insideKENT Magazine Issue 46 - January 2016 | Page 112

INTERIORS AN organised NEW YEAR OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW, IT’S A NEW YEAR, A NEW START, A NEW CHANCE TO GET THINGS RIGHT. AND IF ONE OF YOUR RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR IS TO KEEP A TIDY, CLEAN AND SPARKLING HOME, YOU’RE NOT ALONE. by Lisamarie Lamb Turning a new leaf when it comes to getting organised in the home is one of the top New Year’s resolutions made in the UK. Why? It could be because we’ve just spent more time at home than we normally would during the rest of the year (thanks to the weather and the holidays); it could be because we haven’t done as much housework as we normally would (the tree’s in the way, there’s wrapping paper everywhere, too many people underfoot); or it could simply be that we just fancy a change now that the festivities are done. Whatever the reason, the New Year is an excellent time to refresh, re-energise, and revitalise the home. Be Brutal When Binning Everyone in your household has just received a load of lovely new things. If it’s not edible or floral, it’s going to need somewhere to live on a permanent basis, and that could mean throwing out – or giving to charity – some of your older stuff. Be brutal. Be honest. If you’re not going to use it or wear it again (especially if it has just sat in a cupboard for the past year or more), 112 then it’s time for it to go. A good rule to work to is: for every one item you received, try to remove three from the house. And when you can step back after placing all of your great new goodies neatly in your tidy display cabinets and cupboards you’ll feel proud and relieved. Toiletries can go to a women’s refuge, clothes to a charity shop, and toys can go to children who may not have received anything for Christmas. Labelling It may take you back to your school days, but labelling everything is essential if you want an organised, tidy home. Invest in some plastic trays and boxes and group your cleaning items, your clothes, your bedding, your towels, your stationery… basically anything that can be tidied and filed. Then label the boxes. That way there is no excuse for everyone in the house not to put things back where they belong. Plus, when you need something you’ll be able to put your hands on it straight away, saving you the time and hassle of searching every room.