kitchen organising ideas + giveaway!

WALL STORAGE - USE WALLS TO CREATE EXTRA STORAGE

STORAGE CONTAINERS - KEEP ‘LIKE’ ITEMS TOGETHER & ORGANISED

UNDER SINK ORGANISERS - KEEP ITEMS ACCESSIBLE & ORGANISED

SINK ORGANISERS - KEEP ESSENTIAL ITEMS IN THEIR PLACE

KITCHEN ORGANISERS - LISTS & LABELS ARE ESSENTIAL

PANTRY ORGANISERS - MAKE THE MOST OF PANTRY STORAGE

Hope these product ideas have inspired you to get your kitchen organised. Remember to declutter your kitchen first before going shopping for new organising product. That way you will know exactly what you need, rather than cluttering your cupboards with more stuff! Don’t forget to enter the Cakesnake Giveaway below!

Enter the giveaway for your chance to WIN a Cakesnake, kitchen tray organiser, valued at $39.95. Thank you to Cakesnake for this kind donation. Here’s how to enter:

  • Step 1: Answer this question in 25 words or less… “What area of your kitchen desperately needs organising?
  • Step 2: Email your answer to tanya@declutterhome.com.au and include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number.
  • Step 3: Email your entry by Wednesday the 15th of May at 6pm AEST. The winner will be announced on Facebook on Thursday the 16th of May.

Good luck!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Graphic Design: Tanya Lea, Declutterhome. Product images via Cakesnake.

FREE Declutterhome Checklist each month!

Autumn is wrapping up and it’s time to get your home, office and life organised for the Winter months. We are nearly half way through the year, so a perfect time to reflect on your progress so far.

If you need a little encouragement to keep on track the Declutterhome Checklist is perfect for you! The monthly checklist will be available at the start of each month for you to download for FREE. Giving you a little extra support and guidance.

DOWNLOAD your FREE Declutterhome May Checklist - Simply click on the link below to save and print your own checklist. Stick it on your fridge as a reminder!
Declutterhome Checklist May 2013 

Having trouble downloading the May Declutterhome Checklist? Email me and l can email it to you directly: tanya@declutterhome.com.au

How many jobs can you tick off this month? Let me know how you go!
Happy organising,

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

guest blog + giveaway now closed!

Latest Guest Blog in enVoy!

Do you need some storage ideas for your home or office? Well, go no further! Check out my blog in the latest edition of enVoy. enVoy is bought to you by one of my favourite stores for storage, Voyager Interiors.

I share with you my Top 10 Voyager Storage Solutions plus some simple declutter tips. Don’t forget to enter Voyager’s Giveaway, simply click here for all the entry details. Calligaris storage valued at $355 is up for grabs!

Happy organising!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Graphic Design: Tanya Lea, Declutterhome. Product images via Voyager Interiors.

Kids’ Stuff Sorted + Giveaway Now Closed!

Easter Holidays are nearly here and it’s the perfect time to declutter! If you are at home for the holidays and have some time, tackle something that has been bothering you! See below for some before & after inspiration!

Thanks to Brikbag you have the chance to WIN 1 of 2 Brikbag toy storage playmats. Perfect for storing kids’ lego, blocks, toys, etc. See below for all the entry details.


Decluttering kids’ toys is a great job to tackle over the Easter holidays. It can seem very overwhelming at times! But no need to worry l have outlined all the steps you need to getting those toys in order… stress-free!


HOW TO DECLUTTER THE KIDS’ TOYS…

  • Sort: Start by sorting toys, one area at a time. I always like to start with anything on surfaces, e.g. floor, table top, etc. Sort items into categories, e.g. Lego together, animals together, etc. Don’t declutter yet! Just sort.
  • Remove: Once you have sorted the whole room remove any items that should be stored elsewhere, e.g. clothes to laundry, etc.
  • Declutter: Now it’s time to declutter toys that are no longer used. Separate into 3 piles… toys for: charity, to sell, to give to family or friends.
  • Separate: If your kids have lots of toys, l suggest setting up a ‘toy rotation’ system. By ‘toy rotation’ l simply mean storing 50% of toys and rotating them every couple of months. This will keep the kids interested and the room will be easier to keep organised! You will need a couple of storage tubs for this. Store 50% of toys and label tubs with the date.
  • Store: Store, out of reach, toys that need parental supervision… craft, etc.
  • Keepsake: Store any toys that you would like to keep for memorabilia. Store in a separate storage tub and label.
  • Clean: Now it’s time to clean the space… wipe down all surfaces.
  • Organise: Put away all remaining toys, keeping ‘like’ items together, e.g. soft toys together, dinosaurs together, etc. I suggest separating into separate storage tubs and labelling. You can then teach kids to put away their own toys. Finish up with a good vacuum.
  • Tips: 1. It’s not always possible but l suggest decluttering kids’ toys while the kids are out of the house! It will make it so much easier. 2. Take regular breaks if you are becoming overwhelmed. Decluttering takes times and can be quite emotional. 3. If you are finding it hard to make decisions, ask yourself… Is this item still useful? Do they still need it? Do they love it? Hopefully this will answer your question!

Happy organising! Don’t forget to enter the Brikbag Giveaway below!

Enter the giveaway for your chance to WIN 1 of 2 Brikbag toy storage playmats! Valued at $39.95 each. Thank you to Brikbag for this kind donation. Here’s how to enter:

  • Step 1: Fill in the blanks… “I deserve to WIN the Brikbag because _______________ .” (answer in 25 words or less)
  • Step 2: Email your answer to tanya@declutterhome.com.au and include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number.
  • Step 3: Email your entry by Wednesday the 3rd of April at 6pm. The winner will be announced on Facebook on Friday the 5th of April.

Good luck!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Graphic Design: Tanya Lea, Declutterhome. Photography by Tanya Lea. Product images via Brikbag.

how to protect your family + giveaway now closed!

Where are your important documents right now?

A typical answer is often… “Hmmm, I’m not sure, my husband/partner/wife looks after all that”. But what would happen if your partner (touch wood) got sick or worse? 

It may not seem like a priority right now but the reality is we just don’t know what the future holds. Having all important documents and details accessible, and organised, just makes good sense. 

Enter to WIN!

For one lucky reader getting organised will be a lot easier! This week we have the comprehensive myessentials system to giveaway. myessentials is a system that allows you to identify, collect and protect your most important life details and documents in one central place. So why not get your skates on and enter?!

Getting your important documents sorted is going to save you time, stress and potentially thousands of $$ down the track. 

The first step is to write a checklist of the documents and details you and your family may need in the case of an emergency or family death. Here’s my checklist below, simply add any other items that are important to you.

Valuable documents/details checklist:

  • Valid Will for you and your family
  • Passports and licence details
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Names and contact details of family and friends
  • Contact details for: Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, solicitor, doctor, accountant, family, guardians, etc. 
  • Bank details, account numbers
  • Investments: shares, property, etc.
  • Other investment pieces: artwork, jewellery, etc.
  • Property / house title(s)
  • Superannuation policy
  • Insurance policies: car, home and contents, life insurance
  • Private healthcare
  • Medical history
  • Organ donor details
  • Business and tax details
  • External home storage and possessions inventory
  • Important family history

All done? Next you need to find and organise the documents and write down their details. Photocopy any that you may need to keep a duplicate of elsewhere, and keep the original here. Once you have everything together sort them into alphabetical order.

If you are lucky enough to win the giveaway, myessentials will take you through what you need to do… step by step! It’s one of the most useful organisation tools I’ve found.

Some of you may be thinking… “I don’t need to worry. l have all these documents and details.” If they’re disorganised they’re no good to anyone! You need to file them all together in an expandable folder and don’t forget to label each section. 

The great thing about the myessentials system is it comes in a beautiful box including storage envelopes and easy to follow sections. It includes identification cards for you to give to a ‘trusted person’ so they are aware you have completed this task.

With the filing done, make sure your documents and details are secure and protected from fire. Store them in a bank deposit box or fire-proof safe. You can purchase a fire-proof safe for around $300AUD. 

DON’T FORGET!

With your information now secure give your ‘trusted person’ your safe/deposit box location and details.

If you find it all a little overwhelming and don’t know where to start, l highly recommend purchasing a myessentials system. It takes you through the process step by step, and is written in plain English by a Barrister (but you don’t have to be one to understand it!) Go to myessentials for more information or to purchase online.

Enter the giveaway for your chance to WIN the myessentials system. 

This detailed system includes all the information and forms you need to sort your important documents and details. Thank you to myessentials for this kind donation. Here’s how to enter:

  • Step 1: Fill in the blanks… “I deserve to WIN the myessentials system because _______________ .” (answer in 25 words or less)
  • Step 2: Email your answer to tanya@declutterhome.com.au and include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number.
  • Step 3: Email your entry by Friday the 22nd of March at 6pm. The winner will be announced on Facebook on Monday the 25th of March.

Good luck!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Graphic Design: Tanya Lea, Declutterhome. Product images via myessentials and purchased from iStockphoto.

computer cords organised + giveaway now closed!

Computer cords taking over your life? Do not fear, l have lots of ideas to control the cord clutter!

1. Love this simple idea from Real Simple Magazine, Daily Tips -  Bull dog clips attached to the edge of your desk! Great way of keeping cords within reach and organised. And cheap too!

Love these simple coloured ties via Amazon. Great way to keep your cords neat and together.

2. Amazon, Case Logic GPS & Media Self Attaching Cable Ties, $2.94
3. Amazon, Flexi Ties by UT-Wire $13.46

4. Super easy and super cheap! Real Simple Magazine uses some coloured folder labels to label cords… you will never get them mixed up again! 

5. Love this second idea from The Photographer’s Life… use old bread tags to label your cords, genius!

6. As you can probably see from previous blogs l’m a big fan of the DYMO labeller! As this image via Apartment Therapy demonstrates, you can use the labels for anything and everything! Even to label your computer cords!

Keep cords together and off the floor by storing straight under your desk! Two simple ideas form Ikea and 4 Cabling to get you thinking. 

7. Ikea Signum Cable Trunking Horizontal $19.99
8. 4 Cabling, Under Desk Table Trunking $29.95


More great ideas… Tie them, label them and keep them handy and you will be organised in no time!

9. 4 Cabling, Dotz Cord Label Straps 6 Pack Grey $9.95
10. 4 Cabling Cable Labels 60 Pack $34.95
11. 4 Cabling, Cable Strip $12.95
12. 4 Cabling, Cable Cord Catcher $10.95
13. Howards Storage World, Rapstrap Flexible Re-useable Cable Fastener $4.95

Enter the giveaway for your chance to WIN a DYMO LabelManager 500TS worth $299! This seriously cool labeller could be yours!! It does pretty much everything… Edit, format and customise labels in full colour! And it’s touch screen! Here’s how to enter:

  • Step 1: Simply complete this sentence… The first thing l’m going to label with my DYMO Labeller is my_______________ . Answer in 25 words or less.
  • Step 2: Email your answer to tanya@declutterhome.com.au – include your name, address and phone number.
  • Step 3: Email your entry by 6pm on Wednesday the 13th of March.
  • Note: Winning entry will be announced on Declutterhome Facebook on Friday the 15th of March.

GOOD LUCK!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Graphic Design: Tanya Lea, Declutterhome. Product images via above websites.

 

toy storage – giveaway now closed!

Don’t have time to be searching the shops for storage for your kids’ toys? Totally understand! That’s why l have put together my TOP 10 ideas, to save you some time! I have included different shapes, sizes and colours for you to review!

MY TOP 10

READ TIPS BELOW BEFORE YOU PURCHASE!

  • Do you already have storage that could work? Remember, you don’t want to fill your home with more stuff you don’t need!
  • I recommend gathering all the toys and decluttering first. That way you know exactly how much you need to store.
  • Where are you going to be storing these toys? Think about the size of the space and the colour palette of the existing décor.
  • How long will you have the storage for? Do you need to purchase storage that is going to last the distance or something just to get you through the next year?
  • How much would you like to spend? Storage ranges in price!
  • Would you prefer the storage to be made of natural materials or plastic so it’s easy to keep clean?
  • Consider the age of your kids and what materials and size is practical.


Enter the giveaway for your chance to WIN two mor-stor Cooper canvas print storage tubs. These practical tubs come in two different prints, dinosaurs and butterflies, perfect for any kid’s bedroom. The large size allows you to store lots of toys, holding up to 20kgs! Thank you mor-stor for your kind donation! Here’s how to enter:

  • Step 1: Simply tell us why you need the mor-stor storage tubs. Answer in 25 words or less.
  • Step 2: Email your answer to tanya@declutterhome.com.au – include your name, address and phone number.
  • Step 3: Email your entry by 6pm on Wednesday the 6th of March.
  • Note: Winning entry will be announced on Declutterhome Facebook on Friday the 8th of March.

GOOD LUCK!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Graphic Design: Tanya Lea, Declutterhome. Product images via above websites.

guest blog – giveaway now closed!

HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR HANDBAG!

If you haven’t read my blog on how to declutter your handbag, check it out on the hardtofind. blog. And while you’re there enter the fabulous giveaway. You could WIN a gorgeous necklace from hardtofind. Click here to read more…

GOOD LUCK!

Tanya Lea, Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Valentine’s Day sorted?

A QUESTION FOR ALL THE BLOKES…

All organised for Valentine’s Day? No! Lucky for you l have put together some gift ideas that won’t clutter her cupboard! Don’t forget it’s next week, the 14th of February, so time to get your skates on!

Hopefully your partner has forwarded you this blog to give you some ideas… so you’re lucky, you have a head start! First things first, make sure you block out some shopping time this weekend. Secondly, write your shopping list!

Still not sure what your partner likes? Why not phone a friend. Her girlfriends are the perfect resource for you. Don’t forget you don’t have to spend a bomb! A gorgeous card with heart felt words can mean the world!

1. Witchery Joan metal hardcase clutch, $99.95.
2. Country Road Stripe jersey scarf, $49.95.
3. Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm $27.00.
4. Mecca Cosmetica Nars Bronzing Powder $55.00.
5. Mecca Cosmetica Diptyque Candle $99.00. 
6. Aesop Geranium leaf body cleanser 500ml $$45.00.
7. kikki.K Greeting card hearts: you & me $5.95. 
8. Witchery Crystal ornate earrings $39.95
9. Country Road Basia contrast wallet $99.00. 
10. Dinosaur Designs Large fit wishbone bangle $55.00.
11. Myer Gucci Envy Me EDT from $74.00.

HAPPY ORGANISING

Tanya Lea, Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Fit & Fabulous in Feb!

Is your #1 New Year’s Resolution always, to get fit and healthy? But before you know it the year has ended and you haven’t done anything about it. Well, l’m here to tell you, you can do it! All you need to do is get back to basics… get clear about your goals and get organised… starting with the fridge!

STEP 1: REMOVE ALL TEMPTATION
If you are anything like me, you will go for the cheesecake before the healthy snack, every time! So make it easier on yourself… remove all unhealthy foods… yes, that includes the cheesecake!

STEP 2: THROW OUT EXPIRED FOOD
Remove the contents of the fridge onto your bench and sort into categories as you go, e.g. cheeses together, drinks together, etc. Check expiry dates on food labelling too. Throw out anything out-of-date (recycling the packaging and food into the compost where possible).

STEP 3: CLEAN FRIDGE SURFACES
Time to give the inside of your fridge a good clean! Use a cleaning product that doesn’t have nasty chemicals! I use Planet Luxe House Cleaner, made from natural ingredients. What’s your favourite fridge cleaner? Share below…

STEP 4: REORGANISE FRIDGE
Now the fridge is sparkling clean, it’s time to put remaining food away. Make sure food is packaged correctly to keep it fresh. Group ‘like’ items together and store them in the same section of the fridge. Keep everyday food at the front for easy access. You may want to purchase some containers to help keep ‘like’ items together, e.g. sauce bottles.

PRODUCT IDEAS BELOW
Howards Storage World Fridge Tray $19.95, Lazy Susan $12.95. Lifespace fridge basket $4.95. Ikea Variera Box from $3.99. Store Fridge Condiment Caddy $5.95.

STEP 5: MENU PLAN & PREPARE FOOD
Now for the most important step, menu planning! It’s easy to have lots of fresh food in the fridge but what happens when you get home from work exhausted? Do you cook something or dial a pizza? What we need to do is menu plan, do the grocery shop and prepare the food in advance. Follow the below steps and it will make your life easier.

  • Sit down each Saturday and work out the menu for the following week.
  • Check the fridge and work out what you don’t have and what you need.
  • Write a shopping list and go grocery shopping.
  • Prepare a couple of the dishes on the Sunday and freeze portions ready for the week. Bake some healthy treats or chop up some snack size vegies as snacks.

Now you are ready for an organised, healthy 2013! I look forward to hearing how you all go with your fridge declutter!

HAPPY ORGANISING

Tanya Lea, Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Image Source: Images 1 & 2 purchased from iStockPhoto. Image 3 Martha Stewart. Image 4 Martha Stewart. Image 5 Organize.com. Images 6 Real Simple Magazine.

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