So, to say that I like things organised, lined up and neat-looking would be about as understated as Donald Trump’s hair. Sadly, as much as I would have loved to be a care-free, easy breezy Rachel, I’m definitely more of an “if it’s not a right angle, it’s a wrong angle” Monica, and that’s just the way it is.
Let me start this post then by sharing with you the binge-worthy Netflix series I’m mildly obsessed with right now. It’s called Get Organized, presented by Clea and Joanne, professional organisers to the stars and owners of Instagram-famous The Home Edit. If you haven’t yet seen it, bought the book or been prompted to re-organise your entire life by it, I’m tempted to believe you’ve been hiding…underneath piles of clothing or unopened mail perhaps. Watch it, love it and get inspired to live a life free of clutter, with everything in Rainbow Order. Check out Jordana Brewster’s fridge below.
In a close second spot, is the other little “series” (Youtube-based) I’m a big fan of, by neat queen Khloe Kardashian, aptly named “Khlo-C-D.” Khloe, a long-time client of The Home Edit, also features in one of Get Organised’s episodes, where her huge garage gets a massive makeover.
So, given my personal love of all things organised, as well as the global stir most recently caused by the Get Organized and its marvellous home makeovers, I thought it apt to share with you some basic ideas to get you started on editing your (own) home and, ultimately, your life. After all, home is where the heart is.
INVEST IN UNIFORM HANGERS
Whether you’re willing to invest in wooden hangers, lighter-weight velvet hangers or want to keep expenses to a minimum with plastic hangers, either way – get rid of all those mix ‘n match hangers in your cupboard & buy a matching set once and for all – same colour, same material. There is nothing that transforms a wardrobe quicker and will make everything in it look that much more beautiful. Take the plunge, your clothes are worth it!
CONTAIN YOUR CLEANING CUPBOARD, CLEARLY
Keep similar items together (“floor & tile cleaners”, “laundry detergent & fabric softeners”, “bin bags”) and contain, contain, contain – in clear stackable bins! It looks better, you’ll find things easier and keeping the house clean (as well as organised) will be less of a chore and more of a pleasure!
BUY A CAR BIN AND NEVER LOOK BACK
I recently bought myself the tiniest but most practical little cup-holder-fitting car bin, and – let me tell you – it’s a life-changer. Why on earth would a person need a car bin, you ask? Well, let me count the things I for one, rather frequently need to dispose of, mid-drive: disposable face masks, empty takeaway coffee cups, parking receipts, naartjie peels or apple cores, gum wrappers…the list goes on. What do use to dispose of it in? You guessed it: my teeny tiny little car bin. I highly recommend.
GIVE YOUR GROCERY BAGS A HOME
Wherever your plastic bags are living (safely assuming you recycle and re-use), if they’re not living in a wall-mounted plastic bag container, they’re not living their best life – and, quite frankly, neither are you. I’m no fan of plastic and try to avoid it as much as possible, but – when receiving something in plastic, I always store, recycle and reuse, as many times as possible. This unit isn’t the prettiest one I’ve seen, but it’s cost-effective and will will give you a good idea of what to look out for.
DECLUTTER YOUR DESKTOP
We spend so much time on our laptops or computers: we use it to communicate, watch things, read & research. If your desktop is littered with a countless number of folder icons – do yourself a favour and clean that s-)*t up! I suggest opening a free Dropbox account and keeping all your folders, currently on your desktop, in there. You can still access it all from your desktop, but when you open up your laptop – instead of being bombarded with a million visual cues of things that are on your to-do list, you’re greeted with a far more calming and uplifting screen saver of your choice: whether it be a photograph of a loved one or an aesthetic wallpaper featuring a saying that inspires you. Life is hectic, full and busy – you don’t need your desktop (often used in the pursuit of getting things done) to be that too!
And, lastly, remember: good things take time. If it’s important to you to clear out your space and make room for things that spark joy, don’t feel overwhelmed. Just start. Somewhere. Remember: CHANGE IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT. Much like life.
x
Love, Clare.
Clare Wiese-Wentzel 