LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT PIECE?

Well, l’ve already found it! Perfect Pieces’, High St, Armadale, is my go to store for gorgeous perfect storage pieces…

The co-founders of Perfect Pieces’ decided there was a need for more affordable, stylish furniture and homeware pieces in Melbourne. So they created a range made from a variety of rustic materials to inspire us. If you love French & English country style, you will love this store!

GET ORGANISED

I shop here when l’m looking to stock my present cupboard or sourcing storage product for clients. It has all my bases covered…

• Storage furniture – bedside tables, consoles, side boards, cupboards, desks
• Organisers for your stationery, keys, cutlery etc
• Glass containers for storing food in your pantry and items in your bathroom
• Ceramic storage for your bathroom
• Trunks, cases and overnight bags for travel
• Blackboards, cards and note books for reminders
• Wire and cane baskets for extra storage

Perfect Pieces’ have three stores in Victoria (sorry for interstate and overseas readers!) to enjoy. See below for addresses and their website for more info.

Armadale
731 High St, Armadale, Mlebourne

Hawthorn
131 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn

Geelong
88 Pakington St, Geelong

Store Hours
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 10am-4pm

Happy organising!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Photography by Tanya, Declutterhome.

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TIME TO GET SORTED!

Did you read my blog on office organising? Did you give it a go and tackle your office clutter? No! Well, my latest blog may be just what the doctor ordered! Yep, it’s your lucky day, I have listed below my favourite products to help organise your office. Now all you have to do is start.

FAVOURITE ITEMS & WHY…

1. Diary: A diary is key to being organised… doesn’t matter if you prefer a digital or written diary… just make sure you have one! A diary will keep you on track. Use it to record your appointments, birthdays and ‘to do list’ and mark it off when you are done. kikki.K – 2012 Cute Diary – $12.48

2. Desk essentials: A good old pen holder… is next on my list! You don’t need 3 with 50,000 pens that don’t work! You just need 1 pen holder and a few pens, pencils and highlighters. Don’t forget all the other stationery essentials: sticky tape, stapler, sharpener, rubber, hole punch, ruler, glue stick and calculator. I also have a supply of sticky notes, notepaper, staplers, paper clips etc. Smiggle – Large Planter Box – $9.95

3. Bookcase: Most people have a selection of magazines, folders and other stuff they need to store and have easy access to. A bookcase is perfect, you can then purchase some boxes to store smaller items in, like stationery supplies. Ikea – Expedit Shelving Unit – $249.00

4. Cord organisers: Arghhhhh! Computer cords! We all have to deal with them but they can drive us crazy! To take control of the cords in your life, purchase some cord ties. Cord labels are handy too, so you know what is for what! Howards Storage World – Dotz Cord Organisers – $6.48

5. Computer backup: I’ve said it once and l will say it again… back up your computer! External hard drives are really reasonably prices these days and super easy to use. My Macintosh computer comes with a built in back up program called ‘Time Machine’. All you need to do is plug in the hard drive and set ‘Time Machine’ to back up to it, easy! I know PC computers have a similar system… just google it, for more info! Office Works – Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive – $89.00

6. Magazine holders: Love a magazine holder… they keep all of my books and magazines upright and organised. I have a couple for each magazine subscription. Ikea – Kvissle Magazine File set of 2 – $14.99

7. USB hub: The USB hub… it allows you to plug in multiple electronic items into your computer or laptop. I need a USB port for my iphone, ipod, hard drive, USB drive, printer, camera cord and the list goes on! So a few ports are never enough! Aero Designs Plus – USB Hub Man – $20

8. Desk organiser: I spoke about desk essentials before but a desk organiser helps keep all those things together. My organiser from kikki.K holds everything! E.g. Envelopes, small stapler, scissors, ruler, sticky notes, paper clips, notepad etc! So it’s this, plus my pen holder… simple and organised! kikki.K – Desk Organiser – $34.95

9. Filing cabinet: We are going more paper free these days but we still have paper to organise. A good filing cabinet is essential. I use my filing cabinet to store current tax, reference ideas for holidays, recipes and even blank birthday cards etc. I then keep it all in alphabetical order. UCI – 2-Drawer White Filing Cabinet – Approx. $369.00

10. Vertical file: Apart from a filing cabinet my only other filing system is my desktop vertical file. I prefer a vertical file opposed to a horizontal inbox because it’s easier to access and see what you have. In my vertical file l have an A4 plastic pocket for each job, e.g. one for bills, one for articles to read etc. Once l have completed the job, e.g. paid a bill, it gets filed into the filing cabinet. Easy as 1. Receive the paperwork 2. Complete the job 3. File it or throw it. Office Works – Wire Vertical File – $17.84

Let me know if you have any ‘must-have’ office products and l will add them
to the list!

Happy organising!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Products shots via product websites. Design by Tanya, Declutterhome.

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MOTHER’S DAY, SUNDAY 13th, MAY

It’s time to say thank you to all the mums out there! Yep, it’s nearly Mother’s Day and l’m here to give you a few present ideas. But first, let us reflect… Mothers are amazing people, they love you no matter what dumb things you do in your life. They drop everything to help us at the last minute (my mum has done this many times!) and they always support us 100%. They really are amazing and now is the time to say thank you.

HOW TO SAY THANK YOU!

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to say thank you. Spending time with that person or helping out is all most of us want. Why not do something around the house for mum… just think of how many times she has made your bed, or cleaned your clothes! Here’s some ideas to get you thinking. Some won’t cost a cent, just your time.

• A surprise spring clean of the house!
• Buy her some new bed linen and refresh her bedroom
• Clean her bathroom and add in some nice hand wash or flowers out of the garden
• Clean out and reorganise her fridge and pantry, then cook her a nice dinner
• Spruce up the living area with some scented candles and fresh flowers
• Put together a photo album with all the latest family photos
• Book her in for a manicure & pedicure and clean the house while she’s out
• Do a job she doesn’t like doing… like clean all the windows!

CANDLES, INCENSE & PRETTY THINGS

I love my local store Rose St. Trading Co. for candles etc. Here’s some pics to inspire you…

REMEMBER

Just be careful not to throw anything away during the cleaning process! You never know what’s important to someone. And remember Mother’s Day isn’t far away, so get the diary out and start planning. Think about when you are going to do the job… do you need someone to help create a diversion?… do you need another pair of hands to help clean. Remember, cleaning and organising can take time, so be sure to give yourself enough time!

Good luck and happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there!

Happy organising!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Design by Tanya, Declutterhome.

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I LOVE ORGANISING OFFICES! Why, you ask? Because it’s a life changing experience for people. It takes someone from being unproductive to super efficient. Keep reading… and l will give you some easy to follow steps, so you can organise your office.

“HELP ME ORGANISE MY OFFICE!” When it comes to organising my strategy is, keep it simple. I’m all about simple systems that are user-friendly. So any family member or colleague could go into your office and find what they need.

“BUT I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START!” Don’t get overwhelmed! Easy for me to say, right? It may be a gigantic mess right now but l want you to forget about that for a minute. Let’s assess the situation first.

ASK YOURSELF What’s not working here? Is the current furniture working? Do you need more storage? Do you have an easy to use ‘paper flow’ system set up, or is there no system? Have you got everything you need, e.g. stationery etc?

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET? Most offices l see need more efficient storage furniture installed. First thing you need to ask yourself is… what’s my budget? Then you can decide what your priorities are.

DRAW UP A PLAN Measure the office space and draw up a new office layout, including any new furniture you want to buy. Once you know it all fits you can purchase new items and remove any old furniture.

ASSESS THE PAPER FLOW Do you have paper here, there and everywhere? Making sure you have a ‘paper flow’ system is critical. Don’t just stack paper, have a spot for bills, receipts etc. Here’s how l do it…

• STEP 1: Set up an inbox for ‘jobs to do’. I separate out my jobs into different folders. E.g. One folder for bills to pay, one folder for articles to read etc
• STEP 2: Once the bill is paid for example, l file it in the filing cabinet, in alphabetical order. The filing cabinet stores documents for this financial year only.
• STEP 3: Lastly l have a couple of plastic filing tubs which l store all of my old tax etc. I don’t need to access these regularly so l store them away in a cupboard.

LET’S GET STARTED! Now you’re ready to begin. Follow these steps and you’ll have an organised office before you know it. Just remember, one thing at a time.

• STEP 1: Bring in new furniture and arrange as per plan.
• STEP 2: Grab some cupboard boxes from the supermarket to help you sort.
• STEP 3: Go through all items in the office, one item at a time and sort into categories, e.g. all stationery into 1 box etc
• STEP 4: Once you have sorted everything into categories, assess items. What do you need? Anything for bin, charity or storage? Do you need a skip or paper shredder bin delivered?
• STEP 5: If you don’t have much room in your office l suggest storing anything you need to keep but don’t access regularly, e.g. last 7 years of tax. In attic or garage at home?
• STEP 6: Clean all of the surfaces before you put things away.
• STEP 7: Assess remaining items and put them away in their new spots. Keep storage spots logical and store ‘like’ items together, e.g. folders in alphabetical order on book shelf, stationery together in drawers, paperwork in filing cabinet in alphabetical order etc.
• STEP 8: Finish by labelling drawers, files and folders. Vacuum and you
  are done!

DON’T MISS NEXT WEEK… Mothers Day gift ideas coming your way!

Happy Organising!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Photography by Tanya, Declutterhome.

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THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

For those of you who have been hiding under a rock, l’m here to update you on the latest revolution! Yes, there’s a revolution going on in storage and it’s about time you were in the know! It’s storage with a little character, that’s saying no to plastic and yes to restored wood, revived metal and recycled glass.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Well, l’ll let you in on a little secret. You can find it all in the one store,
The Industrial Revolution in High Street, Armadale. It’s a treasure trove full to the brim with fabulous industrial storage pieces. Let me warn you, you’ll need more than 5 minutes to check it out. There are some real gems, so take your time…

• Storage furniture – cabinets, shelving, buffets and cupboards
• Glass containers for storing food in your pantry
• Key holders so you don’t lose your keys
• Coat hooks to keep your favourite pieces handy
• Baskets to store large kids’ toys
• Storage for wine and drinks
• Coloured metal crates for storing anything and everything

If you need some storage that’s unique yet practical, this is your place. You can checkout their facebook page for more info, website coming soon…

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

• 1114 High Street, Armadale, Melbourne
• http://www.facebook.com/industrialrevolutionarmadale
• Store Hours
• Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm
• Saturday 9.30am – 5pm
• Sunday 10.30am – 4:30pm 

THE UGLY DUCKLING
Check out their other store in Richmond

• 194 Burnley Street, Richmond
• http://www.facebook.com/uglyducklingrichmond
• Store Hours
• Monday 9.30am – 5pm
• Tuesday-Friday 9am – 5pm 
• Saturday 10am – 5pm
• Sunday 10.30am – 4:30pm

Happy Organising!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

Photography by Tanya, Declutterhome.

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WHEN DID YOU LAST DECLUTTER THE PANTRY?

Ok, let’s have a look. Open the pantry door… Now, would you be embarrassed if a visitor opened it? Yes? Well, it’s time to declutter!

DECLUTTER REGULARLY

I do a pantry declutter maybe, every 3 months and usually only takes 1/2 hour. It’s going to take you longer if you haven’t done it in a while. So block out so time in your day to get it done. Staying organised is definitely about doing a little bit here and there. It’s like exercise, if you never do it you will get fat and it will be extra hard to lose weight. If you never declutter it will feel like an enormous job!

STEPS TO ORGANISING YOUR PANTRY:

• Remove everything!
• As you remove everything sort items into categories… ‘like’ items together. E.g. Pasta together, cereal together etc.
• Clean pantry surfaces.
• Throw out any over-due food items.
• Write a shopping list for items you need to replace.
• Throw out any damaged storage containers.
• Remove things that should be stored elsewhere. E.g. Light globes etc.
• Transfer the contents of open food packets into containers and label. I love the Décor brand for storage containers… The containers stack, product is reasonably priced, it’s hard wearing and they come with labels. You can also use Ikea sealing clips to seal open packets.
• Now, it’s time to put everything away. Store everyday food where you can access it easily. Treats for kids, up high out of reach! Keep everything in categories. E.g. Pasta together, cereal together.
• Keep small ‘like’ items together in a large storage container with a handle for easy access. E.g. Spices go in one container labelled spices. I like the Howards Storage ‘Caddy’ organiser and the ‘Storage’ basket, as well as the Ikea ‘Rationell’ containers in white.

SOME MORE TIPS…

• Now that job is done write a declutter reminder in your diary for 3 months time. Keep on top of your clutter or it will turn into a big, scary job!
• Use storage containers that stack to make better use of space.
• Label all containers with the contents name and the used by date.
• Check the pantry before you go shopping… there’s no point buying more canned tuna when you already have 10 tins!

Happy Organising! 

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser

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It’s a perfect day today… Well, it should be! The sun is shining, you just got a new job and your friend is sending you all expenses paid to Fiji! OK, maybe not, but let’s just imagine for a moment, shall we…

JUST ONE LITTLE PROBLEM…
You have to leave your home right now to catch the flight! OK, don’t panic, all you need is a sarong, your Passport and your credit card. OK, first things first, where’s your Passport? Hmmm, that’s put a spanner in the works hasn’t it, because you can’t remember the ‘secret’ spot where you left it last. So you spend the next hour running around like a headless chook, flinging things from one end of the house to the other (your boyfriend will be pleased, when he gets home). But thank god you finally see it, peaking out from the back of the couch!

OFF TO THE AIRPORT YOU GO…
If only you could find your phone to call a taxi! Oh well, you decide to jump in the car, but where are your keys? Thankfully, your next door neighbour drives you. You arrive at airport check-in and breathe a sigh of relief, only to realise your Passport is not actually your Passport but your boyfriend’s! You didn’t really want to go to Fiji anyway, did you?

THE MORAL OF THE STORY…
‘A place for everything and everything in it’s place’. Here’s some tips on how to keep things organised. If it all seems too hard to keep organised, think about the time and money you will save!

• All you need to do is have a place for everything! Don’t have multiple places for the same item, e.g. light globes in 10 different spots. And keep items in logical places (no secret spots!), e.g. light globes with home essentials cupboard in laundry.
• Next, make sure you label shelves, drawers and containers so everyone knows where things go, e.g. label shelf ‘light globes’.
• Don’t be lazy! Put things away in their right spots, e.g. get home from the supermarket and put light globes into the spot that’s labelled light globes!
• Don’t buy more light globes without checking if you already have some. We waste a lot of money buying stuff we already have.
• Have a place for important documents like Passports. Don’t put them in a ‘secret spot’, that not even you can remember! Keep things in a logical spots, e.g. file Passports in your filing cabinet and label ‘Passports’.
• Buy some handy items to help keep things organised, e.g. some hooks to hang your house keys, or some containers to keep things together.
• Don’t throw important mail on the table, put it straight into your inbox. Otherwise, someone will put junk on top, then the whole lot in the bin.

“WHERE’S MY ………… ?”
Misplacing or losing items can cause us so much stress, cost us money and waste our precious time. All you need is a place for everything and to make sure you put things away, regularly. Have any of the following scenarios happened to you?

• Misplaced an invitation and you turned up in fancy dress on the wrong day?
• Missed your flight because your Passport had expired?
• Forgot to pay a fine because you couldn’t find it and ended up paying more?
• Constantly spending more money at the supermarket, purchasing items you already have?
• Always losing your keys and mobile, causing you to run late?
• Regularly running late to drop the kids off at school because someone can’t find their homework, sports uniform or favourite soft toy?
• Forgot to RSVP to a wedding or party because you threw out the invitation?

The list goes on! Comment and tell us your ‘lost’ story or how you overcame your disorganisation. Would love to hear from you!

Happy Organising!

Tanya Lea
Declutterhome, Professional Organiser 

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Does the thought of Ikea give you a headache? Does the sheer size of the place let alone the car parking make you feel a little dizzy? Well, l’m here to give you all the info you need for a pleasant Ikea experience! Ikea is like a magnet, if you haven’t been yet you will be sucked in one day by the cheap product! All you need are a few tips from the expert (me!) and you will soon know Ikea like the back of your hand. So listen up!

DO NOT GO TO IKEA ON THE WEEKEND. You may have no other option but if you do l strongly suggest you stay away! You will be surrounded by LOTS of people, screaming kids, angry drivers and Ikea employees who are trying to hide from you!

DO YOUR IKEA SHOPPING AT NIGHT. Don’t forget it’s open till 9pm weekdays and 7pm on weekends! I love going around 7pm during the week when there’s no traffic and l can easily get a car park. First thing on a weekday is good too! Check your local Ikea opening hours first!

DO NOT GO INTO IKEA WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT YOUR INTENTIONS ARE. Are you just going for a wander, to get inspired or to purchase a specific product? If you don’t you can be in there for hours, missing breakfast, lunch and dinner!!

DO WRITE A LIST. Sometimes l do like just to wander but mostly l’m on a mission. So l write a list of what l need before l go.

DO NOT GO TO IKEA WITHOUT CHECKING WHETHER YOUR PRODUCT IS IN STOCK. It’s not good when you finally get to your destination to find out your product is out of stock. Arghhh! I have learnt the hard way.

DO CHECK YOUR PRODUCT IS IN STOCK ONLINE FIRST. How do you do that you ask? Simply go online and follow these steps:

• Find the product you want (or type in a search word e.g. wardrobe). When you have found the product you like, click on it! 
• The product page will pop up next. Look down the right hand column to ‘check stock’. Click on your nearest store and then click ‘check stock’. Then click on ‘check availability and location’.
• Next page will tell you how many pieces are available. Go down this page a little further to ‘how to shop’ and it will tell you where to find the product instore. 
• See screenshots below for these steps. If you don’t have a computer call your local store for the same info.

DO NOT GO TO IKEA ON AN EMPTY STOMACH… or needing to go to the bathroom! It’s a long way back to the toilets if you need to go!

DO TAKE SUPPLIES. Ikea probably have a ‘no eating, no drinking’ policy but l always take replenishments. You do not want the blood sugar to drop while being overwhelmed by product choice. There’s always the cafe at Ikea if you want to have a meal.

DO NOT FORGET TO WRITE DOWN THE LOCATION OF THE ITEM. You have to pick up some products from within the store, some from the ‘market hall’ and some are in the warehouse at the end. If you like the look of something check the tag for ‘pick up/location’ info. You need the article, aisle and location number to pick up furniture. You will find the pick up point for large items at the end of the store in the warehouse.

DO NOT IGNORE THE SALES ASSISTANT AT THE STORE ENTRANCE! They will offer you a shopping bag to use while instore. You may not think you will need it… let’s just say l have regretted it everytime! 

DO GRAB SUPPLIES. When entering Ikea ask the sales assistant for a pencil, blank shopping list, paper tape measure and store map. They have them there for you to use, free of charge.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR IKEA SHOPPING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! You will be sorry if it’s out of stock!

DO PURCHASE YOUR PRODUCTS AHEAD OF TIME. I always shop for my clients well before l need it. So then l can always go to another store or wait until it’s in stock again.

GOOD LUCK!

Product images via Ikea. Design by Tanya, Declutterhome.

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THE WORKS – BED BATH N’ TABLE

This homewares store has it all! The Works, in Hawthorn, Melbourne, has a huge range of homewares. Now, l’m not telling you this so you can go and accumulate more! I’m sharing this one, to help you get organised and to save you time.

The Works, is my favourite shop of the moment. Why? It has everything under one roof, which saves me time. And it nearly always has multiple items on sale (so it saves me money too!).

As with most declutter jobs you need a certain amount of boxes, baskets, containers and canisters to help organise the space. The Works, has everything, as well as some of my favourite brands… Cath Kidston, Murchison-Hume, Donna Hay Home, Paper Eskimo, Glasshouse etc! In covers all my homeware needs… linen, kitchenware, kids stuff, outdoor accessories, present ideas, bathroom essentials and even furniture! I love it!

The Works, even has a cafe, yay! So you can shop then have a coffee or lunch! The double bonus is Bunnings Warehouse is across the road (my second favourite store). But, there is one little issue… there is only the one store! Sorry interstate and overseas readers!

THE WORKS
Address:
275 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Melbourne
Telephone:
03 9810 6600
Opening hours:
Weekdays 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm

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THE BRIEF

My clients, Katherine and Cameron, needed some help to organise their living room. The brief was to create a clutter-free organised living space with an area for the kids to play. It was also essential that the space be easy to keep tidy. Katherine and Cameron have two kids, as well as careers, so making it easy was our aim!

STEPS

It was all about a good room plan. I needed to create a space for the kids to play, as well as area for Katherine and Cameron to relax and watch TV.

• STEP 1: I drew up a new room plan… keeping TV/sound system together and a play area for kids. Firstly, I needed to move the stereo to the base of the TV and mount the TV to wall.
• STEP 2: I kept the couch directly in front of the TV but moved it into the corner to maximise room space.
• STEP 3: I moved in the toy storage from kids’ room and created a distinct play area using the table, chairs and toy storage.
• STEP 4: Cleaning all of the surfaces and floors was next on my list.
• STEP 5: It was time to declutter… I collected every item from around the room and sorted into categories… a category for DVDs, a category for soft toys etc. Once items were sorted I went through each category with my client… anything for storage, bin, charity?
• STEP 6: Put away all remaining items… I always keep it logical… e.g. toys in Ikea toy storage, store DVDs below TV etc. Most importantly store ‘like’ items together… puzzles together, soft toys together etc. I also like to put away half the toys into a ‘toy rotation’ system. Store them away in tubs and rotate every month or so.

TIP: I use Ikea ‘Istad’ plastic snap lock bags to keep kids’ puzzles and games together. So you don’t lose all those little pieces!

DON’T FORGET: Always finish by labelling surfaces so you don’t need to second guess where things go. I use the Dymo Labeller for all my labelling.

HELP! If you don’t have time to DIY give Declutterhome a call for a free 1 hour consultation. Contact Tanya, 0412 834 120.

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