Those houses where everything has a place

[ItsFunnierInEnochian]

And everything is in its place. And its all nice and neat and tidy all the time.

I want one of those. I've done some major decluttering recently but still have a lot of "stuff" that I need to hand on a regular/semi regular basis.

I am crap at this, and its driving me mental. We are in a 2 bed semi with standard hallway - open stairs underneath where fridge freezer and chest freezer are - with kitchen/diner and square living room. Kids bedroom is the only one thats perfectly tidy and organised! Our bedroom is big, and so we store a lot of stuff in there. Bathroom is absolutely tiny, not even enough space for a towel rail.

Can I have some tips please? Favourite ways to organise/store? Systems/routines in place?

We are TTC#3 at the minute so really need to get on top of it.

Am out so can't prattle on like i usually do but suggest you have a look at the Marie Kondo and minimalism threads for help/support.

Hi everton, thanks for that

My biggest problem is that I live on a weird little cul de sac and the position my house is in means that I can't buy a Hippo Bag or similar as we aren't close enough to the road, nor can we hire a skip.

I think I will tackle it a cupboard at a time and throw bin liners on the front garden and ask around to see if anyone minds nipping me to the local tip.

I think Marie Kondo could be a really good book for you. She basically says you should only keep things that spark joy. She gives an order for you to go through your belongings too.

She also has a folding method which maximises your wardrobe space.

I read ot a few months ago and am implementing it. The recent thread here has many new devotees.

The minimalism thread is not just about decluttering but about trying to live a more streamlined, less acquisitive life, changing thought patterns, sharing ideas. Kind of a 'how to stop recluttering after decluttering' thread.

I like everything being in it's place. I could find items with my eyes closed!

Do you have a loft? If so, move seasonal items up there - baby clothes and furniture, summer clothes and shoes.

Do you have a shed? Store bikes, scooters, garden furniture and appliances in there.

Keep kids toys to a minimum and rotate if you do not have much storage space.

Place hooks on the back of all bedroom toys to hand towels (once dried) and dressing gowns.

Keep furniture in your living room to a minimum.

Hang coats and jackets in your hallway. If there is enough space, invest in a shoe rack.

Can you store items under your bed? Maybe you need to declutter.

Bathroom - buy a slim cabinet and place in corner. Store bathroom cleaners, shower gel. Ensure no toiletries are placed around the bath - looks messy especially in a tiny bathroom.

Ooo like them all, fab ideas.

As for bathroom, its literally - wall, 2 inches, sink, 2 inches, bath against the wall. To say its been shoe horned in is an understatement!

Have an IKEA Malm bed, purchased before they high sleep version, its too low to the floor (my biggest bug bear!)

Living room has sofa, coffee table, bookcase, 2 lamps and wicker chest (for toys, magazines etc)

I've just had a tooth out and have quit smoking so need to keep my hands busy

Can you build storage under sink?

Also could you fit a narrow shelf above bathroom door? - great for storage of loo roll/ spare stuff/ medical kit

Do you have plasterboard walls in your bathroom?

It is possible to remove some of the board on the bathroom side of the wall, fit shelves in between the wooden pieces of the inner wall then fit a cupboard door that is almost flush to the wall. You will be amazed how much cleaning stuff and toiletries you can stash away plus nothing gets lost at the back because the shelves are shallow.

I want this!!! It is my dream!!!

One day I hope it is a reality :(

Have you searched for apartment therapy, small spaces inspiration, and the wonderful website 'a place for everything. com'?

My friend lives in a tiny house with a husband and 2 kids and it always seems so well cared for and she can put her hands on whatever she needs. She is always chucking stuff out though, she just can't be a keeper.

dreams...

The trouble with "seasonal" purges is the UK climate: it really isn't seasonal. You do need jumpers/cardigansin the summertime, and quite light coats, sometimes, in the winter. Spring and autumn are thoroughly mixed up!

Another one saying come over to the Marie Kondo threads. I am an inveterate hoarder but I am getting rid of bags and bags of stuff thanks to this book. She says you only have to do a big tidy once and then all your things will have their own home.