3 easy home organisation tips for refreshing your living space
Organising your home is not a glamorous task, but it's a satisfying one nonetheless. The impending arrival of the new year is a great time to refresh your living space – not only will it improve your home tenfold, but it'll give you a strong sense of accomplishment too. We're all about starting 2024 on the right foot!
However, getting organised can seem daunting, especially if you've got a large or busy home to contend with. Before you get started, make a rough plan of attack.
'It can be overwhelming when it comes to decluttering,' says home organisation expert, Nicola Lewis. 'Do a walk through your home and note down what has been unloved and unused, then you will have a plan of action! Take your time with this plan, it will be so useful in the long run, it’s worth putting the time in.'
Keep reading to learn our three key principles for organising your home...
It doesn’t get much better (in the world of interiors, at least) than multifunctional furniture that serves a purpose. We admit we're lovers of a nice aesthetic, but the reality is that nothing deserves more space than furniture that looks good and does good too. When organising your home, you'll no doubt find things that need a home and don't currently have one, and this is where furniture that doubles as storage steps in.
Out of sight is out of mind, so well-designed contemporary furniture that keeps things tidy is a huge win.
Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn says multifunctional furniture is especially important in rooms that have more than one function: 'A room with multiple roles demands furniture that can be flexible.
'Opt for space-saving furniture like sofa beds that seamlessly transition from seating to snoozing, wall desks that appear when you need them, and slimline pieces that do double duty. These adaptable pieces will not only serve multiple purposes but also save you floor space, allowing your room to transform as you do.'
In the living room, this could be a coffee table with concealed storage – perfect for tucking away remotes and chargers.
Ottomans and storage benches can be used throughout the home and have the ability to conceal all manner of things – blankets, shoes, bedding (anything you can think of, really). Pieces such as these are especially useful if you live in a home without built-in storage and have the added benefit of being moveable, so you can adjust their placement to your needs.
Whether you live in a petite abode or occupy a larger home, organising your belongings vertically is a great way to free up floor space and keep important items at an easy-to-find eye level. It also maximises the use of your space better than working horizontally. For example, choosing tall storage shelves or a bookcase for your living room means everything you could need can be stored in one easily accessible area, whilst leaving room for bulky furniture like your sofa.
Mohammed Khalil, founder of tishoo, agrees: 'Storing items vertically instead of horizontally frees up surface space, reducing clutter and helping spaces look organised. Items that have a vertical form factor will generally have a much smaller footprint, reducing the visual congestion on surfaces like bedside tables, coffee tables and small bathrooms.'
Thinking vertically is also great for rooms where you lack adequate countertop storage space, such as the kitchen. Think of all the counter space you'll save with some cleverly placed shelves. You can further organise by adding storage boxes, jars, baskets and hooks – everything will have a proper place.
In narrow hallways, bulky jackets and piles of shoes take up what little space there is to be had. Choose tall, slimline storage options with simple designs, so no space is wasted with aesthetic flair. Prioritising function over style means you have much more space to work with and makes your space feel much less chaotic. This doesn't mean you sacrifice the look of your hallway though; Scandinavian design in particular combines functionality with understated yet stylish silhouettes.
Perhaps the most fundamental of all our tips is the idea that everything should have a place of its own. Nothing can be out of place if it has a designated spot in your home. Choose furniture and storage solutions that group belongings together – everything should either have an individual spot for display or be tidied away in groups.
Nicola says: 'Your home should consist of all the things you love and use, but make sure you give these items a home in the way of a basket, container, or box.'
Baskets have plenty of possibilities for grouping items. Floor covered in children's toys? Baskets are the answer. Need somewhere to store shoes? Baskets. An ample supply will mean you're more than prepared for a good organisation session.
When it comes to displaying items, opt for practical solutions. For example, if you're an avid cocktail connoisseur, why not invest in a place to store drinks? A drinks cabinet or trolley is a functional storage solution. Group things together (spirits, bar accessories, glassware) to ensure you'll always be ready for happy hour.
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