Clearing clutter and creating a streamlined, organised space is no easy feat. It's easy to lose motivation, be unrealistic about how long it will take, and struggle to throw away items that, in the words of Marie Kondo, doesn't 'spark joy'. But organising can also be fun and, if done correctly, can change your home and life for the better.
Organising gurus, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit, are known for conquering clutter with their unique brand of interior styling. They're firm favourites on Instagram, they have a great deal of celebrity clients (Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria and Neil Patrick Harris to name a few) and, if you're watching their new Netflix series, Get Organised with The Home Edit, you've probably already picked up lots of tips and tricks along the way.
But how do you apply this method to your home? Clea and Joanna, whose storage collection with iDESIGN is stocked exclusively at John Lewis & Partners, follow a simple approach where they edit, categorise and contain clutter.
For a start, you should always tackle a small drawer or cupboard as your first project. Why? Because it's more manageable, plus once you've completed that, you can apply the same techniques to a bigger space, whether that be your wardrobe, pantry, or an entire room. But the most important part is sticking to a system because all too often old habits return, and after a few months, the clutter piles up again.
If you're ready to transform your space for the better, read on for Clea and Joanna's decluttering and organising tips to get you started:
1. START SMALL
'If you are new to organising, start small...and we mean it. The biggest mistake is getting too ambitious without the right tools –it will just leave you overwhelmed,' explain Clea and Joanna. 'A single drawer is the best jumping-off point because it's manageable and will give you your first big win.
'It's all about staying motivated. Start with a smaller project, then take the confidence and knowledge you gain from that and apply it to a slightly larger project.'
2. EDIT
Editing is a crucial part of Clea and Joanna's methodology that allows you to fully access the space and the items it needs to accommodate.
'The first step is to remove everything from the space (and we mean everything). From there, group the items by category and pare them down to only the items you want or need, and purge the rest. With a pared-down supply, it's easier to decide on a functional system that fits the space and your specific lifestyle,' they explain.
3. STICK TO A SYSTEM
'The easiest way to maintain a space is by following the system on a daily basis,' advise Clea and Joanna. 'If you’ve done it right, you should have a system that works not only for the size of your space and amount of things but the function of that particular space.
'This means that any upkeep should be minimal and as simple as putting things back where they belong, or what we sometimes refer to as a "mini-edit" every few weeks.'
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
You can now buy The Home Edit storage range from John Lewis
The Home Edit & InterDesign Pantry Storage Canister, Large
The Home Edit & InterDesign All Purpose Deep Storage Basket
The Home Edit & InterDesign Divided Turntable Storage Container
With removable dividers, you can sort and store everything from spices, seasonings and condiments to craft supplies and bath necessities. A removable bin keeps bottles and loose items upright, so all contents are always easy to view and grab.
The Home Edit & InterDesign Single Tier Storage Turntable
This single tier turntable can be used for your pantry, larder, fridge or bathroom cabinet, and it's a best-seller in the range. Store bottles on the turntable and simple spin to reach what you need, when you need it.
Operating like a Lazy Susan, this 2-tier turntable is the secret to effortless organisation in your bathroom or kitchen. Contents are easy to view and grab, and there's no centre support, so both tiers give you unobstructed space for a range of items.
This expandable 3-tier shelf slides out to fit your space. Use it to neatly arrange and elevate spices, tinned goods, condiments and other kitchen staples for easy viewing and grabbing.
Sturdy and stackable, this drawer comes with a divider so you can organise what you need even further.
One of our favourites, this simple shelf divider provides effortless organisation. Use one or more to sort kitchen staples or even linens, keeping everything neatly stacked and easy to see.
This organiser can be used to store almost anything from pens and pencils and makeup brushes to toothbrushes and toothpaste.
