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When spring arrives, many of us jump into action, tackling cleaning, gardening and outdoor renovation tasks with gusto. It makes sense to do some backyard tasks when it’s warmer but why not follow these organisation and decluttering tips earlier in the year? By doing a pre-spring clean and tidy in the cooler months, you can focus your energy elsewhere when the weather warms up. And during winter, the season when more time is spent indoors, you can relish the calming feeling of sorting out your home.
Decluttering and organisation expert Liz Bradley says short, dark, wet days are ideal for jobs like decluttering the junk drawer or your wardrobe. “But the second the sun shows up I’d rather be out and about!” she says. As the hardest part can be getting started, especially when the task at hand is huge, Liz recommends breaking big tidy-up jobs into bite-sized bits. “Focus on one type of thing, such as sorting out items made of fabric, or one small space, like a drawer,” she suggests. “Ignore the rest, you’ll get back to it.”
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Sorting out your wardrobe can be a big job, so set realistic goals. “Don’t take everything out at once as it can be overwhelming and disheartening,” says Liz. “Concentrate on a section of clothing at a time,” she says. Then you can streamline the space with nifty wardrobe organisation systems.
When choosing wardrobe storage, Bunnings furniture buyer Nathan Baxter suggests looking at what room is available and whether you need a permanent or more flexible solution. “We have many renter-friendly options, such as shoe racks, garment racks and freestanding units, as well as our built-in and custom wardrobe range for homeowners,” he says.
Optimise the space you have with wardrobe organisers, and use vacuum storage bags to pack away blankets and clothes you won’t need for a while.
Your cook zone can be a magnet for grime and clutter, so start by giving it a good clean. For surfaces, use a multipurpose cleaner and microfibre cloth. Start at the top of the kitchen and work your way down to prevent dirt and debris falling onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned. Try a cleaning paste on difficult grime. The sink and tapware can harbour germs, so use a disinfectant on this area.
Cleaning the oven can be a job in itself, so tackle this as a separate task. Make sure windows are open to disperse any cleaning product fumes. Once cupboards and shelves are clean, sort them! Liz Bradley advises making sure every item has a place. “A common task is organising spices, oils and spreads,” she says. “These need to be super accessible and visible, so you can see what you’ve got. Turntables are good for this.”
When organising bathrooms, try practical solutions for storing your everyday items. “Make sure you have all the hooks, drawers and shelving you need,” says Liz. “Your storage needs to be efficient so you have everything within reach. Audit your toiletries and throw away or donate anything you don’t need.”
To deep-clean surfaces, tool up with a power scrubber or handheld steamer. Or try this D.I.Y. tip: spray surfaces, walls and ceiling with a multipurpose cleaner, then turn the shower on hot for a few minutes. Close the bathroom door and let the steam sit for a bit before wiping down the surfaces with a microfibre cloth.
Upgrading your shelving and storage will make organisation much easier. Liz loves putting drawers inside wardrobes and linen cupboards. “Drawers make deep, dark cupboards so much more usable,” she says.
To give every item a home, Bunnings garage organisation buyer Terri Wolf suggests utilising walls. “Freestanding shelves can help maximise vertical space,” she says. “They’re perfect for organising tubs, books, decor and other items.” Pegboards are another great option. “These can be used in entryways, kitchens or garages to keep items such as keys, tools and accessories easily accessible and off the floor," she says.
Be ready for winter weather by tidying up the garden and external spaces, focusing on areas and items that could become hazards, says Bunnings garden hand tools buyer Rochelle Sherard-Smith. “Tasks such as tree pruning, clearing leaves and debris, mulching plants, cleaning gutters and securing outdoor furniture are good preparation for winter storms,” she says.
Keep an eye out for surfaces that could become slippery in wet weather. Applying paints that contain grit, such as Dulux Concrete & Paving Super Grip, and anti-slip tape can help to make paths and steps safer.
Check out our story on preparing your garden for winter.
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.
Photo credit: Guy Bailey, Cath Muscat.
