4 pieces of advice for creating a calm and well organised space

If you are starting a decluttering or organising project, how can you set yourself up for success?

I was recently interviewed by Bramley Products to provide their audience with some organising advice. I was forced to consider my top pieces of advice amongst the multitude of tips and tricks up my sleeve. In my experience, clients who do these 4 things are most satisfied (read: downright thrilled!) by the fruits of their labour. Happy tidying!

1) Before you declutter any space, have a vision. 

What is the purpose of the space - and how would you and your family like to use it? How do you want to feel when you are there? Return to your vision when you are tidying to motivate you - especially when you start to lose motivation in the messy middle part of the process! And yes, there is usually is a messy middle.

2) Don’t be tempted to skip ahead to the fun of buying pretty baskets and boxes. 

Decluttering comes first. If you don’t love it or need it, why are you using your home - and buying more storage equipment -  to store it? Organising is both easier and more cost-effective once you shower your attention on the items you love or need.

3) Compare everything of the same type. 

Whether it’s that drawer full of miscellaneous bits and bobs, your bathroom or your books, harness the positive power of comparison. If you have some books in your living room, some in your study and a pile by the bed, aim to tidy them together. Considering a category together allows us to better choose what we want to keep. The same goes for a pair of scissors in the junk drawer. How many additional scissors do you have in the kitchen, hall, study? Do you need them all? Which pairs do you like using best?

4) Be kind to yourself. 

Consider how you feel and how your body responds when you hold the object rather than relying on your rational mind to do all the work! Beware of the “should”. Notice when you’re telling yourself “I should get rid of this” or “I should keep this" and reframe. There is no standard to fall short of. Let’s face it, there’s enough pressures in life without making tidying a stick to beat ourselves with. Letting go of stuff that doesn’t bring us joy or utility is not always easy, especially as it is a sign of our lives moving forward. Saying goodbye with gratitude, even silently, rather than chucking things unceremoniously into the charity bag can really help.

For every box of clothes deposited at the charity shop and each space freshly organised, be sure to celebrate along the way! You’ll notice that I even include celebrations on my FREE Printable Konmari® Tidying Checklist.

You got this.

For more detailed tips and tricks to declutter and organise every part of your home, follow along on my Instagram :)