplest way to begin is in the bedroom. Open your wardrobe and any other storage spaces and take everything out. Pile everything on the bed. Next evaluate each item closely. If anything is worn or damaged it should be tossed. The same applies to clothing items that no longer fit you (or in fact, never did).

If there are pieces that are in good condition but you simply don’t fancy them, they can be donated to charity. Before you return everything to your wardrobe split the items into categories including trousers, button-down shirts, skirts, jackets and so on.

Organised house, organised life. Picture: Ikea

Group similar items together and hang facing the same direction and consider a matching set of hangers. We love the wooden versions — they’re more gentle on clothes and also, visually appealing. Both Kmart and Target offer inexpensive versions, Ikea too.

THE KITCHEN

Once again it’s time to empty the cupboards. Place everything in a corner and be careful with breakables. Check use-by dates and throw anything that has expired.

Separate items into food groups such as breakfast items, pasta and so on and buy a set of canisters or clear containers and add labels.

Decluttering Queen Marie Kondo. Picture: KonMari Media Inc

Eye-level shelves should home those items you use most often (coffee, sugar and so on), while food stuffs you only need every week or so can go higher up.

Consider lining shelves with sticky mats. These will protect your shelves from spills and instead of having to clean every six months, you can remove and replace.

In terms of utensils, ditch anything that is damaged or that you never use. The same goes for anything that you have two or more of. Nobody needs three woks. Dinnerware that’s chipped or worn needs to go also.

That’s not great.

THE BATHROOM

One of the simplest ways to sort a bathroom is by placing a row of hooks on the back of the door. Inexpensive yet aesthetically pleasing versions can be found at Bunnings and other hardware stores. These are perfect for towels, bathrobes and so on. Consider having a colour for each family member and keep the theme running through from linen to toothbrushes. This is ideal for kids. A basket or bin for dirty clothes is a must. You can get pretty wicker versions or brightly coloured tubs if that’s more your style from hardware stores or even $2 shops.

Sydney mum Jessica Lea Dunne and husband Antok committed to a big declutter.

The shower or tub will benefit from a caddy which holds hair and body products, and soap. Make sure you have one which drains — these prevent water pooling which means less chance of grime and mould.

Next step, the bathroom cabinet. Again, remove every item for a quick look over. Anything damaged must go. Same for items past their use-by dates. On that, mascara should be tossed at three months. Lipstick at six, moisturiser at 12 months.

That’s more like it. Picture: Nick Clayton.

Any other item that still looks good and has not separated or discoloured can stay. Group items, pop them back into the shelf and voila — you’re organised. High five you!

Decluttering expert and renovation queen Tamara Wrigley, does a declutter every three to six months. She shares her top tips to streamline your home.

Kitchen decluttering done right. Picture: Nick Clayton.

Ask yourself three questions: Do I love it? Do I need it and am I likely to use it in the next six to 12 months? If the answer is no, ditch it.

Concentrate on one room at a time: Go room by room, otherwise the process is likely to be overwhelming.

Invite friends over: It’s always a good idea to get someone to help you. They’ll help you to be subjective, especially when it comes to sentimental items.

Here’s to decluttering.

SHOW no mercy on the linen cupboard: Tired sheets and towels should be tossed ASAP. Same goes for anything you have too many of.

Store your photos wisely: Photos tend to be digitised these days so back up hard drives often. Keep old photos in plastic containers and negatives in a separate box. That way, you have a backup.

Originally published as Declutter your home: Foolproof tips for declutter novices