My essential tools
for any organising project
Whether you're about to launch into a small organising project, such as clearing out the fridge or pantry, or a big one such as decluttering the home office, you'll need the right tools on hand to save time and effort. Getting these tools ready to go before you actually start will make the organising happen a lot faster, and you'll be encouraged to see the project through to completion. Here's my list of essential organising tools:
1 | NOTEPAD
Before you launch into a project, you need to jot down on a notepad exactly what is and isn’t working in the space. You can also create a wish-list of ideas for how you want the area to operate better, and a visual plan for how you’ll set up the space. Having things written down will give you a clearer direction when you start decluttering and organising.
4 | GARBAGE BAGS / BIN LINERS
Keep a supply of heavy-duty garbage bags/bin liners on hand for the items you no longer want or need. Make sure the bag is clearly labelled (a simple piece of masking tape will do the trick) to avoid any mix-ups. Put items in black or even coloured bags, as it means you'll be less likely to want to ‘re-check’ what you’re getting rid of.
7 | MEASURING TAPE
This essential tool ensures any new products you're planning on purchasing will actually fit in the space properly. The product should fit the space and the contents, rather than trying to make the contents fit the product! Be sure you measure the space twice, and note these numbers down somewhere handy.
2 | CLEANING SUPPLIES
Organising can be messy work, but removing everything to sort gives you the perfect chance to thoroughly clean! Useful supplies include cloths for wiping and dusting, a scrubbing sponge for dirtier areas, a clean towel to dry surfaces before placing items back, surface sprays (e.g. glass, general-purpose, wood polish), and your vacuum-cleaner.
5 | STICKY NOTES
Use sticky notes to create labels for categories as you're sorting out your 'keep' pile. Think about which categories would make the most sense to store together, then create separate piles with the sticky-note labels for quick and efficient categorizing.
8 | LABELLING MACHINE & TAPE
A labeller is essential for maintaining the organisation and the new systems you have set up. Hand-held labelling machines are inexpensive and easy to use, and with clear and white labelling tape, you’re good to go!
3 | SIGNS FOR DECLUTTERING
Labelled signs are a necessity for an effective decluttering project. As you’re sorting, you should place each item with the corresponding label - keep, donate, trash, recycle, sell, repair, archive. This will help keep you on track, focussed and encourage you to make tough decisions quickly.
6 | WASHI TAPE
Washi tape is an alternative to the sticky-notes to quickly label as-you-go, or to use in the final labelling stage. This tape easily peels off surfaces without leaving a sticky residue, and won’t peel or fall off. It can also be easily removed and re-stuck on most surfaces. There are many different colours to choose from to create a great-looking label!
9 | LABELS
To make a more sturdy & long-lasting label that could be exposed to wet or warm conditions, simple labels made from card-stock or ready-made from an office supply stores will come in handy. Laminate these for extra durability.
10 | STORAGE BOXES
Storage boxes allow you to corral 'like items' together and neatly contain them, making everything immediately look organised. With endless types to choose from - fabric, wicker, wire, woven, plastic, collapsible, lidded, divided - you'll easily be able to find one that suits your needs and style.
