Storage Ideas: How To Declutter & Organise Your House

How to Declutter

Before even thinking about adding new furniture, your first step should be to eliminate any unnecessary clutter from your home. As the cleaning guru, Marie Kondo herself says, “To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose.” Do not allow yourself to move on until all clutter has been organised, tossed or donated. When deciding on which items to discard, consider each object and ask if it makes you happy (or “sparks joy” to use Kondo’s terminology). To avoid a clutter relapse, designate a specific home for every single item you keep. Then you will need to assess the available space and figure out what storage solutions will work for you.

How to Declutter your Bedroom

Studies show that having a tidy bedroom improves sleep quality. So what can you do to ensure a clear room for a clear mind?

When it comes to saving space, double-duty furniture can be a lifesaver. For example, if you need desk space in your boudoir why not choose one that can also serve as a vanity table? Another good example of multifunctional bedroom furniture is a sliding door style wardrobe featuring built-in mirrors which will help to save valuable wall and floor space.

Another pro tip is to identify opportunities for hidden storage. For example, the space under your bed can be used for tidying away extra linens or out-of-season clothes. Maximise this space by using containers or, if your budget permits, purchase a storage bed frame. Underbed storage is particularly handy for kid’s bedrooms as they offer a handy space in which you can neatly put away toys.

Within your storage furniture, create compartments so that every individual item has its own special place. Use drawer dividers, boxes, trays and clever folding to organise the contents of your dresser or nightstand. These will help you to easily find each individual item when you need it and quickly put it back again afterwards.

Dining Room Organization

A decluttered dining area not only makes for more chilled-out mealtimes, but it also helps to free up space in the kitchen.

Sideboards are the classic choice for dining room storage, and it’s not hard to understand why. These pieces not only add design flair, but they also provide a useful spot in which to store plates, cutlery, table linens and glasses. For optimum storage, you should go for a multifunctional piece, like the Rosebay, that is fitted with a variety of storage options such as drawers, cabinets and maybe even a wine-rack.

Alternatively, those with more floor-to-ceiling space may want to maximise that area with a tall display cabinet or a buffet and hutch. Just remember to arrange your wares strategically by placing the most frequently used items within arms-reach and the least used items towards the top.

Storage Ideas for Your Living Room

Your living room should provide an oasis of calm in which you can kick back and relax after a long day. However, it can be hard to unwind if your space is cluttered and disorganised. So, what storage hacks can you try to keep all of your odds and ends out of sight and out of mind?

Choose furniture with hidden compartments in which you can neatly tidy away any unsightly items. One good idea is a storage coffee table featuring drawers in which you can keep all of your remotes and games console controllers. Complement this with a storage ottoman for tidying away items such as magazines, board games, or extra blankets for making up the sofa bed.

Your entertainment unit can be another source of unwanted clutter. To minimise mess, go for a unit with drawers so you can keep video games and DVDs neatly stored away. Invest in a few cable tidies as well to make sure that the back of your unit is kept in good order.

Nesting tables are a perfect solution for small living rooms as they occupy less floor space while still providing extra storage and table-top space. Nesting tables typically come in sets of two or three and can be pulled apart or attractively stacked together and popped into a corner when not in use.