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'I'm a home organisation expert. Here are 3 decluttering hacks I use that actually work.'

As a mum of a blended family of seven, I often feel like I'm constantly chasing my tail. My house is the epitome of not-so-organised chaos, as we try to manage the needs of two working adults, three teenagers and two tweens. 

Trouble is, I'm not one of those people that enjoys chaos. Or disorder. Or mess. 

I like being organised. In fact, when the kids were little, I was. I had a reading corner, and quiet play time, and a washing routine. But then, life became busier. 

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Video via TikTok @durbinmalonster.

These days, more often than not, I feel like I'm scrambling. Scrambling to find an outfit in an overcrowded wardrobe. Scrambling to find the kids' uniforms within mountains of clean washing, and scrambling to tidy up of a morning so I don't have to WFH surrounded by… stuff. 

Every so often I try to implement a new system or process in a desperate attempt to make our lives more organised. Most of the time though, the system takes over, becoming more work than the load it promises to reduce. 

So when I come across a life hack that is simple and might actually work, you can guarantee I am all in. 

The key for me is low effort and maximum impact, and these three hacks from @home_reimagined are both these things. I've implemented all three, and trust me, if your house is less than organised, you'll notice the impact within a week.

What I love most about these hacks is that they're not a 'do-it-once' solution. As @home_reimagined founder Jacqueline says, decluttering is an ongoing process. 

"You cannot do it once and you're done."

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@home_reimagined ✨3 simple Decluttering tasks you can do today for a clutter-free home! 🏡 If you want to declutter your house, do these 3 things! 1. Designated Donation Box 📦: Place an empty box in a common area like the hallway, whenever you see an item, you no longer love or, for me, feels overwhelming to maintain… drop it in there! 📦 As soon as its full, drop it off at your local donation center! 🚚 2. Closet Trash Bag 💼: Always keep a trash bag in your closet. 🗑️ Whenever you try on a piece of clothing that no longer fits, or you don’t like, drop it in there! 👚 This way you can keep up with constantly removing old items, instead of feeling like you have to go through them all at one time when its full! 👕👖👠 This gives you mental and physical space back for items you actually like! 👍 3. Having a close out routine 🚏: At the end of everyday create a 20-minute close out routine where you reset your home for the next day. ✅ This can include picking up all items and return them to their homes, tidying up your space, loading the dishwasher, wiping counters or anything else. 🧽 But returning your home to a state of peace at the end of the day will allow you to start the next day in a positive and refreshed mood! 😊 Remember that decluttering is a maintenance process. 👩🏼🔧 You cannot do it once and be done. ❌ Keeping up with it in these small steps will help you create a clutter free and serene home easily! ✨ Make sure you’re keeping up with our decluttering challenge for the month of January, on our story posts everyday to help you achieve the clutter-free home of your dreams!✨ Follow for more cleaning, organizing, decluttering and home tips! ❤️ Products linked in my Amazon shop in bio! #declutteringchallenge #declutter #organization #newyearnewstart #declutteringtips #organizingtips #declutteringhacks #organizinghacks #organizedlife ♬ original sound - Home Reimagined

A living room donation box.

This hack helps you ensure you don't end up with piles of useless stuff around your home. 

"Place an empty box in a common area like the hallway," says Jacqueline.  "Whenever you see an item, you no longer love or, for me, feels overwhelming to maintain… drop it in there. As soon as it’s full, drop it off at your local donation centre."

You can use an old box or buy a basket that matches your decor. 

Rubbish bags in your wardrobe. 

"Always keep a trash bag in your closet. Whenever you try on a piece of clothing that no longer fits, or you don't like, drop it in there."

This tip is a game changer, especially for someone like me who wants less in their closet but hates the long and stressful process of a wardrobe cull. 

"This way you can keep up with constantly removing old items, instead of feeling like you have to go through them all at one time when it’s full," notes Jacqueline. "This gives you the mental and physical space back for items you actually like."

Create a simple end-of-day routine. 

This hack I love. As a long-time remote worker, I find working in a messy environment so distracting. But with a big family, a lot of stuff lying around is a pretty common occurrence. 

"At the end of every day create a 20-minute close out routine where you reset your home for the next day," suggests Jacqueline. "This can include picking up all items and return them to their homes, tidying up your space, loading the dishwasher, wiping counters or anything else."

If you have children, consider asking them to do their part, putting their own items back into their homes before they go to bed. 

"Returning your home to a state of peace at the end of the day will allow you to start the next day in a positive and refreshed mood. Keeping up with it in these small steps will help you create a clutter free and serene home easily."

What's your favourite organisational hack for the home? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Getty.