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The messy person’s guide to getting organised

For people who love their stuff (even clutter). - by Laura Barry
  • 05 Feb 2019
The messy person’s guide to getting organised

Decluttering and getting organised have always been popular topics, but ever since Marie Kondo took her tidying up method global it seems like we can’t get enough of decluttering our homes and removing any and all items that don’t ‘spark joy’ from our lives. The movement has resulted in Pinterest-worthy homes that are free of clutter and personal knick-knacks. However, not everyone hates their clutter. In fact, some people love being surrounded by the things they love, and being messy is just in their DNA.

If you’re one of those people, then you understand the struggle of getting decluttered and organised is real. Never fear! We have some organisation and decluttering ideas that will turn even the messiest home into one of organised chaos. Nina Rosace is the driving force behind Home Sorted, and her advice is easy, practical and easily integrated into any home. The best part? It doesn’t involve a hectic clean out session.

1. Acknowledge the mess

“Not everyone has a Pinterest-worthy home and that is 100 per cent fine!” says Nina. “What you should be doing is acknowledging the mess that is already present and actively start working on ways to either minimise the mess, or stop it from expanding.”

white room with items displayed on shelves
Anna Sullivan on Unsplash

2. Have a junk drawer

“If you’re the kind of person that accumulates junk such as novelty items, recipes, magazines and other bits and pieces, then allocate yourself a designated junk drawer,” says Nina. “By acknowledging that you have the mess and now have a place to keep the mess, you’re less likely to stash it in random places all around your home.”

junk drawer
Getty

3. Use the basket trend to your advantage

Baskets are, without a doubt, the best organising tool you have. Available everywhere, from budget craft stores to high-end homewares boutiques, baskets are available in all shapes and sizes.

“Baskets can be used anywhere in your home for any reason,” says Nina. “Use them to stash snacks in the pantry, toilet rolls in the bathroom, toys in the kids room, shoes in the bedrooms, whatever!”

The best part? Baskets look great and hide the mess, so you don’t have to think too hard about sorting out the items you toss into them.

bathroom basket storage
Getty

4. Sync up your technology

It’s more than likely that you always have your phone or tablet with you, or there’s a computer within easy reach either at home or at work. It makes sense, then, to sync up all your to-do lists, calendars, important documents and reminders to all your devices so you always have every list, bill, email, document and appointment reminder in the palm of your hand.

“One of the easiest ways to get organised is to keep important lists and calendars in a form that every member of your family can access,” says Nina. “This is especially great for shopping lists as they can be updated in real time.”

You’ll never have to sort through a pile of mail, write down a shopping list or chase after a family member to ask them the date of that family thing ever again.

You might also like:

How to make your wardrobe look more organised

Organisation mistakes we all make and how to fix them

5 things that make your kitchen look messier than it is

  • Decorating
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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