by Natalie Morey | Sep 11, 2023 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation
- Set aside a dedicated time to declutter your garage, such as a weekend or a few evenings. This will allow you to focus on the task at hand without interruption.
- Start by removing everything from your garage and sorting it into different categories. This can include categories such as tools, sports equipment, gardening supplies and holiday decorations.
- Get rid of items that you no longer need or use. If something has been unused for over a year, it’s likely that you can do without it. Consider donating or selling items that are still in good condition.
- Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets and hooks to help keep your garage organised. This will allow you to keep items off the floor and create designated spaces for different categories of items.
- Group similar items together to make them easier to find. For example, keep all your gardening tools in one area and all your sports equipment in another.
- Make use of vertical space by hanging items on the walls or from the ceiling. This can include things like bicycles, ladders and tools. Utilise wall-mounted storage systems or install pegboards to maximize storage space.
- Label storage containers and shelves to make it easier to find what you need. This will help prevent items from getting misplaced or forgotten about.
- Take advantage of wall space by installing hooks or racks to hang items such as shovels, rakes and brooms. This will keep them off the floor and free up space.
- Create a designated workspace or area for specific activities, such as a workbench for DIY projects or a space for gardening. This will help keep your garage organised and make it easier to find and store the necessary tools and equipment.
- Regularly maintain and clean your garage to prevent clutter from building up again. Dedicate a few minutes each week to organising and tidying up, so you can enjoy a clutter-free space
by Natalie Morey | Jun 21, 2023 | Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Tips, Virtual PA
It’s that time of year. The end of financial year is nearly here. That means it’s time to get your home office paperwork organised. So, here’s 15 ways to organise your home office. They won’t take you long, but I guarantee that if you take the time to do them you will transform your home office in no time at all.
15 ways to organise your home office
Tip 1: Start with your desk. Clear off any unnecessary items, sort through loose papers and create designated spaces for essentials like pens, notebooks and office supplies.
Tip 2: Tackle your filing system. Sort through old documents and create a system that works for you. Consider digitizing files to reduce paper clutter.
Tip 3: Organise your bookshelf. Donate or sell books you no longer need and arrange the remaining ones in a visually pleasing and accessible manner.
Tip 4: Create a designated space for incoming and outgoing mail. Set up trays or folders to sort and manage your mail effectively.
Tip 5: Assess your storage solutions. Optimize your storage by using bins, baskets or drawer organisers to keep items neat and easily accessible.
Tip 6: Declutter your computer desktop. Organise files and folders, delete unnecessary shortcuts and ensure your digital workspace is streamlined.
Tip 7: Focus on cable management. Use cable clips or cord organisers to keep cables and cords tidy and prevent them from becoming tangled.
Working From Home
Tip 8: Evaluate your office furniture. Determine if any furniture items are no longer serving a purpose and if so consider replacing or repurposing them.
Tip 9: Sort through office supplies. Discard dried-out pens, markers, or supplies you no longer use. Keep essentials neatly stored in containers or drawers.
Tip 10: Clear out outdated technology. Dispose of old gadgets, cables or electronic devices that are no longer functional or needed.
Tip 11: Declutter your bulletin board or whiteboard. Remove outdated notes or reminders and create a fresh, visually appealing space.
Tip 12: Evaluate your lighting situation. Ensure your workspace is well-lit with an appropriate desk lamp or overhead lighting.
Tip 13: Clean and organise your printer area. Remove any old or unused paper, refill ink or toner and create a designated spot for printing supplies.
Tip 14: Create a system for managing receipts and invoices. Consider using digital tools or apps to store and organise important financial documents.
Home Office Ideas
Tip 15: Evaluate your office decor. Remove any items that don’t inspire you or contribute to a productive environment. Add personal touches that bring you joy.
For more tips on getting ready for tax time read this blog. Or if you reed some help to get your home office paperwork organised, then contact us.
by Natalie Morey | Feb 23, 2023 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Kids Organising, Pantry Declutter, Pantry organization, School Routine
The holidays are done. School is back and the routine has started. Is anyone else struggling to get back into routine? I think we have come out of COVID lockdowns, then packed everything into last year. Then, when we finally stopped for Christmas holidays, we really stopped. And, it has been extra hard trying to get back into the school routine (even after a few weeks)ol. So, if you are like me and have found it hard getting back into routine here is 8 tips to get you back into routine.
Sunday Session
My preparation for the week starts on a Sunday. Each Sunday I spend a few minutes planning out my week. I have a weekly planner that I put on the fridge, so everyone knows what’s happening and when. All the kid’s activities and classes are listed along with anything else happening for the week. I also list down what we are having for dinner every night. Spending a few minutes on a Sunday always ensures a more organised week. And I know when I don’t do my planning on a Sunday, I inevitably miss something during the week.
Organise your Schedule
In addition to a more detailed weekly planner you should also have a 12 month planner as well. If you haven’t previously done one, it’s not too late to find a planner that suits you. You may prefer a paper planner, a shared online calendar or an app for your phone or tablet. Whichever you choose, start off right by entering times and commitments you already know about.
Pack for Weekly Activities
As mentioned above I list all the kid’s’ activities on my weekly planner. I then ensure all their uniforms are ironed and together on a Sunday. (For my son’s basketball gear, I use one of those combination coat hanger with clips, so his basketball shorts are already on the hanger with his top – so, there’s no last minute panic to find the right shorts).
For the swimming bag, the towels and bathers are put straight back in there after they have been washed. As our swimming lessons are at 5pm I also pack their change of clothes (PJ’s given the time) in the bag as well. That way, I’m not running around madly on swimming night trying to find their gear.
Prepack
Put all the items you’ll need out the night before. This goes for the kids stuff too. School bags are packed, shoes are cleaned and out and their hat is in their bag. Oh, and don’t forget their socks too. This helps avoid that last minute rush too.
Lunch Prep
Start prepping lunch boxes the night before, by packing any fruit and snacks. I generally like to make sandwiches fresh in the morning though, but if everything else is done, then it saves me time. Don’t forget to fill the kids water bottles and pop in the fridge the night before too.
After School Snacks
Organise School Lunch Boxes
If the kids are going straight to sport activities after school, pack those snacks separately so you can take them with you when you pick up the kids.
Double Batch your Cooking
I love having a few pre-prepared meals in the freeze. This is perfect for those busy weeks. So, when I cook something like lasagne I do a double batch, eating one that night for dinner and freezing the other. Last week I starting doing “triple batches” so I have a nice stock pile of Meatballs and Lasagna. Highly recommend. Need a meal planner checklist. Check out this one. Need more inspiration on meal planning, then click here.
Get Up 10 Minutes Early
8 Tips To Get You Back Into The School Routine
Of the 8 tips to get you back into the school routine I think getting up 10 minutes early can make a massive difference. Even if it just gives you time to have a coffee in peace, or double check that everything is organise before the kids get up, it can make a big difference.
I hope these 8 tips to get you back into the school routine help.
by Natalie Morey | Oct 27, 2022 | Declutter tips, Pantry Declutter, Pantry organization, Tips
Having an organised pantry is essential. It’s a space you use numerous times a day so it needs to be setup right. You need to have different zones for your food, the right containers and a layout that works for the space So, here’s our top tips on how to organise your pantry.
Pantry organisation
Take everything out.
Remove all the items from your pantry, one shelve at a time.
Discard any out-of-date food.
Don’t forgot to start a list of items you need to replace.
Clean your pantry.
Using hot soapy water, wipe out each shelve.
Group like items together.
Put all your cereals together, your baking items together etc.
Pantry Storage
Choose your containers.
It’s a great time to replace any old containers or streamline your panty look and buy all matching containers. Clear containers are always best in the pantry. You just need to decide if you want plastic or glass ones. Don’t forget to wash out your new food containers before you decanter food into them.
When choosing the right type of container for your space, think about how they will stack together. Do you want square or round containers? You might find that square containers stack better and therefore make the best use of your space. Just make sure the lids seal really well too.
Pantry Storage
Setting up your pantry in zones.
When putting everything back into your pantry, think about the different areas and what you use the most. Items that you use all the time, like breakfast cereal should be easily accessible at the front.
Label, label and label.
Don’t forget to label the food containers too. You can also label the shelves so everyone knows what items belong on what shelves. We often use custom made labels for our client’s pantries. You can choose the colour, font and shape. The look great and the labels last longer too.
Pantry Labels
Use baskets and tubs.
Baskets or pull out tubs are really useful to store bulky items in. Canned food can be stacked on tiered shelving, soup/packet mixes can be stored in pull-out baskets and spices in a spice rack.
Create extra storage space.
We regulary get asked how to organise your pantry. As part of the organising process you should also look at how you can create more space as well. Can you create more storage zones by installing racks on the back of your door to store gladwrap, tin foil or paper towel on? For items that you don’t use regularly, think about storing them in tubs or containers either down the bottom or up the top of your pantry.
Once your pantry is neat and organised you will find that you waste less food too. You will be able to see what you have in your pantry because nothing is hidden in the back of your pantry. Plus, you won’t be knocking over the soy sauce bottle to reach your breakfast cereal because everything will be accessible.
Want to get your pantry organised? Then contact us. We love pantry’s.
by Natalie Morey | Oct 11, 2022 | Declutter tips, Home Staging, Pre Sale Declutter, Pre Sale Styling
Our expert tips on styling your house for sale will help you declutter and get organised for your sale campaign.
Expert tips on styling your house for sale
Pre sale declutter tips
- A bit of packing now creates a big return later. By packing up some of your personal belongings it will help to create more space and showcase the best attributes of your house.
- Getting personal. If you have got too many personal items on display in your home it can clutter up the space and distract potential buyers?
- Allow enough time. Decluttering takes time. Depending on how much needs to be decluttered, you might need to start the process a couple of months in advance. Or call in an expert to help you.
- Start your piles. Organise your items into groups to: Keep, Cull and Donate.
- Don’t just pack, cull first. When you start the declutter process decide if the item really needs to come to your new house. Ask yourself “Is it something that you use regularly”. Are you moving boxes that still have not been unpacked from your last house move? (We see this ALL THE TIME). By doing your decluttering now, not only does your house look great for the sale campaign, but there will be less packing to do on moving day.
Pre sale styling and decluttering tips
Is your room layout right?
- Fit for purpose. Are you using the spare bedroom as a study? Is the bedroom being used as a TV room? Sometimes you need to change around how rooms are used to help ensure maximum value on sale day.
- Fit to scale. Have you got items that are too large for your space which then makes the room dimensions look smaller? Sometimes you might need to “downsize” a certain piece of furniture like a big chunky sofa and replace it with a smaller one to help create a sense of space.
Home staging and expert tips on styling your house for sale
Tips on the right storage solutions?
- Don’t forgot inside your cupboards. It’s a dead giveaway that there might be a storage issue if perspective buyers open up your wardrobe or cupboards and find stuff shoved in there.
- Invest in stylish storage options in your cupboards. They will look great and keep things organised. Plus, they will be quicker to pack.
- Repurpose, reuse and reorganise. What furniture and items can be used in other areas of the home. It’s amazing what a fresh set of eyes can come up with.
- Clear off surfaces, particularly kitchen benches as this will automatically create more space and less clutter.
Property styling
Book some help
- Book a cleaning service just before photos are done. You might also consider booking a more regular cleaning service whilst the sales campaign is on too.
- Organise a garden clean up just before photos are scheduled. And if you are selling in spring consider booking a fortnightly gardening service. Don’t forget to book them early too as spring is a busy time of year.
- Take the emotion out of decluttering and styling your home for sale. Preparing to sell your home is hard work. It might be worthwhile to get some professional advise. Because an expert can guide you on the best furniture layout and styling tips to help maximise your space. It’s amazing how a room can totally transform with a fresh set of eyes.
Pre sale styling and organising
Expert tips on styling your house for sale
- Always leave a tidy house. Get into a habit of always leaving the house neat and tidy during the sales campaign. You never know when you will get a call from your agent asking if they can do a private inspection. Avoid that last minute rush of running around trying to get your home ready for an impromptu open for inspection.
- Resist cooking salmon or a strong curry during the sales campaign. The last thing you want is food smells wafting through your house.
- Light up. Have a couple of beautiful candles burning at your open for inspections.
- Wash your floors last. When I sold my house, I ran around frantically vacuuming and washing the floors before each open for inspection. But then, I realised I could just vacuum and sweep prior, then wash the floor once the inspection was done. (I hated the thought knowing that lots of strangers had been walking around my house with their shoes on), so I only had to do it once.
We hope that our expert tips on styling your house for sale will help you get inspired. But, if you are still needing some extra help, then contact us. We can organise your pantry and wardrobes and create a clutter free space. We can also suggest key furniture pieces that will help elevate your home styling to the next level.
