by Natalie Morey | Jun 8, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Tips
This month it’s all about gorgeous home office storage ideas and looks. Forget drab and go for some of these fab storage ideas and products for your home office. In no time you will have a super stylish and functional office space that will actually inspire you to want to spend time in there. Then, there will be no excuse to get all your paper work sorted for the tax man.
Home office organising and storage – Image credit: Officeworks
A light, bright and white home office
This white trestle desk is definitely the statement piece in this minimalist workspace. Achieve the look with this customisable trestle desktop and legs for less than $100. Love it all? All the furniture, the lamp, and the photo frame packs come in at $658 from Officeworks.
The perfectly organised home office -Image credit: Office Works
A bold home office space
A black workspace is a bold move, but it definitely sets a get-it-done attitude. The floor lamps will bring much needed brightness to this space and are a great affordable alternative to pendant lights, which require installation by a qualified electrician. Opting for wood-look furniture will not only add light and warmth, but will keep your budget in check.
Using these picks, you could create the look for $385 – which includes two each of the light oak magazine files and vintage document boxes.
Classic white home office – Image credit: Kikki-k
Go for the classic uncluttered look
As a professional organiser, I just love this look from Kikki-k. Its uncluttered and functional. You could also easily add a single draw filing cabinet under the desk to give you some more storage space if required. You could also add some pops of colour by changing the colour of the storage product that’s sitting on the desk.
Home office storage
Gorgeous home office storage ideas
Check out these storage ideas from Kikki-k. They will help keep your desk uncluttered and organised and they look great too.
Based in Melbourne and assisting clients in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, The Lifestylers Group is a professional organising service that helps people organise there homes, home offices and lives. With over 10 years experience, we have seen it all before. We have lots of practical tips and advise that we share with our clients to organise there office or home office.
by Natalie Morey | Jun 3, 2016 | Home Organisation
I have met Peter Walsh a number of times and have heard him speak on all things decluttering and organising. It’s great to see an Aussie be so successful in the USA especially on a topic that I am so passionate about also. He is a lovely, down to earth guy who has some very practical tips to help you declutter and get organised. Decluttering the Peter Walsh way is fun and an easy process. After watching him on the Living Room, it got me inspired so I have included a couple of my favourite Peter Walsh declutter tips below. I hope you find them useful too.
Peter Walsh with Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser, The Lifestylers Group
He once said that “the secret to successful decluttering is this: you’ll never get organized if you don’t have a vision for the life you want”. This is so true. People have got to want to change the way they do things. They need to have a goal in mind about how they want that space to work. When I start working with a client, I get them to stand in the room and tell me how they would like to see it. It helps them develop a vision and get them motivated for the declutter process.
Another point that I think is really important to mention is that a large portion of why people need help to declutter and get organised is that they have developed bad habits. The kitchen table becomes the dumping ground for your bag, the mail and anything else you bring into the house. That pile of newspapers sits on the bench because you plan to read them at some point. When we do a declutter session with our clients we spend some time talking about this, because it’s important that people start to identify how and why the clutter is building up in their home.
Decluttering the Peter Walsh Way – The Linen Press
I love Peter Walsh’s brilliantly simple linen system. To store his white sheets, he the folds fitted sheet, top sheet, and extra pillowcases inside a pillowcase of the same set. Needless to say, he never has to ransack his linen press for an elusive match.
Decluttering a Linen Press
Decluttering the Kitchen
Image Credit: Photo: David Tsay
Decluttering the Peter Walsh Way – Plastic Food Storage Containers
To avoid accumulating a draw full of mismatched plastic containers in ten colours, Peter Walsh uses just one brand of food storage container so lids will always fit. He stacks just a few sizes in a cabinet for easy access.
However, if you don’t want to have the cost of replacing all of your plastic containers at once start with this declutter tip. It’s one of the first things I do when I am decluttering plastic containers in a client’s kitchen. Match up all the containers and get rid of any that don’t have any lids. I cannot tell you how many times I find tones of missing lids in client’s homes. They clutter up the cupboard and just get moved from one spot to another, because you can never find the matching lid. Once you have done this, stack them neatly inside each other to save space.
Decluttering your wardrobe
Decluttering the Peter Walsh Way – Wardrobe Decluttering: Reverse Coat Hanger Trick
Turn all the clothes hanging in your wardrobe so that the hangers face back-to-front. For the next six months, if you wear an item of clothing, return it to the wardrobe with the hanger facing the correct way. If you try it on but decide not to wear it, make sure you put it back with the hanger turned backward. No cheating. Be prepared for a shock; you are going to find you own lots of clothes you never wear. You should seriously consider decluttering and getting rid of anything you don’t wear regularly.
I love this quote by Peter Walsh: “Set limits for the amount of space you’re prepared to dedicate to items i.e. clothes, toys etc. – and stick to those limits. Three bins for toys, four shelves for baby cloths. Kids only need you, not all the stuff you feel attracted to”.
Keeping toys organised is a big problem many of our clients face. I am a big believer of the principal “one in” “one out” when it comes to containing the amount of “stuff” you have . So next time your child is given a toy, select an existing toy that you can donate to charity and know that you will be giving it to a child less fortunate than yours.
If you need help with your decluttering and home organising, then contact The Lifestylers Group. Based in Melbourne, we are experts at helping people to declutter and organise their homes, lives and houses.
by Natalie Morey | Mar 21, 2016 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Tips
Hickson Hanger
Do you have clothing items you don’t wear just because you can’t find them in your wardrobe? Are you sick of trying to find a matching bra for your dress or top? Are you running out of hanging space? If you answered yes, then we have got the right hanger for you.
The multiple-garment Hickson Hanger will keep your wardrobe organised and saves you precious time. Fit up to 8 items on 1 hanger. Cost: $10.00
Under Bed Storage
Need more space to store stuff? This bed storage lets you keep things like duvets or winter clothes in under bed storage boxes or in a storage unit at the foot of your bed. So your things stay out of the way but still close at hand. Cost: $39.95
Skubb Storage Boxes
If chaos is king inside your drawers or wardrobe, the SKUBB storage series puts you back in charge. The boxes and hanging organisers come in different sizes which means you can divide your clothes, shoes and accessories so you find everything fast. The boxes also fold flat when not in use so you can store them away easily. The come in a range of colours including white, black, light green and pink. Prices range from $9.99.
Scarftastic
A two in one product which holds all your scarves or holds all your ties for him.
The Scarftastic has 8 rows to hold over 20 scarves or more than 40 ties. Cost $12.00
Valet
As a professional organiser I cannot help myself. I like to get my clothes already and ironed the night before work so I’m all organised in the morning. This little number is perfect for this. Keep your suits crinkle free and in ready-to-wear condition with this Valet.
The hanger is designed with its sturdy in-built coat hanger at the back for jackets and a rail for pants to drape over. Neat and petite this handy all in one hanger looks elegant in the corner of your master bedroom, guest room or office. Cost: $99.00
Boot Keeper Clip – White
As experts in wardrobe organisation we know that shoe storage can make a difference to your life; and now it’s easy to preserve your boots and keep them next-occasion-ready thanks to the Boot Keeper Clip.
Use the Boot Keeper Clip to keep your prized winter shoes upright, in-shape and wrinkle-free. When you’re not using your boots, simply hang the ring on a doorknob or store them neatly in the base of your wardrobe! Whether you store your shoes in your wardrobe, the garage or at the front entrance to your home, the Boot Keeper provides a clever, easy to use space saving storage solution. Cost: $14.95
Inflatable Boot support
As another alternative, Booty Shapers are an inexpensive and simple way to preserve your investment. Don’t leave boots bending and crumpled at the bottom of your cupboard or tossed into a corner.
Inflate the inserts to keep boots in shape when they’re not being worn. It’s that simple. They are also a great travel accessory as they prevent your boots from getting squashed in your suitcase and they are reusable and ideal for summer storage. They contour to shape the boot but won’t stretch the leather and best of all, it keeps your wardrobe neat and organised. Visit Howards for more details. Cost $9.95
by Natalie Morey | Nov 26, 2012 | Declutter tips, Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Tips
Christmas Organising
Now is the perfect time to get organised and make sure you write and mail your Christmas cards this year. Getting your Christmas cards out on time, only takes a little bit of forward planning, so what are you waiting for.
Tips To Get You Organised
Here are some of our key tips on making sure your Christmas cards get mailed this year.
- Type up your Christmas card list and keep it in a safe place so that you can refer to it (to add or delete names) year after year. I also put an asterisk next to any overseas addresses, as a reminder to post their card early.
- I find the easiest way to manage my Christmas Card list is in Excel. That way I can mail merge and print off addresses directly onto labels. You can also print directly onto the envelope, which saves you not only time but also the cost of the label.
- Create your own “return to sender labels” using labels purchased from Office Works. I have used http://www.coastallabels.com.au before and they were very quick and well priced. Also check out: https://www.thatsmine.com.au
- Set a date and plan to write your Christmas cards in the last week of November, because otherwise Christmas day will be here before you know it and that pile of blank Christmas cards will still be sitting on your desk.
- Christmas cards with ‘card only’ marked on the envelope can be posted at a reduced rate during November and December.
- Overseas mail at Christmas time takes longer to arrive. Plan ahead and arrange to send cards or presents in early to mid November, to avoid disappointments (and the very long queues at the post office).
- For great savings, buy Christmas cards, wrapping paper, ribbons and decorations at post-Christmas sales – you would be amazed how much you can save.
Until next time, happy organising.
Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser.
by Natalie Morey | Nov 19, 2012 | Declutter tips, House Packing and House Unpacking |
Are You Moving House?
Moving house is a huge job. However, moving doesn’t have to be an ordeal. This checklist and timeline should help you plan for your move. I would also recommend that you start organising your move, at least a month in advance. For big moves, or interstate moves you will need to start organising your move much earlier than 4 weeks. Good luck and I hope these moving tips, help take the pressure off your move.
4 Weeks Before the Move
- Set up a “Moving House Folder” containing all your moving documents
- Organise removalist quotes. (Remember the good ones always book out first)
- Make a floor plan of your new house detailing where your furniture will go. Dispose of items that won’t fit.
- Start decluttering your house and throw out or donate items that you don’t want to take to the new house.
- If renting, formally notify the realestate agent of your vacate date.
2 Weeks Before the Move
- Confirm house and carpet cleaning. (Check with your realestate agent, if they have preferred suppliers)
- Organise utility connection/disconnections.
- Start using up any remaining food in your refrigerator/freezer.
- Cancel newspaper, milk and other deliveries
- Finalise any additional moving documentation such as transit insurance, house or contents insurance.
- Organise for pets to be moved to their new home
- Organise accommodation and travel arrangements for the duration of the moving process.
1 Week Before the Move
- Lodge your Australia Post Mail Redirection forms.
- Advise relevant organisations of your change of address details.
- Back up your computer hard drive and ensure your printer and scanner are ready to be packed securely.
- Organise rubbish removal
1 Day Before the Move
- If booked, professional packers will arrive and pack up your house in a day. Remember to leave out items not to be packed including clothes and medicines that might be required on the day of the move.
- Place important items in your “Moving House Survival Kit” e.g. new keys and remote control, mobile phone charger, Panadol, toilet paper, kid’s toys or activities, phone number of your new local takeaway place and your “Moving House Folder”.
On The Moving Day
- If appropriate, reserve a park out the front of your apartment or house for the removalists
- Do a final check of all cupboards, rooms and outdoor areas before the removalist leaves.
- Let the cleaners in so they can start the vacate clean.
- Do a final check of the property ensuring it’s thoroughly cleaned, rubbish removed, light globes replaced.
- Return the keys to the realestate agent.
- Once you’re settled into your new home, complete and return the property inspection report to the real estate agent, within the agreed time frame.
Don’t have time to organise your move, pack and then unpack at the other end?
Then contact The Lifestylers Group and we can organise it for you. Whether it’s packing up the kitchen, the entire house or helping to organise your move, we can help take the hassle out of moving house. The Lifestylers Group offer a comprehensive house relocation service including:
Relocation Assistance | House Packing and Unpacking | Home Organising & Decluttering
Until next time, happy moving.
Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser.
