I don’t know about you, but when my house feels cluttered my mind also feels cluttered. I struggle to concentrate and everything starts to feel overwhelming. I’m never going have a completely clutter free home with four children leaving things all over the place, but I have recently found some ways to make our home feel less messy and overcrowded.
Storage, storage, storage
We don’t have much built in storage space and since we converted the loft there’s even less space for us to store those things we don’t use all the time, but don’t want to get rid of just yet.
I’ve decided innovative hidden storage is the way forward. We have an ottoman bed where the Christmas tree and spare bedding lives. I added shelves to our downstairs cupboard to create more space there and we have a metal cabinet in the kitchen to hide the many, many pairs of shoes.
We have shallow storage boxes under beds for clothes that are not in season and my four year old has a huge built in drawer under his bed for toys.
Declutter frequently
I am constantly decluttering and sorting through clothes, toys and other things we don’t use. I try to sell as much as I can in local selling groups or donate to charity shops.
It always feels good to be able to fill a bag of things we don’t need and see them going to good use somewhere else.
Minimal furniture
I try to avoid buying too much furniture which makes the house look cluttered and have also recently tried hard to buy quality furniture that will last rather than cheap items that only have a short lifespan. We’re currently on the hunt for a new dining table and dining chairs which is tricky as out dining room is a playroom so it needs to fit in the kitchen and expand to fit 10 people!
Buy less
I’ve generally also been trying to buy less or sell items before buying something new. It’s tricky with children’s birthdays and Christmas but I’ve found that experience type gifts always go down well and avoid clutter in the house too.
A stair basket
I recently bought a stair basket where I put things that need to go upstairs. It rarely gets emptied if I’m honest, but at least is a home for things like hairbrushes and bobbles that end up all over the house.
I also have a junk basket which just helps keep all the little bits from being around the house making me feel stressed. I just need to find someone to empty it.
A place for everything
We have a box for scissors and tape, a box for pens and glue, a drawer for wires and a technology drawer. Again, it doesn’t always work, but in my house anything is worth a try!
If you have any good storage tips or dining table recommendations let me know!
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