1. You waste time looking for lost items

The average person spends 6.5 months of their lives – or 5,000 hours – looking for lost stuff. All that running around looking for car keys, wallet or whatever it is you tend to lose takes up valuable time.

Think of what you could achieve in 6.5 months! 6.5 months worth of salary could go a long way and as a bonus, you’ll avoid mad panic in the mornings and show up at work on time and in a calmer frame of mind.

2. You waste money replacing lost items

While the opportunity cost of losing an item is one thing, the replacement cost is a whole added expense. Whether it’s a new drink bottle or set of car keys, replacing lost items adds up and can get expensive. Lets face it, it’s wasted money!

In short – if you’re untidy, you’ll lose things more easily and waste more time and money as a result.

3. You have to pay more for storage space

If you have a lot of clutter and mess in your life, you’ll require more space. More cupboards to store stuff. A bigger home to display stuff. A bigger garage to keep extra stuff – more rooms to shove stuff in and close the door! (I’ve seen a few of those).

I’ve even met people who pay for storage lockers to keep stuff they don’t have space for at home. And when real estate is often the single most expensive thing in a family budget, it’s crazy how much we waste on space for excess stuff.

4. It costs more to clean a messy space

The messier a space, the harder and longer it takes to clean. Clothes scattered on the floor makes vacuuming harder. Large wardrobes means large piles of washing. Cluttered cabinets collect dust.

Messy habits = More cleaning, more cleaning products and if a housecleaner is employed – more money out of your budget.

5. It costs more to clean a messy space

Clutter causes stress. People who live in messier homes are more prone to stress and more susceptible to inadequate sleep, depression and poor mental health. Stress is taxing on our health, and when we are unwell we don’t perform at our best.

Sure some stress is temporary and the outcome results in benefits, like finishing a university paper, or presenting your work in front of an audience. But stress induced by living in clutter has no positives. The money spent on therapy, days off work or missed opportunities induced by clutter is a waste in its purest form.

6. You’ll probably spend more on holidays

A messy home probably doesn’t make the idea of a staycation appealing. In fact the more cluttered a home, the more likely it is you’ll want to escape!

Now I’m not suggesting that tidy people don’t ever feel the need to go on holiday, I’m just noting that the messier your home, the higher the likelihood you’ll want to whip out the credit card and take the next available flight. When a bedroom is sprawled with clutter, the desire to splurge on an expensive hotel room for a romantic night away is high!

So there you have it, six reasons why mess is costing you money. Or better yet, six reasons to get tidy – now!

Read the latest on the journal.

Joy At Work

Back in March, Marie Kondo released her latest book Joy At Work in collaboration with Scott Sonenshein. Our blog What you need to know about Marie Kondo’s new book was one of our most loved blogs of the year, at a time when many of us were scrambling to set up our home offices and make the most of the space we had to stay productive.

Isolation

Then came the lockdowns. I still remember watching the stories coming out of Italy, horrified that people couldn’t leave their towns. Little did I know that fast forward a few months and Melbourne would be undergoing one of the longest lockdowns globally. I tried to help in the best way I knew how, by sharing my love of home. Within the first three hours of it being up, over 500 of you had read our piece 7 Ways You Can Embrace Your Home Sanctuary & Find Peace In Isolation. I still believe that in some small way, connecting through embracing our home sanctuaries helped us feel less isolated.

Decluttering during a pandemic

From March to October, with millions of us in Victoria largely confined to our homes, and thousands of us working, living and learning under one roof, decluttering became a key focus for many. To support you as you strove to make the most of your home during such a challenging time, we published Things to Declutter During a Pandemic and what turned to be our most read blog of 2020, Five Things You Should Declutter From Your Wardrobe.

Mental health and clutter

Understandably in 2020, another key focus was on maintaining good mental health during an extraordinary time. In a quest for answers I researched studies on mental health and clutter, discovering that living in a cluttered environment is not only scientifically proven to induce stress, it also lowers our productivity. The negative side effects of living in a cluttered home were so clear that I shared my findings by speaking at a number of events focused on corporate employee health, as well as tips on how to make positive steps to create mindful, healthy homes.

Sustainability

Towards the end of the year, as the shock of lockdown subsided and we moved towards a ‘new normal’, sustainable living returned to front of mind, and thousands of you read our blog Six ways to make your home more sustainable and How to become a conscious consumer.

2020 was undeniably hard in so many different ways, and we have no idea what 2021 will bring, but through our love of mindful homes, our community has been strengthened, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU for your support in 2020, the year in which our homes truly became our refuge and our sanctuary.

What do you want to see more of in 2021?

Click the share button below and let us know on your prefered social media channel or via Instagram.

What exactly did you declutter?

Sentimental paper collected over a period of about 15 years – from childhood to about my mid-twenties. I love paper, I’m really drawn to it, so I have collected a lot over the years – magazine articles, birthday cards, letters, programs I’ve saved from shows, diaries, – you name it.

What motivated you to declutter?

I’ve been wanting to declutter my childhood bedroom for a long time but was never back at the family home for long enough. When the pandemic hit I moved back, and have had months to spend on it – one of the silver linings of a less than ideal situation!

All that paper spilling out of the cupboards had been weighing on me every time I went home. It felt heavy, and like it belonged to a version of myself that no longer existed.

Was this your first time decluttering?

No, I’ve been decluttering for years – I’ve always loved having a tidy environment. I also spent the first half of my twenties living out of a suitcase which meant constant decluttering in order to be able to carry everything I owned with me.

In one word how would describe how you felt starting the process?

Overwhelmed! Once I had gathered all of the paper together in one place, there were just piles and piles of it and I didn’t really know where to start. It was tempting to shove it all back! That’s why I reached out to Sally – for the first time, I felt I needed some additional guidance. She helped me categorise everything – breaking it down into further categories helped me get through the start of the process.

Kate the ‘paper-lover’ took on a huge sentimental declutter

“When the pandemic  hit I had months to declutter – one of the silver linings of a less than ideal situation”

How has this declutter been different?

This has been the most time-consuming declutter I have ever done. Mainly because for the first time I have actually had that time and space. I essentially transferred all of my sentimental paper into my parents’ spare room (a luxury I definitely don’t have in the city!) and worked on it over a period of about six weeks. I think I needed that time – it’s obviously emotionally exhausting decluttering nostalgic items – so being able to stop and come back to it a few days later was helpful.

Was there anything unexpected along the way?

I’ve probably kept more than I thought I would, but I’m comfortable with that. For example, at the start I pictured myself chucking out lots of my childhood diaries and a huge, heavy weight lifting, but in the end I kept almost all of them! I realised that having a historical record of my life is something I highly value.

One unexpected find was my childhood scrapbooks. I have about six or seven which I hadn’t looked at in probably about two decades. I assumed they would be just full of rubbish so I thought I’d have no difficulty chucking them. Actually though, I’ve kept them all.

One of them turned out to contain the only birthday cards I ever received from my grandfather before he died when I was 10.

I can’t believe they had just been shoved in the cupboard for that long without a thought – or that I had been about to hurl them all in the recycling bin!

Would you recommend engaging Sally, and at what point?

I would highly recommend booking in a tidy session with Sally, especially if you’ve never decluttered before, or are about to tackle a particularly challenging category. In either case I would recommend booking in the session before you start.

Sally will help you to sort things into categories and will help you formulate a strategic plan. She will also help you to talk through why you want to declutter and what you hope to get out of it. It’s important to clarify this at the beginning of the process so that you have a clear idea of what you’re working towards.

How do you feel now?

Lighter and more in control. Rather than feeling like these items were weighing me down, I feel like I’ve deliberately chosen them and curated a collection of things which I actually want to read and look at.

Do you have a decluttering dilemma and need some extra support? A session with Sally could be exactly what you’re looking for. Sally will help you through the hardest hurdle of starting a sentimental declutter, provide a helping hand when things get overwhelming and guide you step by step to meet your goals. Within an hour you will know where and how to start and be equipped with a personalised tidy plan set out into achievable sections.

Click here to book a tailored, one-on-one session with Sally and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

1. Anything that makes you feel guilty

These might be items you paid a lot for but have hardly worn. They might be an overpriced pair of shoes that give you blisters, a gift you just can’t see yourself wearing, or high quality pieces you know should feel great, but they don’t. For me, it’s a pair of handmade, Brooklyn-designed pants that cost $500 but I’ve only worn a handful of times. Anything in your wardrobe that screams ‘you really should wear me more’, but doesn’t bring you joy – get rid of it.

Bonus – you’ll probably be able to sell some of these items and make a little extra cash. Check out Selling Secondhand Clothes to learn how.

Discard anything that doesn’t match your lifestyle

2. Items that don’t suit your lifestyle

Like all areas in our home, our wardrobes must move with the seasons of our lives. Your wardrobe is a curated collection of items that show you off and help you lead the life you want to live. Anything in your wardrobe that doesn’t match your current lifestyle, thank it and discard.

Switched jobs and no longer need your old work outfits? Discard. Happily settled into a relationship with no need for that skimpy, first date dress? Discard. Done with clubbing and no longer wear your six-inch podium heels? Consider discarding.

Remember, intentional decluttering is more than just getting rid of some stuff. It is about reassessing how your clothes are making you feel and whether they add value to your life. It’s time to let go of anything that hasn’t grown with you.

3. Ill-fitting anything (especially underwear)

If your wardrobe is a carefully curated collection, then each piece should fit you well. After all, clothes should look good, and feel good to wear but for many of us, this is easier said than done. Fluctuating body weight can present difficulties, so if this is you, take Courtney Carver’s advice: box up and put away anything that doesn’t fit right now, and bring it back out when it does. Change your wardrobe to suit your body, not the other way around.

The reality is, clothes that are too small or too big probably don’t spark joy and shouldn’t be in your wardrobe. As for ill-fitting underwear, nobody’s got time for that!

4. “Must-have” basics

It may shock some of you to learn that I don’t own any basics. Okay sure, I own a white shirt and a pair of black socks, but not because I think they’re necessary wardrobe staples everyone should have. I have them because I love them and they feel good. I truly believe that there is no need to keep anything in your wardrobe because you’ve been told that it is a ‘must-have’ basic or a staple. Shift your thinking and only keep (and purchase) items that you love wearing and which work for you.

5. Anything that doesn’t feel like YOU

If every time you open your wardrobe it frustrates you, or you’re always complaining ‘I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR’, something isn’t working, and it could be because nothing feels like ‘you’. When we buy items based on how they look on a model in a magazine, or seasonal trends or for a ‘feel good boost’, we are not really dressing according to our own style. Of course, finding your own style can take time, and there is no need to pressure yourself. But I can guarantee if you dress to look like someone else you will feel like someone else, and no one is better than you.

If you want to keep rolling on the declutter train, head on over to our blog on what the KonMari method is, and how to use it. And if you’re after more wardrobe decluttering ideas, check out Project 333 by Courtney Carver. I have recently read the book and loved all of the ideas and tips. 

Meet Sally or learn how to find peace in isolation, 7 Way You Can Embrace Your Home Sanctuary through lockdown.

Of course, what sparks joy is unique to everyone, so every space tidied according to the KonMari method will look different. Some clients I have worked with have been left with empty rooms; for others, their space just looks more organised and calm.

This individuality is one element of my job which I love so much. When I arrive at a new client’s home, the outside can look like any other, but the interiors are always unique. 

What the KonMari Method is not?

The method does not ask you to throw out as many of your possessions as you possibly can. In the words of Marie Kondo, ‘Tidying is about what you want to keep in your life, not what you want to eliminate.’

KonMari does not ask you to throw out your possessions

What is minimalism?

Minimalism, as the name suggests, advocates for living with less – specifically less stuff – the theory being that the less meaning you attribute to your physical possessions, the more space you will have to find meaning in intangible things like your relationships, your passions, and your health.

According to The Minimalists, ‘minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favour of focusing on what’s important – so you can find happiness, fulfilment, and freedom.’

Minimalism is undoubtedly more extreme than the KonMari method

Unlike the KonMari method, minimalism isn’t a precise method – it’s more of a lifestyle and one that is open to interpretation. What’s considered important won’t be the same for everyone – some minimalists find meaning in travel, others in giving back to society, and others focus on creative pursuits.

Minimalism is often undoubtedly more extreme than the KonMari method. Some minimalists may let go of objects which many of us find hard to do, such as photos, heirlooms, and sentimental items.

I am becoming increasingly drawn to minimalism 

By 2050,  there will be an additional 2.5 billion people in the world’s urban population

So which one is right for me, minimalism or the KonMari Method?

Even though I have never classified myself as a minimalist, and until recently was never particularly attracted to the idea, I now find myself increasingly drawn to minimalism.

Every time I do a quick once over in my home, generally at spring time or when moving, I find myself craving less. 

A big part of this shift in my thinking is that the more I study our use of the earth’s resources, the more I learn how unequal my share is. By 2050, the UN predicts that there will be an additional 2.5 billion people in the world’s urban population. The only way we can all live together harmoniously with the environment and each other is to live with less. 

I believe minimalism could bring us joy, sustainability and calm.

Read the 9 things Sally loves about here home sanctuary. 

So what do we know about Kondo’s new co-author Scott Sonenshein?

First, and unlike Kondo who focuses primarily on ‘joy’, Sonenshein is an advocate for ‘less’, not only in one’s physical space but mentally as well. His research has typically focused on the mindset of abundance and its dampening effects on creativity and resourcefulness. Put simply, Sonenshein believes having more resources won’t solve our problems and that we can all benefit from making the most out of little. 

Sonenshein’s first book Stretch defined the differences between a ‘stretching-mind’ and a ‘chasing-mind’. 

Stretchers embrace what they have, finding unconventional and productive ways to use resources already at hand. Chasers, by contrast, can’t see the possibilities before them—and they’re left wanting more to do more. 

He explains how a focus on the accumulation of more resources not only steers businesses and individuals away from their goals, it actually reduces their ability to be creative or to see future opportunities to build more sustainable, productive long term business careers and lives.

“When we have an abundance, it can actually stop us from being creative where we think we need a tool for everything. Children with too many toys can experience this. They might not look to making a pillow fort or hat with cardboard boxes when they have multiple play tents and an arts and crafts area stocked with brand new cardboard. There is no need for resourcefulness.”

SCOTT SONENSHEIN

Stretch vs Lean Start-Up

Elsewhere in the business world, a mindset of less is not necessarily new. Eric Ries’ Lean StartUp methodology, published in 2011, encouraged businesses to test and learn, using the markets as a resource for success rather than holding back until their product is ‘perfect’. This ‘go before you’re ready’ entrepreneur movement sounds risky, but it is not too dissimilar to Sonenshien’s ‘stretch’ mindset.

Meanwhile, the Agile Project Methodology, now taking pride of place in some of the world’s largest companies such as Spotify, Microsoft and AT&T, also encourages organisations to use what they have, for example, to cross-skill teams and pull together innovation squads with a mix of disciplines. Working in silos, with excessive teams and localised manpower is an outdated way of working. Organisations are turning to the staff, skills and, at times, the infrastructure they already have to run quicker to market. The days of waiting for the right budget, person or time is over. Less is more and using what we have is the new mindset.

So there you have it. I am really excited for this book!

Sonenshein’s concepts bring to mind the types of arguments we have seen for minimalism, that having additional ‘stuff’ absorbs our energy and distracts us from tasks that matter. It looks like he will bring a scientific mindset that has in some ways been lacking in the area of organisation. I hope Joy at Work will bring the value of ‘less’ in businesses and organisations to an individual level, and showcase ideas and solutions we can put into action in our everyday lives at work.

Learn about the Konmari Method, check out What is the KonMari Method & How To Use It & learn how to Sell Secondhand Clothes.

Moving? Be prepared, make sure you know the Moving 101. And while you are at it, read up on Selling Secondhand Clothes.

Get More Done

Laura Vanderkam, author of Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think , recommends we write next years performance review now. Many of us have big goals, I know I sure do, at 15 I listed ‘build and operate a big international company’ on my after high school to-do list (I know, ambitious kid). But why do so many of these goals go unfulfilled? Of course, some goals might be unrealistic, like building a seven-storeyed home in the Aussie bush, another goal of my 15-year-old self, but many can be achieved if we prioritise them.

“Time is elastic”

Laura Vanderkam

Vanderkam says that time is elastic, meaning that we will always find time for what we see as the most important. She recommends we replace, I don’t have time with it’s not a priority.

But how do you know what to prioritise?

In many ways prioritising is like decluttering a messy room. We often don’t know where to start, so it never gets done. After years of project management where I ran multiple streams of work with conflicting priorities (all while building a side hustle), I have learnt a few things about prioritising. Not just in my professional life, but my personal life as well.

Here are my key tips to make your new year the most organised and successful yet!

1. Organise Your Priorities

a) Write a list 20-40 life goals you have right now

Note: these will change through each stage of your life, so don’t worry if they looked different than they did a few years ago. Focus on where you are going, not where you have been.

b) Highlight those you want to achieve in 2020, ideally breaking them down into Career, Relationships and Personal categories.

If a big list goal is too broad to achieve in 12 months break it down into bite-sized chunks.

For example;

• Big Goal: Buy a beach house
• 2020 Goal: Create a Beach House savings plan, where I will put away 30% of my income saving around $____ by December 2020

or 

• Big Goal: Establish a strong network of friends in my new city
• 2020 Goal: Dedicate 2 hours per week to creating new connections through sporting clubs, social events or/and making an effort to follow up on meeting a new person.

c) Organise Your Energetic Timetable

Now that you have your 2020 goals set, let’s make sure you achieve them.

Take a look at your week and ask yourself when you have the most energy. Are you a morning or an afternoon person? Do you work well after dinner or at sunrise? Identify when you are most productive (or have the most enthusiasm for physical goals) and use it to your advantage.

It’s one thing to organise your priorities, it’s another to organise your energetic timetable to meet them.

I know I am most productive between 8:30am and 12:30pm. Therefore while it is tempting in the morning to clean up my inbox over a cup of coffee, or if I am at home tidy the kitchen, I am much better off using this time to work on my biggest goals.

The trouble is, when we have the most energy our senses are heightened, we feel alive and connected to our purpose. In this superwoman like state, it is tempting to get “a few things out of the way” or pick up a new activity. But veering off track will make those times of low energy even harder as you force yourself to complete the big goals.

2. Declutter and simplify

Using “spark joy” to declutter tasks might not work

Instead, I invite you to follow the advice of mindfulness guru Russ Harris, author of the Happiness Trap. For a fulfilling, happy life Harris suggests we get clear on our personal values and turn to those when we get off track or overcome with negative emotions.

In the business world, Harvard Professor Bill George refers to this as our True North. I believe we can use this philosophy for decluttering tasks as well. Having recently done this myself I can attest to its success.

We can use Marie Kondo’s notion of joy, decluttering all tasks that don’t give us joy….but that might mean we declutter cleaning, ironing, mowing the back yard..essentially anything that is not a pleasant activity.

This New Year clarifying your personal values will help you to define what joy truly means to you, and assist in decluttering those activities adding no value, freeing space for your big goals.

Want more ideas on happiness, have you heard of Hygge, read our blog on the art of the worlds happiest people??

2. Organise

Before you jet off, there will be multiple To Dos, from arranging pet-sitting, to booking tours, hire cars or hotels.

I recommend doing all of the above as soon as possible once you have booked your travel. If you can’t get onto it straight away, write a list and get them done as soon you can. Not only will you feel more prepared (and therefore more relaxed!) but you’ll likely save a bit of cash on tours and accommodation by booking early.

If you are looking for the best time to sit and complete the list, I recommend a Friday night. Time management expert Laura Vanderkam tells us that Fridays are the best day of the week for planning.

3. Pack

Most people hate doing it, but it must inevitably get done. With the right tools in place, however, packing can be quick, easy, and yes, even fun!

Click HERE to download your free travel checklist. 

Watch how Sallly packs for a weekender

our expert packing tips…..

Want to learn how to fold clothes for suitcase like Marie Kondo? We got you covered….watch these

How To Fold T-shirts

How To Fold Undies

I hope these three tips make it a little easier for you to start planning your dream holiday, whether that’s hiking through the bush, taking a guided tour of Tuscany, or simply soaking up rays cocktail in hand.

And remember a holiday is defined as “an extended period of leisure and recreation”, so let’s keep it that way. For more ideas, check out Tips to Get Your Home Organised For The Holidays.

For stay-cation holiday tips, check out The Art of Hygge: From The World’s Happiest People

The TripIt app is available for iOS (including Apple Watch) and Android (including Android Wear). TripIt is also accessible from any device with a web browser.

1. Curb Your Clutter

See your home as a guest, take a walk through the front door and look around your space with fresh eyes. You should be proud of everything you see in the living and entertaining areas and want to show it off. If you spot an item that doesn’t spark joy, question if you should keep it. See the“How To Curb Living Room Clutter Diagram”.

2. Create A Welcoming Sanctuary

Now that you have cleared the clutter and put haphazard items away, let’s go back to the entrance. Is there a place to drop a bag, or take off shoes? If you are pushed for space, try setting up a “drop off” zone on high traffic days to keep the entertaining area clear and clutter-free.

Diagram by Sally Flower from Home Sanctuary

3. Prepare Your Kitchen

Let’s be honest, the kitchen and dining areas go into overdrive during the festive season. Make it easy for yourself by keeping your kitchen and entertaining benchtops clear. You will need this space for appetisers and drinks. Use the same “curb the clutter” premise and keep benches clear of anything except for your favourite spark joy items.

Now is also a great time to do any deep cleaning before the holidays start. Give the oven, cupboards and mixmaster a once over.

4. Make Space and Reduce Waste

We tend to indulge a little over the holiday period, and rightly so. Our pantries become full with special occasion and celebration foods we don’t normally cook, eat or buy at any other time of year. Hence, tis’ the time to maximise your fridge and pantry space. In preparation, take a look in your pantry, are there items you can “use up” now? Check your dry foods for ingredients you can use in this year’s festive bake-up. Items like glacé fruit, flours and cooking brandy don’t really go off so don’t be scared to use them up rather than throwing them out. The less food waste the better!

5. Get Out Those “Special Use” Pieces

As a tidy consultant I have come across many special use items; candles, table cloths, serving wear, glassware, coasters, napkins, serving spoons, tea towels, hand towels, soap, guest towels, placemats, wine buckets, bottle stoppers and even pet outfits (just to name a few). 

Now is the time to find them. So often while pulling out items from the back of a clients wardrobe mid-declutter I come across one of these, “oh I was looking for that” responses…sound familiar?

Locate your speciality items now, and store in a place you will remember and access easily as you set up your home for the holidays. And if you don’t want to use it, ask yourself why you have it. Can’t be bothered finding it…then you definitely don’t need it.

5. Tidy Up The Bathroom

With more people coming and going over the holidays, the bathroom becomes a high traffic area. Cleanliness is vital, and let’s be honest a bathroom says a lot about someone. There is a reason restaurants invest in spa-like restrooms. Take the time now to declutter the sink area, placing as much as you can in drawers and cupboards. Clear benchtops = easy to clean.

5. Minimalistic Can Be Chic

How many times have you had to move a table centrepiece to make room for food? Fewer decorations is often best. When entertaining focus on the food, the drink and the quality of conversation, less on the nic nacs. Guests remember good food, company and music more than anything else. There is a lot to be said for a fresh table of flowers; sustainable and chic.

6. Enjoy The Finishing Touches

Why dress up your sanctuary only for others? You deserve finishing touches too. Is there anything you can add now to enjoy for yourself? A vase of flowers in the bathroom perhaps? Or bring out the crystal glasses a few weeks early.

Beautiful objects are made to be enjoyed.

Why stop there?! Check out Tips to Decluttering and Simplifying your Life & learn how to Sell Secondhand Clothes