by Natalie Morey | Aug 9, 2016 | Home Organisation, Tips
The laundry is often a small space so having it well organised is essential. So that often means looking at utilising some creative storage solutions to help maximise the space you have. I hope that these 8 ways to organise your laundry give you some inspiration.
8 ways to organise your laundry
1. Go vertical – put shelves or cupboards above your bench
By putting shelves above your bench you can create more storage space. They can be easily fixed to the wall by a handyman and can store things like cleaning product, toilet rolls and towels. It’s a great solution to help organise your laundry.
Organise my laundry with shelves
Organise my laundry with cupboards
Image credit: houz Image credit: onenuttygirl.com
2. Go for front loading appliances
If you stack your front loading washing machine on top of your dryer you can save valuable space.
Space saving ways to organise your laundry
Image credit: https://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=104212&index=1¤tPage=2
3. Bench space and more bench space
Place your front loader washing machine and dryer side by side under your bench top. This creates extra bench space and provides room for you to fold and organise your clothes. This helps avoids the dining room table from becoming a dumping ground for clothes and keeps your laundry organised too.
Organised laundry
Image credit: lizmarieblog.com
4. Organise your laundry baskets
Most people will do a load of whites, then a load of colours and then a load of dark clothing. You can set up this system by using 3 different baskets. Clearly label each one with the category. Now all you have to do is get the kids (and hubby) to put their clothes in the right basket when they take them off. (Which could be more challenging than you think!).
Baskets to help organise your laundry
Overhead baskets to organise your laundry
Image Credit: Pinterest Image credit: blessings.com
Use baskets to help keep your laundry organised
Image credit: http://www.amazinginteriordesign.com/15-awesome-laundry-room-storage-organization-hacks/
5. Drying lines are great
Install a drying line, such as a rail, or a fold down or retractable drying line in your laundry. They take up very little space and are the perfect solution for drying clothes during winter. They help keep wet laundry out of the living room and keep everything organised in one spot.
Drying racks in your laundry
Image credit: http://www.amazinginteriordesign.com/15-awesome-laundry-room-storage-organization-hacks/
6. Create extra storage under your washing machine
Yes, that’s right. These units are perfect if you have a front loader washing machine. Your front loader washing machine sits on the unit. Not only does it lift up your washing machine making bending over and putting clothes in easy, but it also provides valuable storage space as well in a small laundry. This clever stand features a heavy duty steel construction. It also has a lockable child proof sliding drawer and adjustable locking feet that make it safe and sturdy, especially if there are kids in the house.
Washing machine stand
Image credit: https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/easy-living-front-load-washer-stand-with-drawer-ws1
Another solution to help keep your laundry organised is to have a custom made storage solution like this one built. If you need some assistance to help organise your laundry, then we can help organise it.
7 ways to organise your laundry
Image credit: ana-white.com
7. Give your laundry some personality
Just because it’s your laundry doesn’t mean that you cannot have some fun and decorate the space.
Organise and decorate your laundry
8 ways to organise your laundry
Image credit: etsy.com
Image credit: makingitinthemitten.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/laundry-room-chalkboard-printable.html
8. Doors and more space
Maximise the hidden space behind the door with these clever storage solutions that will help organise your laundry.
Your laundry organised
Image source: thefrugalhomemaker.com
Image source: hometalk.com
8 ways to organise my laundry
Image source: indulgy.com
I hope that I have given you some inspiration with 8 ways to organise your laundry. However, if you are still struggling to organise your laundry, then contact The Lifestylers Group. Since 2005 we have been helping to organise every room in the home – the kitchen, office, laundry and bedrooms and have a wealth of ideas and knowledge to share. Based in Melbourne, our professional organising service can also assist in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
by Natalie Morey | Aug 4, 2016 | Home Office, Home Organisation, Tips
Being organised is the start of achieving work like balance. So too is commitment, focus and dedication in achieving work life balance. These 8 tips to create work life balance are aimed at helping you to create work life balance. It’s definitely not easy and the wheels are going to fall off every so often, and that’s fine. What’s important is that you stay committed to the goal of work life balance.
8 tips to create work life balance
- Sync your calendars. Consolidate all your personal and work commitments into the same calendar. That way you won’t forget anything and I find it makes me work more efficiently during the work day if they are all stored in the same spot.
- Block out your time. Block out “fun” time in your diary. Get tough and make this “not negotiable”. Don’t let work take over and therefor you miss out on social activities.
- Plan, plan and plan. The key to work life balance is all about planning. Sit down at the start of each month and update your calendar, making sure you have scheduled in all the tasks you need to do and some fun stuff too. Obviously this will keep evolving over the coming month and you will keep adding to it.
- Record key birthdays in your calendar. Put all the key birthdays in your outlook calendar and set them up as repeating events. That way they will show up every year. You will know when you need to be taking time off work to spend with loved ones.
- Start small. Try adding even the tiniest tasks to your daily to do list. Then, when you cross them off the list, you already feel a sense of accomplishment and gain the momentum you need to tackle the bigger more daunting tasks.
- Work out. Did you know that fitness is the driving force that keeps people energised, focused and motivated? Take the time you deserve to do a little bit of exercise every day. Even if that’s 30 minutes at once or 10 minutes at a time throughout the day. Don’t have 10 minutes. Then what about 7 minutes? Have you heard of the 7 Minute Workout? It’s a free daily fitness routine found on the App Store.
- Learn to say no. “Sometimes work-life balance means saying “no”, politely of course. When an opportunity, activity or request comes up that doesn’t fit into your schedule, or is going to put you under too much pressure, sometimes you’ve just have to say no.
- Prepare for the day ahead. Before going to bed, pack up anything you need for the next morning including clothes and a health lunch. Being prepared will help you get out the door quickly. Plus, you can relax going to bed knowing that you are all organised for the day ahead.
If you are struggling to achieve work life balance in your life, then perhaps you need some expert help. The Lifestylers Group is a personal concierge service that can do many of your daily tasks. Our goal is for you to have more free time to do the things you want to do, not have to do!
by Natalie Morey | Jul 29, 2016 | Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising
Whether you call it a professional organiser, clutter buster or home organiser, the names all mean the same thing. A home organiser is a person who helps to organise your home.
The job of a home organiser
You don’t just need to be super organised to be a professional organiser or a home organiser. Whilst that is important you also need some other important skills. You need to be able to understand and empathise with people. You need to be assertive without coming in and taking over. You need to be able to look beyond the clutter and create a vision for a room by simply standing at the door to the room. You need to be a quick thinker, faster worker and motivator.
As a home organiser, our job is not just about coming to a clients home and organising the perfect bedroom, office or kitchen, it’s about more than that. It’s also about giving our clients the necessary tools and strategies so they can keep this space organised once we leave. Therefore, being able to communicate is an important skill that any professional organiser or home organiser needs. Small rooms, the lack of storage and systems in a home or home office means that some nifty problem solving and troubleshooting is also required at all times.
About our home organisers
Luckily, we have a team of lovely and trustworthy ladies who perform our professional organising and home organiser services. They each have different personalities and specialise in different areas of organising. For us, when we start work with a new client, we always like to match them up with the most suitable professional organiser or home organiser (both skill and personality wise). After all, you have got someone coming into your home and going through your wardrobes and belongings with you, so you want to like them. That is one of the benefits of having a range of professional organisers and home organisers. You get the right person, who’s perfect for you and your home.
More than just a home organiser
I also think that is why we have so many repeat clients. (The Lifestylers Group started in 2005 and is growing from strength to strength each year). When you work with a homer organiser who is perfect for you and your home, you build up a level of trust. Once a client experiences what our professional organiser or home organiser can do for them, they often get them back again. For some clients, this might simply be an annual spring clean. For others it might become a regular occurrence, whether that be weekly, fortnightly or monthly until their home is organised. And for some clients the role becomes more than just home organising. It’s more like a private pa, virtual pa or personal concierge service. Basically, whatever is on their list gets organised. One of my team does the most diversified range of tasks for a regular client – things like:
- Paying bills and filing
- Buying the kid’s birthday and Christmas presents
- Booking restaurants and helping to plan holidays
- Organising home maintenance and supervising trades
- Visiting Australia Post
- Running errands
- Planning the kids birthday parties
So if you have a list of things on your “to do list” that you never seem to get done, then perhaps a professional organiser or home organiser might be the solution you need.
If you have ever wondering how a home organiser can help you, then give us a call. We can have a chat and go through the challenges you are facing in your home, office or life. Our home organiser services are available in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
by Natalie Morey | Jul 13, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Office, Home Organisation, Tips
I’m a big fan of storage solutions that not only help to keep your belongings organised, but have a dual purpose and look good too. I recently did a home office organising job and we used a gorgeous white leather ottoman in the office to store files. It looked great, was functional and ensured that there was no loose papers and files lying around the newly decluttered and organised office.
So I thought I would put together 6 stylish storage ottomans which can be used for storing things like spare blankets and cushions in.
Ikea Storage Ottoman
This storage ottoman works just as well in the living room, hallway or bedroom. It has storage space under the seat. Plus, the cover is easy to keep clean as it is removable and can be machine washed. It’s both a stylish and practical bench that gives a warm, cosy feeling.
http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/S29129333/
Cost: $399
When style matters – Linen fabric storage ottoman
Linen Ottoman Storage
Modern and practical, this Life Linen Fabric Storage Ottoman is the perfect designer furniture piece for any bedroom, study room or home living decor. Not only great as a foot stool, it also offers generous storage space to store any unused items and declutter the room.
http://www.templeandwebster.com.au/i.Life-Ottoman-Storage-Foot-Stool-ILIF2780.html
Cost $125.00
After a deep chocolate brown look?
Chocolate Ottoman Storage
Then look no further. Offering more than meets the eye, the Jeremy Storage Ottoman from Resort Living provides stylish seating for your space while creating hidden storage for household items. The lift-up lid provides generous storage space for household linens and cushions.
https://www.zanui.com.au/Jeremy-Storage-Ottoman-108885.html
Cost: $109.95
When style matters
Plush Ottoman Storage
Refresh your home with a beautiful ottoman from the Plush range. They add instant colour, style and storage with the Roller Storage Ottoman. This one is available in a wide range of decorator fabrics too, so it will match any decor.
https://www.plush.com.au/roller-storage
POA.
Is vintage more your look?
Vintage Ottoman Storage
Add some vintage charm to your décor with this faux leather and brass Owen Storage Trunk. It looks great, is upholstered in linen fabric, providing exceptional softness and durability. It’s a stylish form of storage that can hold anything from linens to shoes to books. This size is perfect for the living room, bedroom or reading nook.
https://www.zanui.com.au/Owen-Storage-Trunk-Large-132515.html
Cost: $699
Space for more than just your feet
Ikea storage ottoman
As well as that extra put-your-feet-up comfort, they make great seats for guests, too. Plus, you can put things like magazines and toys in them. But best of all, with this one they have a range of coordinated covers which makes it easy for you to give your furniture a new look. The covers are easy to keep them clean as they can be removable and machine washed.
http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/20926/
Cost: $249
by Natalie Morey | Jul 6, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Tips
Decluttering doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, decluttering can be made really simply. Below is a list of common items found in most homes that we don’t need. So, set some time aside and start your declutter. You may even like to declutter one of these items each day. It won’t take long and best of all, by doing this it will help clear the clutter in your home.
- Hangers from the drycleaners
- Plastic shopping bags
- Old makeup you haven’t worn in ages
- Shoes that aren’t comfortable
- Clothes that are stained
- Old electrical appliances
- Cables from electrical items you no longer use
- Warranty manuals written in foreign languages
- Cookbooks you never use
- Complicated recipes you will never cook
- Books you will never re-read
- Bad photos
- Junk mail
- Old newspapers
- Out of date medicine
Once you have done your declutter you then need to make sure you deal with the items. Some drycleaners will reuse the hangers. So put them in your car and drop them off next time you are out. You might be able to drop off your old cookbooks at a local charity. Again, put them in your car, ready to be dropped off. The rest of the items will probably just go straight into the rubbish bin. Just don’t get into the habit of leaving the items at the front door ready to take out next time you go. Somehow they always seem to make their way back into the house (I have seen this happen all the time with clients).
If you complete this list of 15 things to declutter now, you are on the way to having a clutter free home.
Your clutter is our business. The Lifestylers Group is a professional organising service that specialises in decluttering and organising homes (bedrooms, kids bedrooms, kitchens, pantry’s, offices and garages) and life’s in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
by Natalie Morey | Jun 16, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Personal concierge, Tips
The end of financial year is the perfect time to get motivated and get your office paperwork organised in 4 steps.
Organised home office
Step 1 – Set up a filing system
I recommend at the beginning of each financial year to set up your filing system. It could be as simple as a box. I like to use a 2 ring binder with labeled dividers for each category. Don’t forget to label your storage system or file with the relevant financial year i.e. 2016 – 2017.
Step 2 – Divide your paperwork into categories
The first step in keeping your bills and paperwork organised is to categorise the types of paperwork you have. For example, you might like to use some of the following categories: Bank accounts, including credit cards, Superannuation, Rental property, Share statements, Tax, School, Utilities, Car Expenses and Medical. Once you have set up these categories you can file accordingly. You don’t need to have lots of categories either. Just keep it simple and it will be much quicker and easier to use.
Step 3 – Go paperless
A great way to reduce clutter and papers in your office is to go paperless. It’s easy to set up to. You simply contact your bank and other companies such as your utility providers and ask them to email you your bills. Then, you can save the documents on your computer. However, just like having a hard copy filing system, you need to set up a filing structure and system on your computer. You might have a main folder called: 2016_2107 Fin Year (for the relevant financial year) then create a range of subcategories as mentioned above. If you don’t set up subcategories, then just like piles of paper sitting on your desk, it becomes messy and you can waste time looking for documents. Going paperless will definitely help reduce the paper and clutter in your office. However, it’s essential that you regularly back up your computer because if it was damaged, lost or stolen then there goes all your paperwork which you will need for your tax.
Step 4 – File it
A filing system is only good if you use it. Get into the habit of filing your bills once they have been paid. You might like to set up a system where you file all your paid bills on the last day of every month, or perhaps every Sunday night. Whatever it is, just ensure that you set some time aside and file all your paperwork. That way, when next year’s tax time comes around, you will be all organised for your accountant. Or, if you are doing your own tax, then you will have all the information you need organised in one place.
Office paperwork organised in 4 steps
It’s not long now till the end of financial year, so get motivated, set some time aside and organise your office. If you need help getting your home, life or office organised, then contact us. Based in Melbourne and assisting clients in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, The Lifestylers Group provides professional organising, decluttering and office organising (for both the home office and small business).
