If you were to start again...

[booklover164]

If you could start again, what would you do differently? I am moving house shortly and want to start again a fresh. I don’t have enough time to completely declutter the current house.

What systems would you set up?
What storage would you buy?

I’m not opposed to spending a bit of cash to get my house organised and less chaotic. 3 kids under 5!

Single parent, 3 closer in age than yours. You don't have time not to declutter. Anything you keep is going to be something you have to tidy up another day. I've been decluttering for years. Its a layered task. The first layer is very hard work but when you revisit the area a year or so later thr time required to get it ship shape is significantly less.

I’d buy in a de-clutterer - they make it so quick

They will also set up systems for you

But no point buying storage / setting up systems for shit you don’t need

Yep, don’t make the mess in the first place which essentially is the subsequent phase of ‘layered decluttering’. We’ve got a new half of the house and trying so hard to keep it nice! Going well so far.

Most of the kitchen cupboards only about half full which makes it easier to not stockpile stuff, easier to clean.

Keep on top of things that are hard to replace eg window sealant, keep it from getting mouldy in the first place.

Halve your stuff.

I’ve now got a bathroom cleaning caddy which I take round the house with me rather than trying to store cleaning bits in the bathroom. That’s a new system I’m enjoying.

I would have paid a carpenter to design built in storage in clever places in our home.

Rather than buying 'storage' or extra pieces of furniture as we go.

If you really don't have time to declutter before moving then pack stuff in boxes and only unpack the stuff you use or love. Everything else stays in the boxes and either goes straight to bin, charity or loft for selling at a later date. I learnt the hard way on this one. I now have way too much storage!

If you are getting new white goods - get a large capacity washing machine. I have an 11kg machine and it hugely reduces the number of loads I need to do

Also a sheila maid ceiling airer if you have somewhere with high ceilings (but it must be attached to the joists)

For kids’ toy storage don’t spend much as their needs change so much. Basic shelves with fabric cubes works well and can change use as they grow up. Also some large baskets/containers for soft toys dressing up etc. Ease of access and tidying is key, nothing complicated

Ikea PAX wardrobes are brilliant IMO and can be rejigged inside if your storage needs change later.

Sort some good hallway storage, including robust baskets for shoes

less stuff to manage overall is a big one for me. It is getting easier to keep on top of the house as we purge.

making sure cupboards and drawers are no more than 75% full is key here too. it is easier to put stuff away when there is space to do so and you can open a cupboard door without an avalanche of stuff raining down you. We're tidier now because its just as easy to put something away as set it down