Keeping yourself tidy

I happened across this organising tip on the web a few days ago:

Keep ladles, tongs, and spatulas in place by attaching adhesive Velcro strips to both the handles and the bottom of the utensil drawer.

I’d love to know what you think?  Is this a good idea?  Or too much like undie folding?

Or, do you have a great use for velcro you can share?

Super simple wine storage

How good is this wine rack? So simple!  Pretty affordable too.

Try www.crateandbarrel.com or www.shoppingsquare.com.au

Wedge wine rack

Great organising products at IKEA

Slatthult decoration stickers – $19.95

I love these! They’re self adhesive and easy to stick on your wall. I would put a few photos inside (sticking directly to the wall using double sided tape) dry surfaces, or simply use them as frames for notes…. eg quotes you like, or aspirations you have.  Better than having special words lost in the fray of your notebook clutter!

designer:

Slatthult

Rationell/Variera box – $7.95

I love this transparent container; makes it easy to see what is inside. It has a handle and I can see these looking very sexy in the fridge for small jars of condiments.

Rationell/Varieria box

Last, my favourite space saver EVER.

Rationall/Variera shelf insert – $7.95 for the large
and $4.95 for the small.

I call these a “shelf split” and they are GREAT for maximising space – particularly within a cupboard – eg your pantry. The version shown in my book, SORTED! is no longer created – they have replacead it with a pretty white version. They come in two sizes and are stackable. Long live Variera!

I need more storage systems!

I enjoyed watching the Australian TV series, Love my way, over the weekend.  There was a spectacular bit
when a trip was taken to IKEA by a late thirties couple with new baby.  Female character says “I have a 4 week old baby.  I’m so tired.. I’m so bloody tired… I know people are dying in friggin’ Palestine or whatever but I need storage systems.  Charlie, I know, that’s why we’re here. Everything will be OK if I have more storage systems!  And a front loading washing machine and more bench
space….

Well, I laughed. I laughed at the fatigue of the new parents. I laughed at them caught in the flow of one way IKEA traffic and I laughed at the notion that with more storage, life is somehow better. What do you think? Would your life be better with more storage? or with less storage? And what the hell is a “storage system”? I think storage and system are two different things aren’t they? Or do you always say “storage system” in the same breath? Tell me your innermost thoughts….

What’s wrong with this picture?

Does your average person own just three frocks? Two bags? Three pairs of trousers, three shirts and ten pairs of shoes? This storage appears to be for a hotel, not a home.

I worked as a photographic stylist for some years styling homewares for a major department store. A stylist is the person who makes the product look pretty with props using their artistic flair. It’s the stylist’s (and the photographers) job to make the product look good. Despite my background, I really hate unrealistic styling and propping … in particular, the lack of balance between the pretty and the practical. It’s all friggin’ pretty! I like to see some signs of life; newspapers, odd socks and unmade beds. Ok, I’m kidding.. I don’t want to see a shambles, but how would that wardrobe look if there was some more realistic content?

I would actually find the product more accessible – and I would certainly know how to use it better (do you think those cushions down the bottom of the wardrobe in those big deep baskets are the best of space?) I think it would also help those who are less visual and perhaps less able to imagine their stuff in situ.

There are many, many photos of products that are styled like the one above. Magazines are full of pretty, pretty pics that are very enticing and pleasurable, but how does one work at a desk with only a pencil cup and laptop? Where’s the actual paper and work? Do publishers really think we buy the promise of ‘unreal’?

What do you think? Should stylists get a grip and make things a bit more real? love to hear your thoughts.

Need to declutter your office?

 

Here at SORTED! we’re big fans of Traveller’s Aid… they do some great work (check out www.travellersaid.org.au).  I am hoping you might have some furniture cluttering up your office that you need to donate…. check this out….  YOUR DONATION CAN ALSO BE A TAX DEDUCTION!

 

recipes for organising

Well, my little book (small, but fat) has arrived from the printers. It contains over 250 organising tips – as well as truths, techniques and lots of how-tos … I think you’ll love it! The how-to’s are just like recipes (clever!) cover everything from work and paper to on the go and living. The publishers think this book will “transform your life”. I just think it’s practical and inspiring! but I would say that, wouldn’t I?

In stores October 10th, you will also be able to purchase a signed copy direct from www.sorted.net.au (even better, go to www.sorted.net.au/newsletter and sign up for my free monthly newsletter so you’ll be first to know as soon as they’re available…. next month we’re going to have a couple of new products too! Hooray!

How much is enough?

Great post here about storage – and not having enough at home.

I have long believed that the volume of stuff we own is dictated by the amount of space we have: our stuff will expand to fit (or exceed!) any given boundary. I think the trick is to reduce the bounday – eg, downsize and then deal with the content, eg declutter!

What do you think? Is your space big enough? Do you wish you had a bigger home or workspace? Could you live in a space half the size?