By Susan Cooper
For ages, I thought home organisation meant having a house that looked a certain way.
Then I cracked the real test: can someone else in the house find the sticky tape without needing to ask me? That’s it. That’s the golden rule.
A house might look flash, but if I’m the only one who knows where everything is, we’re not organised. I’m just carrying all the mental load.
Here are the seven simple home organisation tips that made the difference for our family.
1. Store Things Where You Use Them
A common cause of clutter? Things just living in the wrong spot.
I’ve visited so many homes where mugs are stashed in three different cupboards. Why not keep them all together, right near the kettle where you actually use them?
When you’re setting up a system, start by thinking about where you do the job, not just where there’s space.
If you always pack school lunches at the end of the bench, put the lunchboxes and wraps close by.
It’s so simple, but most of us forget and end up running around the kitchen every morning!
2. Get the Whole Family Involved
Here’s the big one: if you set up a whole new system solo and just announce it, odds are no one else will follow it for long, not your partner, and not the kids.
But if everyone gets a say, suddenly they’re on board. Ask your family, “Where do you think this should go?” or “What drives you mad about how we do it now?”
Sometimes their ideas are actually better, and I’ve learnt to let go of my own way if it means everyone else will help.
If you want to stop carrying the whole mental load, you have to let others do things their way too. Even your little ones will be more likely to put things away if they choose where they go.
3. Declutter Before You Buy More Storage
It’s so tempting to solve clutter with another trip to Kmart, but trust me, when you run out of space, it’s time to let go, not buy more.
I learnt this the hard way with my beloved mug collection. I was convinced I needed a bigger cupboard, but really, I just needed fewer mugs!
We kept the family favourites and let the rest go. When something won’t fit anymore, take it as your cue to declutter instead of buying more containers.
4. Stick to Two Laundry Baskets
Laundry can take over your life if you let it!
I used to have washing piling up everywhere, until a friend suggested only having two baskets. That way, when they’re full, it’s a clear signal it’s time to wash, fold, and put away before starting again.
If you have more baskets, you’ll just fill them, and the laundry never ends. And if ironing is the bit that gets you, our no-iron laundry hacks might help too.
5. Colour Code for the Kids
One of my favourite hacks: give each child a colour. Towels, cups, lunchboxes. If it’s theirs, it’s in their colour.
There’s no confusion, no arguing, and it makes putting things away a breeze.
This trick works for drink bottles, hooks, storage tubs, and anything else you need to keep track of.
6. Measure Before You Buy Storage
How many times have you bought a cute storage container only to find it doesn’t fit the cupboard? Guilty!
I always measure before I shop now, and pop the measurements in my phone so I have them handy.
Retailers like Kmart, Target, and IKEA are loaded with affordable options, but a little bit of planning saves a heap of frustration (and returns!).
If you’re renting, this is even more important since you often can’t add permanent fixtures.
7. Clear Out the Junk Drawer Twice a Year
We all have a junk drawer (mine is right by the spot where everyone dumps stuff). Every six months, I pull the whole thing out, lay it on the bench, and sort through it.
Most of it ends up in the bin, but I always find something I forgot we owned. It only takes about 15 minutes and keeps the chaos to a minimum.
Remember: home organisation isn’t about perfection. It’s about simple systems that help you get back on track when life gets messy (because let’s face it, it always does!).
Don’t try all seven at once. Just pick one this weekend and give it a go.
If you’d love a bit more company while you get organised, we’ve got a podcast episode all about these real-life tricks. You can listen while you tidy up. Find the full episode of the Bright Star Kids Parenting Podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Pop it on in the background and let’s tackle the chaos together!
If you love the colour coding idea, that’s exactly what our Aussie-made name labels are for. They survive the dishwasher, the school bag, and the rough-and-tumble of family life, making it easy for every member of your tribe to find (and put away!) their own things.
Share what works in your house or tag us on socials (@brightstarkids on Instagram and Facebook). We’re always keen to hear your real-life wins and fails!
Until next time,
