Having a child causes most people to go into nesting mode and rearrange their home.  For Chelsea Smith this pre-baby deep clean lead to a change in careers. After downsizing from a large apartment in Sydney, Australia to a smaller home in Sutherland Shire, the realization of a simpler life with less stuff clicked into place, and The Organising Platform was born.  She now helps others declutter their spaces and streamline their lives by examining what’s really important. Recently Chelsea sat down to answer some questions and bestow some advice.

Do you consider yourself a minimalist, or do you just enjoy organization?

No, I wouldn’t consider myself a minimalist. However we are extremely intentional with our belongings. Only owning the things we need or love.

What’s the hardest part of helping people organize their spaces?

I believe the hardest part of helping people get organised is letting go. Yet the first step to being more organised is to ruthlessly declutter the physical belongings within a home.

What’s your favorite system of storage (shelves, baskets, etc.)?

Labels! The best way to get organised and stay organised is to label. There are so many creative ways to add labels to baskets, shelving and tubs – helping keep like with like.

What’s the best way to get started organizing?

Start with a clear canvas – as overwhelming as it is, you must take everything out in order to really understand the space you’re organising!

What’s the hardest room of the home to keep organized?

Whilst every home & living dynamics are different – I would say what people struggle most with is the kitchen/pantry/fridge. This is the hub of every home and can easily get out of control.

What’s your most popular service that you offer?

Kitchen and pantry! We are big believers in streamlining and managing this area of the home. We offer a full end to end service or can tailor suit our packages to the clients needs.

What can people do to keep their space neat after an initial organization session?

Mindfulness. Organisation isn’t about a once of project. It’s about a change in the way you operate on a daily basis. It can be as simple as taking the time to return an item back to where it belongs.

What do you think is the most overlooked space in the home?

Behind any door. Over door storage hooks can provide much need storage solutions for homes that are lacking in cupboard space.

What are the benefits of a well organized interior?

There is no better feeling than an uncluttered home. It not only looks fresh and tidy, it feels clean and peaceful.

What do people generally have too much of?

Clothing. Items of clothes are so inexpensive these days and I find that as a generation we’re so wasteful. Owning items of clothes that have been worn once, pushed to the back of the wardrobe and forgotten about.

What do people have the hardest time letting go of?

Everyone hold a different sentimental value to certain belongings. However the majority would be printed photographs.

What’s the best way for people who don’t have much closet or cabinet space to stay organized?

The first step, like in every area of the home is to ruthlessly declutter. Once you have few items in you’ll be able to organise and maintain your space with ease.

What current interior trend do you think is worth following?

The use of a mirror to help give the illusion of space in a small space and to maximise a rooms light whilst making a statement.

What one thing does every room need?

Easy – a living plant!! Indoor plants as said to help reduce stress and create a feeling of well-being. They’re also aesthetically pleasing in any room of your home.

What’s your best advice for people who want to get their space organized and clutter free?

Choose the one area of your home that bothers you the most – it could be the overflowing linen press or your pantry. Whatever space you choose, don’t move onto the next project until you have completely finished the area. This will ensure you feel the full effect of an organised and clutter free environment.

Thanks again Chelsea, for taking the time to chat with us!  To see more of what Chelsea has to offer, or get her new containers, check out her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram for more inspiration.  We can’t wait to see what you have in store next!