Image: junk drawer containing disorganised items including pens, scissors and hammer amongst other random items.
22 March
On
In Organised Thoughts

We all consider ourselves disorganised at various points in life.  Frequently this is associated with an event or life change, and is usually temporary. For some people though, this disorganisation has been present for much of their life, or has come about as a result of an enduring physical or mental health challenge.  It is persistent, and can therefore be referred to as chronic in nature. Did you know that there is an Institute for Chronic Disorganization? The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) is a not-for-profit organisation providing education and training to Professional Organisers and related professionals who specialise in working with the population affectedRead More →

03 September
On
In Homes, Offices, Organised Thoughts

This is a frequently asked question, and the answer is simple.  There is no one-size, fits-all answer to this question…..and there shouldn’t be. At one of my earliest training courses in organising, I recall a lightbulb moment which has forever resonated with me.  You see I came into this work thinking that I know exactly how to organise stuff, people and time.  There was no doubt that I could get stuff done and achieve the end goal, but it was clear that I had my own way of getting there.  I quickly learnt that my way isn’t the “right” way. Let me illustrate.  Picture oneRead More →

Declutter Challenge Week 52: Now What?
30 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Offices, Organised Thoughts

What a year we have all had on this decluttering journey together! Our home are now more functional than ever, we have simplified systems and reduced volume and we no longer have anything in our homes that doesn’t serve a purpose. You are all amazing and we thank you for sharing your stories, your successes and your challenges along the way. After all of that time and effort you have invested in creating a functional and efficient home, how do we go about keeping it that way? Five Simple Tips for Staying Organised Have a home for everything and return everything to its home…….today! OneRead More →

Declutter Challenge Week 51: Everyone Has A Junk Drawer
23 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Offices, Organised Thoughts

Wow, week 51 of this declutter challenge – your homes must be feeling fabulous and so should you from all of your great work.  Decluttering and organising your home is an investment in yourself and your family that keeps paying dividends every day. You are such an expert now that this week’s challenge will probably be a quick one for you because you have such clarity now on how your home needs to function and this will help you making speedy decisions and taking the action required to implement them. It’s time to attack that drawer…you know the one….the dreaded junk drawer!  Pull it outRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 50: Virtually Clutter Free
16 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Offices, Organised Thoughts

You are all amazing at this decluttering – it is so good to hear your stories, we really appreciate you sharing! This week we are talking things that don’t take up physical space but can have such power over us and can be a huge source of anxiety – that overflowing email inbox and those lists of electronic files, bookmarks and dare we mention them, photographs! We already worked through our technology clutter (the physical items like laptops and phone in Week 40 and some of you may have found that one a breeze compared to this week – but we know you can doRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 45: Large Electricals
14 September
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Offices, Organised Thoughts

We are going big this week with our large electrical appliances.  For most of us, this is the fridge/s, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer and any other whitegoods or big electricals you have in your home and garage. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? This category could be a simple on, particularly if you have items that are no longer used or fit for purpose. If you need some further assistance to make decisions though, revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions.  If you are new to the challenge, you canRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 43: Medications and First Aid
31 August
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

We can get so focused on the “stuff” as we are decluttering and organising our homes and lose sight of the bigger picture, which is ensuring that we have a happy, healthy home for ourselves and our loved ones. It is responsible to have a first aid kit on hand as well as any necessary medications, however when was the last time you checked use-by dates or disposed of medicines that are no longer required? Having medicines that are no longer required or expired can be a real danger in your home.  Some medicines lose their effectiveness over time, some can change chemical composition meaningRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 41: Storage Containers
14 August
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

You are all amazing at this decluttering – it is so good to hear your stories, we really appreciate you sharing! Because you have come so far in culling the unwanted items, you have probably found that you have emptied out a number of containers and organisers that you used to store your stuff. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? This category could be a simple one if you choose as it is now very clear in Week 41 of the challenge that you no longer have a need for the tubs, organisers, baskets, bins, hanging organisers and other items youRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 38: Paperwork & Filing Cabinets
26 July
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

I can hear the groans already….it is time to deal with the darn paperwork! Each and every week, paperwork is an area where a large majority of our clients struggle.  It is difficult because it continues to come into our home, we need to make decisions about every piece and often take some further action and some things we need to retain. We are also going to review the storage of our paperwork this week, and the things that we store them in. Before we get started though, the very first thing we need is a structure for our filing system and knowledge of whatRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 37: Rugs & Mats
21 July
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

You have certainly been hitting the floor running every week with our different challenges, so this week let’s tackle those rugs and floor mats both inside and out. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? To help with the decision making, ask yourself the following: Do I use it? Has it been in storage for months or years? How many do I have, need and use? Does it fulfil the function it was purchased for? Is it past its useful life? Put everything aside that no longer has a useful purpose or home in your home. If you need a refresher toRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 36 - small kitchen appliances
13 July
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

For a change of pace, let’s get back into the kitchen to check in on all of those small electrical appliances for beating, chopping, blending and whipping up some gourmet delights…..or just those taking up space. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? If you need a refresher, revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions about small appliances and give yourself a limit.  If you are new to the challenge, you can see our Week 1 post here. To help with the decision making, ask yourself the following: Do I use it?Read More →

Allsorts Decluttering Challenge
14 June
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

This week can certainly be a tricky one for some people, especially those creatives amongst us who see potential in so many items. I know myself, I have a stash of fabric and haberdashery that I might use one day. Does this sound like you too? So how do we decide what stays and what goes? The criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge will assist you in making decisions about your items. If you are new to the challenge, you can see our Week 1 post here. You should also consider the following questions: When was the last time I sewed orRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge
07 June
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

As the weather continues to cool down, we are less likely to head out for picnics or fire up the BBQ so let’s review this category and freshen everything up before we pack it away for the winter.  Decluttering now also means we will have less to pack and store!  We will cover all of your picnic items (including baskets, blankets, cutlery, plates, cups, thermos’ and coolers or eskies) as well as bbq tools and the bbq itself. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? As always, the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge will assist you in makingRead More →

Diary with written to do list and pencil
01 June
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, News, Offices, Organised Thoughts

Our huge 52 week declutter challenge is underway and features a weekly category with an accompanying blog post providing tips and tools for how to get started, what to do with the keepers and transition options for those items that you decide no longer have a place in your home. Below is a handy summary of the weekly categories for every week of our challenge.  The blog link will also be posted here when it is available. You can post questions, discuss challenges and share successes on our Facebook page. Happy decluttering!   Week 1:  DVDs, Video Tapes and CDs – Ditching the discs WeekRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge
01 June
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Being the first day of winter, we think about going into hibernation so our great decluttering challenge over the next couple of months will focus on things inside the home including some of the “hard” stuff like paperwork and photographs plus also other categories of items that are less utilised at this time of the year such as gardening tools and picnic/BBQ items. This week in Part 1 of 2 weeks on curating memories, we are tackling one of those challenging categories – photographs, slides, negatives and photo albums.  Part 2 will focus on memorabilia but we are leaving that until Week 50 you willRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge
25 May
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Whether you are a gardener, home handyman, creator or tinkerer, you need tools for the job.  But, how many do you really need and use? Let’s get out into the garage and garden sheds and review our needs.  We will look at both powered and non-powered tools, including lawn mowers and the like.  At the same time, consider those bottles and bags of nails, screws and little gizmos that we can’t even remember what they were for. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? As we are working on downsizing and moving into a different style of property, our considerations include whatRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge
17 May
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

This is one category that is often neglected but shouldn’t be as it can have effects on your health. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? To assist you in making decisions about your toiletries is to be guided by the product’s expiry dates.  There is no obligation for manufacturers to include an expiry date on cosmetics sold in Australia but most products do expire. As a guide, thanks to Choice, here are dates for some common items: Aerosol products: 2 years Deodorants: Opened 6 months or unopened 3 years Face and body moisturisers: Opened 6 months or unopened 3 years HairstylingRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge
20 April
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

We are back in the kitchen and this week is one of my challenging areas – tools and equipment (excluding electrical).  We have already culled our utensils so this is more about the baking/cookie trays, cake tins, cookie cutters, cake decorating tools and the like. I love cooking and baking, and have lots of tools to help me do it, including an array of cake decorating equipment and cake tins of many shapes and sizes.  I may need Jo’s help with this one! So how do we decide what stays and what goes? As always, the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challengeRead More →

Allsorts Declutter Challenge
23 March
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

For a change of pace, let’s get out of the kitchen into the laundry this week and deal with those growing piles of cleaning cloths, the gadgets that looked too good to be true that would clean the house all by themselves and the old mops, brooms etc. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? If you need a refresher, revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions about your cutlery and kitchen utensils and give yourself a limit.  If you are new to the challenge, you can see our Week 1 postRead More →

02 March
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

After a couple of very challenging weeks focused on your wardrobe, let’s get back into the kitchen and deal with the piles of crockery, serving dishes and platters. I do love to throw a good spread for family and friends and I love to present things nicely but found that I had accumulated many mismatched items over the years, especially in terms of serving dishes and platters and I do like things to go together where possible. I also used to be one of these people who had a dinner set aside for “special occasions” as did my mum, and her mum.  So what wouldRead More →

23 February
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Firstly, please accept my sincere apologies if you are someone who loves handbags and shoes – it is a big mean to do one straight after another, but you are so good at this now! So how do we decide what stays and what goes? Revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions about your shoes and set a limit for each sub-category.  Your categories might be based on season, function, style or colour, it is really up to you. If they don’t fit, out of (your) style, are damaged beyond repair, unloved (or too loved)Read More →

23 November
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

We all like to lighten up heading into summer so let’s take this opportunity to reduce our stash of unused and unloved jewellery and watches.  Who knows, it might free us some space for one of those gifts in a nice little box from Santa! So how do we decide what stays and what goes? Ask yourself these questions: Do I love it? When did I last wear it? Does it go well with my wardrobe or taste? Is it functional/working? Has it got a home or do you have room for it? If it isn’t quite that straight forward for you and you haveRead More →

17 November
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Now that the Melbourne Cup festivities and winter are behind us, and the height of summer sunshine is approaching it is a perfect time to edit your hats and scarves. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? Revisit the criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge to assist you in making decisions about these items. Additionally, think about whether the item is fulfilling a necessary function. If you have a hat that you can see through when you hold it up to the light whether that is a decorative feature or due to the weight and type of material, itRead More →

10 November
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Towels are a necessity in every home but we often find that people buy new ones and hang on to the old favourites, or those that have seen better days. If that is the case for you, or you no longer have any order or space in your linen closet, now is the time to attack those towels. How many do you need? That is a common question and it all depends upon your household composition, your lifestyle and also available storage space.  There is no one-size-fits-all, but I would suggest the following: Bath towels: 3 per person (that covers one in use, one inRead More →

27 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

I know that last week’s challenge was a big one so you might be feeling like a break from all of this decluttering (like my cat Sam pictured hiding under a blanket!).  I don’t want us to lose momentum, so let’s do a smaller category this week – our doonas, blankets and doona covers. If you whiz through this one and have a little bit of time up your sleeves, you can head back to the clothing category from last week if you haven’t managed to get through it.  If you did, yay you!  Use the time as “me” time and pamper yourself! So howRead More →

06 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

I hope you managed to ditch some discs last week! It is amazing how much space these things can take up, especially if they are no longer needed or wanted. This week is another timely category – overcoats! We are all starting to finally see some sunshine and shed some layers, but the evenings still have a chill.  That means that charities continue to be in need of warm coats for their vulnerable clients who might not have a cosy bed to tuck into at night. I have maybe half a dozen heavy coats for winter but always keep coming back to my 2 favouritesRead More →

29 September
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

In the age of Spotify, iTunes and Netflix, so many of us rarely reach for a CD or DVD these days.  When was the last time you watched a DVD?  For me, I can’t honestly remember, but those movies and TV shows I have collected over time seem to have a hold on me.  You know the ones, the classics, the ones that made you laugh or cry, the ones that marked significant milestones in our lives. Boy, they take up a lot of space though, and I have to be honest, it is probably over 5 years since I have put one on.  ThereRead More →

29 September
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, News, Organised Thoughts

The Allsorts household have some exciting news – we are moving! After a challenging year with the devastating loss of my mother-in-law just a couple of months ago, we have revisited our lifestyle and our priorities and decided to downsize from a 4 to a 3 bedroom home. We weren’t ever blessed with children and found that our formal lounge and dining room are only used a handful of times a year as even with guests, they tend to congregate around the kitchen and family room despite my best efforts.  We are also not gardeners and looked at it as a chore rather than aRead More →

08 June
On
In Homes, Organised Thoughts

You will often hear us talking about finding a home for an item. This is one of the core principles that you need to implement in your home if you haven’t already. Having a home for something means that it isn’t floundering around the house, landing in a different spot every day and resulting in you being unable to find it when you need it and wasting your valuable time searching. But how do I decide where something should live? A good rule of thumb is to house something where it is used and not where you think it should live (or where your mum/friend/lovedRead More →

16 January
On
In Celebrations, Organised Thoughts

We are working on another destination wedding for later this year and I can’t help but be distracted by all of those beautiful images of sunsets, tropical flowers and beautiful beaches.  Must be time to start thinking about holiday plans for the coming year! Having now (almost) recovered from the craziness of Christmas and New Year why don’t you put your mind towards researching a holiday, be it for this year or that big overseas holiday on the bucket list. You can either make a list or gather some images, whatever you prefer, to represent your ideal holiday spot and the activities you would likeRead More →

02 September
On
In Homes, News, Offices, Organised Thoughts

Your challenge for National Organising Week (NOW) – each day, spend just 10 minutes focusing on a problem area in your home – you will be surprised at how much you can achieve in such a short period of time! Find yourself a couple of baskets (washing baskets work well) and two rubbish bags, set the timer for 10 minutes, put your favourite music on and get started NOW: – Collect all items in a basket that you know do not belong in that zone and return to their home; – Throw all items for recycling into the other basket; – Any unwanted clothing orRead More →