Guest Post - 7 Efficient Ways to Organize and Declutter Your Home

A home is supposed to be a place that gives you a sense of security and calms your feelings down. Picture this, after a long day spent at work, or school or elsewhere, surely all you wanted to do is find some comfort in your home. But say, you forgot to make your bed this morning before you step out, so you lounge on the sofa. Unfortunately, you got poked with your kids' Duplo Lego. Therefore, instead of relaxing, you get up and start to clear things up first, which is not ideal again after having a long day at work. 

With parents working full-time and kids get much more involved with life after school, time moves pretty fast indeed. And that is when a family finds keeping a clutter-free home quite a challenge. 

So even before things get out of hand, here are seven ways we've rounded up for you on how to efficiently keep your home organized and clutter-free.

Set Goals

Set a definite goal before your operation "clutter-free house" kicks off. You have to make sure that you won't end up creating more mess before you even started. Begin with simple goals and make sure to commit to each one of them. If this calls for a family emergency, then meet everyone up and get each one's commitment too. Especially the kids. 

First, survey the whole house. Sometimes, juggling with a lot of things day in day out, you often get unfamiliar with your own home too. And that's perfectly normal, so don't feel bad. Maybe spend half of the day to acquaint yourself with the whole place, so that you have an overview of what needs to be done. Decide which room or area needs to be cleared first, and then tackle one place at a time. Once you've entirely organized one room, make sure to commit that you as a family should keep that room as neat as it is moving forward. 

Give each member a responsibility too. It makes the cleaning up much more comfortable and more meaningful too. 

Create a Sorting System

If organizing a particular area overwhelms you, the best way to overcome it is to create a sorting space. As you clear the things out of your closet, for example, separate the clothes you usually use, the ones which do not fit anymore, and those that you've not seen for the past six months. Those that do not fit can be put on a garage sale, while those you've not seen may be donated. 

Do the same technique in your kitchen and your bathroom too. Check the expiration dates and discard those that no longer serve its purpose. 

Use the 80/20 rule

The Pareto principle or the 80/20 rule means achieving more by doing less. 

If you are to use the same principle in having a more organized home, then the idea is to get rid of the 80% worth of clutter and make use of the remaining 20% to its maximum. It can be a little bit too good to be true when you first hear it. But ultimately, you will learn the fact that most of the time, you only get to use 20% of the stuff you own. Surprisingly, this rule applies to everything; your clothes, and even in your pantry.

Get Over Sunk Costs

Sunk costs are charges you've already incurred and can no longer be recovered. For example, you bought a brand new dining set two years ago. They're sturdy, and the design is very classy, which is why you paid for quite a generous amount then. However, for some reason, this dining set doesn't suit your taste anymore. Nor, you're unable to utilize it as much as before because of the newly built kitchen counter. You're adamant about throwing it away, and so you decided that it stays there - in your kitchen area, unused and gets filled with unopened mails.

Clutter then gets piled up.

You have to get over that sunk cost fallacy quick! It is human nature to irrationally keep things even if they no longer meet your requirements. People are sentimental and, again, cannot get over sunk costs most of the time. Hence the reason why living a minimalist and clutter-free life is a challenge. But remember that the sooner you escape that fallacy, the sooner you get closer to your goal.

Use Self-Storage

Sometimes, no matter how much stuff you have thrown away already, the built-in storage in your home is not just enough. And this is when renting a garage or a self-storage or renting perhaps could help. This type of service satisfies your urge to keep a piece of bulky furniture without sacrificing the space of your own home.

Luckily, there are a lot of options for storage units in Auckland to choose from. Make sure to keep a list of the items for your reference, and do not forget to keep up with your rent. 

Keep Like Things Together

One way of keeping things organized is by keeping similar items together. Simply because it takes lesser time to find them. Keep your child's toys in one corner and school supplies in another.

Use Storage Bins for Things Used Infrequently

Give yourself a retail therapy by going into your local furniture shop. Get some storage bins in different sizes and designs. So, even if you place them in the middle of your living area, it doesn't cause any distraction. Storage bins are more practical after all, rather than getting a carpenter to make a brand new drawer, right?

In Conclusion

Keeping things in order can be quite a challenge. At least at first. But as soon as you learn the ropes and keep your commitment to your goal, things will become easier as days go by. 

So the key is to start now and drop all those procrastinating hormones!

Author Bio: Andrew is an NY-based writer who covers DIY home projects, cleaning, and organization. When not writing, he spends his time with his two rescue dogs, Jet and Rocket.

The Plural of Lego is Lego

We have been digging Lego Masters recently and that got us thinking about something we almost always find when organizing playrooms. You guess it, that classic building toy, Lego. When it comes to sheer volume, few toys can fill up your house like Lego. However, from an organizing stand point Lego often presents a few challenges. In the past, most children would play with Lego over and over again letting their imagination run wild. These days Lego sets usually get built once and then sit on a shelf displayed only as a model instead of getting used. This habit can create space issues. Of course another issue can be Lego blocks strewn all over your house. It is no secret that scientists feel the most painful thing on Earth is stepping on a Lego in your bare-feet. Ben’s wife feels there should be an 800-number you can call after stepping on a block for the sole purpose of screaming into the phone. If your space is over run with Lego we are pleased to offer some suggestions.

Quantity

You may find that your little ones don’t actually play Lego if hundreds of blocks fill multiple bins. It can be overwhelming to see a sea of bricks with no clear sense of where to begin. Builders may also need a clear surface or table to play with Lego as carpeting can quickly become the enemy of small blocks. Before you pick the best storage solution for your blocks take the time to review all the Lego. You know your kids best and know how they play. Is having tons of Lego actually stressing them out? Perhaps they have outgrown certain sets. Are sets missing pieces? Lego can be donated to preschools and kindergarten classes (don’t worry if you can’t find all the correct pieces). Now that you have a handle on the Lego quantity you are keeping you can accurately select the best place for them to live.

Storage

We aren’t keeping these building blocks just to keep them, we want them to be used and enjoyed. Your 40lb six year-old can’t lift heavy stacked bins so they simply won’t bother. We want things to go in easily but also come out easily. Drawers work great for storing toys and simple clear versions can make for maximum space savings. So often we are rushed and clean up quickly and shove everything away. However, these days Lego sets aren’t only expensive they are also complicated with some sets containing over 700 pieces. Drawers allow for sets to stay together avoiding not only frustration but neglect.

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If your kids are younger and keeping the sets together isn’t as important then keeping them in one place for quick use you may want to try something like a Swoop Bag. If your child is using Duplo or not making a specific set these bags work well. Storage solutions like this allow for quick clean up.

If you have time on your hands and lean slightly toward the OCD camp there is no end to how refined you can sort Lego. Just remember, the more subcategories the more plastic drawers or containers you will have taking up space in your home. Before you go down this path. focus on your goals. Unless you plan on spending a lot of time or have begun training to be a Lego Master it probably isn’t worth the trouble to turn things into a Lego workshop.

In order to reclaim your space from an army of mini-figs start with treating them like other toys with the understanding that toys exist to be played with. Hiding Lego in giant bins may make your feet feel good in the short term but organizing isn’t just about finding what you are looking for it is also about being more productive. And when it comes to Lego that means building awesome creations.

Guest Post - How to Use your Backyard to Maximise Storage Space

Whatever the size of your yard, from the smallest patios to the largest of lawns, smart storage is an absolute must. Here are some simple and effective tips on creating beautiful and practical storage solutions in your very own backyard.

Go vertical 

Hook it up and remove clutter from the ground. Hanging tools effectively in your shed or backyard area can help maximize your preexisting storage space. Organizers are a must-have in this regard. They come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you the freedom to let it hang saving valuable floor space. Organizers with many small pockets can be great for garden tools while a shoe organizers might be the perfect extra shelf. Keeping your tools organized eliminates clutter spilling from your shed and allows for quick and easy access, saving you time.

If you don't have the luxury of a shed, try hanging your tools off your fence. This can be a great solution for quick and easy access, eliminating messy piles of tools in your backyard. Consider breaking symmetry and hanging your tools off your fence in an interesting layout. Combined with vertical planters, this can be a great way to create a signature look on a backyard wall. Make use of the area you have, and you'll soon realize you had much more space than you ever thought. 

Bring your dining room outside

Dining sets take up a huge amount of room in your home. Yet for all this sacrificed space, how often do you actually sit around your dining room table? Create more room in your home and design a beautiful outdoor dining area. Making the most out of your outdoor dining area requires some thought but can be a great way of using your back yard to maximize your own storage. 

Transformable spaces

Consider a dynamic design when buying furniture. Fluid furniture set-ups allow for simple transitions between living and entertaining guests. Keep lightweight, multipart and foldable options in mind for both space-saving and functionality. These options allow for a cozy family retreat that can be easily transformed into the perfect hosting environment.  

Gazebos and other fixed structures offer a great place to enjoy your backyard, but they simply take up too much space. Setting up your outdoor living areas with retractable roller blinds can allow for a quick transition between open and closed. With options to shelter from the elements or create open plan living, blinds are a great way to maximize potential and space in your outdoor area. 

Utilize, utilize, utilize

Put it to use. Make the most out of all the preexisting structures in your backyard. If you have a retaining wall, try converting it into a lush vegetable garden or using it for extra seating. If you have an outdoor bench, consider utilizing the hollow space for storing outdoor cushions or kids’ toys. Think about how you can make old features multi-functional and take advantage of the space you already have.

Let the light in 

Just as white rooms are perceived to be bigger, backyards full of natural light feel naturally larger and more open. Invest some money in quality landscaping, trim everything back, and you will be amazed at the extra space it creates. Be careful when adding new plants to your garden, research their final size and consider their placement. Careful consideration can help preserve your backyards open feel and save you money on landscaping in the long run.

Storage in your backyard can require some creative thinking. Without the luxury of storage space that inside areas afford backyards can often end up cluttered and unappealing. However, this doesn't need to be the case. Follow these simple steps, and you will be well on the way to a beautiful, clutter-free outdoor oasis.

Author bio:

Harper Reid enjoys sharing tips on making homes more functional and organised. When not busy writing, she likes to catch up on the latest interior design trends. Connect with Harper on her personal blog.

Reasons Everyone Should Want To Live Clutter-Free

Life is a balancing act. Everyone is faced with making decisions that will result in different outcomes. We live and learn from the trials and errors that life has to offer. When dealing with normal stressors and obstacles, living with clutter shouldn't be one of them. Here are a few reasons why everyone should want to live free of disarray. 

Reduce Stress

When coming home from a stressful day, the last thing you want to worry about is cleaning the house. Returning home should be your breath of fresh air. However, when your space is filled with clutter, it can be hard to feel at ease. Living clutter-free will help to reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety that you might have felt throughout the day. Your solution should be in using home storage options. Everything you have should belong to a designated home. You will never find items lingering on the floor or counter because there is a specific spot for it. After you use something, put it back to ensure you will never have to worry about things being out of place. In turn, you’ll come home to a put-together, stress-free space. 

Less Clean-Up

When you see clutter, it’s like having a mental to-do list constantly running through your head. You will constantly be thinking about everything that needs to be picked up. When items are tucked away after being used, there is no overwhelming amount of clutter, allowing you to have more time to do other things. You will ultimately feel calm in the space you reside in. This should be carried into every area of the home so you are always at peace knowing things are stowed away. For example, you can use baskets in closets, plastic containers for under sinks, and drawer organizers in the kitchen. Everything will be in its home and not sitting elsewhere to be picked up.

More Accomplished

Lastly, living clutter-free will help you to be more energized and accomplished. However, living free of chaos doesn’t happen overnight. You must take a few days to declutter your space to achieve a clutter-free lifestyle. When making decisions about items you own, you will feel in charge knowing that you’re making decisions for your personal well-being. Ask yourself, “Is this item necessary for my life?”, or “Can I live without it?” Asking yourself these questions will allow you to feel in control of your life and the area you live in. Once you have decided to care only for items you cannot live without, you are able to move forward in life and use your energy towards other things you hope to achieve. To find more about the benefits of living in an uncluttered space here. 

Living clutter-free will only benefit you if you work towards it. Put things away after you use them, get rid of items you no longer need, and when you buy something new, decide on it carefully. The more you care for the items you own, the more likely you are to put things back into their designated home after you use them. As a result, you will be energized to reach goals and overcome obstacles to live a calm and stress-free life every day.