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 →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 49: Memorabilia and Souvenirs
13 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Offices, Organised Thoughts

This week could be a little tricky for some of you as we delve into our souvenirs and memorabilia which can be associated with memories of people, places and experiences.  Most of us are sentimental creatures at heart and we can feel that throwing away items is throwing away the memories with them. We aren’t about getting rid of everything, but we do need to make informed decisions and taking action on items that we have in our homes. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? This is more complex of an answer than simply focusing on the functionality of an itemRead More →

Allsorts Organising Declutter Challenge Week 48: Purging the Plastics
02 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Offices, Organised Thoughts

After clearing the unwanted and out of date foodstuff last week you might have found that you have a number of empty containers hanging around without a home or a function so that is what we will be doing this week. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? This category is full of items that may “come in handy one day” or that have a clear function, but maybe not a purpose right this minute.  That can make it more challenging for some in making decisions about whether they stay or go. To help you, consider these things: What’s your limit –Read 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 42: Pet Items
23 August
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

This week we move our attention to our littlest family members, our pets.  Let’s get their “houses” decluttered and review bowls, leads, coats, carriers, medications and all of those other little bits and pieces that they have. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? If items haven’t been used for some time, belonged to a previous pet (excluding maybe a sentimental treasure), don’t fit, don’t work or are no longer fit for purpose, it is time to move them out and on.  Equally as important are things that your pet doesn’t like to won’t use.  Although if my pets had a choiceRead More →

Allsorts Organising declutter challenge week 39: exercise and sporting goods
03 August
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

As the sun starts to show its beautiful face and slowly defrost our bones, we feel more like getting out and about and possibly pursuing more of an exercise routine in advance of the warmer months ahead. Let’s get a head start by reviewing what we have, what we want/need/use and getting things ready for upping the ante in our exercise and sporting routines. If you are more of a winter sports person, you will already have a head start on this week’s challenge as you will have a good handle on what you are using and what no longer has a place in yourRead 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 Organising Declutter Challenge
05 July
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Following on from last week which focused on paintings, prints and frames, we are moving onto the decorative touches around the house, including figurines, faux flowers and other trinkets and ephemera. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? Ask yourself these questions: Do I love it? Does it have good memories associated with it? Is it proudly on display or catching dust in a cupboard? Does it go well with my decor or taste? Is it functional and/or in good condition? Has it got a home or do you have room for it? If it isn’t quite that straight forward for youRead More →

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

This week it’s time to take a fresh look at our paintings, prints and frames – those hanging on the walls, sitting on the shelves and taking up space in our cupboards and sheds. So how do we decide what stays and what goes? Ask yourself these questions: Do I love it? Does it have good memories associated with it? Is it proudly on display or catching dust in a cupboard? Does it go well with my decor or taste? Is it functional and/or in good condition? Has it got a home or do you have room for it? If it isn’t quite that straightRead 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
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
02 May
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Before the chill of winter hits, let’s clear the decks outside and cull the unwanted, unloved (or too loved) and beyond repair outdoor furniture.  Sadly our use of the outdoor spaces at home will start declining, so there is no benefit in leaving surplus items out to deteriorate further in the frost.  Our approach will almost mirror what we did last week with our indoor furniture. 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 making decisions about your items.  If you are new to the challenge, youRead More →

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

This week we are tackling our indoor furniture so it is time to take a look around the house (and garage or shed) to see what is used and what isn’t, what it loved, what is functional and what we want consuming out space. I am personally tackling this from the perspective of downsizing to a smaller home in coming months.  That sounds relatively straightforward but I know there will be need to be some discussions in our household about what we want to take to our new home, and what style we are going for – will we both agree?  We also have aRead More →

15 March
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Continuing on from last week we are still in the kitchen and it’s time to review all of your coffee and tea cups and drinking glasses (including those for wine and spirits). 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 post here. Consider your lifestyle and ask yourself the following questions: How many people live in yourRead More →

08 March
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Continuing on from last week with the piles of crockery, serving dishes and platters, we are now moving onto cutlery, kitchen utensils and chopping boards.  Don’t worry about BBQ utensils at this stage, we will deal with them in future weeks. Time to pull out that drawer exploding with whisks, tongs and random utensils that seemed like a good idea at the time and pare them back to what you need, what you want, and what you use. 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 toRead 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 →

16 February
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

We started with luggage and backpacks last week and honestly, I have been dreading this week.  I don’t think I am a shoe addict, but some (aka my husband) may disagree and also suggest that I have a handbag problem.  I don’t necessarily agree with him, but with our big goal of downsizing and making our move as simple as possible I need to revisit my collection, set some limits and be honest about which ones I do and don’t use. My hubby doesn’t get away scot-free this week though as he has a number of wallets.  We also have a stash of shopping bagsRead More →

09 February
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Now that the holidays are over and school is back, it is the perfect time to cull your luggage and backpacks. This should hopefully be a relatively quick and easy week for you, so if you didn’t get through all of your bookshelves last week you can keep going with your books as well (and drop them off to the Lifeline book fair this weekend!). So how do we decide what stays and what goes? If they are damaged, unloved (or too loved) or just haven’t been used in years they should go.  If they are collecting dust on a shelf, in the garage orRead More →

02 February
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Books can be a tricky one for some people as the bookshelf contains so many hopes, dreams, emotions, adventures and memories. There is value in every word on every page, but is it still valuable if the book is left collecting dust for many years? So how do we decide what stays and what goes? Essentially the same as most other categories of items.  If they are damaged, unloved (or too loved), incomplete, irrelevant, out-of-date or age inappropriate they should go.  If they are collecting dust on a shelf, in the garage or the top of the wardrobe, dust them off and pass them forward.Read More →

26 January
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

In 1997, I purchased a beautifully hand embroidered tablecloth and matching napkins overseas. It is made of fine white cloth and took a beautiful lady around 100 hours to hand stitch the intricate patterns from her wicker chair high in the mountains of Cyprus.  It was made with love and she carefully packaged it up for me to take home. At the time I purchased it for my mum who always hosted our family Christmas lunch. The baton, and the tablecloth, was passed to me about 10 years ago and I truly love hosting Christmas as I love the whole planning process and the cooking.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 →

03 November
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Throw cushions are often something that people love or hate.  The same can’t be said for our sleeping pillows, unless of course they are at either end of their life cycle! Pillows and throw cushions are items which can hang around in your house and fill up your cupboards so it is time to stop fluffing about and cull! So how do we decide what stays and what goes? When was the last time you replaced your pillow?  Some sleep experts suggest replacing a pillow every year, others every few years.  Some pillows now have an expiry date printed on them or you can writeRead 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 →

20 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

Now that you have got into a bit of a groove let’s really make an impact this week with a big category – clothing! I know it might seem a little daunting, but it is the perfect time to tackle this one as you can also pack your winter clothes away and set up your wardrobe for summertime. Grab your donation bag and get started! 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 clothes. Now ask yourself, was there any winter clothes taking upRead More →

13 October
On
In Declutter Challenge, Homes, Organised Thoughts

I hope you managed to lost some layers whilst tackling our overcoats category last week! I let go of three and now have one long coat and one mid-length off at the dry cleaners in preparation for packing them away – such a good feeling! This week we start on one of the easy categories of paper that clutters up our homes – those piles of magazines that collect. I do have a confession to make before we go any further. I love flicking through magazines! They are full of short reads, beautiful imagery, inspiration, puzzles, recipes…..so many opportunities. My favourites include Donna Hay magazinesRead 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 →

21 August
On
In Homes, Organised Thoughts

Have you been busy decluttering and now looking at your options to transition items out of your home? Here are our top 5 tips for selling online. Write a detailed description and include photographs of your items, including any imperfections. Best to be up front with potential buyers which will save you time in the long run. Set a realistic price. At the end of the day, your goal is to hopefully sell the item. Look at other similar listings to see how much they are listed for and how long they have been listed. Be prepared to negotiate and have a bottom figure inRead More →