In this article, we share 30+ of the best IKEA hacks, including storage ideas, furniture transformations and budget-friendly DIY projects to help you create a beautiful home for less. Whether you’re updating your living room, bedroom or kitchen, these IKEA hack ideas prove you don’t need a big budget to achieve a designer look.

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1. Luxe coffee table dupe using salad bowls

Have you been lusting after those luxury coffee table with large ball-shaped legs? Usually costing hundreds, if not thousands, the clever and creative Rose of @azumiihome decided to hack her own! Using $25 IKEA serving bowls, she glued these together and stained them to complement the tones of the stone slab she bought as the coffee table top.

Watch her reel below to see how she did it…

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A post shared by Rose Chauhan (@azumiihome)

2. Low-level behind sofa table

Turning the humble LACK shelf into a sleek table for behind the sofa, this hack is as simplistic as it is stylish. It’s the perfect way to add a functional surface for styling, without taking up too much visual space. We also love how it helps to connect the living room area to the rest of the home — far better to look at than just the back of a lounge!

3. Elevate an IKEA frame from fine to fabulous

Adding fabric backing or matt board to picture frames (or even fabric photo frames) are low-key trending right now! If you want to hack your own, watch how this quick and easy hack totally elevates your wall art.

@ikeahacksandideas_1st Frame with linen Who would’ve thought a little bit of fabric could change the whole vibe? I saw this gorgeous idea from @interioroverdose and had to share it with you! Just take any IKEA frame – for example, LOMVIKEN – and wrap the passe-partout with a dark linen fabric . Suddenly, the simple frame looks like it came straight out of an art gallery! Of course, you don’t have to stick with linen – get creative! Go with prints , neutrals , or bold textures – anything that fits your style! Share your #ikeahacksandideas with us by tagging/inviting us #ikeahacks #ikeahack #ikeahackideas #interioroverdoseinspo #passepartoutdiy #ikeaframehack #bilderrahmen #diyhomedecor #ikeadiy #homedecorideas #interior4all #livingroomhack #gallerywallideas #ikeadecor #creativehome ♬ Originalton – IKEA Hacks & Ideas

4. Kallax bookshelf becomes luxe bathroom cupboard

An absolute stunner to start us off! Talented DIYer Celine created this luxe rattan bathroom cupboard by adding a custom door to the Kallax bookshelf and painting it in that dreamy taupe colour. She shares all the steps in the reel below. With ‘more storage’ being on the wish list for many, we hope this IKEA hack offers plenty of inspo!

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A post shared by Céline Thiteux DIY & DECO (@idoitmyself.be)

5. Designer sofa dupe

Have you ben lusting over those designer sofas with in-built side tables and shelves but can’t afford (or justify!) the price tag? Lucia may have just found the solution with this incredible IKEA hack!

Using the EKET range, she created a storage chest for extra throw blankets (or perfect for toy storage) and a wall pocket for to rest your cuppa or have a styling moment. We would suggest adding a powerpoint inside the chest so you can also charge your devices or have easy access to power when you need it

6. Bedroom home cinema

A wardrobe that doubles as a home cinema? Genius! Watch your fave shows or movies on the big screen from the comfort of your bed with this sleek and stylish IKEA hack.

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A post shared by Elisa (@drellsky.home)

7. Built-in bookcase pantry

If you’ve been dreaming of an open pantry, this BILLY bookcase DIY hack from Breakfast at Kellie’s is the perfect way to get the look on a budget. We can’t even tell it’s a bookcase! Check out the full DIY tutorial on her website.

8. Salad bowls become designer hallway console

Using the same technique as the coffee table hack above, Cassandra created this designer hallway table dupe! The wavy top totally makes this piece and she shares all the steps to create your own in the reel below.

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A post shared by Cassandra Noel (@cassandranoelhome)

9. A plain dresser gets an amazing makeover

This HEMNES chest of drawers is kinda generic, don’t you think? But just look at what Lisa from @knots.and.pots.home on Instagram did! A hack that creates such a high-end look on a budget. You can recreate the look following all the DIY instructions here.

10. Stylish floating entertainment unit for a bargain price

When it comes to lower priced furniture, often things can look… cheap. But not if you do it right. Take a look at this incredible entertainment unit styled by Tess. Using the incredibly affordable BESTA TV bench, Tess wall mounted hers and placed her TV off centre to create a chic, sleek and stylish living room.

And all that storage to hide everything away — we are in love! Oh… and yes, we know this isn’t exactly a hack. But it’s so gorgeous, can you blame us for including it in our fave ever IKEA hacks post?!

11. Bookshelf gets a Mediterranean-inspired makeover

It’s hard to miss the rising trend in organic furniture. If you can’t afford the real deal — or you just want to put your own unique spin on things — here’s a fabulous example of what can be done with a simple IKEA bookshelf. Create whatever configuration you want and paint it in a colour to suit your interior style.

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A post shared by Alice Mompean (@homefluffyhome)

12. Shelving units turned kitchen island

If you’re feeling a little crowded in your kitchen, have a look at this kitchen island hack! Jen Lou Meredith came up with this hack using KALLAX shelving units. It’s small, storage savvy and mobile, so you can move it as you need to! It may require a little DIY know-how, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can find her tutorial here.

13. Kitchen cabinets become living room storage

IKEA is renowned for its affordable kitchen range but why restrict it to just one room? The ever-so-talented Shelley from DIYshelley (who we’ve featured on the blog a few times!) used IKEA kitchen cabinetry in her living room as her TV cabinet and clever added storage. So smart and functional!

14. Chest of drawers becomes a luxe linen cupboard

With custom joinery costing a pretty penny, we love discovering clever hacks like this one from Emma-Lee Goulding from Willow Root Collective. Emma-Lee took the HEMNES 3 drawer and built it into her gorgeous linen cupboard.

See the video transformation below, or check out her detailed blog post on how she achieved this look.

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A post shared by EMMA-LEE GOULDING | WILLOW ROOT COLLECTIVE (@willowrootcollective)

15. Cute as a button mushroom lamp

Who knew you could make a cute as mushroom lamp from a mixing bowl and a canister?! One of our fave DIYers, Geneva Vanderzeil did just that using the metal bowl and canister, both from IKEA. You can find the full tutorial here, and by the looks of it, it looks super simple!

16. Clever use of kids stools… and IKEA doors!

If you’re a parent, you probably have one of the BEKVAM step stools at your place. But here’s a use for it we’d never considered.

Using 2 step stools and, get this, 2 FONNES doors, you can get this brilliant and cost-effective TV unit!

Yep, that’s right, kids step stools and doors! Such a unique idea!

17. Peg board becomes a green wall

Here’s one for our plant lovers! Using the already-cool SKADIS peg board, Dani created this wonderful living green wall. Simply add some hanging baskets and pop your plant babies on the shelves and you’ve got a great idea you can easily do at your place!

18. A curtain rail for hanging plants

Another fab idea for the plant lovers! A great way to display your beautiful plant hangers is by using the RACKA curtain rail. Such an effective solution if you’re unable to reach, or can’t drill into the ceiling.

19. Luxe chair makeover

Take a touch of gold paint. A simple IKEA chair. And top it with the soft and fluffy SKOLD sheepskin rug.

Voila! Luxe, scandi-inspired chair!

Note: The chair pictured isn’t available in Australia but here’s a similar style we found.

20. Window bench seat

Using the NORDLI chest of drawers, you can create a gorgeous window seat! Created by Kelin from Hydrangea Treehouse, this easily customisable hack can help you create a stunning bench that fits just right. And who doesn’t love extra storage? Find the tutorial here.

21. School bag storage solution

Ok, so this isn’t really a hack, but anything that minimises kid-mess gets our attention! This clever and simple idea uses the TROFAST storage unit to create a school organisation station where everything is neat, tidy and easy to find. Yes please!

22. Bed head with clever storage

Using the TRONES shoe storage, you can create a simple yet clever bed head with heaps of storage. Pop your spare sheets in for easy access, or keep your books and other clutter hidden away. SUCH a cool idea!

23. Bed slats new lease on life

Staying in the bedroom (kind of) for another of our fave IKEA hacks… taking the slats from a no longer needed bed could be the storage solution you’ve been hunting for!

Use it in the kitchen to hang pots of herbs and quirky kitchen gadgets. Pop it in the bathroom for added storage, or maybe in the bedroom to hang belts, scarves and jewellery.

Simple yet functional, we love this clever upcycle that could stop would-be waste going to landfill.

24. Spice rack turned kids bookshelf

Sometimes it’s the simplest hacks that turn out to be the best! Kate, a motherhood TikTokker, shows us how the cheap and cheerful IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack can be turned into 2 styles of shelves for a kid’s room.

Correct way up, they’re a sweet mini bookshelf. Or flipped over and it becomes a great shelf with a hanging rail for clothes or backpacks, using an S hook. So simple!

@kate.athome A super easy little hack… #ikeahacks #ikeakidshack #mumhacks #ukmumsoftiktok #ikeabekvam #kidsroominspo #kidsroomideas #ikeadiyhack #kidsinterior #ukmumaccount #diyikeahack ♬ I Am Your Mother You Listen To Me (Tik Tok Sped Up) – Remix – Green Neon DJ

25. A bookcase turns into a pull out pantry

Ok, so this is super clever. TikTok creator @lovemlovef shows us how they took a simple IKEA bookcase, and turned it into a sliding, slimline pantry. By attaching sliding washing machine base stands to the bottom, it creates the ideal pull out pantry!

Check out the video below — so cool and so creative!

@lovemlovef loveit … #ikeahack #ikeakitchen #ikeafinds #ikeatok #swag #decor #decoration #picoftheday #queen #fyp #lovedecor #beautiful #awesome #amazing #instagram #pinterest #lovediy #diyproject #deco #ikeadiy #actiondiy #diyproject ♬ origineel geluid – ♡halfbloedje♡

26. DIY rug

Rugs can be expensive, we know. So how about making your own?! A clever crafter took these cheap as chips IKEA mats and sewed them together to create one big rug.

You could try using any of IKEA’s huge range of place mats, smaller rugs or even bath mats to get the same effect.

27. Kids safety stool

Ah, kids ‘helping’ in the kitchen (insert panicked parent here!). Sina from Happy Grey Lucky hacked the BEKVAM step stool to make it a whole lot safer for her little peeps.

Perfect for future budding chefs!

28. Kids kitchen makeovers

We see so many gorgeous IKEA hacks done on the DUKTIG kids play kitchen. And while these ones are not so much hacks as they are makeovers, we couldn’t resist including them.

We especially love the sweet subway tile details in the pink and gold kitchen, and the boho vibes in the teal and terracotta version!

29. Another use for the play kitchen — a flower stall

According to the Dutch team at Zoeyzokidsconcept, the DUKTIG kitchen isn’t just for the kitchen! They show us how it can be made into a fabulous flower shop with just a touch of added creativity!

If flowers (or DIY) aren’t your cup of tea, they also do burger bars, sushi kitchens plus more using their cute-as-anything stickers and magnets, made specifically to fit the IKEA kids kitchen!

30. Storage unit turned super sweet dolls house

Using the ever-so-popular KALLAX 4-square storage unit, a few crafty people have created these gorgeous dolls houses! We love the version with the added roof, but think the wallpaper/contact versions are just as sweet!

31. Heat mats become a cork board

This collection of painted and wall mounted pin boards is so clever! But what’s even better is they started life as HEAT kitchen pot stands! You can find the how to instructions from ‘Oh everything handmade’ here.

32. Boho coffee table

There’s no shortage of clever people out there, and one of our favourites has to be this boho-style ALSEDA stool hack. How cool is it? Use this tutorial by Alice and Lois on Hunker to create your own.

33. Wooden train tracks turned blackboard

For any keen little train spotters (young or old!) how cool is this idea? Attaching the LILLABO wooden train track to the wall and adding a blackboard (or just using blackboard paint) to create a quirky but clever blackboard.

34. Headphone storage solution

Tangled headphone cords are never fun. So how about this for a clever little hack. Attach the BROGRUND toilet roll holder under a desk and you’ve got the perfect headphone storage solution. So simple, but we think it’s kinda genius!

35. DIY cabinets turn custom entertainment unit

Finding the perfect entertainment unit is a challenge! They always seem either too small or BIG, too deep or not the right style for your home.

In Rachel’s large living room, a custom entertainment unit was the only solution but without wanting to spend thousands on custom joinery she came up with a clever hack using the BESTÅ TV bench from IKEA with HANVIKEN doors. The wooden handles from Auburn Wood Turning fit her contemporary home to a T!

FAQs

What are IKEA hacks?

Typically, an IKEA hack is when you use or transform an item in a way it wasn’t originally designed for. For example, turning a toilet roll holder into a headphone bracket. Over time, the term has also come to include makeovers, upcycles and clever ‘glow ups’ — and we’re all for that! In our view, if you can take an affordable piece and make it look more expensive or more functional, that’s a hack worth celebrating.

Are IKEA hacks easy to do for beginners?

Absolutely. IKEA hacks range from super simple projects using just glue or paint, through to more advanced builds involving power tools. In this article, you’ll find plenty of beginner-friendly ideas like adding fabric backing to picture frames or creating a behind-sofa table by simply gluing a few shelves together.

What are the best IKEA hacks for renters?

Renting often means limited ability to personalise your space, but IKEA hacks are a great workaround. We love using painted or stained furniture and colourful decor to inject personality without touching the walls. Storage is another common challenge, so opt for hacks that are both stylish and portable — pieces you can take with you from one home to the next.

What are the best IKEA storage hacks?

Some of the best IKEA storage hacks combine function with great design. The KALLAX shelf turned bathroom cabinet is a standout, especially for tackling overflowing linen storage. We also love multifunctional pieces, like the sofa hack in-built table that also doubles as a hidden storage chest — a clever way to add storage while elevating the overall look of your space.

What IKEA hacks are trending right now?

Right now, we’re seeing a strong shift towards warmer, more natural finishes — think walnut tones, Japandi influences and organic shapes. There’s also a growing trend of elevating IKEA pieces with custom elements like stone tops or textured finishes to create a more designer look. Many of these ideas can be easily adapted to suit your own style, making them both current and timeless.

We hope this round up IKEA storage hacks and furniture transformations prove you don’t need a big budget to create a beautiful home! For regular affordable and creative home styling tips, subscribe to Style Curator.

Check out more DIY and hacks here

Disclaimer: This article was first published in July 2020 and continues to be updated with the latest and best IKEA hacks.

The post From flat pack to fabulous: The best ever IKEA hacks appeared first on Style Curator.

Let me share with you my 2 favourite towel folding techniques — the elevated functional fold and spa roll. So whether you prefer to roll or fold your bath towels, I’ve got you covered with these simple towel styling tricks. Get ready to make your bathroom feel like a spa or bring an added sense of organisation to your linen closet!

Related article: Creating a 5 star experience for your guests
Related article: DIY bath bombs: Make luxe bath bombs with this simple tutorial

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A post shared by Gina Ciancio | Style Curator (@stylecuratorau)

How to fold towels neatly (the elevated functional fold)

Save space with my first towel styling trick — the elevated functional towel fold. This towel folding technique is great for saving space in your storage cupboard as it creates a compact square.

But don’t be fooled, this technique is just as good for presentation. By using this towel folding technique, you hide any messy edges for a neat finish. It also creates a more plush and fuller looking towel, avoiding that sad floppy towel look. It’s an easy towel styling trick that you can complete with minimal hassle, making it perfect for the weekly towel wash or visiting guests.

In addition to keeping your towels neat, it’s equally important to protect your personal information online. Using a reliable VPN like PlanetVPN can safeguard your data while you shop for the perfect towels or browse for home styling inspiration.

Steps

1. Lay your towel down flat before folding in half lengthwise.

2. Fold one-third of the towel over before folding another third again. You should now have a long strip.

3. Now fold it in thirds from the other direction.

How to roll towels spa-style (aka the spa roll)

It’s hard to miss the viral towel folding trend of replicating towel presentation from day spas. Otherwise known as the spa roll.

This decorative towel folding technique is just as good for maximising storage space in your linen closet and keeping your towels organised. But also wins an extra point for its more decorative style. Give you, your family or your guests the spa treatment with this stylish towel folding technique.

Steps

1. Lay the towel flat and fold one edge down into a triangle.

2. Take the short edge and bring it over to meet the longer side.

3. Flip the towel over and roll it tightly.

4. Finish by tucking the end tip into the rolled towel.

And there you have it. Two easy towel folding ideas to instantly make your bathroom feel like a day spa or maximise space in your cupboard!

Planning a bathroom refresh? Read these next:

• Bathroom lighting mistakes to avoid
• What bathroom mirror to buy: Shapes and styles explained
• Ultimate guide to choosing the right tapware for your home

Love the look of beautifully styled towels? It’s the small details that elevate a bathroom from functional to designer. If you’re renovating or refreshing your bathroom, join the Style Curator community for expert bathroom design advice, styling tips and practical renovation guidance — so you can avoid costly mistakes and create a space you truly love.

Check out more styling ideas

This article was first published in August 2022 and continues to be updated with latest information and images.

The post How to fold towels: Simple towel styling tricks to roll or fold towels appeared first on Style Curator.

We’re all short on time and undertaking a deep house clean can seem like an impossible job when juggling a busy life so we’ve broken it down into 50+ quick tasks. Work your way through this list like a checklist and we’re sure your home will feel fabulous just in time for spring!

Do you have more quick cleaning tasks or decorating updates to add to the list? Share them in the comments below.

Related article: My secrets to keep your home organised and tidy
Related article: How to style and organise your pantry

1. Open your windows

This first tip is totally free and will instantly make you feel like spring is coming!

Many of us keep the home locked up over winter with the heater running constantly — meaning your home hasn’t had a big dose of fresh air for several months and the ongoing heater use has likely contributed to dust in the air.

While it may not be warm enough to have the windows open yet, take one afternoon to keep as many windows open as you can for several hours. You’ll be amazed how much better your home feels.

2. Sort your linen closet

With the weather warming up, you can start to wash and pack away fleecy and heavier-weight bedding. Pack these into vacuum storage bags and label them with their contents, that way they’ll stay clean and dust-free until next winter and you’ll know exactly what’s inside without having to open them.

Check out our round up of linen cupboard inspo here.

3. Dust your shelves and surface areas

We mentioned dust above and unless you’re a cleaning warrior, chances are you haven’t thoroughly dusted your home for a while.

Dusting your whole home can take a long time so we’ve split the job up into several smaller tasks — starting with shelves and surface areas.

Take the time to remove all books and decorative items from shelves or areas like your coffee table and sideboard to wipe them clean. You might like to try one of our DIY natural cleaning recipes here.

Place items back or take the opportunity to reshuffle things and mix up your shelfie styling. We’ve got all the shelf styling tips and tricks you need here.

Cleaning hack: Make you own dust repellent by mixing 1 cup of water + 2 tbsp white vinegar + 1 tbsp baby oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist onto a cloth and wipe surfaces. The vinegar cuts grime, and the tiny amount of oil leaves an antistatic layer that repels dust. Just don’t overdo it as too much can make things greasy and have the opposite effect!

4. Update your cushions

Without a doubt one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home spring vibes is by updating your cushions.

Just a few new season cushions can introduce a fresh colour palette and make a tired sofa look great again. While winter was very much about moodier colours and richer textiles, like velvet, this spring opt for lighter fabrics such as linen.

Stylist tip: This season’s ‘it colours’ are peach, earthy pink, soft lavender, sage green and powder blue.

5. Declutter your wardrobe

Are you guilty of hanging onto clothes because you think you might wear them one day… even if they’ve been hanging unworn in your wardrobe for 10 years?

We’re telling you now that day will likely never come and you’d feel so much better donating or selling the item to simplify your wardrobe!

One way you can organise your home this spring is to take an afternoon to completely declutter your wardrobe. Simply remove everything and sort items into piles of keep, donate, sell and bin. Then group like items together, such as all basic T-shirts, and work out a logical way of organising the clothes in your wardrobe. Smart storage solutions such as hanging shelves, shoe boxes and baskets for accessories can help keep your wardrobe organised. Find all our tips to declutter your wardrobe here.

6. Sanitise remotes and other tech

A super quick task to tick off the list is disinfecting all remote controls, computer keyboards or mobile phones. Simply get some Detol or alcohol wipes and wipe each of them clean.

7. Introduce new indoor plants

Have you jumped on board the interior plants trend yet? Or perhaps some of your plants didn’t make it through the winter?

Either way, you can never have too many indoor plants! They are a great way of enhancing that indoor outdoor connection and offer a wealth of health benefits from improving air quality to even helping lower blood pressure or assisting with insomnia.

Check out what plants are trending here or play it safe and pick one of of these top 20 hard to kill indoor plants.

8. Throw away old beauty products

Storage space in bathrooms is valuable so don’t waste any with out of date beauty products you’ll no longer use (or shouldn’t use!).

Simply go through your beauty and body products checking the expiry date and throw away anything that’s passed its use by date or you’ll no longer use.

If you’re feeling super organised, you could invest in a few simple storage baskets to better organise your drawers. You can find containers with or without lids in all different sizes so you can configure these to fit whatever drawer size you have.

9. Wash your mattress protector and revive your mattress

Before you layer your bed with gorgeous new season bedding, give your mattress a good clean. This spring cleaning hack simply involves using your vacuum’s upholstery head and firmly pressing as you slowly vacuum over the whole mattress. If there are any spots or stains, clean these with mild suds and warm water. Finally spray your mattress with a disinfectant spray, we like natural ones like Lil’ Bit disinfectant spray. Let your mattress dry completely before placing your washed mattress protector back on.

10. Style your bed

Now that your mattress is refreshed, you can have fun creating a new spring bedding look.

Your bed is one of the largest surfaces in your bedroom so simply treating yourself to a new quilt cover, and possibly some fun new cushions, you can create a big impact with minimal spend.

Gina shares all her tips on how to style a bed like a pro here including a quick video showing just how it’s done.

11. Wash doors and walls

It’s incredible how much dirt, dust and scuff marks can build up on walls and doors throughout the year but it’s relatively easy to remove most using a bucket of warm water with sugar soap and a sponge.

Giving your walls and doors a good wash is the next best thing to repainting. It’s also great at eliminating house odors (for example if you have pets who like to lay against the wall).

12. Vacuum or wash window coverings

Whether you have plantation shutters, curtains or roller blinds, there is a way to safely clean your window coverings. Take a moment to Google the safest and most effective way to clean your window coverings and then work your way one room at a time around your home.

13. Add a splash of colour

If you’re up for a DIY project, painting a room or several feature walls in your home can totally transform the feel with minimal spend.

This season we’re seeing a broad range of new colours trending — from terracotta tones to foresty greens, warm greys, and even light and bright sorbet tones too.

14. Clean all stainless steel surfaces

Make your appliances or stainless steel surfaces sparkle! A mild cleaner or vinegar and microfibre cloth is one of the most effective ways to remove all finger prints and spots from stainless steel.

15. Style your coffee table

A central spot in most homes to do a touch of spring styling where it’ll have maximum impact is your coffee table. Wipe the surface down and then look for pieces you already have (or treat yourself to a few new ones) that evoke feelings of spring. Pops of colour and floral patterns are always popular but the options are limitless. Check out these tips and tricks to style your coffee table with ease.

16. Clean windows

Ok we know, we know, this is the mother of all spring cleaning jobs! But you can break it up into smaller tasks by working your way through a few rooms at a time, starting on the inside of the house before moving your way outside.

We find a combination of methylated spirits, white vinegar and warm water cleans windows beautifully and doesn’t leave streaks. Do you have a secret window cleaner formula you can share in the comments?

Alternatively, you could consider giving yourself a year off and calling in the professionals if budget permits. Professional house cleaners have the tools, skills, and eco-friendly products to get your windows sparkling clean — no streaks, no spots, just crystal-clear views to enjoy all spring long. They’ll even tackle those hard-to-reach spots, so you can sit back, relax, and let the sunshine in!

17. Sort and organise kids toys

Get organised this spring and do something about all those kids toys that you’ve been putting off… surely it can’t just be us who has kids toys taking over the house! From getting rid of broken toys to toys they’ve grown out of, you can simplify the amount of kids toys in your home. Perhaps you could also better organise these so that daily toy clean up is made easier. We’re a big fan of baskets to quickly gather and pack away toys, and cube shelves are great for storage too.

You could consider starting a toy rotation system or at the very least getting some better storage solutions to keep their toys organised.

18. Declutter your office

If you’re drowning under a sea of paperwork or find you’re completely unproductive in your office space, it’s time for a good declutter and to establish some new systems for staying on top of things.

You may be able to immediately throw away a stack of paperwork that is no longer needed or relevant, while other documents could be scanned and stored electronically (just be sure you have back ups in place).

Using a system of in/out trays may help prevent your office getting out of control and you can take advantage of online tools such as online letters or direct debit services to keep your paperwork down.

We’ve got loads of tips on how to streamline your office for a more stylish and productive workspace here.

Recently we made an oversized pin board to keep organised and display inspo. If your office could do with something similar, check out our pin board DIY here.

19. Treat yourself to new art

A new piece of art is another great way to liven up your walls or introduce a new colour palette in your home.

There’s never been a bigger selection of affordable places to buy art. Bluethumb is one of our ‘go to’ places for original art and we recently rounded up some of our favourite abstract artists here. Online stores such as Urban Road and Gioa have a large and ever-changing collection of affordable wall prints too. Here’s our complete list of places to buy affordable art online.

20. Clean out all drains

Eww we know, this job is gross! Wearing heavy duty gloves (and possibly a face mask, ha ha) will help you get stuck into cleaning out your sink and shower drains. If your drains have become a little clogged, you may need to use a tool of some kind to remove any debris that has become lodged.

But if your drains are still flowing well, you’ll just need to clean them with a cheap combination of baking soda and white vinegar. Simply tip half a cup of baking soda over the drain and then pour one cup of warmed white vinegar (heated in the microwave) over the top. This will create a bubbling reaction in the pipe that’s very effective for cleaning. After five minutes, pour half a kettle of boiling water down the drain to rinse clean.

21. Remove stains from carpet or flooring

Another spring cleaning must do is to address stubborn stains in carpet or flooring. There are some stains or dirt that just won’t lift from your floors with regular cleaning so set aside some time to get rid of any problem areas or stains that have built up.

You can now find loads of products that allow you to give your floors a deeper clean without having to call in the experts, such as carpet cleaner powder, but be sure to test these in an inconspicuous area or on a sample piece of flooring before tackling the job.

22. Declutter and organise your pantry

Whether it’s expired foods or foods you bought on a random health kick that you know you’ll never use again, it’s time to tackle your pantry!

We’ve got a great article on how to declutter and organise your pantry.

23. Create a spring inspired vignette

We already mentioned styling your coffee table but if you prefer to keep your coffee table clear, look for another spot in your home (perhaps a console table in your entry or sideboard in your dining room) where you can create a small spring inspired arrangement. We’ve got loads of tips on how to create different arrangements here.

24. Dust all lights and light switches

Nothing ruins the look of pendant and feature lights more than floating cobwebs or a build up of dust so pull out the step ladder and get stuck into cleaning your lights. While you’re at it, use a disinfectant spray to also clean all your light switches.

25. Change your candles or diffusers to summery scents

Often when we decorate we focus so much on what we can see, but paying attention to the other senses — particularly touch and smell — can really enhance our interiors.

Set the spring mood with new candles or diffusers in fresh scents with citrus notes. This is our round up of the best summer scent candles.

26. Clean out ‘that’ drawer

You know the one we’re talking about… because we all have one drawer in our home that becomes the junk drawer for random bits that we most likely don’t need or can never find when we do!

Go through your random junk drawer and throw away what you can or find a more suitable spot to store the items that serve a purpose.

27. Sweep and tidy your front entry

A clean and tidy home for spring starts at your entrance. Give the area a good sweep. Shake out your doormat or consider getting a new one if yours is looking tired. Also look up and dust away any cobwebs. Check on the state of your plants or flowers — did they make it through winter OK? Or if your front entry is fairly bare, perhaps add some pops of colour by picking up a new plant or two.

Feng Shui tip: a clean and tidy entry attracts positive energy. It invites fresh, supportive energy into the home, which can bring opportunities, harmony, and prosperity. Find more Feng Shui tips here.

28. Clean and disinfect your rubbish bins

Take your rubbish bins outside and spray them with a solution of white vinegar and disinfectant, leave for several minutes before rinsing clean. White vinegar helps eliminate odours while disinfectant will reduce any bacteria that has formed from food spills.

29. Organise electronics and cables

With technology changing as quickly as it is (and items no longer lasting for as long as they should), it’s likely that you’re holding onto electronics that you either no longer use or that don’t work. Cables are a particular problem point because too often we don’t know what they’re for but we’re too worried about throwing them away because they might be needed for something important. Try to go through all your electronics and cables and eliminate things you’re sure you don’t need.

30. Wipe down and vacuum furniture

When was the last time you looked under your sofa cushions? You’d be amazed at what you might find, ha ha.

Work your way through the house one room at a time to wipe down and vacuum all your furniture. For a deeper clean, you could hire a Britex machine from Bunnings and give upholstery furniture a wash.

31. Pick up new a hand soap

Another way to add summery scents into your home is with new hand soaps — plus with all this cleaning you’re doing, you deserve it! We recently rounded up our top 7 liquid hand soaps at all price points here.

32. Clean your microwave

You’re not alone if your microwave makes you cringe a little each time you use it but there is a super quick and simple way of cleaning it — simply 1/2 fill a large microwave safe bowl with water and place several slices of lemon in the bowl, cook on high for 8 minutes or until the microwave becomes steamy. Then use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any food residue that has softened with the steam. Your microwave should now have a delightful citrus scent too. If your microwave hadn’t been cleaned for a long time, you might want to repeat this at least twice to get it sparkling clean.

33. Oil or polish wood furniture

Whether it’s an outdoor timber table or a sideboard in your dining room, most of us have at least one or two pieces of wood furniture that could do with a little TLC.

Clean the furniture pieces before using polish or furniture oil (depending on the finish of your furniture), to bring them back to their best and better protect them for the hotter, dryer weather ahead.

34. Clean and organise pet products

If you have pets, there’s bound to be more than a few quick jobs you can do this spring to clean and organise their products. From cleaning feeding bowls to sorting through their toys or accessories, take some time to organise their things.

35. Tidy and dust your bedside tables

Get rid of any clutter or things that have piled up on your bedside table, wipe the surfaces clean and only replace items that are essential or look great. We have 20 bedside styling ideas here.

36. Clean your oven

Although most of us wipe down our ovens regularly, baked on grease and food can be hard to budge. Use an oven cleaner inside your oven and on all racks to completely dissolve all that grime away. Be sure to rinse your oven and trays thoroughly before using them for cooking again as oven cleaner is toxic stuff!

37. Wipe down sticky bottles

While you’re in your kitchen, another quick cleaning task is to wipe down sticky or greasy bottles. From honey bottles to oils and vinegars, chances are you’ve got more than a few bottles that would benefit from a clean. Alcohol wipes are great at cutting through grease or you may need to use a warm damp sponge to soften and wipe away heavier build up.

38. Clean rugs

Remove rugs to outside and give them a good shake and possibly shampoo wash. Thoroughly clean the flooring where the rugs were before returning your cleaned rugs inside.

39. Declutter your garage

OK, so this task isn’t exactly quick buuuuut if you’re not going to do it in spring, when are you going to do it?!

Don’t waste precious storage space in your garage by holding onto things that no longer serve a purpose.

Or if you do need everything in your garage perhaps you could pick up some better storage solutions to help you maximise space. Large clear boxes are great for keeping ‘like’ products together, such as Christmas decorations, whereas bike racks and shoe racks can help save on floor space.

40. Organise books

Still holding onto books just because? You can donate books that you won’t read again, including old text books.

Or if you love all the books in your collection, perhaps you just need to give them a bit of a clean up? You can sort books by type, eg kids books, coffee table books, reading books etc, or alphabetically, or by size or even colour… whatever works for you!

41. Dust cornices and ceiling fans

Pull out your duster and look up… do you have floating cobwebs around your cornices or ceiling fans? Work your way through each room of the home and banish dust and cobwebs up high. This is a particularly important dusting job to do before the warmer weather sets and you start using your fans as you don’t want to be spreading that build up of dust around your home.

42. Wash your washing machine

Every washing machine needs a wash from time to time. Depending on your model, there may be a central compartment that you can unscrew and clean out? Be sure to check if your machine is under warranty first though and whether or not you need a licensed professional to service your machine.

At the very least, you could do a wash using a chlorine bleach instead of regular detergent and running a normal cycle with hot water (and no clothes of course). You can also wipe all rubber seals and the exterior surfaces, and ensure the inlet hose is free of debris.

43. Clean or replace vent filters

With your heater getting lots of use over winter, you can be sure those vents need a thorough clean or possibly even a filter replacement.

If your heater has a thin foam vent filter, take care when cleaning it — you may find vacuuming it will cause it to dissolve. Rather, simply rinsing it under warm water on both sides should remove most of the dust. Allow it to dry out completely before replacing it.

On the other hand, if you feel like your HVAC system needs a change of vent filters you can get a new one from Alpine Home Air.com. Additionally, if you are noticing problems with your HVAC, consider getting help from professionals if you’re unsure how to address the issue.

44. Scrub your shower and possibly reseal

Give your shower a deep clean by scrubbing grout joins with a tooth brush and cleaning product of your choice (we like to use a professional grout cleaner but bicarb or vinegar based cleaners work effectively too).

Also scrub away soap scum from all glass surfaces, including your shower shelf if you have one.

And take a moment to look at the state of your seal joins — are they cracked or mouldy? You can reseal these joins yourself using nifty products like we share in this blog post.

45. Empty and clean your fridge

Remove all items from your fridge and use warm soapy water to wash down all internal surfaces — it’s amazing how many small spillages you’ll find or food crumbs that have found their way into hard to reach places. Thoroughly cleaning out your fridge will help eliminate bacteria. While you’re at it, check the expiration of foods and throw away out of date items.

46. Degrease kitchen cabinets

Dust and grease can build up on kitchen cupboards to form a sticky grime, particularly around your rangehood.

A warm, damp cloth and white vinegar should dissolve away most grease but for tougher areas, you may need to use dish soap or a degreaser.

47. Deep clean floors

By this point in the checklist you’ve already cleaned your rugs and spot cleaned any stains but now it’s time to address your general floors. Vacuuming and mopping are great for general cleaning but every 12-18 months it’s a good idea to give floors a deep clean.

Depending on your flooring material that could involve investing in some higher quality products, such as using a professional tile cleaner, or hiring tools such as a floor cleaner/scrubber if you have large areas of polished concrete. Alternatively, this may be a job you want to bring the professionals in to do, such as professionally steam cleaning carpets. Whatever you decide, just be sure to do your research first so you select products or professionals that are right for the job!

48. Dust all skirting boards and window tracks

Over the course of a year window tracks can accumulate a lot of dust, especially if you have pets! Get stuck into cleaning these well by vacuuming first and then using paper towel sprayed with disinfectant spray to pick up fine dust.

You can also use paper towel and disinfectant spray over the top of all skirting boards — you might be surprised just how much dust you pick up!

49. Declutter other cupboards or problem areas

We’ve addressed the most obvious problem areas to declutter already but every home is different. Is there another cupboard or room that could benefit from a declutter this spring? Use the tried and proven technique to declutter; remove everything, sort into piles of keep, donate, sell or bin, and then place items back in an organised way adding better systems or storage solutions whenever possible so the problem doesn’t come back.

50. Take a trip to the tip or Salvos

Has all this cleaning and decluttering helped identify larger pieces you no longer need? Perhaps excess furniture you’ve been storing in your garage, a bunch of garden pots you’re never going to use, or something else?

Rather than continuing to store things you no longer want or need, it may be a good time to let them go. If the pieces are still in good condition, you could donate these to your local charity but if they are looking worse for wear, take them to the tip instead.

Have you been inspired to tackle some spring cleaning jobs or update your interiors? Tell us in the comments below!

Check out more cleaning and organising ideas here

This article was first published in September 2020 and continues to be updated with latest spring cleaning tips and tricks.

The post Get your home ready for spring: 50+ quick cleaning + styling jobs appeared first on Style Curator.

Do you have other tips to keep your budget in check when moving? Share them in the comments below and I’ll include them in this article.

Related article: How to organise your wardrobe: Keep your closet organised forever
Related article: Easy steps to start a toy rotation system

Sell items on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree and other seller sites

It’s simple maths: pack less = spend less. Before you start packing, organising skip bin hire can make decluttering easier and help you save on moving costs.

I probably went overboard in getting rid of items but the combination of wanting a fresh start, needing extra cash, and not knowing where I would live long-term motivated me to sell, donate or dispose of almost everything. From rat traps to my extensive vase collection, outdoor plants and old gaming consoles, I sold it ALL!

Higher value or popular items do very well on seller sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Gumtree. Personally, I used eBay for tech, clothing and jewellery, and Facebook for kids’ stuff, furniture and large items. I also used Depop for clothing and accessories.

It only takes a few minutes to snap a couple of pics, write a short description and set a price. In the month before my move, those sales not only slashed my packing load but covered my removalist bill in full.

Host a garage sale to get rid of even more stuff

While online marketplaces are fab, as moving day nears you realise you can’t list everything. My bestie convinced me to host a good old-fashioned garage sale — and it was genius! Over 2 days I emptied my home, garage and shed onto the driveway. Not only did I make a tidy sum, but it was oddly therapeutic and further reduced my packing load.

Of course I made my garage sale bougie and put my years of visual merchandising experience to good use, ha ha. Some people came back through 3 times over to check out what else I had pulled out of my house!

Hire a skip bin

It helps speed up packing if you can sort items as you go. Set up 3 piles: keep, donate (or sell), and throw away. You’ll likely have plenty to toss (expired meds, broken bits, etc) so booking a skip bin hire in advance is a smart move.

Plan this ahead of time so you can compare quotes and find the best deal. If you’re friendly with your neighbours, it could be worthwhile to hire a larger skip bin and share the costs. I didn’t think of this but many of my neighbours dropped hints that if I didn’t fill up my whole skip then they could fill it for me. Something I’ll keep in mind for next time

Tip: Be sure to keep hazardous waste (paints, oils, batteries, asbestos, tyres) out of your skip or you’ll pay a steep disposal fee. Instead, take these items to your local council’s hazardous-waste program.

Take anything still usable to a recycle centre

Taking reusable items to your local recycling centre can save you in waste-removal costs. Pet shelters often accept old towels and bedding, and scrap-metal centres will even pay you for metal bits.

Do a quick search on your local tip’s drop-off options — recycle what you can, save on skip-bin fees, and give unwanted items a second life.

Find free or cheap packing boxes

Borrowing packing boxes can save you hundreds on moving costs. I borrowed about 20 from a friend and found the rest for free at my local cardboard recycling drop-off.

If you’re not as lucky, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are goldmines for second-hand boxes, bubble wrap and packing paper — often for next to nothing. Then once you unpack, you can sell them on and get a little cash top up.

Shop around for a moving company

Getting multiple quotes is a must. As well as comparing price, I suggest looking at the reviews of each moving company. There’s no point saving a few hundred bucks if the company has a track record of breaking or misplacing items. Don’t be shy to negotiate dates or off-peak discounts — mid-week moves often cost less than weekends.

DIY disassembly and reassembly

You don’t need to pay movers to take apart every bed frame or wardrobe. Enlist friends or family to help dismantle furniture, then let the professionals handle heavy lifting and transport. This is especially worthwhile if your removalist charges an hourly rate.

Do you have any other tips on how you can save money when moving house or make some extra cash when moving? I hope these tips help you or someone you know to keep removalist costs down and feel less overwhelmed by it all!

More home tips

The post How to save money when moving house appeared first on Style Curator.

Having recently given my wardrobe a complete overhaul, I can confirm it IS worth the effort to declutter and organise your wardrobe — making getting dressed in the morning so much easier and giving you all those happy feelings only a perfectly organised space can. 

Related article: How to style and organise your pantry
Related article: Walk-in wardrobe and closet inspo

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1. Declutter

Start organising your wardrobe by sorting through everything. Because there’s no point having a perfectly organised closet of clothes you rarely (or never!) wear.

How to declutter your wardrobe?

Take everything out of your wardrobe and sort it into piles that make sense to you. Perhaps you would group all work tops together, all casual tops together, all jeans in one pile and outerwear in another pile etc. Or perhaps you mainly only wear casual clothes so it would make more sense to group by colour or item type. The aim of this step is to get a good understanding of everything that’s in your wardrobe, where you can compare like for like clothing and accessories.

Hold each item of clothing and make a decision. Do you want to keep, sell, donate or discard it? Naturally the easiest answer is to say keep. It almost doesn’t even require a decision. But if you do this process well, you’ll curate a wardrobe of clothes you actually like and wear. Plus, you could make some extra money along the way to invest in other items you’ve been lusting after, like a chic new workwear outfit.

• Keep: only keep items you love and have worn in the past 12 months, that fit you well, or are special occasion clothes that you can see a use for in future. I can tell you now, you’ll probably NEVER wear that special top you haven’t worn in 15 years! Items like this are just taking up space and holding you back from having a wardrobe you love. Before you decide to keep an item, try it on and look at yourself in the mirror. If you feel good in it, then it’s a keeper!
• Sell: you could make some serious coin when decluttering your wardrobe! Use sites like Depop, eBay and The RealReal, to move items on and earn money along the way. Even making $10-$20 per item can quickly add up.
• Donate: another way to keep circular fashion going is to donate clothes to your local op shop. Any clothes that don’t fit, aren’t your style but are still in good condition are welcome.
• Discard: sometimes an item has run its course and the only thing left to do is throw it away. If it’s beyond repair, stained badly, shrunk too small or otherwise damaged, take one last look and see if you could recycle the fabric and otherwise throw it out.

Take action. The best time to follow through and sell or donate the items is within 2 days of decluttering your wardrobe. So don’t keep clothes to donate in the boot of your car for weeks. Make the trip as quickly as you can and feel the relief of being one step closer to your dream closet. Similarly, you may have a huge pile of clothes you want to sell. Set a realistic task of listing 5 items per day. Once the sales start coming through, you’ll be more motivated to keep going.

Extra decluttering tips:

Some helpful questions to ask yourself when decluttering are: If I saw this in a store, would I buy it? Have I worn it in the last 6-12 months? Do I know someone who would get more use out of this than me?

A good tip is to work by clothing type, such as all pants and then all tops, so you can compare similar clothes at the same time, making decisions easier.

There’s a fabulous resource from Planet Ark here on what you can do with items you no longer need so nothing ends up in landfill — including donating work clothes to organisations like Dress for Success, donating saleable clothes to charities, and even what to do with damaged clothes so they are recycled or reused.

2. Find the right storage solutions for your needs

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, the trick to keeping a space organised is to invest in the right storage solutions. Unless everything has a ‘home’ and items are easy to access, tidy spaces won’t stay tidy for long. 

Even if you’re limited on space, there are fabulous products on the market now that can help you maximise every nook and cranny of your wardrobe. I’m going to run through a few of my favourites…

Elfa range at Howards storage

Not going to lie, these products aren’t cheap but there’s a good reason they have a cult following — quality, durability and design. 

If like me, you find your wardrobe doesn’t offer enough functional storage space, a few of these products might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Although our wardrobes are quite large, we only had rails to hang clothes and this made storing T-shirts, knitwear and other clothing a challenge.

I designed a new internal wardrobe solution that incorporated Elfa’s range of pullout drawers, pant racks, shelves and shoe racks. Their flexible products clip into brackets so it’s easy to change or move things about as your needs change.

You can browse the range here.

Hanging storage solutions

If you’re renting or looking for more budget-friendly options, there’s a wide range of hanging storage solutions that allow you to maximise the vertical space in your wardrobe.

Hanging fabric shelf organisers are perfect for storing folded clothing. Some ranges have been designed to fit baskets which can act like drawers. 

Hanging shoe racks use a similar design but with smaller pockets to fit your shoes.

Depending on the type of wardrobe you have, a storage solution to hang over the back of your door could provide some much-needed storage space. You can find plastic or fabric shoe holders that hang over the backs of doors through to metal shelving units.

Storage baskets

I’ve never met a basket I didn’t like and the uses for them around the home are endless. In the wardrobe, I love using baskets to keep smaller items together and tidy. For example, putting all scarves in a basket.

Baskets are also a great way to maximise high overhead cupboards that may otherwise be wasted.

Invest in quality hangers

Do your clothes a favour and switch to quality hangers with smooth, rounded edges. Timber hangers offer a luxe look but are quite bulky. So if you’ve got limited hanging space, those slimline velvet hangers are ideal.

Small boxes are your friend

Watch any episode of ‘Tidying up’ with Marie Kondo and you’ll learn one of her favourite tricks to keeping drawers organised is to use a range of smaller boxes inside to separate items. 

If the inside of your drawers looks like a mixed salad, why not give this technique a try? I find it’s also helpful for standing up items. And when you store things upright, it’s easier to see everything at a glance.

Design from scratch

The solutions I’ve mentioned above are to make the most of a wardrobe you already have or to retrofit solutions but if I had my time again, I would take more time to design my wardrobe from the start.

There are great services out there to help you to find a stylish solution for all your storage needs, such as Freedom’s wardrobe service here. 

3. Organise by category and colour

You’ve decluttered, picked up the right storage solutions and now it’s time to put everything back into your wardrobe. But how best to organise things? Professional organisers agree, organising by category (ie all pants together) and by colour makes life easiest. 

You can also save a lot of time using this wardrobe organisation system — making it quicker to get dressed in the morning and when packing clean clothes away.

4. Separate the seasons

If wardrobe space is an issue, don’t clog your wardrobe with clothes you won’t wear for months. There’s no point looking at summer dresses in the peak of winter or having bulky coats take up space when it’s hot outside. 

Use space saving bags or utilise space elsewhere in your home to keep these clothes packed away until you need them. These bags are also ideal for protecting delicate pieces like womens knitwear from Marcs, keeping them fresh and ready for next season.

5. One in, one out policy

Your wardrobe should now be looking decluttered and organised with every item in its place. Here come the tough part — keeping it this way!

A tip many professional organisers swear by is the ‘one in, one out’ policy where for every new item you purchase, you need to let an old one go.

This trick means you’re continually editing your wardrobe and only keeping clothes that fit and make you feel good.

I hope you’ve picked up some new ideas to organise your wardrobe! If you’ve got other storage tricks or hacks, share them in the comments below so we can all give them a try.

More home organising ideas

This article was first published in November 2020 and continues to be updated with the latest information and tips.

The post How to organise your wardrobe: Keep your closet organised forever appeared first on Style Curator.

Our resident organising expert Eve Mizzi from Ducks in a Row Home Organisation is back on the blog! She shares how to take your laundry room from chaos to calm in just four simple steps!

Related article: Quick and easy ways to style your laundry for less
Related article: How to organise your first aid kit

Words by Eve Mizzi

Step 1: Declutter like a boss 

Before we even think about organising, we need to clear out the clutter. Take everything — yes, everything — out! Sort through old detergents, random sponges, and that broken ironing board you haven’t used since 2012. If it’s expired, broken, or you simply never use it, it’s time to say goodbye. 

Pro tip: If you’re hoarding 15 half-empty bottles of detergent, combine them into one container and reclaim your space! 

Step 2: Categorise for clarity 

Now that you’re left with only the essentials, it’s time to group similar items together. Think of this as creating little laundry families that will live happily ever after in their own designated space. 

This step is crucial because it helps everyone in the family know exactly where things belong. 

Here are some common laundry categories to get you started: 

• Everyday essentials — Detergent, fabric softener, stain removers
• Delicates and special care — Wool wash, mesh bags, fabric sprays 
• Ironing and steaming — Iron, steamer, starch sprays
• Lost and found — Lonely socks, spare buttons, loose change.

Step 3: Measure up, then let’s go shopping!

Now that everything is categorised, it’s time to measure your space. Grab a tape measure and jot down the dimensions of your shelves, cabinets, and any nooks and crannies you plan to use.

This step ensures you buy the right organisational products instead of impulse-buying bins that don’t fit. No judgement, we’ve all been there!

Some storage solutions on how to organise your laundry include: 

• Opaque storage bins — so you don’t see the clutter inside
• Stackable baskets — to maximise vertical space
• Turntable / Lazy Susan — ideal for easy access to bottles and sprays
• Magnetic storage bins — to connect to the side of your washer or dryer for easy access to things like laundry wash bags or dryer balls
• Wall hooks — for hanging ironing boards, lint rollers, and bags.

Pro tip: Choose storage that makes sense for your space. If you have deep shelves, opt for pull-out bins. If you’re working with a small area, consider over-the-door organisers. 

Step 4: Set up and label everything! 

Now for the fun part — putting everything in its place! Arrange your categories in a way that makes sense for your laundry routine. Keep frequently used items front and centre, and store less-used products towards the back, higher up or in cabinets. 

And here’s the real secret to keeping your laundry room organised for the long haul… labels! 

Labelling ensures that every family member (yes, even the kids and partner!) knows where to find and return items.

You can use: 

• Chalkboard labels — for a rustic touch 
• Clear sticker labels — for a sleek look 
• Picture labels — great for the kids!

If you want to be extra fancy, use a label maker and match your fonts for a Pinterest-worthy finish! You can get lots of great ready-made labels from discount stores or places like Kmart. Or for personalised labels, try places like Etsy or storage organisation businesses.

Stand back and admire your hard work and beautifully organised laundry

Congratulations, you now have a beautifully organised laundry space that actually works for you. No more scrambling to find the fabric softener or drowning in a sea of unmatched socks. 

Remember, maintenance is key! Set a monthly reminder to do a quick tidy-up, and involve the whole family in keeping things neat, tidy and organised. 

Are you ready to tackle your laundry? Did you find this article helpful on how to organise your laundry? Or perhaps you have some additional organisation tips you think we need to know about! Tell us in the comment section below!

More home organisation articles 

Meet the expert

Eve Mizzi is the founder and head organiser at Ducks in a Row Home Organisation. She loves nothing more than sorting, clearing and organising all day long. Based in Melbourne, she and her dedicated team help busy people get their homes tidy, feel less stressed and give them back more time to do what they really care about.

Website: yourducksinarow.com.au
Instagram: @yourducksinarow

The post How to organise your laundry in four simple steps appeared first on Style Curator.

If you’ve got young children, chances are you’re fighting a daily battle to stop kids toys from taking over your house! Despite my best efforts to embrace baskets and storage solutions, there didn’t seem to be a way to contain all of my children’s toys. The biggest issue of having so many toys was that my children felt they had nothing to play with. 

This is a common issue amongst parents and one of the best solutions I’ve come across is establishing a toy rotation system. It’s a way of reducing toy overwhelm and helping children focus on the toys available to them. This leads to more creative play while also ridding your home of toy clutter. Sounds good, right?!

Keep on reading for how I set up a toy rotation system at home using the innovative new Inabox storage containers and personalised QR labelling system.

Related article: Genius toy storage solutions: Get organised with the best storage ideas for kids toys

Related article: 6 tips to create a stylish and functional kids bedroom

What is toy rotation?

Essentially the concept of a toy rotation system is that you only make a manageable level of toys available to your child at any one time. For example, rather than having all 30 or more of their books in their bookshelf, simply display 8 or so. 

When you notice they seem less engaged with the toys on offer, switch them over. Your children will be excited by the ‘new’ toys they haven’t played with for a long time and get enjoyment from them.

While it may seem logical that more toys equate to more fun, the opposite is true. With too many toys, children often feel overwhelmed… or even bored. That’s what makes the toy rotation system so effective.

Why use a toy rotation system?

There are so many benefits to starting a toy rotation system — for you and for your child/ren — including:

• streamlining your home environment — with a reduced amount of toys and books, you’ll find your home is less chaotic
• creating a new sense of enjoyment with the toys they have — instead of looking at the same toys day after day, in the same baskets or shelves, toy rotation gives your children a sense of excitement. Every toy rotation feels like they are receiving new toys 
• helping your children to have increased focus — rather than play time being an opportunity to tip every basket of toys upside down, I’ve noticed my children will find something to play with and focus on it
• giving your children the freedom to flex their imagination — similarly, with fewer toys, you’ll notice they make up new, creative games to play with the toys they have
• making it easier for you to declutter toys — each toy rotation is an opportunity to assess what toys they may have outgrown and could be gifted, donated or sold
• speeding up pack up time — with less toys out, there are fewer toys to tidy up
• encouraging children to tidy up — while there’s no guarantee for this, many parents say a toy rotation system makes it more likely your little ones will help to tidy up 
• freeing up more space for play — a toy rotation system literally creates more space for play.

Some parenting experts also claim there is power to giving children less, helping them to become calmer, happier and more secure. They say with too much stuff and too many choices, children can experience sensory overload and even become anxious.

How to set up a toy rotation system

Now that your sold on the benefits of a toy rotation system, here’s how to set it up. 

Step 1: Get various large storage tubs

Depending on how many toys your children have, I suggest buying at least 5-10 large storage tubs. These should be big enough to fit a selection of books and toys. And I suggest avoiding clear tubs that your children may discover… as the saying goes, ‘out of sight, out of mind’!

I used the 28L blue storage tubs from Inabox and found they were the perfect size for Alexander’s toys. For Patrick, who has larger Nerf guns, I’ll buy some of their 39L tubs as well. Not only are these coloured to avoid prying eyes, the lids sit neatly inside making them so easy to stack. 

Step 2: Gather all the toys into a great big pile

Like with all organising, it has to get worse before it gets better. But trust me, do this once and do it right and you’ll thank yourself for years to come!

Hot tip: Do not attempt this while your children are home. It’s best to make it a ‘surprise’ where you reveal their beautifully organised bedroom and/or playroom. Surprisingly, I haven’t had one question like ‘Where is my [toy]..’ because they’re just enjoying the toys on display so much.

Step 3: Declutter and sort

The next step is to sort the toys into categories. I did this by grouping all books together, all ‘cooking’ toys together, all puzzles together, all blocks together, all vehicles together and so on.

As you sort the toys into groups, you may find toys you immediately know your children have outgrown that you can eliminate from the toy rotation. And you may also find duplicate toys. For example, Alexander had two play toasters that were almost identical so I donated one.

Step 4: Divide the toys you’ll keep into boxes

There are various methods for dividing toys into boxes. Some people keep the toys grouped by category, such as all musical toys in one box.

Personally, I knew I didn’t want to have to think about toy rotation again so I created ‘rotation boxes’ instead. By this, I mean I created a mixed bag of toys and books so I can simply pull out a ready-made box and switch the room over.

In each rotation box, I included:

• at least 1-2 soft toys (may not be needed if your child is older)
• one puzzle
• 5-10 books
• 2-5 vehicles (cars, planes, boats etc)
• one type of imaginary game, such as tools for construction, exploration set or play cooking.

The idea is to have a variety of toy options while keeping the total amount of toys manageable. Depending on the quantity of toys your children have, you could have anywhere from 3-7 rotation boxes.

Tip: Some people also create ‘seasonal’ boxes. For example, water play or exploring toys may be kept in a summer box, and puzzles kept in a winter box. But in Australia where our climate is pleasant year-round, I didn’t worry about this.

Step 5: Set up the toys that are ‘out’ in their room or play area

Now for the fun part. Display the toys that are on rotation in their space. 

For this, I took inspiration from the Montessori method of creating a child-centred environment so all the toys are within easy reach. 

I found a few new storage solutions to help display items, such as using a plate rack to display books.

Best of all, there is now so much more room to play!

Step 6: Keeping on track

Most importantly, to keep the toy rotation system effective, it’s important to regularly switch over the toys. You’ll know when it’s time to do this as you’ll see your children are less engaged with their toys. It may be after a week or two, or longer. 

To keep track of the toys packed away, I was so excited to use the innovate new Organise by Inabox. It’s a QR label system and mobile app that means you’ll never lose stuff again. 

For each toy rotation box I created, I attached an Inabox QR sticker. Through the app, I could ‘create the box’ by naming it, keeping track of its location in the home, listing the contents — and best of all, capturing a photo of what’s inside. 

This means, if my children ever ask for a particular toy, I can browse the app to find exactly what box it’s stored in and where. And if I change what’s kept in a box, I can update this information through the app and upload a new picture, rather than having to relabel boxes.

Watch my video below to see the app in action. It’s a game changer for home organisation!

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A post shared by Gina Ciancio | Style Curator (@stylecuratorau)

There you have my tips and steps on how to create a toy rotation system. Do you feel inspired to give it a go? Let me know if you’ve got any questions by posting a comment below and I’ll get back to you asap. You can find all of the smart storage solutions I used at Inabox.

More home organising ideas

This article was first published in April 2022 and continues to be updated with latest information.

The post Easy steps to start a toy rotation system: How to organise kids toys appeared first on Style Curator.

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My spice drawer makeover

Up until recently, I used this drawer to store utensils. But as I only use a handful of utensils on a weekly basis, it felt wasted. My spices on the other hand were all thrown into a basket in the bottom drawer. Every time I cooked, I would dig around hoping to find a spice that would complement the dish.

So I moved the utensils I use frequently into my cutlery drawer. I then gave up this prime real estate to create the ultimate spice drawer. And the formula for a dream-worthy spice drawer? Perfectly matching canisters, vinyl labels and more spices than you can poke a stick at, of course!

I picked up these simple glass and timber lid canisters from Kmart. I then used my Cricut machine to make the labels but there are plenty of online stores that sell these. (Here’s a list of Australian stores on Etsy that do custom vinyl labels.)

Not going to lie, there are loads of spices in here that I’ve never used… or even heard of… but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to get the spice drawer of her dreams!

Pretty sure the look on my face sums up how I feel about the results. LOVE!!

The complete A-Z spices, herbs and seasonings

If you’re looking for inspo to create your own spice drawer, chances are you’ll need to expand your selection of seasonings. We’ve done the hard work for you, tracking down 99+ spices, herbs and seasonings!

A-B of herbs and spices:

• Ajowan seed: Widely used in Indian dishes, this seed has a thyme-like aroma perfect for veggies.
• Alabama rub: An American style BBQ rub. With an onion, paprika and mustard powder combination that has a sweet and tangy taste.
• Aleppo pepper: A unique spice used in Turkish and Middle Eastern recipes with a mild but fruity chilli heat.
• All spice: Receiving it’s name in the 17th century for tasting like clove, cinnamon and nutmeg all at once, it’s the most versatile spice, perfect from sweet to savoury.
• Amchur: Made from dried green mango, it’s mainly used to sour Indian dishes. Amchur can be used on your favourite meats and fish for a zesty taste.
• Aniseed: Native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia, aniseed has a warm licoricey taste. It’s the perfect addition to curry powders and pastries.
• Annatto seed: Used primarily in South and Central American cooking. Annatto can serve as a natural red food colouring and has a soft lemon and pepper taste.
• Barberry: Less sweet than cranberries, the berry is used in Middle Eastern cooking and are high in Vitamin C. You can use them to make juice or add them to dishes for a sweet-sour contrast.
• Basil leaves: Need to add some sweetness to your dish? Basil is an aromatic herb with a flavour balance between sweet and savoury, and can be bought in many forms.
• Bay leaves: A staple for every kitchen, bay leaves have a pungent herbal scent and sharp taste.
• BBQ rub: There are many different styles and mixes of BBQ rub. We recommend experimenting and finding your own personal favourite.
• Beef stock: Beef stock works as a perfect base for many recipes, including soups and stews. This is a must-have for any spice drawer.
• Black lava sea salt: Has a distinctive smoky and earthy flavour. Black lava sea salt is activated with charcoal from volcanic areas in Cyprus. Sprinkle it over white fish or chicken to impress dinner guests. Use it to create a spectacular rim on your Margarita or Bloody Mary.
• Bohnenkraut (summer savoury): A staple in any German bean dish. Summer savoury is a sweeter alternative to its winter counterpart and can be used as an alternative to sage.

C-F of herbs, spices and seasoning:

• Cacao powder: Basically, chocolate in its purest form. The powder is the raw version of cocoa that can be added as a dusting on top of your desserts. You can also make homemade hot cocoa.
• Cajun seasoning: A blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and more, this mix makes for a spicy but delicious earthy taste.
• Caraway seeds: With a distinctive anise flavour, add a subtle liquorice hint to any dish. Can also be ground but beware, this makes the seeds A LOT more potent.
• Cardamom pods: Has a fun mix of piney, fruity, and even menthol-like flavour. This spindle-shaped spice is used in both savoury and sweet dishes.
• Cayenne pepper: A moderately hot type of chilli pepper perfect for adding heat, they are a staple in Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine.
• Chilli flakes: A condiment made up of whole peppers — and that means everything — this spice will add some serious heat to your dish.

• Chicken gravy: We’re all about making life easier. Why not have your chicken gravy powder set aside and ready to go for a quick mix before dinner?
• Chicken stock: Chicken stock is a great flavour base for anything from soups to casserole sauces. We also love adding it to liquid when cooking rice or grains. Be sure to sprinkle it over chicken or veggies for some extra flavour!
• Chinese (five) spice: Made of star anise, fennel, Szechuan peppercorns, cinnamon and cloves, this spice also refers to the five flavour groups. A versatile spice perfect for adding a little zest to any dish.
• Cinnamon: Another staple in the house has to be cinnamon. You can use it in its stick form in stews and curries or ground in sweet dishes. It’s a pleasant tasting spice that can only enhance your dishes.
• Cinnamon sugar: Perfect for sprinkling on buttered toast, pancakes and cookies. Use cinnamon and sugar in a mix as a sweet ingredient or topping.
• Cloves (whole): Dark brown in colour and shaped like pins, whole cloves are fragrant and add depth to meat dishes and sauces. A household tooth ache remedy uses a clove between your upper and lower teeth to relieve some pain.
• Cloves (ground): Ground cloves are often used in spice mixes to bring a warm flavour to chutneys and curries.
• Coriander: One of the most dividing spices, coriander has a strong taste that isn’t for everyone! If you’re in the camp of people who love it, use it to season and flavour a variety of domestic and international recipes.
• Coriander seeds: Used ground or whole, coriander seeds add an earthy and sweet taste to any meal. They are also toasted to give a floral aroma to dishes.
• Cumin seeds: Originating in west Asia, cumin seeds have a nutty and slightly peppery flavour and are a typical ingredient in many spice blends. This spice is also thought to have a wealth of health benefits ranging from aiding in weight loss to lowering cholesterol.
• Curry leaf: Matching well with seafood, the curry leaf serves as an enhancer to complement Indian curries. 
• Curry powder: Usually a mix of turmeric, chilli powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger and pepper. It’s perfect for dishes like soups, stews and of course, curries! It’s good to have your mix ready should your dish need a quick boost.
• Dill: Also called dill weed, this herb is found throughout European and Asian cuisines. It’s great to add to seafood and yogurt dishes, to flavour preserves or to garnish.
• Dried onion flakes: Made from dehydrated onions, flakes make a good emergency spice drawer staple should you need to fill a dish with an oniony flavour when you can’t get to the shops.
• Dutch cinnamon (cassia): Although very similar to cinnamon in scent, cassia or Dutch cinnamon tends to have a bitterness not found in regular cinnamon.
• Fennel seeds: The entire fennel plant is edible with a variety of uses in the kitchen. Fennel seeds add a liquorice flavour to your cooking and are commonly used in fish dishes and salads.
• Fenugreek leaf: A versatile leaf that can be used as a curry flavourer and a garnish, fenugreek leaves have a less bitter taste than the seed.
• Fenugreek seed: Used widely in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, fenugreek seeds have a complex taste described as nutty and slightly bitter. Traditionally used in curries, soups, chutneys and pita bread.
• Funghi porcini: Unsure with the name? Funghi porcini is a mushroom powder made with crushed or ground porcini mushrooms. It’s said to have a creamy and meaty taste.
• Furikake Japanese seasoning: Meaning ‘To sprinkle,’ this is a spice blend perfect for adding onto seafood and meat dishes when cooking, or to sprinkle over steamed rice. 

The G-L of spices, herbs and seasonings:

• Galangal: A surprisingly hot spice with a similar taste to ginger. Galangal is used in Asian cuisines for its hit to the sinuses. Use it in Thai soups, laksa and fish dishes.
• Garam masala: A mix of spices that has a stronger and more complex flavour than curry powder. Some ingredients include peppercorns, nutmeg, mustard seeds and mace.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder is quite literally just powdered garlic, but it has a much milder flavour and aroma to fresh garlic. Use it when you don’t want an overpowering garlic flavour. You can even mix it into your own spice blend, such as when making a BBQ rub.
• Garlic seasoning: Garlic herb seasoning can go into just about anything from rice to meat dishes, and there are so many easy recipes available online. Perfect to add that little extra flavour!
• Ground chilli: Mainly used in Mexican cuisine, add a little heat and spicy flavour to your dishes. It would probably be best to measure this one out the first few times.
• Ground paprika: A herb best suited to savoury dishes. Paprika adds a flavour depth and aroma while igniting your food in a vibrant colour. It is recommended that you start off sparingly though.
• Grains of paradise: A rare spice with a black-pepperish and citrusy flavour, this spice originates from the west coast of Africa and can be used as a substitute to cardamom and ginger.
• Ground ginger: Instantly add a warm, spicy-sweet aroma with ginger. Commonly used in Asian and Indian dishes, including stir fries, soups and marinades, cooking with even a little can up your flavour.
• Harissa powder: Harissa powder is the ground spice blend of the spicy, earthy North African paste with a base of smoked chilli peppers. A versatile spice that works especially well in a rub to roast and grill meats.
• Herb mix: Another easy but useful mix to have ready to go is your herb mix. Generally a mix of oregano, sage, marjoram and thyme, it’s perfect to add to just about any dish. You can also make your own herb mix using your favourite ingredients.
• Herb salt: Comprising of sea salt and a variety of herbs, herb salt is most often used as a garnish on the table. If you’re a big fan of herb salt though, nothing’s stopping you from using it during the food preparation. Be aware — a little goes a long way!
• Horseradish (grated): We love horseradish but it’s seasonal and can be hard to find. Grated horseradish is a great addition to any spice drawer so you have it at hand when you need it. Serve it with roasted meats or as a flavouring to hearty soups or stews.
• Horseradish (ground): Perhaps more convenient than grated horseradish, ground horseradish is easier to store. Horseradish powder has a potent flavour, commonly described as hot, spicy and peppery.
• Italian herb mix: If you haven’t realised yet, mixes are our flavour friends. An Italian herb mix is perfect for some extra flavour to pizza, bread and pasta sauce, but it works just as well in other cuisines. The main herbs in this mix generally includes oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary.
• Juniper berry: Whether dried or fresh, juniper berries add a spicy, aromatic taste to both sweet and savoury dishes. While they can be used whole, ground Juniper berries offer maximum flavour.
• Kaffir lime leaf: Used in South-eastern Asian dishes, the leaves have a distinctive citrus flavour most commonly used to infuse soups and also stir fries.
• Kofta spice blend: Perfect for the whole family, use this spice blend when making Kofta or Felafel — it offers a bit of heat… but not too much!
• Lavender flower: Although not commonly used in food, lavender flower has a soft, sweet taste that you can explore or use in baking. 
• Lemongrass: A staple in East Asian cooking, keep lemongrass powder in your spice drawer to add a zesty flavour to dishes.
• Lemon myrtle: A beautiful Australian shrub, lemon myrtle has a rich lemon-lime aroma that complements a range of meats including kangaroo, lamb and chicken. Packed with antioxidant and mineral properties, this is another one to use sparingly!
• Lemon pepper: A seasoning made from granulated lemon zest and cracked black peppercorns, this seasoning has long since been a staple in fish dishes, whether you sprinkle it on before grilling or make a compound butter with it.

The M-R of spices, herbs and seasonings:

• Mace blade: Mace is the lacy dried covering of the nutmeg seed. It can be used as a substitute for nutmeg in any dish and has a softer, sweeter and more delicate flavour than nutmeg.
• Marjoram: A subtler alternative to oregano, marjoram is an aromatic herb well suited to vegetables, tomato-based dishes and poultry.
• Mint (dried): Mint, with it’s versatility, can be used dried in yogurt, adds a depth of earthiness to dishes and can still be used in tea.
• Moroccan blend: A basic Moroccan blend includes ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, ground turmeric, sea salt, and garlic salt. Why not add a bit of Morocco to your plate tonight?
• Mustard powder: Mustard powder gives a kick to meat dishes and blends well with other spices like cayenne pepper. Use it to bring a distinctive tanginess to grilled meats.
• Mustard seeds: The most common use for mustard seeds is grinding them into mustard powder. There’s not much discussion on whether it makes a difference in flavour, so why not experiment with it yourself? You can also use mustard seeds whole to flavour brine when pickling foods.
• Native red gum smoked salt: Smoked on the Australian red gum, this salt is an especially delicious change in flavour from your classic sea salt. 
• Nigella seed: Sprinkle on savoury pastries and vegetables to get the best out of the nutty, earthy taste. 
• Nutmeg: Found in many Indian dishes and spice mixes, this aromatic flavourful nutty spice is suited to cakes, puddings, and cookies. Whether whole or ground, the flavour and aroma of nutmeg is unmatched, so use sparingly.
• Orange peel: Need something to complement your duck? Try orange peel that has a bitter sweetness. You can add it to gravies, sauces, even cakes and puddings.
• Parsley flakes: Another good emergency staple, parsley flakes brighten flavours and add an attractive colour to everyday dishes.
• Pepperberry: Picked in the North of Tasmania, pepperberries are an excellent spice to grind down for a bite that lasts in your meal. 
• Peppercorns: Arguably the most popular spice in the world, whole or freshly ground peppercorn surpasses ground peppercorn in flavor and aroma.
• Piment e’Espelette: From French and Basque cuisine, this ingredient is a mild chilli. Prized for its warm, sweet and fruity taste, it’s a unique seasoning to your dishes.
• Poppy seeds: European and Eastern cuisines commonly use these seeds as a filling for cakes or a topping for baked goods.
• Portuguese spice: Made up mostly of paprika, Portuguese spice has a rich, earthy balance that’ll enrich your dish to new heights!
• Roast veg sprinkle: Whether roast veggies are your once-a-year specialty or a go-to dish in the cooler winter months, roast vegetable seasoning is a great and easy way to add those enriching flavours with a blend of rosemary and garlic.
• Roasted wattleseed: Traditionally eaten by Indigenous Australians, wattleseed is endlessly versatile. Use in the same concentration as you would cinnamon. Just a pinch for some mild flavour, more for a complete aromatic effect. 
• Rock salts: Less refined than your regular salt, rock salt comes from minerals left behind by dried up water bodies. It’s a great way to encrust your meat during cooking, which keeps it soft and moist.
• Rosemary leaves: A versatile herb that you can grow in your backyard. Or for those of us with a brown thumb, simply keep some dried rosemary in your spice drawer! Use it in everything from salads to soups to fish dishes.
• Rose petal: Used in Middle Eastern cuisine, rose petals are great to add a soft sweetness to both savoury and sweet dishes. You can use them to make your own rose water or add them to your fruity cakes.

S-Z of spices, herbs and seasonings:

• Saffron: One of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron provides a great gold colour to your dish. It can come in two forms: powdered or thread which work differently in a dish.
• Sage: Add herbal flavour to your sauces, pastries and breads with sage. If you find it a bit strong, frying the leaves will help soften the flavour. 
• Salt bush: Called one of Australia’s best herbs, use the dried leaves of a salt bush when cooking meats or breads. You can also sprinkle it over salads for a salty flavour.
• Sesame seeds: A great source of B vitamins, sesame seeds work particularly well with meat dishes and in warm salads and salad dressings.
• Spaghetti Bologna: A staple in every home, no spaghetti Bolognese recipe is the same. If you’re struggling to find the right balance of flavours, you can use a blend of herbs and spices specifically for that. Don’t worry, we won’t tell.
• Sriracha: This chilli sauce, made from red jalapeño peppers, adds a bit of heat to sauces, hamburgers, and other dishes.
• Star anise: Not to be confused with aniseed, star anise is used in the east, mainly in Chinese cuisine, for its powerful liquorice taste.
• Steak spice: Flavour your perfect steak with a seasoning mix of your choosing. Having a ready-made steak spice in your drawer will make whipping up the perfect steak a breeze.
• Sugar (brown): While typically used in baking, having some sugar — especially brown sugar — in your spice drawer can make life more convenient. Add it to a range of savoury dishes including fried rice and laksa.
• Sumac: From the Mediterranean region, Sumac comes from the outer flesh of a berry. It adds a tangy, lemony taste to dishes.
• Tarragon leaves: A key ingredient in French cuisine and popular in European cooking. Tarragon leaves have an anise-like flavour that can serve as a great garnish or roast vegetable flavouring with its fresh, spring taste.
• Thyme leaves: Used fresh or dried, thyme is ideal for seasoning poultry as well as flavouring cheeses and tea. Another spice that’s perfect to add to just about anything!
• Turmeric powder: Available in a variety of forms, turmeric has an appetising fragrance and warm taste that is unlike any other spice available.
• Vanilla bean: Using fresh vanilla will give your recipe a warm and rich vanilla flavour. Perfect to add to warm drinks or sweet dishes. Note, it’s best to store these in an airtight container to avoid them getting mouldy.
• Vanilla sugar: Use vanilla sugar as a replacement for regular sugar and also add a special flavour to sweet dishes.
• Vegetable stock: Available in both liquid and powder forms, having powdered veggie stock in your spice drawer will mean your next flavourful dish is never far away.
• Urfa Biber: A dried Turkish chilli pepper, this spice is dark, almost black red in colour. It has a warm, fruity and also slightly roasted flavour that makes it a highly desirable spice.
• Za’atar: A Middle Eastern blend used to flavour breads and also season dishes. You can use it when frying, grilling, barbecuing or roasting.

If this article inspires you to create your own spice drawer, I’d love to see! Be sure to tag me @stylecuratorau when you post images online or email them to us at hello@stylecurator.com.au.

More organising ideas

Photography by Thorson Photography

This article was first published in August 2021 and continues to be updated with latest information and images.

The post The ultimate spice drawer — A list of 99+ herbs and spices appeared first on Style Curator.

Related article: How to organise a utensil drawer
Related article: How to organise your jewellery collection, including valuable pieces

Words by Eve Mizzi

Whether you’re dealing with a scraped knee, a sudden headache, or something more serious, having a well organised first aid kit can make all the difference. You want to be able to grab what’s needed quickly without rummaging through a cluttered box, right?!

Our step-by-step guide will help you create a first aid kit that’s efficient, easy to use and perfectly organised.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Start by getting all your first aid items in one place. Check all the places you might have supplies stashed — drawers, cupboards, your car or bags.

Sort through your items and discard anything that’s damaged or expired. Take note of any items you might be missing.

Things you may wish to include in your first aid kit include:

• Pain relief medications (like paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Thermometer
• Tweezers and scissors
• Antiseptic wipes and creams
• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads and tape
• Gloves (non-latex)
• Burn cream or gel
• Emergency contact information card.

Step 2: Categorise items

Organising is easier when similar items are grouped together. Divide your supplies into categories such as:

• Wound care: Bandages, gauze, antiseptics
• Medications: Pain relief, antihistamines, anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Tools: Tweezers, scissors, thermometer
• Emergency supplies: Gloves, burn cream, CPR mask, emergency contact list.

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A post shared by Corinne May (@my_mayfair)

Step 3: Choose the right container

When it comes to how to organise your first aid kit, it’s all about finding the right container. Your first aid kit container should be durable, portable, and easy to open.

Some popular first aid container options include:

• An all-in-one grab and go caddy
• Plastic bins with compartments
• Clear lidded storage boxes
• A fabric travel bag with multiple sections.

Opt for something compact yet spacious enough to hold your essentials. Clear containers make it easy to spot what you need at a glance. You can use zippered pouches, smaller labelled containers, or resealable bags to keep each category you identified in step 2 tidy.

Step 4: Label everything

Labelling may take time in the beginning but will save time during emergencies. Use a label maker or waterproof markers to clearly mark each section or container. For example:

• Pain relief
• Cold and flu
• Cuts and scrapes
• Medications
• Burn care.

Pro tip: Place a label on the outside of the kit with your family’s contact details and a list of what’s inside for quick reference.

Step 5: Store it safely

Your first aid kit should be easily accessible yet out of reach of small children.

Ideal spots to store your first aid kit include:

• A high shelf in a linen or hallway cupboard
• Under the kitchen sink (if secured)
• In a designated drawer.

You may like to consider having multiple kits — one in the main living area and another in your car or travel bag.

Step 6: Maintain regularly

An organised first aid kit needs occasional TLC. Schedule reminders every 6 months to check expiry dates, replace any used or missing items, and refresh any medications and bandages.

Keeping an organised first aid kit means you’re always prepared.

A well-organised first aid kit is a small effort that can have a big impact in critical moments. Follow these steps to create a kit that brings peace of mind to your household. And remember, at Ducks in a Row Home Organisation, we’re always here to help you bring order to your home and life.

We hope this article has given you some tips on how to organise your first aid kit. Are you inspired to give it a go? Or maybe you’ve got a question for our expert, Eve Mizzi? Chat to us in the comment section below.

Check out more home organisation tips here

Meet the expert

Eve Mizzi is the founder and head organiser at Ducks in a Row Home Organisation. She loves nothing more than sorting, clearing and organising all day long. Based in Melbourne, she and her dedicated team help busy people get their homes tidy, feel less stressed and give them back more time to do what they really care about.

Website: yourducksinarow.com.au
Instagram: @yourducksinarow

The post How to organise your first aid kit appeared first on Style Curator.

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1. Created a dedicated jewellery drawer

If you have a spare drawer in your wardrobe, using jewellery liners like these inexpensive ones from IKEA, is a cheap and effective way to organise your collection. Available in a range of colours and styles, these can be configured to snugly fit your available space. The felt lining keeps your jewellery protected and prevents it from moving when you open and close the drawer. We love the luxe vibes this creates!

If you own particularly sentimental pieces — such as heirlooms or engagement rings made in Brisbane that were handcrafted just for you — they can have pride of place in a drawer like this.

2. Display it in a trinket dish

A trinket dish is perfect for displaying everyday jewellery items, such as a wedding ring or favourite earrings. Place it on your bedside table, bathroom vanity, or dresser to keep your go-to pieces within easy reach. Opt for a dish that complements your decor — think elegant ceramic, sleek glass or organic concrete. You could also DIY your own like our crystal trinket dish.

3. Keep it organised in a storage hanger

Short on space but have a large jewellery collection to keep organised? Cue a storage hanger. The back of your door offers endless storage opportunities, including for jewellery and accessories. You can buy storage compartments in a range of sizes and styles to suit your collection. Just check out the large yet compact pocket organisers below.

4. Store it in a jewellery box

The timeless jewellery box remains a favourite for good reason. Jewellery organisers come in all shapes and sizes. They offer multiple compartments to separate your collection, protecting delicate chains from tangling and keeping earrings paired. Choose one with velvet or felt lining to prevent scratches. For a little peace of mind, look for a box with a locking mechanism to safeguard valuable pieces. In a similar category, there are also clear acrylic boxes or stackable drawers.

5. Lock it away in a safe

While we love the aesthetics having a well-organised jewellery collection on display, some items should be secured away. Even the best home security systems can be breached, and the last thing you want is to have all your high-value jewellery taken. This is when a safe or hidden, lockable compartment is a better solution. Consider investing in a fireproof and waterproof safe. These offer an added layer of protection against potential disasters. A UL rated safe may be a large initial investment but it will keep your jewellery safe and could reduce your insurance premiums. It’s also a good idea to keep an up-to-date inventory of your most valuable items. Digital records including photographs, descriptions, and certificates of authenticity can be particularly useful for insurance purposes. Keep electronic and hard copies just to be sure

6. Display it using a jewellery stand

Blurring the lines between a trinket dish and jewellery box, a jewellery stand can give you the best of both worlds. Jewellery stands are a chic and functional way to display your collection. Ideal for keeping necklaces, bracelets, and even rings untangled, they come in a variety of designs to suit your style. Whether you choose a minimalist metal frame or an ornate tree design, jewellery stands make it easy to see and access your pieces while doubling as a decorative element in your space. We just love the example below and how fab is that shell as a trinket dish idea?!

Tips to organise your jewellery collection

If you’ve never organised your jewellery collection before, here are some tips to help you get started and consider the best storage solution for your needs.

Sort by type

The first step in organising any jewellery collection is to take stock of what you have. Begin by gathering all your pieces in one place, ideally on a soft surface to avoid scratches. As you examine each item, consider its condition, value, and frequency of use. It’s helpful to divide your jewellery into categories such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches. For example, delicate pieces like crystal bracelets can be grouped together to prevent tangling and make them easer to access for everyday wear. For high-value items like natural diamonds, create a separate category to ensure they receive the care and storage they deserve.

Keep it protected

More valuable jewellery should be stored correctly. We’ve mentioned felt lining to prevent scratches or safes to protect valuable items. Always separate diamond jewellery from other pieces, as diamonds can scratch softer gemstones and metals. It’s also important to keep in mind that silver jewellery will tarnish if it’s exposed to sulfur-containing gases in the air. You may also want to store silver jewellery in a drawer or chest lined with tarnish-resistant flannel or individually wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. Alternatively silver cloth or unbleached cotton muslin in a zip-top plastic bag also works well. Items like yellow gold necklaces should be stored carefully to prevent scratches and knots — using a felt-lined drawer, jewellery box, or hanging stand can help keep them in perfect condition.

When it comes to pearls and other organic materials, take special care to store them in breathable fabric pouches rather than airtight containers, as they require exposure to humidity to maintain their lustre. Avoid storing jewellery in areas exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which can degrade certain gemstones and metals over time. For pieces worn close to the skin, it’s also worth being mindful of the materials they’re made from — brands like Cords Club share helpful guidance on metals suitable for sensitive ears, which can help reduce irritation and prolong wear.

Maintain and clean your jewellery

Most jewellery could do with a little TLC from time to time. We mentioned silver jewellery can tarnish and if this happens, use a special silver cleaner kit to get it sparkling again. Similarly, diamond can benefit from a gentle soak in warm, soapy water followed by a soft-bristled brush, while pearls require a milder approach using a damp cloth.

Have you been inspired to organise your jewellery collection? Or do you have a different way of storing your jewellery? Tell us in the comments below so we can add it to the list!

More organising ideas

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Let’s get organising!

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Words by Eve Mizzi

A clutter-free utensil drawer is the foundation of an efficient kitchen. No more rummaging around for a spatula or trying to untangle measuring spoons. Just an organised space where every item has a home.

Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to organise your utensil drawer, from decluttering, to setting up your new system.

Step 1: Declutter and clean

Before you can organise, you need to declutter. This is a key step to avoid stuffing unnecessary items back into the drawer.

• Empty the drawer: Take everything out and place it on a clean surface.
• Wipe it down: Clean the drawer thoroughly with a damp cloth and let it dry. This ensures a fresh start.
• Categorise your utensils: Group similar items together — spatulas, tongs, measuring cups, and so on.
• Inspect your items: Remove anything broken, damaged, or rusted. No need to hold onto that bent whisk!
• Review quantities: Do you really need 5 bottle openers or 3 pizza cutters?! Keep only what you regularly use and love.

Step 2: Measure your drawer

We know it’s tempting to race out and buy all those beautiful organising bits and pieces, but first, you need to measure your space!

To create a functional and visually appealing space, you need the right organising products… and that starts with accurate measurements.

• Measure the drawer dimensions: Use a tape measure to note the depth, width, and height of the drawer.
• Jot it down: Keep these measurements handy to ensure any organising products will fit perfectly without overcrowding the space.

Step 3: Research organising products

Here comes the fun part! Now that your utensils are sorted and your measurements are ready, it’s time to find organising tools that fit your needs.

• Drawer organisers: Look for sections or compartments to group smaller items like spoons and peelers.
• Expandable dividers: Ideal for creating custom sections for larger utensils like ladles or rolling pins.
• Brands to explore: IKEA, Kmart, and Blissful Little Home have fantastic options. Whether you prefer bamboo, plastic, or metal finishes, there’s something to suit every aesthetic and budget.

Step 4: Set up your drawer

And now for the best bit — putting it all together!

• Arrange your organising products: Place your dividers or organisers in the drawer according to your plan.
• Add your utensils: Put each item in its designated spot, grouping similar tools together for easy access.
• Adjust as needed: Test the layout to make sure it’s functional. Move items around if something feels off.

Step 5: Enjoy your newly organised utensil drawer

Step back and admire your work! Your utensil drawer is now a streamlined, efficient space where every item is easy to find and put away. Not only will this save time in the kitchen, but it also brings a sense of calm and order to your cooking routine.

Has this inspired you to tackle other drawers or spaces in your home? Start small, and soon you’ll discover the joy of living with less clutter and more organisation. Happy home organising!

Find more home organisation articles here

Meet the expert

Eve Mizzi is the founder and head organiser at Ducks in a Row Home Organisation. She loves nothing more than sorting, clearing and organising all day long. Based in Melbourne, she and her dedicated team help busy people get their homes tidy, feel less stressed and give them back more time to do what they really care about.

Website: yourducksinarow.com.au
Instagram: @yourducksinarow

The post How to organise a utensil drawer appeared first on Style Curator.