The Thoughtful Home with interior designer Tracy Bell: How to life a life more organised

An organised home will make your life easier and more efficient — it will not only look good, but translate directly into less stress and frustration. An organised home creates a sanctuary in which you can relax, giving you more energy for the things you truly care about. There are many methodologies for creating an organised home. Here are some suggestions from pros that may be helpful. Just remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Before you get started it is important to have the right equipment on hand. Have some sturdy vessels so you can pack up trash, recycling, compostables, donations, and items you want to sell. Decluttering is the first step in organising your spaces at home. Decluttering can be a messy business and it is easy to lose track of what goes where, so use sticky notes or signs to create a visual cue. Have a tape measure on hand. Organisers measure drawers, cabinets and shelves so they buy the right sized organising products. Measure the height, width and depth of the space you’re organising, and jot down a list before you buy to avoid adding more clutter to your space with the wrong purchases. Don’t shop for a mansion if you live in a cabin! Be intentional when it comes to storage vessels. Choose bins, baskets and boxes that create a cohesive aesthetic throughout your home and that reflect your personal style preferences. Own fewer linens — one or two sets per bed. The same applies to towels — two sets per bathroom. Owning less means less to launder, fold and store. Unwanted linen can be donated to local animal shelters or veterinary clinics. Put things away! Make it a routine to put things back after use to prevent a pile-up later. A five-minute tidy before bed is a common practice recommended by professional organisers. Involve the whole family in daily cleaning and chores, instilling the value that shared space is a shared responsibility. Divvy up the chores in a way that feels equitable and age-appropriate. Reset your space for the next day. Give unfinished projects a deadline. If you haven’t finished the project by the deadline, then commit to tossing, donating or giving it away. Bye! Nest and stack food storage, glassware and bowls to maximise storage space in your kitchen. Keep food storage containers close to the fridge for easy grab-and-go access. Store children’s snacks at arm’s reach in clear canisters to avoid a pantry reshuffle each time the kids are hungry. If your home is tight on storage, then “store it at the store” — buy what you need, and replenish as necessary. For sensitive kids, store toys and games in open vessels made of soft, quiet fabrics such as felt or cotton. Practice the “one-touch rule”. To keep your home looking tidy, don’t put an item down, put it away. Make it a routine to put things back after use. Banish the junk drawer — use a canister instead (tried and tested by yours truly). Pick designated days to shop and prepare meals, ideally leaving the weekend free for pleasure. Place a basket by the front door to drop transitional items into if you are immediately time-poor. As obvious as it sounds, owning less is the most direct route to creating more space in your home, especially a small home. Be intentional about the things you buy. Take time to clarify what’s important and how you want to live. Organisation is a tool, a process and a practice. As you embark on your organising journey you will have more freedom, more breathing room and flexibility to spend time on what’s important to you. Email interior design questions to Tracy at belledesigns@westnet.com.au. Tracy Bell is an interior designer and owner of Furnish My Home, a local retail business