Project Homemaker: The Paradox of the Scruffy Organiser
Since I left home for the first time around 7 years ago, I’ve become somewhat of a nester. All through university with various house shares and box rooms, I’ve really struggled to run with the footloose and fancy free lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always done my best with the rooms I settled in, but somehow it never really came off and so it never really felt like home. Now that I’m older, I’m starting to get a little impatient when it comes to all things domestic.
There have been flashes of extreme organisation here at Storm. It’s fair to say I’m a little obsessed. Order fascinates me, just check out my Instagram. Gimme a bit of space, a bit of cash and a free weekend and I will find the best way to store anything, believe me. But there’s one thing that keeps me from that perfectly organised home, one thing that keeps me from becoming Organized Like Jen. I’m faced with that typical 20-something dilemma: I don’t own my home, or in fact, much of my furniture. Nothing matches, nothing fits correctly. It sounds childish, but this is when I throw my toys out of the pram. I get frustrated, my enthusiasm wanes and I regress into an untidy teenager. My home becomes one big pile of clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics and books. I can never find anything. Sad face.
So instead, I’ve started small. You guys saw my Make-Up Storage last year. That set up has grown hand-in-hand with my spending habit, but it’s still an equally OCD system. Last month saw my under-the-sink cupboard turn from a jungle of old dishcloths, wood varnish and hammers into a sparkling, clean and divided space even Martha Stewart would be proud of. Matt and I’s combined book collection is organised by genre in our 2 Expedit Units. Our cookbooks are arranged by colour. I might still be years away from that bespoke IKEA wardrobe system I long for, but baby steps, people, baby steps.
That’s why when I saw this video I had to share it. This is the shit I live for. Trying to fit all your stuff into a restricted space, especially for people like us (bloggers, hoarders, dare I say it… fashionistas) is a challenge. We have too many clothes, too much stuff. I’m not complaining, but it does mean we could use a little extra help when it comes to keeping it organised. Here are a few tips for what worked for me:
1. Display that shiz Big bulky furniture like wardrobes and chests of drawers have never worked for me. I don’t have the patience to keep things neatly folded, so the things I can’t see don’t get worn. When you own as much stuff as I do, it’s a crime not to put it to good use so I make sure I can see everything in my wardrobe by swapping my wardrobe out for a rail. At uni, my landlord was kind enough to take my wardrobe away for me. This created more space in the room and a rail meant I could see every glorious garment I owned. I still use a rail now (I’ve banished Matt’s workwear and coats to our hefty wardrobe) and I use containers underneath to keep my tops, trousers and gym wear in place.
2. Use your space, all of it My shoe collection is too big for my bedroom. Instead of banishing the beauties to the back of the wardrobe or under the bed, I put the shoe rack in our hallway to good use. Instead of holding just a few pairs by the front door, the shoe rack holds near enough my whole shoe collection and that works well for me since I don’t put my shoes on til I’m halfway out the door anyway! I feel this system suits me better and stops certain rooms being cluttered while others are half empty. If you have a spare room, for example, why shove all your stuff into one space? Spread out, man.
3. Get inspired If I know I have a project to get done, I’ll fire myself up by watching videos on YouTube, surfing around Pinterest or reading blogs. You may pick up some great tips and even if you don’t learn anything new, seeing other people maximise their space is bound get the creative juices flowing. My favourite closet and room tours are by
How do you stay organised? Link me to your favourite blogs or YouTube videos – I love to see people’s set-ups!
