Declutter Your Home in Time for Summer: The Messiest Areas of Your Home and How to Tackle Them
Keeping on top of clutter in the home can be tricky, and often our space can feel less like a cosy retreat to say the least and more like a chaotic whirlwind, especially if you are having a full-time job, kids to look after and well, yes, leading a busy life- then keeping clutter to a minimum can feel like a constant chore. And keeping the home tidy appears to be an increasing struggle, as DFS has noticed a significant rise in searches for ‘organise kitchen drawers’ which have surged by 80% and ‘organising small spaces’ which have risen by 75% over the last year.
While no home is ever completely spotless, there are simple changes you can make to create a more peaceful environment.
High-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens can quickly become cluttered without proper organisation. One way to improve organisation in these spaces, especially in smaller homes, is by creating multifunctional areas. These spaces serve multiple purposes, helping you maximise the available space.
To help, organisation expert, Sue Spencer has shared her top tips for getting more out of your space.
1. Free up precious floor space in the bedroom
Bedrooms should be clutter-free to promote restful sleep, reduce stress, and improve productivity. However, overflowing wardrobes, crowded drawers, and cluttered surfaces can often hinder this, especially in smaller rooms.
To tackle clutter in the bedroom, incorporate furniture like ottoman beds, wardrobes with built-in storage, and storage footstools. Without taking up precious additional space, these pieces offer ample storage for clothes, bedding, and other items, helping maintain a tidier, more functional room.
Once you have decluttered, focus on organising your room to make the most of the available space. For example, if you work from your bedroom, try to create distinct zones for working and sleeping so you can switch off from work when it’s time to relax.
If you’re still pushed for space, make use of the walls by installing shelves for extra storage without taking up any more floor area!
2. Refresh your living room layout
From play areas filled with toys throughout the day to a space for relaxation in the evening, living rooms often naturally serve as multifunctional spaces. As a result, clutter or lack of clear organisation can be common in living rooms.
To keep the constant clear up to a minimum, having a simple storage system is essential.
One easy way to create functional zones in your living room is by positioning a shelving unit at a right angle to a wall. This acts as a subtle divider breaking up the space so that everything has a dedicated area. For example, you could divide the room into a play area, TV area, and dining area. Each section can then have designated storage, ensuring that everything has a place.
Additionally, the next time you’re on the hunt for a new sofa, consider a sofabed. They are a great addition to any living room, providing extra sleeping space and could help to free up space in a spare room.
3. Rethink your kitchen cupboards
Kitchens are often the heart of the home, regularly doubling up as a dining area, utility room, homework station, and even a space for socialising with friends. And with such frequent use, it’s essential to organise your kitchen in a way that maximises efficiency and controls clutter.
And one of the most common culprits of clutter is kitchen cupboards. A great, inexpensive solution to increase cupboard space is by installing open shelves to house everyday items like spices and cups, or hanging utensils.
Increase efficiency by labelling jars, bins, and shelves for quick access, and use drawer dividers to organise cutlery and tools. These small changes not only reduce clutter but also make it easier for everyone in the household to maintain an orderly kitchen, leaving you more time to enjoy the space.
So, there you have it, simple ways to maximise your home through multifunctional solutions. For more advice, including making the most of small spaces, or finding your organisation persona, head over to the DFS website.