Home Sanctuary

Four Sustainable Choices I Made For Our No Regrets, Country Wedding.

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 04:38:42 GMT

I've always been a sucker for a good party. And let's be honest —I was never going to have a low-key wedding. There’s something about dreaming up a day that’s entirely yours, and for me, it’s a vision I held long before I met my fiancé. The whimsical tables, the bridal cars, the live band, champagne on arrival… you name it, I wanted it all.

Luckily, my husband-to-be felt the same way. So, naturally, we had the big bridal party, the three-course sit-down dinner, and even a Nashville themed recovery party to top it all off. It was absolutely beautiful, and we were even featured in Together Journal' s inspirational wedding section.

But here's the thing: big weddings, with all the bells and whistles, are incredibly taxing on the environment. Think about it—there’s travel, waste, single-use decor, and don’t even get me started on the energy used just to make it all happen. As much as I was determined to have the day of my dreams, I couldn’t ignore the impact I was making on the planet. Instead of brushing it off as "just a once-in-a-lifetime event," I decided to take a different approach and make a few sustainable choices along the way.

Here’s how I managed to keep my

"I want it all" wedding while staying mindful of the environment

1. Gum leaf wedding table place cards

Why waste paper or plastic when nature has so much to offer? Instead of opting for traditional paper, card, or laminated place cards, I went with dried gum leaves. Not only were they the perfect fit for our rustic, country-themed wedding, but they also had the added benefit of being completely biodegradable. Plus, they looked gorgeous as part of the table decor, and the guests loved them! It was a simple yet impactful choice, and I’m still in love with how they turned out.

I loved collecting our gum leaf place cards. Local and biodegradable.

2. Locally sourced, in-season sustainable bridal flowers

Flowers are a wedding staple, but they can also be a huge contributor to waste. That’s why I chose to work with @handpickedethicalfloristry , a florist who specialises in ethically sourced, locally grown, and in-season flowers. This not only supported local growers but also helped reduce the carbon footprint of importing flowers from other parts of the world. The bouquets and arrangements were absolutely stunning and perfectly aligned with the natural vibe we were going for. If you're planning a wedding in and around the Macedon Ranges (or any event), I highly recommend them!

In season locally sourced flowers helped to reduced our wedding carbon footprint

3. Reusable chalkboard wedding seating chart

When it came to organising the seating, we ditched the typical printed seating charts in favor of a simple, reusable chalkboard. I initially hunted around for a secondhand board, but unfortunately, nothing quite big enough popped up. Thankfully, our local Bunnings came to the rescue with the perfect-sized board that matched our wedding style. The best part? It'll have a secondlife in the play area at home, and won’t be relegated straight to the landfill. This was purposeful upcycling at its finest. Not only was it eco-friendly, but it’s also versatile— win-win!

I purposefully chose to use a chalkboard so we can give it a second life after the wedding

4. Customised wishing-well bridal registry

As a professional organiser and lover of less, it's pretty clear that clutter and I don't match. Everything in our home serves a purpose, and I avoid buying things just for the sake of it. Wedding gifts, though, bought with good intentions are notorious for being totally unsuitable—or worse, overly sentimental, which makes it hard to let go when it’s time to declutter. While wedding registries are a great way to reduce the chances of receiving something you don't want, at the end of the day, they’re still… stuff. And if you’re like me, the less stuff, the better.

For us, the best solution was a wishing well. Yet, instead of just asking for cash, we customized it to make it a little more personal. We gave guests the option to contribute to our honeymoon, landscaping project, or kitchen upgrade. It was such a thoughtful way to ask for what we actually needed, while still keeping it meaningful. The "cash gift" request can sometimes feel awkward, but this made it feel more natural and appreciated. There are plenty of sites that offer this option, but we chose @thehintregistry, and it worked out perfectly.

At the end of the day, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a big event, but I’m so glad we took the time to make these small, conscious choices. Our wedding was everything I had dreamed of—gorgeous, fun, and full of love—and the fact that we were able to make it a little more sustainable made it even more special.

No regrets—just a beautiful, memorable day that was kind to the planet.

What sustainable choices did you make for your wedding or event? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Sustainable Wedding FAQS

It's time to leave Marie Kondo

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 04:28:05 GMT

Media have called me “Australia’s Marie Kondo”. So why is it, that after almost 10 years I am handing in my official KonMari Method badge?

Ultimately it's the next step in my war against the Joy of Throwing Away. Keep reading to understand why.

It has been almost 10 years since I met Marie Kondo. I was fortunate to be part of her first master’s program and the first Australian to train under the KonMari method. When I read "The Life-changing magic of tidying up," I, like many others, was captivated. I love her simple philosophy, the Japanese bento box organising style, and most importantly, the focus on joy. I immersed myself in her straightforward yet dedicated process for a complete home overhaul. I turned my house upside down and talked to everyone about it; I was a true believer—a genuine Marie Kondo purist. Right down to religiously folding - not balling - my socks.

In the beginning, it was all about joy.

For years, I helped people tidy up their spaces—revamping living rooms, clearing out closets, and transforming storage rooms back into guest bedrooms. My clients learned to let go of anything that didn't serve them, making room for objects, people, and hobbies that brought joy into their lives. I absolutely loved witnessing these transformations, and I still do. Experiencing firsthand the joy that comes from owning less is incredibly rewarding. The positive emotional responses from my clients and their families during these home transformations motivated me to grow Home Sanctuary.

But I couldn't ignore the waste .

Weekend after weekend, I loaded my car with endless bags and boxes of discarded items from my clients—mountains of things shipped off to op shops and other charities. The truth is, I was taking my clients' waste and passing it on for someone else to manage.

6,000 kg of clothes goes into landfill every 10mins in Australia - War on Waste, ABC

Read "Recycling Your Old Clothes In Australia – H&M vs Manrags, what you need to know"

My Realisation About Op Shops

Op shops are undervalued resources in our community. They help keep many items out of landfills by extending their lifespan. However, op shops also create a false sense of hope—that someone else will want the things we no longer need. The saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" is popular, but it often doesn’t hold true. Unfortunately, a significant portion of what we donate ends up in landfills, and this uncomfortable reality weighed heavily on me.

The Tipping Point - "Joy Of Throwing Away”

By 2019, Marie Kondo was gaining widespread recognition through her Netflix show, quickly becoming a household name. The KonMari Method®, which encourages discarding items that don’t "spark joy," started to make me uneasy. I realised that this growing decluttering mindset was contributing to waste, and I felt I was part of the problem.

As a result, I began to slow my clients down when it came to their enthusiasm for discarding items. I encouraged them to make more mindful choices to avoid becoming overwhelmed by what I called the "Joy of Throwing Away." A phrase I made for the euphoric feeling that can come from an excessive focus on discarding, rather than appreciating the joys of needing less or the simple act of decluttering.

This common misconstrued interpretation of Kondo's method of decluttering became my nemesis. I would open Instagram to lines of plastic bin bags or cars crammed with donations, boasting the tagline “tidying-up” . It made me sick. So I changed. I began educating myself and my clients about waste—where it goes, how it is processed, and Australia's position on the sustainability scale. Unfortunately, the results were not promising. Australians consume significantly more environmental resources than our fair share. While we enjoy a high standard of living, we are not leveraging our educated workforce to find better ways to live in harmony with the planet.

Graduating from UniMelb with a Masters of Environment

Eventually, I enrolled in a Master of Environment program at Melbourne University, choosing subjects related to consumption, waste management, international policy, and behavioural change. Over the next three years, during lockdowns and the challenges of growing a business, I redirected Home Sanctuary's focus toward sustainable living. My tagline evolved from "Spark Joy" to "Sustainable Consumption" and "Living Lightly with the Environment." My clients and I began to adopt a more thoughtful approach to the decluttering process.

My next step against joy of throwing away .

Hanging up my official Marie Kondo hat in the next step towards eco-decluttering. A movement to combat the joy of throwing away.

Late last year, I declined the invitation to be listed as a Master KonMari Consultant by KonMari Inc., the now American home organising group. As of 2025, I will no longer be working under the official KonMari Method® banner. I love Tidying Up and am incredibly grateful for everything I have learned from Marie Kondo. I will be forever grateful to have started this journey with her. However, I have now embraced sustainability as a core value and it's time to take the next step.

I will continue to use many principles I have taught over the years, but my focus will now shift to Sustainable Home Consulting .

What's not changing at home sanctuary?

Australia-wide Sustainable Home and Tidy Consulting

Our loved First Step | Personal 1:1 offering hasn’t changed. In fact if anything it is getting better the more experience I have with a growing family. Starting your 2025 home goals has never been so easy.

Our most popular 10 Week Program

I created this program for families and individuals who are dedicated to making long-term, sustainable changes. Our Sanctuary Sessions | Personalised 10-Week Program is here to stay.

The infamous Home Sanctuary 10 Day Challenge

Let's face it, the #homesanctchallenge is ingrained in our DNA now. We continue to maintain, tidy and refine it. It is not going anywhere! (sign up here )

FAQs

Organised Travel: Packing for Holidays with Kids

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 04:17:43 GMT

If there is anything I have learned in my first year as a mother , it is that organisation is paramount with little ones in toe. Kids require planning. Gone are the days of quickly packing a bag and popping in the car. Holidays in particular need foresight. No matter the age, kids require preparation when it comes to vacations. This is why packing for our Fiji holiday this month, looked a little different than previous kid-free vacations. In the past, I would have followed my advice and packed 2-3 days before in one uninterrupted timeslot. Now, I not only have more people to pack for, but my only uninterrupted timeslot is nap time. Which also doubles as my eat, clean, shower and rest timeslot. Sound similar?

In an attempt to make the whole “travelling with a toddler” process smooth and stress-free, I had to change it up.

Holiday planning tips for parents.

Designed to help you get to your destination stress-free and ensure a smoother travel experience for the whole family.

1. Plan with Precision

By ‘plan with precision’ I mean, think ahead. Open the calendar, count back 10-14 days from the day you leave and mark it as your holiday plan day.

Start by thinking through a few logistical questions like these ;

Does the hotel have cots?
Should you take the car seats?
Will the plane have suitable food?
Can I get holiday rates for daycare?
Do I need a travel pram? Can you borrow one?
Can I wash my reusable nappies or do I need to buy disposables?

Once answered, write a shopping list, flick out a few emails and hey presto - you are ahead. Daycare and hotels often need 10 to 14 days' notice, so get those done first.

Holiday Organising: Start with daycare, accommodation and a shopping list

Now, write a comprehensive packing list customised for your destination. You will need to consider the duration of your stay, the weather and the activities you plan to participate in. Beach and pool holidays need sunscreen, floaties, beach toys and towels. For camping trips don't forget bedding, mud boots and wet weather gear. If you are heading to the snow (you lucky thing) cater for lost gloves and wet socks - spares will come in handy.

Lastly, take a moment to consider what entertainment your kids will need between activities. You can’t spend the whole vacation at the zoo - pop in a few colouring books for cafes, trucks to zoom around an airport and books to read before bed. You don't have to pack them all, but it's worth thinking about it.

2. Master the Art of Packing for Kids

Whether you are travelling by plane, train or automobile - space is a rare commodity with kids. Now is the time to maximize your space. My first tip is to pack vertically. No surprises here, this is the Marie Kondo gold standard . Fold clothes vertically in categories. Use packing cubes for each person and throw in a washing bag.

When to pack a separate bag for your child depends on sleeping arrangements and holiday type. If the child will sleep in a separate room it makes sense to give them a bag. But if you are sharing one big hotel room or camping tent, sharing yours might be best. For families with more than one child, you have the option of a shared suitcase and individual backpacks for toys.

Pack vertically in categories. No surprises here this is the Marie Kondo gold standard.

Watch: Packing for Flights with Young Kids

Click here to watch on Instagram

Note for Kids Under Two

If your child is under two and you are travelling by plane they will not get a bag. You will need to pack their items in your bag. My preference is to give the baby a packing cube and pop it on top of your clothes.

Read How to Reduce Your Travel Carbon Footprint

3. Planned Parents Prepare for the Unexpected

This step should read “Plan for sickness”. Pack bandaids, painkillers, vomit bags, stingos, insect repellant, hydro lights, comfort snacks, thermometer, topical cream, anti-nausea tablets, a bandage, tissues and more. I would even go as far as packing an extra toiletry bag for medications. Throw in a few vitamins for yourself, and while you are at it check your insurance and local hospitals.

4. Engage Your Kids in Holiday Organisation

Including older children in the packing process can foster a sense of independence and excitement. Encourage kids four and older to choose games and toys to pack. Guide them through the organising process by offering a structure; ie “Choose two jumpers, three pants, swimmers and walking shoes”. Be aware that you may not like what they choose, and will want to slip in at least one matching outfit!

Plan for the unexpected, kids can be unpredictable.

5. Embrace Flexibility

While organisation is essential, flexibility is equally important when travelling with children. I encourage you to remain adaptable and open-minded throughout the whole holiday planning process. Be ready to adjust plans if kids get sick or timelines slip. Make your key focus time with family, not the perfect Instagram holiday.

So there you have it, six efficient packing strategies for parents. Plan ahead, pack with thought, plan for sickness and embrace the unexpected. But most importantly have fun! Less is always more when it comes to travel, especially travel with kids.

Follow my on social media for more organised kids tips.

Mindfulness FAQS

How to Politely Say No To Christmas Gifts [Updated 2023]

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 23:18:00 GMT

If you are anything like me, I am sure you hate mindless Christmas and New Year presents. Buying for buying sake is so not us. Holidays are for unwinding, celebrating family and sharing joy. An over focus on gifts can be stressful. After all, we are working towards a greener festive season .

But how do you say no to all the excess without being labelled the Christmas grinch?

I am no expert in turning down a Christmas gift. I still receive the occasional unexpected holiday present and feel pressured to buy gifts for friends and family, but I am getting better at speaking my truth. I’ve learned to approach the subject in a way that feels authentic and considered. The last thing I want to do at holiday time is to come across as an all-knowing climate-change saint condemning all those who want to celebrate the festive season!

Choosing to sit out of engrained social tradition can feel hard, not to mention isolating. But you are not alone, and there are ways to opt-out of Christmas gifts, while still participating in the holiday spirit.

So, how do you politely say no to gifts from friends and family during the festive season?

Here are a few ideas I have used, and will keep on using as I strive to reduce my consumption and limit clutter over the holidays.

1. Be honest about not wanting gifts.

“Oh we don’t need anything for Christmas” can easily come off as a nicety that is meant to be ignored. If you really would prefer no gifts try explaining your feelings. Something along the lines of; “ We have made a conscious effort to keep our home decluttered and calm this year, hence there is no need to buy us physical gifts. It would mean a lot to me if we could skip the presents this year.”

Alternatively, if your reasoning is environmental try, “ Living with a light environmental footprint has become such an important part of my life, that I/we truly do not want any presents this year. I know it might feel weird, but it would mean a lot to me/us”.

“Oh we don’t need anything for Christmas”, can easily come off as a nicety that is meant

to be ignored.

2. Back it up with logical reasoning.

During your honest conversation, written or verbal, try to share some logical reasons why opting out of gift-giving and receiving is your true preference this year. Such as,

It has been a tough year financially, so we have a very mindful and considered holiday spending budget.
Holiday shopping is overwhelming, I don’t want to feel the pressure to reciprocate.
I/we have worked hard to reduce the clutter in our home and I want to keep
I have a sustainable footprint goal and fewer gifts will help me reach it.

At this point in the conversation try not to bring in any climate change facts, textile waste statistics or list what you hate about the capitalist system - now is not the time. Psychological experts tell us that ‘scare tactics' and condemnation of another’s actions do not drive behaviour change. If your family or friends ask for an explanation as to why gifts will hurt the planet, how clutter increases stress levels or how you decluttered so much , then go ahead and share some of your reasoning. Yet be aware that this will likely not change their holiday consumption behaviour.

Take a moment to consider how long it has taken you to get to this point, you didn’t wake up one morning and decide to live lightly, it has been an evolution. The path to minimalism can be a slow one. Be gentle and share your story, but not push them to do the same. It’s sometimes hard to know how far along the sustainability path someone is.

3. Offer alternatives for gift-givers at Christmas time.

Telling a gift-giver not to hand over a present during the holidays might be like asking a four-year-old not to celebrate their birthday! It may be the wrong thing to do, especially if gift-giving is their way of expressing love.

A great way to help gift-givers feel as though they can still show their love and appreciation is to offer an alternative. Suggest locking time to share a homemade meal, a lunch in the park or dinner at a restaurant. If finding a mealtime is too hard you could make Christmas cookies together or organise a trip to see your local holiday decorations. Most towns have council organised holiday displays, making an effort to see them is festive and clutter-free! Providing gift-givers with an opportunity to create a ‘memory gift’ will help meet both your needs and theirs.

Suggest holiday baking as an alternative to stuff

However, if your loved one still wants something to wrap, suggest a homemade gift, edible or otherwise. We have a great Healthy Christmas Muesli Recipe you could suggest.

If that is too much to ask, suggest a card, or handwritten letter of a memory or sentiment. You could even request a photo that can be added to a fridge for young children to learn family members through faces not gifts. Providing suggestions is much better than asking them to go cold turkey!

4. Have the “no gift” conversation early.

Many people like to get their Christmas shopping “out of the way”. Many gift-givers will have started thinking of presents in September, sometimes earlier. In recent years, November's Black Friday sales have become a go to for holiday gifting bargins. Therefore, to avoid the awkward “I’ve already got you something” response, it is important to have the conversation early. Ideally the non gift conversation would be in person. This way you can judge their response in real time, emphasising or rationalise if needed, as discussed above. However, if in person is too hard, a call or text is the next best thing.

So there you have it, four tips to have honest, polite conversations with friends and family about not buying gifts this Christmas. And if none of that works at least you have given it your best shot and maybe next year they will be more responsive.

How To Say No To Christmas Gifts FAQ:

HOLIDAY READS

Five Quick Tips For A Greener Christmas

How to really relax this holiday season

My Journey as an Eco-loving, Tidy Focused Mother-to-be

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 02:18:21 GMT

Our baby is due on Wednesday. It's official, I am that expecting mother bouncing around on swiss balls and walking stairs to coax the baby out. All, I am sure, does less than I would like, but keeps my mind focused.

Becoming a mother is something I have wanted for a long time. I often catch a glimpse of my reflection and force myself to pause and remember, no matter how much my back hurts or my haemorrhoids flare, that this is exactly what I want. Even if it feels like only yesterday that I wrote ' I love living alone, am I ready to give it up and move in with my boyfriend? ' .

Before I tuck into my mothering cave of long nights and sleep deprivation, here are a few little bits from my journey as an eco-loving, tidy-focused mother-to-be so far.

PLUS My Golden Rules for Accepting Secondhand Baby Clothes

Have you started nesting?

As an organising tidy lover , I feel like I was born to nest. A pastime I started at the ripe age of seven - arranging and rearranging my trinkets on a Sunday. So, I am not sure if I am nesting per se, or just getting our home ready for the new human joining our family. I have unpacked, labelled and washed all the baby clothes I have been given. It took a while for my pregnant brain to decipher labelling (when does 0 become 1?), but I did it. I’ve ordered eco nappies and baby wipes for the first few weeks. I intend to use reusable nappies once my body has recovered and I have got the mothering thing a little more under control. I’ve bought a secondhand Heico lamp which I love, set up the cot and added Australian animal nursery stickers to the walls. So yes, I have been nesting and loved it.

Pregnancy and the planet.

Having a child as an environmentalist is complex. Humans are the most dominant and damaging beings on the planet, and here I am making another. It is true that a couple with less than two children are technically not adding to the population growth. But, more people, especially wealthy people in developed countries like Australia use a lot of carbon and make a lot of waste in a lifetime. It is something I think about regularly. Why do I feel okay about having a child when I put the planet first in so many of my decisions? The answer, I do not have. Biology, desire for closeness or fulfilling a dream? Perhaps. They say the best thing you can do for the planet is to have one less child than you want, and that could still be me. Time will tell. I have a huge amount of respect for those who have fewer children for the sake of the planet, it's very admirable.

I do know that we will raise our child to live by the motto; “human health is planetary health” . Teach them to care for nature and learn about ways to mitigate more planetary damage, even reverse the impacts. For now, I am happy with that.

Read "What you need to know about climate change – PLUS 6 things you can do to help!" for a little refresh if you need it.

We will raise our child to live by the motto; “human health is planetary health”

Have you bought a lot of baby stuff?

The phrase “kids come with a lot of stuff” is an odd one. Technically they don’t, they literally arrive into the world with nothing but a birthday suit. Yet, it is true they require a whole suite of things most households do not have before the birth of the child. AND kids are an advertisers' dream! My partner has openly shared the “if you really loved your child you would get this one” pressure he feels in baby stores and each time a social media ad pops up.

Even though we are aware that the love for our unborn child is being moulded, primed and positioned to encourage us to buy more, we are not immune to the pull. We did buy a quality pram, car seat and eco mattress because for us it felt right. We have also accepted a lot of hand-me-downs, bought secondhand and borrowed items. It is true, I have more stuff than before we fell pregnant; a bassinet, cot, playmat, baby bath, change mats, rugs, and clothes to name a few. But they were considered purchases , within our budget, and I am confident we will use them.

Tips for accepting secondhand baby products.

When you are expecting a baby hand-me-downs are a lot like parenting advice - everyone offers. Always with love and good intentions. However, I have seen first hand what poorly managed hand-me-downs can look like. I have clients who haven’t been able to say no and ended up with excess kids' stuff they didn't want OR like.

I remember one client in particular, their living room stacked with tubs of clothes dropped off by a well-meaning family member. When I asked what they where she said “clothes my kids will love and I will hate. I am hoping to leave them there until the kids don’t fit them” .

Knowing this from the start has been helpful. Rather than waiting for friends to offer, or not offer, I asked. In fact I added it to my baby shower invite.

My baby shower invite read;

“Do not feel pressured to bring a thing! However, I know it is a very special time and baby gifts are extra cute. So if you’d like to bring a gift, do not shy away from wrapping up a hand-me-down, or secondhand item.”

This helped friends and family know I was seeking out hand-me-downs and removed the awkward conversations.

I also made it clear what my responsibilities were. I asked:

“Do you want this back?”
“Would you like me to store it at my house until you need it again?”
“If I do not use are you happy for me to donate?”

On a few occasions, I politely said no.

For bigger items like baths, capsules & bassinets, I asked around for one to borrow. Making it clear from the start I would look after it and return once we no longer needed it.

Thats it from me.

Wish me luck on this very new and exciting journey.

My golden rules for accepting secondhand baby clothes

Harness Your Spring-Clean Energy In Two Simple Steps

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 07:41:35 GMT

Spring is traditionally a very busy time of year for me. The changing of seasons, longer days and welcoming warmth all bring a natural desire to clear and clean our homes. As a result, I get a flurry of requests asking for help. For a few, the call or the sending of the email is as far as they go. The actual task (or tasks) of clearing can feel overwhelming, and even a natural spring high is quickly suppressed by inertia.

But it doesn’t have to feel that way.

If you too feel the pull of Spring, do not take it for granted! Grab the once-a-year spring tidy energy by the horns and get organised.

Make the most of this natural spring energy in two easy steps.

STEP 1: MAKE A CLEANING WISH LIST

I recommend quickly sitting down and writing a list of all you need to get done. Once listed, add a number to each item in order of priority. Generally, I recommend giving priority to quick wins (the tasks you can do easily), and the pain points (the tasks that are causing the most problems in the home).

STEP 2: PUT A SPRING (CLEAN) INTO YOUR STEP

Now listed, allocate time in your week to spring-cleaning. Trying to find little spots here and there in your week will only slow you down. Make the time, and work your way down the list. There is a likelihood that the list will never get finished, and that's okay, just make a START. So often we let these little sparks of enthusiasm fade as quickly as they come on, and that's okay. Celebrate what you can achieve.

The best piece of advice I can give is not to ignore the spring energy spike and take advantage of this unique seasonal opportunity.

So there you have it if you find yourself wanting to get spring clearing but held back by how big a job it is, or not knowing where to start - slow down, pause, list and start at the beginning. Give it a go. You might be surprised by how much you can do.

Read How to spring clean your home.

Spring Clean FAQS

5 Ways You Can Bring Mindfulness Into Your Home

Tue, 10 May 2022 09:31:00 GMT

Mindfulness has become somewhat of a buzzword. But what does mindfulness even mean? How do I become mindful, and why? All very valid questions, and questions I can answer for you.

As a KonMari Consultant and longtime yoga practitioner, I see mindfulness as just another way to bring simplicity and consciousness into my life. Our lives can get busy and we lose sight of what truly matters. Mindfulness is often one of the most underused tools in our self care tool kit. It has a profound positive effect on our health and wellbeing and is accessible to everyone - even at home.

What is mindfulness?

Put simply, mindfulness is to be aware of the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts, and sensations. Mindfulness has been described as both a meditation and a way of living. To be mindful is to know where your attention is, prioritise where it needs to be, and bring it back when it wanders off track.

Why be mindful?

Have you ever eaten without tasting? Read a page and not absorb anything? Forgotten where you put the keys? Of course, we all lead busy lives, but constantly living this way can cause ongoing frustration, anxiety and even depression. Acting mindfully helps us get more enjoyment out of life, make the best use of our time and reduce stress.

Here are five of my favourite ways to bring mindfulness into your home.

1. Mindful Ownership: Appreciate what you own

The KonMari method tells us to keep only what sparks joy, to connect, love and enjoy it. This practice should not end once the tidying is over – appreciating what we own should be done every day, including acknowledging the time, resources and effort taken to bring the item to you. Read How To Be A Conscious Consumer for more insights on how to use sustainable awareness to drive mindful behaviour.

2. Mindful Observation: Take a seat and see your home

It’s safe to say that most of us have spent more time assessing our homes for improvement than we have simply o bserving. Boost your love for your space by taking the time to sit in your favourite spot – inside or outside – and take a moment to see your home without judgement. Look for the texture, shapes and colours. You may notice the pattern in the flooring or the way the drapes hang over a window. If judgement comes up, try to gently let it go and bring your attention back to what is right in front of you.

Mindful Tip: Take a moment to see your home without judgement

3. Mind and Light: Notice the change in light

Both changes in season and weather patterns bring with them unique changes in light. Take note of how your home changes through the day. Does the afternoon give certain rooms a warm glow, is there a particular window that lets morning rays stream in? Mindfully heighten your sense of sight and tune into the changes throughout the days, and across the year. This is also a great technique to use for restful holidays .

4. Mindful Tasks: Turn a chore into a mindful practice

Almost anything can be turned into a mindfulness activity, including chores – take washing dishes for example. Tune in and notice the warmth of the water against your skin. Listen to the sound of the plates as they move through the water. Watch the water droplets roll down the china. Just a few minutes of calm, mindful observation can turn a must-do activity into a meditative practice. Rather than seeing chores as a burden, you may begin to see them as opportunities to enjoy the present moment as it is.

5. Mindful Work: Drop the multitasking

If you’re the kind of person who is trying to do multiple things at once, stop. Research tells us that multitasking is not as beneficial as first thought. Doing two things at once is just carrying out two tasks half as well. Multitasking reduces our focus, memory, and enjoyment, and can cause stress. Training our brain to engage its attention to the most important task will allow you to not only complete your to-do list quicker but will also improve your attention span.

For more information on work, clutter and health read 6 Reasons Why Clutter is Damaging Your Health, and Costing You Money .

There you have it, five ways to add a touch of mindful living into your home.

Mindfulness FAQS

6 Reasons Why Mess Is Costing You Money

Mon, 02 May 2022 09:22:00 GMT

We tend to think about the financial cost of clutter and mess when we throw things away. Discarding perfectly good items you have never used is a cold reminder of how much money is going to the op shop. Yet the cost of mess goes beyond the money spent on items never used. Living a messy life could be costing you more than you think!

If you’ve been looking for some motivation to tidy up – this blog is for you!

Here are six reasons why messy habits are draining your hip pocket.

1. You waste time looking for lost items

The average person spends 6.5 months of their lives – or 5,000 hours – looking for lost stuff. All that running around looking for keys, wallets or passwords (oh boy the time spent resetting passwords) is lost time. Whatever it is you tend to lose, looking for it takes up valuable time - months in fact.

Think of what you c ould achieve in 6.5 months. Over half a year towards building your brand, your career, your side hustle or just generally just de-stressing yourself. If time is money, then the mess is not your friend.

2. You waste money replacing lost items

While the opportunity cost of losing an item is one thing, the replacement cost is a whole added expense. Whether it’s a new drink bottle or your engagement ring, replacing lost items adds up and can get expensive. Let's face it, it’s wasted money!

In short - if you’re untidy, you’ll lose things more easily and end up wasting more time and money as a result.

3. You have to pay more for storage space

“The things you own end up owning you”. This line from Fight Club basically sums up the theme of clutter and cost. The more stuff we have, the more space we need, and the more it costs us. And with real estate often the single most expensive thing in a family budget, it’s crazy how much we waste on space for excess stuff.

Often we feel like a bigger home, more cupboards or an extra storage unit is the answer. Yet 95% of the time we just need less. Believe me, I see it all the time, the messiest families spend thousands of dollars trying to manage it.

Read 10 Easy Ways to Start Becoming a Minimalist .

4. It costs more to clean a messy home

The messier a space, the harder and longer it takes to clean. Clothes scattered on the floor make vacuuming harder. Large wardrobes mean large piles of washing. Cluttered cabinets collect dust. Messy benchtops make cooking and cleaning harder.

The truth is messy homes take more cleaning. More cleaning products and if a housecleaner is employed, more money out of your budget.

5. You will miss opportunities

Modern science tells us that clutter causes stress. People who live in messier homes are more prone to stress and more susceptible to inadequate sleep, depression and poor mental health . Stress is taxing on our health, and when we are unwell we don’t perform at our best.

Sure some stress is temporary and the outcome results in benefits, like finishing a university paper, or presenting your work in front of an audience. But stress induced by living in clutter has no positives. The money spent on therapy, days off work or missed opportunities induced by clutter is a waste in its purest form.

6. You’ll probably spend more on holidays

A messy home probably doesn’t make the idea of a staycation appealing. In fact the more cluttered a home, the more likely it is you’ll want to escape!

Now I’m not suggesting that tidy people don’t ever feel the need to go on holiday, I’m just noting that the messier your home, the higher the likelihood you’ll want to whip out the credit card and take the next available flight. When a bedroom is sprawled with clutter, the desire to splurge on an expensive hotel room for a romantic night away is high! A little less mess in our lives could mean a lower credit card debt.

Tips to Get Your Home Organised for The Holidays .

So there you have it, six reasons why the mess is costing you money. Or better yet, six reasons why getting organised could save you money!

Check out our videos for tips and ideas to start your tidy, money-saving journey!

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Secondhand Clothes in Australia

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 21:17:00 GMT

I have made a lot of money from selling clothes. Online via eBay and Facebook Marketplace, at markets and in consignment shops. You name it I have tried it!

I've found that selling decluttered clothes not only adds a little more joy to a wardrobe declutter , but it helps to limit textile waste. And as an eco-warrior, anything I can do to limit waste is worth it.

NOTE: For textile waste information read Recycling Your Old Clothes In Australia – H&M vs Manrags, what you need to know .

I know what you are thinking.. time and money. Is selling clothes online or in person worth it?

My Answer: “YES, it definitely can be! ”

There are multiple things you can do to make the clothes selling process quick, easy and financially rewarding.

The Best Clothes Brands to Sell Secondhand

Unfortunately not all clothes sell easily secondhand. Designer and well known clothing brands sell the best. People are more likely to buy pre-loved brands they know and love. Australian labels such as Kookai, Zimmerman, Gorman, Acne & Alice McCall sell very well.

Vintage clothes also sell well secondhand, yet when selling vintage clothes online make sure to include measurements. Current sizing doesn't always apply to vintage pieces. Check out our selling online tips below.

Don't be afraid to advertise other brands and non-vintage clothes, but be mindful that they might be a little harder to sell, especially via online channels.

How to sell secondhand clothes online

People have come increasingly confident in buying clothes online, even on the secondhand market. If you choose to sell online you have paid and free options.

Selling Online for Free

Facebook Market, Facebook Groups and Gumtree are the sale paths of least resistance. Everyone is allowed to sell online (some groups do have restrictions) and your audience is far-reaching. Like all free sites selling online does come with risks, so make sure you read our selling online safety tips below.

Paid Selling Options

Poshmark and eBay are well loved and well used paid secondhand selling sites. Both are easy to set-up profiles on, and include safe payment options making them a financially secure. Finance security can be a big plus when selling expensive and unique items.

For an added bonus, paid sites often come with less back and forth chit-chat with potential buyers. As opposed to Facebook which can attract time-wasting bargain hunters.

Tips to Successfully Sell Clothes Online

Now that you know which clothes to sell and where, there are still a few things you can do to speed up the sale process.

To give yourself the best chance of closing a sale with a few simple tips.

For online sales photo quality and details are key!

Photo quality: Take your photos in natural light using the best camera you can. Hung clothes always photograph better than those laid on a bed. For the best hung clothes photos, hook items on the back of a door, or my personal fave - take down a painting and use the picture hook on the wall.

Details : Always including sizing in the sale heading. For unique, vintage or odd sized pieces I recommend adding measurements, it's a bit of extra work but it might be what makes your piece stand-out (and sell) over others.

Make yourself easy to buy from and add as much detail as you can. For example including where to park and distance from a key landmark, i.e. " pick up in Tidy Town, only a 100m walk from Tidy Town Railway". Including multiple pick-up locations or posting options can also make your add more attractive. If you work in a city offer a city pick up. Central city landmarks can be convenient and safer.

Online Selling Safety Tips

I don't like to think the worst in people, but there are fraudsters out there. So be smart.

Don't give out your phone number, all conversations must go through the online platform. Plus it might pay to pull down that sexy profile pic you loaded last week to annoy your ex!
Don't give out your unit number if you live in an apartment block. Meet in the lobby or on the street.
Don't give your street number until your buyer is committed. In fact, leave out the street number and provide a street corner where possible.
Do make your meeting time-specific. Avoid lines like "pick up anytime" or "between X o'clock and Y o'clock".
Do prepare yourself and ideally have more than one person at home.

If all of that has freaked you out, meet in a public place or post it.

How to sell secondhand clothes in person

There are three key places to sell secondhand clothes in person; Consignment Stores, Clothing Exchanges and Markets. They are all slightly different, so here is what you need to know.

Consignment stores

Consignment stores make the resale of unique and quality items easy. Take your clothes to these locations, and if they consider your items saleable they will do the selling for you. If sold, the consignment store will take a commission or percentage of the sale.

Consignment stores are my favourite method of sale, but there are a few things you need to know. Consignment selling is very different than selling secondhand clothing yourself. Often these stores will only accept certain brands, or a certain number of sellable items and are heavily season dependant. I recommend reading our blog Everything You Need to Know About Selling in Consignment Stores before giving it a go. The blog include six key consignment store selling tips.

Clothing Exchanges

Unlike consignment stores, clothing exchanges will buy your clothes outright. The idea being that you use the proceeds to buy from them - an exchange of sort.

How does it work? The exchange buys items they are confident they can resell, and will give you a % of the resell price, either cash or store credit. For example; if they plan to sell your jeans for $30, you can either take 50% store credit ($25) or 40% cash ($12). But again these store can be particular, so make sure you check their website first for style and season. Present your clothes well and be prepared to be turned away.

Clothing exchanges are very popular in the United States, a secondhand clothes culture I fell in love with when I lived there. Exchanges like Beacon’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange have set the stage for easeful and rewarding secondhand shopping.

Markets

Hosting a stall at a pre-loved fashion market is not only a great way to sell clothes, it’s a really fun day out. For a fee, businesses like Round She Goes and Hunter Markets will set you up with a beautiful space and round-up hungry shoppers. All you need to do is turn up and start selling.

I've hosted stalls at both local markets and paid fashion markets and had an absolute ball. I met lots of lovely like-minded sustainable fashion folks.

Garage Sales

Every October, 40,000 Australia's sell their pre-loved belongings via the Garage Sale Trail , and including clothes. Some communities host collective sale locations in Town Halls or Community Centres, others set up on the nature strip. This amazing initiative is a fun hassle-free way to give your clothes a second life and meet your neighbours!

Visit GarageSaleTrail.com.au to work out what’s happening in your community.

Tips to Successfully Sell Clothes In Person

For in person sales think - Presentation, Seasonality and Ease.

Presentation . Make sure all of your items are washed and presentable. For expensive garments have it laundered and leave the dry-cleaning tag on. This is an absolute must for consignment stores and exchanges, they will take nothing unwashed.

Sell seasonally. No one wants to buy a winter jacket in summer, think like a department store and sell what is in season. Consignment stores will only take in-season clothes, so store those winter warmers at home until it cools down.

Make yourself easy to buy from. Whether it is online or in-person, it pays to be nice.

In a stall or garage sale setting, make small talk with your potential customers, encourage them to try on items and talk about what made you buy it. Make yourself approachable, and remember smiles sell!!

I hope those tips help. Secondhand or pre-loved fashion is the way of the future. And remember to buy secondhand yourself, putting #prelovedfirst is one of the best things you can do to improve your environmental footprint.

Prepare for your sale and learn 5 Things To Declutter From Your Wardrobe

10 Things To Declutter This Christmas Holiday

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 03:47:17 GMT

Our calendars and homes can get very full around the festive season. Christmas parties, extra cooking and organising gifts can make our lives feel crowded. A good crowded, but crowded, nonetheless. As things start to wind down and we move into the relaxing part of the festive season, I encourage you to look around your home. Now is the perfect time to clear out the festive excess. Let’s face it, if you haven’t used or intended to use your festive paraphernalia in the last month, you likely never will.

Here are 10 things I suggest you declutter this holiday season.

Complete this declutter as you pack up the Christmas tree, before you head to the beach (for those of us seaside inclined), or as you prepare for the new work year. It doesn’t matter when you complete your Christmas declutter, I just recommend giving it a go.

It doesn’t matter when you complete your Christmas declutter, I just recommend giving it a go.

1. Broken or tired Christmas decorations

Are all the decorations in your Christmas box truly display ready? It is very likely that you have a few pieces that have passed their use-by date. Broken ornaments, aged wreaths and wilting tinsel can go.

2. Joyless holiday cards

Sharing holiday cards is one of my favourite Christmas traditions. I love sending and receiving cards. However, it is important to only keep the cards we love and are proud to send. If you are holding onto a few ugly cards, (you know the ones in the pack you really don’t like), it is okay to let them go. You recycle, upcycle, or compost them. Spread joy, not mediocre cards!

3. Serveware that will not come out

If you don't use the fancy serving ware at Christmas, then when will you use it? Most families treat the Christmas feast as the most important meal of the year. If your special pieces didn’t come out in December, ask yourself if you really want them. Some families find switching up the plates too much trouble, and that’s fine. Just make sure you let go of the special set and drop the guilt of not using it. Real estate in your home is valuable, don’t make space for dinner sets you will never use.

4. Scratchy Christmas jumpers

We know they look great on American movies and at the Hogwarts Christmas banquet, but it’s hot in Australia this time of year and woollen jumpers are not the attire of choice. If your cupboard has been storing a scratchy Christmas jumper for 11 months, only to see it worn for five minutes before being thrown on the floor, it is probably time to switch it for a festive t-shirt. Check out your local op shop, they have plenty of wonderful holiday get-ups.

5. Tangled Christmas lights

Don't get me wrong I'm not one to encourage throwing away things that can be used, especially hard to recycle items like Christmas lights. However, if you are storing a tangled mess of holiday lights in your shed, either dedicate time to untangling them (recommended option) or drop them at your local electronics recycling depot.

6. Uninspiring Christmas recipes

Cookbooks can pile up. I see it all the time. In fact, I am yet to meet a client who hasn’t uttered the words, “I own cookbooks I never use”. The trick is to only keep cookbooks that inspire you to cook. This is especially important for Christmas cookbooks as they serve only a fraction of the year. Scan your Christmas recipes and let go of anything uninspiring. You never know, it might make the ones you own feel even more joyful.

7. Holiday craft that will never be completed

Cookie cutters, piping bags, pudding pots, rolling pins with candy canes are all great if they are used. Many kitchens have a drawer or two piled with excess cookware. It’s time to declutter any festive cookware you either never use or intend on using.

8. Uninspiring Christmas recipes

If you are like me, you feel extra crafty around November 28, but by December 21 half made stockings and Christmas hats don’t have the same appeal. Only keep the craft you are inspired to complete. Anything half-made, that feels heavy or burdensome, even if you have been holding onto it for years, let it go. All crafts, especially Christmas crafts should feel joyous.

9. Dusty bottles in the liquor cabinet

A half-drunk sherry, cherry liquor leftover from a 21st, a gifted bottle of scotch that no one drinks - every home has them. Liquor cabinets often have a few bottles that will never be drunk. Let's be realistic if the bottle didn't make it to the table at Christmas or New Year, chances are it never will. Declutter any bottle you can’t see being drunk any time soon/ever. You will be surprised how inviting your liquor cabinet can be only contains only the drops you love.

10. Out of date sunscreen

Yes, sunscreen can go off. Not in a smelly kind of way, but in an unprotective kind of way. Before you slip-slop-slap this holiday, double-check the dates.

Five Quick Tips For A Greener Christmas

How to Politely Say No To Christmas Gifts

Five home schooling hints for parents with young kids in lockdown

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 06:21:54 GMT

Lockdowns are not over yet! The words no parent, nor child wants to hear. If you are a parent, I am sure you’ve tried a whole suite of tasks to keep your little ones happy. Running out of ideas? Or need a little extra support to get you over the final lockdown hurdle? I have you covered - I've enrolled an expert!

My mum Jenny is a well loved, and experienced childhood educator. She has 27 years of primary and pre-school education experience - fair to say she knows her stuff! From the quiet learner to the extrovert, the wiggly fidgeter and ones who just can’t keep up with the others, she has seen it all. Here are her tips to maintain your sanity in lockdowns with kids, for just a little longer.

Childhood education expert shares her top tips to help maintain your sanity, and your kid's wellbeing in lockdown .

1. Create a homeschooling timetable

Give the production of the timetable to your eldest child, after consultation with the other siblings. A white or black board plan can be published every day to include a variety of school and child activities. Vary the activities and include them all to make the day look full and enjoyable.

Have regular breaks including trips outside, rest time and no screen times. Include child-invented activities such as concerts, making TV ads, cubby building or in house shops.

2. Dedicate space for children to learn

Create a private workspace that is quiet, tidy and maintained by the child. Although this may have to be packed up each day to make way for another activity, it is a good sharing skill to learn. Alternatively, have a general workspace that is shared at different times of the day

3. Supervise your young children, don't teach

Teaching is the teacher’s task, and you are the parent!

Help where there is a problem, but don’t insist on correcting, nor on the child practising for too long. This is stressful for all concerned. This Covid cohort of children are all in the same boat. They will catch up when they are back at school.

4. Spark joy in lockdown

Make the day fun. Make fun food, do fun things, dress up in funny clothes, read funny stories. Finish each day with “What made you laugh today?”. You will all soon find joy in the little things.

5. Simplify your homeschool life

Now is not the time for a Vogue Living house. Make your home kid friendly. Create a book corner, a craft area, a play centre, a dress up space, a science table, an area for sand or water play, and let your children use their imagination. Creating spaces so your children can self learn is powerful. Give your child simple tasks that can be finished successfully. Setting the table, making your bed, putting away toys, cuddling the cat, are examples of simple activities that can be done without parental help. Your child will get value from simple repetitive tasks.

Creating spaces so your children can self learn is powerful.

People have become very creative during lockdown. My brother’s grandchildren read to him every morning on the phone. Our neighbour’s children use our yard for ball games, and our creek for mud pies and cubby house building. All these things can be done within covid guidelines and help to ease stress. You may discover that you like doing kids things too!

Eight successful, (and simple) home activities for young kids in lockdown

1. Kids Cubbies.

Drape a sheet over your kitchen table. Put cushions under it. Read in there with a torch. Eat lunch in there. Tell secrets, make up stories etc etc. Dare I say it? Sleep in there.

2. Camping at home.

Erect a tent in the back yard or in the lounge room. Pack a picnic and a thermos, even throw on camping boots. If you are blessed with space, try making a campfire and cook a simple sausage in bread, or roast marshmallows. If fires are out the of question, turn on the BBQ or simply cook inside and eat outside.

3. Get outside.

Dig in the garden, collect things for a science table, plant flowers or veggies, find worms, watch snails, listen to the birds, and discover the insects. If you don’t have a garden, go for a walk and explore the streets.

4. Dress-up even in lockdown!

Anything will do. Mum and Dad's clothes with additions of belts, scarves, hats, shoes etc. Being able to role-play is fun and creative. Even allowing children to dress in whatever they like is a form of dress-up. Where else are they going anyway?

5. Water play for little kids.

Sand and water play might be messy, but it is wonderfully creative, and a well loved activity! Float things in a dish of water; make rivers and dams in the sand, jump in puddles.

6. Build those lockdown blues away

Construction and building is a favourite activity for children at any age. Make things using boxes, paper, string and tape. Car tracks, shops, mini cities..you name it! Soft wood and nails is the next, if possible.

7. Homemade art and crafts

Creativity shouldn’t stop when homeschooling is complete. Encourage children to draw the view out the window, sketch and paint characters from their favourite book. Sew, knit, and crochet. You name it - get crafty.

8. Cook a lockdown meal

Get the kids to prepare a meal for everyone, even if its cereal. Set the table, wear fancy clothes, or use Nana’s dinner set. Make it special.

And finally, make time to listen to your children. Turn off the news and don’t talk about covid in front of them if you can.

Lockdown is not forever but maintaining a good relationship with your child is. Be realistic but firm in your expectations.

Lockdown Homeschooling FAQs

Do I have to teach my kids?

No. Teaching is the teacher’s task, and you are the parent. Help where there is a problem, but don’t insist on correcting, nor on the child practising for too long. This is stressful for all concerned. This Covid cohort of children are all in the same boat. They will catch up when they are back at school.

What is the best thing I can do for my kids in lockdown?

Make the day fun. Make fun food, do fun things, dress up in funny clothes, read funny stories. Finish each day with “What made you laugh today?”

What are recycled textiles used for?

Clothes that can no longer be worn are either shredded into small pieces of fluff and compressed to be used in insulation. Or similar fabric types are woven into new yarn.

What can I do to keep my kids entertained in lockdown?

Get creative and play! Make cubbies, camp inside or outside, grow a plant, have your kids cook a lockdown meal, create a water play park, get outside for a nature ramble or even dress up for the day.

Four Practical Ways to Turn Your House Into A Home

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 04:44:26 GMT

I used to think that the structure or type of property you lived in made all the difference in creating a home. I believed a home needed to be a stand-alone house with three bedrooms, a backyard, a pet, a large living room flooded with natural light and the perfect island bench. Oh how wrong I was!

Yes – location, structure, size and type can play a role in converting your house into a home, but they are not the only elements .

A house becomes a home by the memories we make inside its walls. We create homes through the connections we have to the objects it holds, and how the spaces make us feel.

As Australia’s first KonMari Consultant , I have been welcomed into many beautiful homes of all shapes and sizes. From country estates and large suburban houses to small inner-city apartments, units and townhouses. And I can honestly say that it is not the structure that makes the difference, but how we use our space, how we see and connect with it.

After many years of homemaking, these are the tried and tested tips I rely on to convert a house into a home.

1. Visualise the home you want

Before madly rushing around your home with a garbage bag frantically throwing things away, or worse still heading to your local shopping mall, take a moment to work out what you want. What is important to you and your family? What kind of life do you want to live? And what type of home will help you achieve that?

For example, after multiple burnouts I have learned that to live the life I want, I need quiet time. I have a naturally active mind and need moments in my week with little distractions so I can rest. I need time to read, meditate or simply sit down without stimulation. Hence I want a home that helps me to regularly find quiet time. I need areas with fewer electronics, screen-free rooms and less visual clutter. I want places conducive to meditation and snoozing. Read 5 Ways You Can Bring Mindfulness Into Your Home.

Home is made by how a

house is used.

2. Turn your house into a home by decluttering items that no longer make you happy

Our homes should be a happy place, full of things that makes us happy. Removing items that don’t light us up or spark joy to use, wear or see is a great way to make your house feel more like a home. The items you declutter could be things you easily recognise you no longer like, or they could be pieces you used to love but now feel a little underwhelming.

Additionally, now that you know what type of home you want/need you can start to remove items that no longer align with your values.

If you want a clean home ask yourself, what is more important, piles of dusty excess magazines, or clean surfaces?

I recommend using both the KonMari Method™ of sparking joy and a practical focus to create the home you want. Once you start to remove items you don’t love or no longer need, you will naturally make a space that feels like you at your happiest.

Unsure how to start, check out What is the KonMari Method & How To Use It .

3. Create a home by reconnecting with your objects

Once those underwhelming items are out of the house, start reconnecting with what you have. Sure, it sounds a little quirky, but all ‘reconnecting’ really means is to appreciate. Ramp up the appreciation you have for your things. Take a walk around your home with fresh eyes noticing the memories your objects hold, mindfully reminding yourself how they serve you and your family.

Maybe the sofa encourages the whole family to squeeze up and snuggle? Or maybe it was your first ‘grown-up’ purchase? Or maybe you love that it’s so old the kids can jump all over it? Whatever it is you love about your objects, ramp it up!

4. Turn a house into a home by making memories

If a home is made by the memories we make inside its walls, then it is important to make memories that are not only dishwashing, ironing and sleeping related. A few of my favourite memory-making activities are:

Movie nights (popcorn essential)
Lazy brunch or Sunday lunch (perfect patio use if you have one)
Make cubbies or camp in the living room with your kids
Turn up your favourite 90s tunes and dance all-day
Grow a plant
Print and hang some of your favourite photos
Take a long bubble bath (candles and wine recommended)

So there you have it, four easy ways to make your house into a home. No extension or bathroom renovation is required.

6 Simple Ways to Bring Appreciation Into Your Home This August

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 05:54:59 GMT

August is my favourite month of the year to stop and take stock. By now we are well and truly halfway through the year, and the silly season is far enough away to not yet worry about. It is an ideal time to purposefully slow down and reflect. Arriving at November, flustered and unaware of where the year went is less than ideal!

Here are six simple ways you can use your home to sprinkle a little appreciation into your August

I recommend doing one each day for a week.

1. Appreciate what you own

The KonMari Method® tells us to only keep items in our home that spark joy . By spark joy, I mean items that we connect to, we love seeing, enjoy using or trigger a happy memory. This practice should not end once the tidying process is over – appreciating what we own should be done every day. For one day, even just a few hours, purposefully recognise how the items you use every day help make your life that little bit easier.

2. Acknowledge the natural resources around you

Almost everything in our homes has been made using materials from nature. Air, water, soil, wood, metals and oils are all around us. In fact, I bet everything in your home has some kind of natural resource in it. Many of these are precious resources and are overused. Take a moment to acknowledge the time, effort and sacrifices taken to bring these items to you. Understanding the social and environmental impacts of our production cycle is an important step in becoming a conscious consumer .

3. Make home memories

I always say that home is made by the memories we make inside its walls. Hence, it is important to make memories that are not only dishwashing, ironing and sleeping related! Add a little appreciation to your week and make time for memory making. A few of my favourite memory-making activities at home are: taking a long bath, hosting a movie night or simply cuddling with your family and pets.

4. Reconnect with your objects

Take a walk around your home with fresh eyes noticing the memories your objects hold. See your stuff as more than just a thing you use, but what it means and represents. Do you have mementos from a special holiday? Photos from a momentous occasion in your life? Or items from someone you have lost? Our stuff is more just tools, they help us remember happy moments and remind us of what we have achieved.

5. Drop the multitasking

Research tells us that multitasking is not as beneficial as first thought. Doing two things at once is just carrying out two tasks half as well. In fact, multitasking reduces our focus, enjoyment, and can cause stress. Let go of doing two things at once, and focus on the most important task at hand. If you are looking for ways to simplify your to-do list read Tips To Decluttering and Simplifying Your Life .

6. Practice gratitude

Take a few moments to be grateful that you have a safe haven to seek refuge in. It sounds simple, but for a moment consider how your home contributes to your life. What would it be like without it? What do you love about your home? I recommend journaling a list. Loving our homes and being aware of how it helps us live our best lives is a beautiful way to bring appreciation into your day-to-day.

Sally’s appreciation for her winter woollies

Appreciation (August) for my winter woollies. My winter wardrobe hosts some of my favourite pieces. Hats and coats I have collected over the years, often during overseas holidays, so they hold many a fond memory. But as an Aussie, I only get a few months a year enjoy the rugged up look and often forget how many beautiful pieces I own.

So this August rather than digging into the back of my wardrobe and pull out a bundled sweater, I have moved my winter wear to where I can see it. My boots have pride of place; coats have taken over the hanging area; winter knits folded neatly in an accessible draw and hats have moved the entrance. Now my wardrobe feels like fall/winter edition of my life in a magazine!

Before springtime comes and my winter wardrobe is moved back to storage, I plan to use and appreciate the joy (and warmth); I get from of my winter woollies.

How To Do Plastic Free July

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 01:55:34 GMT

In our new world of sanitisation, distancing and disposable protection, you could be forgiven for thinking that doing Plastic Free July might be all too difficult.

I was worried too initially, that I wouldn’t be able to keep up my self-imposed plastic reduction this year, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how easy it has been to maintain. Don’t believe me?

Try these six tips for living with less plastic – pandemic or no pandemic.

1. Go plastic free and opt for cans

Have you noticed the slow but steady transition from aluminium cans to plastic packaging over the last 10 years? You can now buy tuna in a plastic tub for example, and most pet food is sold in plastic sachets. Yet aluminium continues to be the most valuable recycled material and remains in high demand. That is why last year, I vowed to opt for a can wherever possible. It’s an easy and worthwhile switch.

2. Pizza, your plastic free takeaway

A night without cooking and doing dishes is a luxury, and you definitely deserve it on occasion, but hopefully not always at the expense of the earth. A simple way to reduce plastic, or even go plastic-free, is to opt for take-out that comes in recyclable or compostable packaging. Pizza in boxes, paper-wrapped burgers and old-fashioned fish and chips are the perfect way to enjoy a restaurant meal without bumping up your plastic consumption.

In fact, in recent months, many cafes have started serving meals in cardboard containers for this exact reason. It’s so important that we support these businesses – they deserve our patronage. Just make sure you say no to plastic cutlery!

3. Say no to sauce in a plastic sachet

Repeat after me: ‘No sauce thanks’. Those three little words will do wonders to reduce your plastic consumption. But sushi tastes boring without soy sauce I hear you say? I agree! Try one of these tricks: buy a little glass bottle of soy for your desk drawer or car, or (my personal favourite), use the bottle they keep at the counter before you leave.

NO SAUCE THANKS!

The same rule applies for a bakery pie. If your bakery only has plastic packets of sauce, politely explain that you are trying to reduce your plastic consumption. You never know, they might be very understanding and think it’s a great idea. Consumers set the standards, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

4. Carry a reusable bag at all times

Supermarkets around the world have made a positive step in no longer offering plastic carry bags for free, however, retail stores are yet to join the party. Most retailers will provide a branded bag that fits within their local state plastic bag ban regulations, meaning it is made of heavier grade plastic. Let’s not fool ourselves though, these are still plastic bags and should be avoided if you can.

Simply carry a reusable bag every time you go out and say no to a bag at every chemist, shoe store, clothing or electronics store you enter. Check out my absolute favourite brand BYO BAG.

5. For a plastic free coffee, skip the lid

If your local coffee shop is no longer accepting reusable cups as a result of the pandemic, there are things you can do to limit plastic with your morning coffee.

Three Ways to Reduce Plastic Without Giving Up Your Morning Latte

1. Limit your coffee intake.

If you are a three-cups-a-day person, pull back to two. Curbing your coffee addiction by a single cup per day can save thousands of cups from landfill.

2. Skip the lid.

When you really think about it, plastic coffee cup lids are not always necessary. Unless you’re jumping straight into the car, juggling five kids and a pram, or planning to sprint home, a lid is not required. #Skipthelid and save the plastic.

3. Invest in a coffee machine.

This option may sound a little extreme, but the purchase of an AeroPress, french press or espresso maker is a great idea, especially now. I am using my AeroPress now more than ever, and I purchase beans from my local cafes to maintain my support.

6. Boycott the plastic ziplock

You might have noticed that many food producers have added a ziplock to their packaging. Rice, nuts, biscuits and frozen berries can all be bought in an ‘improved’ ziplock bag to ‘maintain freshness’. The way I see it though, is ziplock = more plastic. Boycott the ziplock and opt for an alternative with an old-fashioned low-grade plastic bag and seal it with a clip at home.

Plus, most organisers encourage decanting these days, why would you buy a ziplock bag to empty into a jar when you get home? You wouldn’t. And of course, where you can, buy food in bulk and avoid plastic altogether.

So there you have it, six easy ways to limit your plastic, pandemic or otherwise.

PLASTIC FREE JULY FAQs

Does avoiding plastic really help?

YES! Do not underestimate the power of the consumer. If a product is no longer profitable, the producer will stop creating it. If ziplock bags stop selling as consumers opt for reusable options the producers will stop making them. As more and more consumers start supporting suppliers with greener options, the unsustainable producers will be forced out of the market. Your choices do matter.

Is plastic free July helpful?

Absolutely. Plastic free July is growing bigger and bigger every year. More consumers are rallying behind a voice for less plastic in their food, clothes and lifestyles. The month symbolises a changing market, it gives a voice to the growing concern within our community. The more voices, the harder it is to ignore.

Does it matter is i go back to using plastic after the month of July?

No it doesn’t. If you find some of the plastic free elements hard to maintain throughout the year, it is completely understandable to fall back to existing habits and practices. If you can change just one plastic habit every year, you are making a difference.

Ready to take the next step and make your home more sustainable?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

Working From Home Tips For Success – An Interview with Sally Flower

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 07:56:51 GMT

As 2021 passes the halfway mark, covid restrictions in Australia continue to dominate our newsfeeds and lives. Working from home remains a central feature for many of us. In the past 18 months, I have presented at many corporate events sharing how the KonMari Method can support a successful working from home transition.

We recorded this working from home interview early in 2021, yet given Melbourne and Sydney’s ongoing lockdowns we thought it suitable re-publish it here. We hope you love it. Without any further ado…..here is Sally’s interview,

How to create a successful and enjoyable working from home experience with KonMari expert, Sally Flower.

Can you tell us a little bit about the KonMari process and how it works?

The KonMari Method is an organising and decluttering technique created by a lady called Marie Kondo. The method was originally described in her book The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up . The number one focus of the KonMari Method is to surround ourselves only with items that ‘spark joy’. The KonMari process works by carefully and categorically examining every item we own and letting go of anything that doesn’t light us up. Eventually, at the end of the process, we are left with only items that make us feel good, that we are proud of, enjoy using, or that spark a happy memory.

Can we apply KonMari to our work life?

Absolutely! Originally the method was made to help us to let go of physical items in our homes. Yet the process of letting go can be used for nonphysical items as well.

For example, in our worklife decluttering physical items, such as redundant papers and books, will help us to focus better. Decluttering nonphysical aspects, such as meetings, unnecessary emails, and other activities can help save time, and help us find the headspace to work more effectively and efficiently. The KonMari Method can help clear mental and physical clutter in our worklife.

It’s essential to create a work space that we will want to be in for long periods .

Home office equipment – any recommendations on how to achieve the best set-up?

Just like setting up any part of a home, it is important to take time to seek out items that speak to our own unique personalities and interests. When it comes to a home office it’s essential to create a space that we will want to be in for long periods. Many of us spend hours working at a desk and it’s vital that we make our offices an enjoyable space to be in. I recommend selecting equipment that you will enjoy using; including colours that you like to look at, textures you enjoy being near and dimensions that work for your space. These are all important aspects to consider when choosing new equipment.

Including natural light, a potted plant and clearing the space of clutter also help to create a workspace that doesn’t drain us of energy. In fact, light and greenery are two of my favourite ways to find peace at home in lockdown .

Maintaining motivation and positivity during working-from-home periods – any recommendations?

I’m a big believer in using natural light, fresh air and nature to kickstart a positive day. I highly recommend getting outside for a walk or some physical activity first thing – mental health research has shown that those who spent time outside in nature have stronger mental health. However, if you are short on time in the mornings, simply opening a window or checking in on your indoor plants can have a similar effect.

Clutter is a known contributor to stress . Clearing mental clutter through lists and planning can help boost motivation first thing. Rather than jumping headfirst into emails, take two or three minutes to write a list of what you want to get done by the end of the day. This can include wellbeing activities such as taking a lunchtime walk, drinking five glasses of water, texting back your mum – whatever it is – get it out of your head and onto paper. Defining what success looks like is an easy way to clear the negative clutter and kickstart a positive day.

Indoor plants can support positivity

3 Ways to Keep Your Home Office Organised

1. Limit the number of loose items on the desk. It is a misconception that we need to see our things to use them. Well-intended “item accessibility” only saves a couple of seconds a week. Instead, things laid out on a desk cause visual clutter and impede our ability to focus. I recommend putting as much as you can in your drawers.

2. Only keep items on or in your desk that makes your work easier, or brings you joy. Anything that doesn’t, you probably don’t need – get it away from the desk.

3. Drawer dividers are a great way to organise stationary and other office supplies. There is no need to get fancy, something as simple as a chocolate box or shoebox lid will do the job. Boxes are a great way to create sections in your drawers, helping you find what you need quickly.

Digital clutter – is working from home a good time to get on top of this?

Any time is a good time to get on top of digital clutter. If you have extra hours in lockdown, organising digital clutter is a great use of time.

Utilising search functionality is a quick and easy way to organise digital assets. Avoid losing files in download boxes or a cluttered desktop by renaming the title of documents. Digital organisation can be complex given the variety of careers and work history. If you get stuck I recommend professional assistance , there is no one-size-fits-all for digital.

DIGITAL DECLUTTER TIP:

Start by considering how you would organise your digital files if everything was physical. I recommend writing down how would you name your files in a big physical filing system. Would you separate everything into Personal & Work? Under work would you file items by project name, customer name or year? Now make digital folders using your preferred convention organising digitally as you would physically.

What is your favourite way to maintain a worklife balance at home?

Packing up and setting up every day – I’m a big believer in this. Pre-covid many of us had an end of workday ritual; turning off the computer, picking up a jacket and walking out the door signified when work ended, and home life started. In the absence of an office, it’s important that we maintain some kind of ritual to signify when work finishes, and home life begins.

Packing up our home office space by filing away folders, putting lids back on pens, tucking in the chair and turning off our computer is a great way to signify the end of the workday. This end-of-day ritual helps maintain a happy, positive and productive work-life balance throughout extended working from home periods.

Encouraging movement, and healthy posture is a focus for many of us working from home. Do you have any specific recommendations on posture and stance?

As a yogi and trained yoga instructor, my posture recommendation for a standing desk is to evenly spread weight through all four corners of the feet. In yoga we use this in tadasana or standing pose – and the same principles can be used at a desk. Making sure not to lean too far back, or too far forward. Try not to tip the hips forward or back. Avoid rolling the outer edges of the feet or collapsing the arch and ankle. Focusing on feet will help alignment all the way up the body and connect us with the earth which is vital when spending hours looking at a screen.

For seated desks, move your water bottle a little out of reach, and each time you need a drink – stand up. Bonus points if you focus on your feet and create a quick standing pose!

Recycling Your Old Clothes In Australia – H&M vs Manrags, what you need to know

Mon, 31 May 2021 04:03:00 GMT

Recycling Your Old Clothes In Australia – H&M vs Manrags, what you need to know

The general rule for donating clothes is,” would someone you know buy it?” If it’s old, worn, stained or low quality the answer is likely to be no. So, what do you do with clothes you can’t donate?

We hear horrifying statistics like; “ Australia throws away 6000kg of textiles every 10 minutes ”, and “ Australians are the second-largest consumer of textiles in the world, per capita ” – so how do we change?

For many of my clients, and myself, mindful purchasing and avoiding the discount racks for a quick shopping buzz is a new habit. A lot of us have clothes hiding in the back of our wardrobes we will never wear again, but know they will not sell second hand. Additionally, most discount stores sell items at a similar price point to a charity store – so donating them is kind of like dumping the issue on someone else.

So, how to recycle your old clothes in the most sustainable way?

And is there more we should be doing about textile waste?

War on Waste ABC Series

TIP: Make sure you have maximised your selling potential and read; “ The Do’s and Dont’s of Selling Secondhand Clothes ” & “ Selling Secondhand Clothes ”

Get the Facts About Recycling Clothes

H&M, Sheridan, Zara and Country Road are just a few big retail stores now offering to give your old clothes a new life. Country Road and Zara have partnered up with charity stores and will do the donating for you.

In Australia, H&M and Sheridan have gone a little further and are trying to do good with clothes that are not good enough for resale. H&M uses an international company called I:OP who sorts clothing into donatable or recyclable clothing. I:OP ship wearable items to developing nations in need, send some fabric away to be used as rags, some to landfill and the remainder is ‘felted’ – meaning it’s shredded into small pieces of fluff and compressed to be used in insulation.

Sheridan has just partnered with Textile Recyclers Australia and is working on a similar program.

Do my recycled clothes make new clothes?

The short answer is no. Most of the textiles donated eventually make their way into a whole new industry like insulation. New clothes on the other hand are made from virgin materials, brand new fibres such as cotton, wool, bamboo etc and other resources like water. This is important to remember because while the fashion industry is doing its job to close the loop, one t-shirt in the H&M textile bin doesn’t come out as a new one.

A key problem in converting old clothes into new ones is that the textile types are mixed. Fabric like polyester makes it difficult to create new yarn.

Single material items, like a cotton t-shirt or wool jumper, are a little easier to weave into new yarn – but they must be sorted. Hence the majority of textile waste is shredded and used for insulation.

Textile sorting, Upparel

Where is the best place to recycle old clothes in Australia?

Upparel (formally Manrags). This Aussie owned business sends NOTHING OFFSHORE. That’s right – this Australian company is forcing Australians to clean up their own mess, which means we are responsible for the waste and associated carbon emissions.

Upparel is the first of its kind in Australia. They work with charity partners to recycle what can be reworn, sort the unwearables into colour and fabric, and recycle the rest. In partnership with local businesses, they create new yarn from recycled textiles as well as use the ‘felting’ method to create filling for mattresses, pet beds and home insulation.

My ranking for textile recycling in Australia is:

Upparel
Sheridan
H&M

Textile sorting, Getty Images

Clothing Recycling is not Guilt-Free

Okay, so textile recycling is good and we need it – but it is not a golden ticket to buy more. Recycling takes a lot of energy, water and precious resources. The most sustainable thing we can do is to look after the clothes we have, and become conscious consumers .

Here are my top tips for getting the most out of the clothes you you have, and limiting your textile waste ��

5 Ways To Get More Wear From Your Clothes

So there you have it. How to limit your textile waste and recycle your non-donatables responsibility. Inspired to declutter, here are 5 Things You Should Declutter From Your Wardrobe .

FAQs – Recycling Clothes:

Is recycling clothes worth it?

YES, anything we can do to limit what goes into our landfill is worth it. Plus you are supporting the recycling industry.

Where do my clothes go when I recycle them?

It depends on who you choose to recycle with. H&M sends their clothes offshore for sorting and shredding. Sheridan and Uparrel are working with Australian based recycling centres.

What are recycled textiles used for?

Clothes that can no longer be worn are either shredded into small pieces of fluff and compressed to be used in insulation. Or similar fabric types are woven into new yarn.

If I declutter with Sally, will my clothes be recycled?

Yes, our complete home make-over package included textile recycling – because we love sustainable decluttering as much as you do.

Ready to take the next step?

Kick start your sustainable home make-over with a personal-one-on-one with Sally . Sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

10 Easy Ways to Start Becoming a Minimalist

Sun, 02 May 2021 04:05:00 GMT

I’m not ashamed to admit that I like nice things. I love french perfume, soft linen, I even goo gah over a designer handbag. However, over the last five years, my relationship with stuff has changed. As I have become more conscious of climate change and the health benefits of living without clutter I have gradually started to embrace minimalism .

At first, I was worried I would have to go without all the things I loved and live a life of lack. But I have discovered something amazing: living like a minimalist doesn’t mean giving up all your possessions or any kind of detriment – in fact, it’s the complete opposite!

Living a mini malist lifestyle allows you to do more of what you love. More of the activities, people and places that bring you joy, the complete opposite to my first reaction.

10 tips to set you on your path to minimalism.

If you are excited to experience minimalism for yourself, here are some of my favourite ways to live like a minimalist.

1. Minimise the number of clothes you own

Reducing the number of articles of clothes in our wardrobes enables us to make quick dress decisions that best suit our needs and start the day smoothly!

I used to take a long time to get ready, which dress, which shoes, what jacket…the list was endless. Now, with a reduced wardrobe, I have only clothes I love to wear. Using the Konmari Method I forced myself to let go of anything I wasn’t sure about – now getting dressed is simple – I love everything I own.

It’s easy for us as humans to be overwhelmed by all the decisions we have to make in a day – which is why this tip can help reduce daily stress.

2. Minimalists stop shopping for fun

Buying for buying sake is a bad habit. The high we feel from acquiring something new quickly fades and we are left with excess and less cash in our pockets!

The more I stopped shopping for fun the less guilt and shame I felt towards my growing wardrobe and op-shop dumps. Now when someone asks me to go clothes hunting with them, I immediately think about other things I could do instead – in many ways, embracing a minimalist lifestyle does not mean giving up, instead, it means that you can do more of the things that bring you joy. And think about it – who really needs a new pair of jeans every year!

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle does not mean giving up, instead, it means that you can do more of the things that bring you joy.

3. Keep advertising email to a minimum

How much time do you spend reading (and deleting) advertising emails that you don’t want? I’m not talking about the important ones from your bank or credit card company, I mean the “Your exclusive member reward” emails!

Your inbox isn’t storage space for unnecessary information and it doesn’t require more than one look to sort out what’s worth opening! This is such an easy way of removing some clutter in our life – unsubscribe today!

Check out Tips to Decluttering and Simplifying Your Life for more digital simplification ideas.

4. Tell your friends and family you don’t want gifts

What if you didn’t have to buy (or receive) all those gifts every year? Imagine how much less clutter your home would have, time back in your calendar and money saved! Better still, imagine if instead of stuff we swapped cards, and shared a special meal?

I will be honest, when I first started refusing gifts I felt bad about it. But that was because I was doing it wrong – I wasn’t providing an alternative. People want to show they care, so now I offer a gift alternative such as an activity together, pooled funds for a larger piece or a simple bunch of flowers. Saying no to gifts doesn’t have to be hard, just be honest, thank people who honour your wishes – and give alternatives.

Saying no to gifts doesn’t have to be hard, just be honest, thank people who honour your wishes

5. Add mindfulness to your minimalist journey

Minimalism is an excellent way to bring mindfulness into our homes . When we have too much clutter in our lives and we can’t see what is important. Minimalism as a lifestyle brings focus to the things that matter most.

6. Let go of anything that doesn’t have a use

If you don’t use it do you really need it? It doesn’t matter how much money was spent originally; if it’s been sitting untouched and it doesn’t spark joy to look at, or you wouldn’t use it if you had the time / knew it was there – let it go.

Don’t get too caught up in the waste create, disposal is the last step in the conscious consumption process . Make sure you do the best you can to dispose of it responsibly, but ultimately you already own the waste and holding onto it isn’t going to make the waste disappear. Treat it as a lesson for next time.

Click here for sustainable declutter solutions.

Do you want more time with your kids or stuff in your house?

7. View money as time, not what you can buy

Money equals time, we’ve all heard it before, but how should you view money? One way is to start thinking of every dollar as equal to the time spent to make it.

When out shopping, or dreaming of a bigger house, faster car or kitchen reno ask yourself “Do I want this more than days off with my family?” or “Is this worth the double shift? Sometimes the answer will be yes, and others, the reflection on time will put things into perspective.

Viewing money as time can help us to work less and play more! It can allow someone who may typically work twelve hours shifts to work eight, afford a rostered day off or even retire early.

Plus, what is the use of having beautiful things if you don’t have time to enjoy them?

8. Minimalist homes let go of doubles

Two of everything isn’t needed. I’ve found the only things that I usually need a double of are towels, some dinnerware, socks and undies. If you’re anything like me, you will go hunting in the wash basket for your favourite t-shirt and hoodies anyway!

Have an open mind about what items can do without; one black jacket, one umbrella, one pair of running shoes. Give it a go.

9. Get creative

Creativity helps soothe stress and anxiety, supporting the transition into a reduced consumption lifestyle.

The best way to cultivate creativity in your life is to add in more activities that bring out your creative side. Simple activities such as sketching, craft, dancing, singing, cooking, or even playing an instrument – anything you find enjoyable!

10. Keep your colour palette to a minimum

Creativity helps soothe stress and anxiety, supporting the transition into a reduced consumption lifestyle.

Becoming A Minimalist FAQS

What you need to know about climate change – PLUS 6 things you can do to help!

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:03:00 GMT

Climate change is a complex topic. In fact, a girlfriend told me last week that if she was held at gunpoint and forced to explain what climate change was, she would have no way to save her life. Dramatic, but true! So today I’m going to give you a quick and simple explanation of what climate change is, why CO2 is a problem and how you can help.

The Dos and Don’ts of Selling Secondhand Clothes

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 20:18:00 GMT

If you’ve just done a wardrobe declutter , the idea of making a little extra cash by selling some of your clothes can be enticing. The process of selling secondhand clothes can however be a little daunting.

Trust me, I’ve been there. I’m a big seller of secondhand clothes and I’ve made all of the typical mistakes. It’s really worth persevering though. Every piece of clothing repurchased is an item that won’t go to landfill.

Follow the below do’s and don’ts, and I guarantee your selling experience will be smoother and enjoyable.

The Dos – when selling secondhand clothes

1. Plan ahead - get organised before you sell
Save yourself time when decluttering by making a separate ‘selling pile’ from the get go. You won’t need to review all of your decluttered clothes again once you’ve finished.

DECLUTTER TIP:

Before any wardrobe declutter get four separate boxes or bags ready – one for donation, textile recycling, landfill and sell. Textile recyclin g is for pilled, stained or worn out clothes that can’t be resold, see Recycling Your Old Clothes in Australia for details on where and why. Landfill is for underwear, used swimwear and unwashed items.

2. Value your time

Make sure you’re using your time wisely. Ask yourself ‘is selling this piece the best use of my time?’ If you have three kids under five and struggle to find time to wash your hair, then selling a $25 jacket probably isn’t the best use of your time.

Some people even like to use a dollar value, i.e.; ‘I will only sell an item if I can get X dollars for it’.

During your declutter process, ask yourself for each decluttered piece; would someone actually buy this from me or is it better donated or recycled?

3. Create a clothes selling plan

What happens if you don’t sell the item? Will you donate it, keep it, lower the price until it is free? How long are you willing to advertise it for? Would you be willing to store unsold items on the floor of your freshly organised wardrobe for six months?

Answer all of these questions FIRST. Having a selling plan in place will limit the amount of pieces that sneak back into your wardrobe, AND respect your space.

4. Make yourself easy to buy clothes from

Whether it’s online or in-person, it pays to be nice. For online sales, provide as much detail to buyers as you can, including where to park and distance from a key landmark, e.g. ‘pick up in Tidy Town, only a 100m walk from Tidy Town Railway’.

Providing multiple pick-up or posting options also makes your ad more attractive. If you travel into the city for work, offer a city pick-up option.

In a market stall or garage sale setting, make small talk with your potential secondhand clothes customers. Encourage them to try on items and talk about what made you buy it. Make yourself approachable, and remember smiles sell!!

5. Manage your clothes selling expectations

Selling on the secondhand market takes a little work. Many people will ask questions, so you’ll need to respond to messages, often from people who don’t follow through. You’ll need to plan when to pick up, negotiate the price and often it will all fall through.

I am not saying it isn’t worth it, just to manage your expectations.

The Don’ts – when selling secondhand clothes

1. Don’t sell something you’ll regret

Selling an item because you can’t decide if you want to keep it or not, is not a good idea. I once sold an item I was unsure about. At the last minute I even doubled the price and it still sold, making me miss it even more.

Don’t use selling as a decision tactic, only sell what you’re truly ready to part with.

2. Don’t expect people to love your clothes as much as you do

The things we love, we often over-value. Many of my clients over-value unique pieces because they have fond memories of them.

Save yourself the heartache by doing a little Google research to get the true value of an item before listing it.

3. Don’t forget your street smarts

I never like to think the worst in people, but there are fraudsters out there. So be smart. So;

New Paragraph

Don’t give out your phone number.

All conversations must go through Facebook, eBay, Instagram or Gumtree.

Don’t give out your unit number if you live in an apartment block .

Meet them in the lobby instead.

Don’t give your street number until your buyer is committed .

In fact, leave out the street number from the ad completely, only show the suburb or street name.

D o make your meeting time specific

Avoid lines like “pick up anytime” or “between X o’clock and Y o’clock”. Prepare yourself and ideally have more than one person at home.

Want more?

Learn what is the difference is between the KonMari Method & Minimalism ?

10 Things I No Longer Buy – my shift towards minimalism | Home Sanctuary

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 04:17:00 GMT

In the last two years my approach to home has shifted from organising my space to focusing mainly on sustainability .

A big part of this is managing my buying habits. By buying less I aim to reduce my climate change impact, limit my waste and save myself money.

So what kinds of things have dropped off my shopping list? Read on to find out…

1. Fast fashion

In the last few years, I’ve become so comfortable with the patterns, colours and clothing styles that look good on me that walking into a mainstream fashion store brings back old emotions of feeling like I’m wearing the wrong thing.

It’s a confronting feeling, but regardless of how good the marketing is, I just need to remind myself that I know what works for me. Now I only splurge on items that I know will compliment my style, and that I’ll get good wear out of.

p.s. 90% of what my clients declutter from their wardrobes is fast fashion, and almost all of it will never be repurchased by somebody else. Textile recycling centres are filled sky high with fast fashion, and a lot of it is made with a plastic blend adding to the recycling complexity.

If I had a nickel for every piece of fast fashion I saw in a donation bin, I’d be a rich woman!

2. Giveaway incentives

If you want a free Clinique make-up bag, come to my house. In fact, open up the bathroom cabinet of any woman, and I guarantee you there will be some sort of giveaway products lurking in there!

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy opening up all the mini products that came free with my latest purchase, but truthfully, I usually only like a few of the items. I also have all the toiletries bags a girl could ever need.

So now when I see a tempting giveaway? I look the other way.

3. Holiday gifts

Every holiday , I used to spend a decent chunk of time looking for gifts for family and friends. Granted, overseas travel was once a luxury, but as travel has become more accessible, buying gifts has become less necessary.

Plus, I personally don’t want the responsibility of feeling like I have to love an item chosen for me by someone else, and I don’t expect my friends and family to necessarily want what I choose for them either.

4. Impulse buys

“It was an impulse buy” is no longer part of my vocabulary. If I find myself in a store looking at something I want, I very gently tell myself that if I still want it next week, and it is within my budget I can come back – or get it online.

And if the gentle self-talk doesn’t work? I have the sales assistant write down the product details so I can call back and order over the phone – that normally gets me safely out of the store impulse-purchase free.

5. Specialty beauty products

I used to love a hand scrub, foot scrub, sea salt hair spray, cuticle oil – you name it, I loved it. I would wander through Priceline (or if I was feeling fancy, David Jones) to check out all the new products.

Honestly though? Once I got that product home, 90% of the time I would be forcing myself to finish it, impatiently waiting for the old one to run out so I could try something new.

Not anymore. I know what works for me, I support the brands I love, and I use less.

6. Plastic-wrapped snacks

Pizza shapes, Tim-Tams, chewing gum, bubble tea, choc-tops, Zooper Doopers… in my world, these items are classified as non-essential.

And because they are wrapped in plastic, I have given them up.

Luckily there are heaps of great plastic-free alternatives. Blocks of Lindt chocolate and Messina ice cream are a couple of my favourites.

Be mindful of everything you bring into your home

7. Sale Items

A wise man (my Dad) once told me that everything is always on sale. And you know what? He’s almost right. There are so many cyber sales and flash sales these days, not to mention apps you can use to track when your favourite products are discounted.

To avoid temptation I actively stop myself from doing the “sale browse”, or sale “pop in”. This technique saves me money and lowers my consumption of products that I probably don’t really need.

8. Magazine subscriptions

I used to have VOGUE Australia delivered to my door every month, and while I often devoured them cover to cover, I occasionally found myself with a backlog of issues I couldn’t get through.

The joy turned into a chore as I struggled to find time in my weekend to sit down and soak in the pages – I couldn’t give the ritual the time it deserved.

Now, I freely allow myself to buy a magazine when I feel the urge and linger over the pages taking all the time I need.

P.S. Once you’re finished with your magazines did you know you can donate them? Especially expensive ones – second-hand stores love them. And next time you are in an op shop, check out their magazine section, they are ideal for vision boards and kids art.

9. Samples

I’m not sure how marketers converted small plastic packets of products we have never used before into a win for the consumer – but they did. They’re bad for the environment and add very little value to life. So I say no. Even when Mecca, Sephora or any other major retailer tries to ‘reward’ me, I say no.

Don’t reward me for spending money, I know this is positive reinforcement – I can choose what I need thank you very much!

10. Books

Apart from one online purchase over lockdown , I can’t remember the last time I bought a book. Sharing and borrowing books has become somewhat of the norm for me.

I also love my trips to the library and the additional space I have in my home. The only books I would ever buy are ones I want to write notes in or treat like a friend.

Want more? Learn what is the difference is between the KonMari Method & Minimalism ?

What you loved from Home Sanctuary in 2020

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 06:21:00 GMT

The post What you loved from Home Sanctuary in 2020 appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

How to really relax this holiday season

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:33:00 GMT

If you spent most of December putting things off while saying to yourself “ I’ll do that in the holidays ” , you’re definitely not alone. The lead up to the festive season is busy for many of us and this year is no exception – you’d be forgiven if your ever-growing to-do list is spilling over into your holiday .

The problem is, once you finally finish up work you’re likely to be exhausted, and the last thing you probably feel like doing is tackling a to-do list. So how can you make sure you actually give yourself a break this festive season?

Read on for my five tips to ensure your holiday is just that – a holiday.

1. Give yourself the gift of time

Don’t get me wrong, I love getting things done and creating self-imposed deadlines to maximise productivity, but there is a time and a place.

Finishing a book to ensure you can have a good discussion at Book Club? A suitable ‘must get done’ activity.

Buying your in-laws a gift for their 60th wedding anniversary on the weekend? It’s reasonable to give yourself a deadline.

Alphabetically organising your children’s books by Friday when there’s no real need? Not such a worthwhile deadline.

Gift yourself time and just do what makes you happy. Leave out anything that is not truly urgent this holiday so you can buy back some time in your days. Those non-urgent tasks can wait.

2. Unplug from tech throughout the vacation

"Make technology work for you, not the other way around", I read this in a minimalist blog once and it has stuck with me ever since. Technology is wonderful, and it has been a saviour in lockdowns, but it can also be a burden. Constant pings and vibrations notifying you of this and that likely impacts your ability to switch on your parasympathetic nervous system – rest and digest – i.e. the opposite of the stress response – fight or flight.

If you can take a social media break, delete a few apps, silence notifications or – better still – put the phone in a drawer, do it. Don’t be a slave to your devices this holiday season – make technology work for you.

Observe your surroundings as you move through your holiday activities

3. Be okay with doing nothing on holiday

For many of us, doing nothing is a foreign concept, and can even sometimes provoke a feeling of guilt. If you are a serial ‘get things done’ person, or worse, someone who is always telling yourself to do more and still not getting things done, try saying no and giving yourself permission to do nothing.

You never know, you might just find doing nothing gives your batteries the reboot they need to hit the ground running in the new year.

4. Be present

Two little words that sound oh so simple – be present. We all know, however, that being present is easier said than done. It takes meditators years to master the mind and silence the thinking brain. Yet you do not need to be a meditation master to reap the rewards of mindfulness these holidays.

Simply remind yourself to engage properly in conversation, actively listen to your family, observe your surroundings and notice the sensations on your skin as you move through your holiday activities.

If mindfulness is something you are trying to cultivate, read our blog 5 Ways You Can Bring Mindfulness Into Your Home .

5. Prioritise rest

When was the last time you scheduled a nap into your day, that wasn’t for your three year old? Rather than prioritising activities and tasks, can you prioritise rest instead? Schedule a sleep-in, take an afternoon to read or nap in your sleep-sanctuary , maybe even cancel dinner plans to go to bed early. Rest is vital for a healthy body and mind.

So there you have it! Hopefully even just reading this made you feel a little bit more relaxed. Whether you’ve still got a few more work days left in the year, or you’ve already set your Out of Office and are slipping into holiday mode, keep these tips front of mind and do yourself a favour – put that to-do list away in a drawer until you’ve properly re-charged your batteries.

For more relaxing holiday ideas visit our blog, Three Quick Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Planning with BONUS TRAVEL CHECKLIST .

Sentimental Declutter – Client Interview

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:34:00 GMT

Letting go of sentimental items can be hard. I remember in 2016 when Marie Kondo told us during our KonMari Consultant Training course that she had only just finished decluttering her photos, I let out a sigh of relief! Getting through all our nostalgic items can take a long time. And sentimental paper such as cards, letters, old diaries and journals are right up there with some of the hardest items to clear out.

So this week, to boost your confidence and motivation to clear out those sentimental items weighing down the corners of your home we had a chat with one of our Melbourne-based clients who has spent lockdown clearing out her sentimental paper.

Kate takes us through what it has been like wading through years of sentimental items – and how lockdown was the perfect opportunity.

Kate, what exactly did you declutter?

Sentimental paper collected over a period of about 15 years – from childhood to about my mid-twenties. I love paper, I’m really drawn to it, so I have collected a lot over the years – magazine articles, birthday cards, letters, programs I’ve saved from shows, diaries, – you name it.

What motivated you to take on a sentimental declutter?

I’ve been wanting to declutter my childhood bedroom for a long time but was never back at the family home for long enough. When the pandemic hit I moved back, and have had months to spend on it – one of the silver linings of a less than ideal situation!

All that paper spilling out of the cupboards had been weighing on me every time I went home. It felt heavy, and like it belonged to a version of myself that no longer existed.

“When the pandemic hit I had months to declutter – one of the silver linings of a less than ideal situation”

Was this your first time decluttering?

No, I’ve been decluttering for years – I’ve always loved having a tidy environment. I also spent the first half of my twenties living out of a suitcase which meant constant decluttering in order to be able to carry everything I owned with me.

In one word how would describe how you felt starting the process?

Overwhelmed! Once I had gathered all of the paper together in one place, there were just piles and piles of it and I didn’t really know where to start. It was tempting to shove it all back! That’s why I reached out to Sally – for the first time, I felt I needed some additional guidance. She helped me categorise everything – breaking it down into further categories helped me get through the start of the process.

How has this declutter been different?

This has been the most time-consuming declutter I have ever done. Mainly because for the first time I have actually had that time and space. I essentially transferred all of my sentimental paper into my parents’ spare room (a luxury I definitely don’t have in the city!) and worked on it over a period of about six weeks. I think I needed that time – it’s obviously emotionally exhausting decluttering nostalgic items – so being able to stop and come back to it a few days later was helpful.

Was there anything unexpected along the way?

I’ve probably kept more than I thought I would, but I’m comfortable with that. For example, at the start I pictured myself chucking out lots of my childhood diaries and a huge, heavy weight lifting, but in the end I kept almost all of them! I realised that having a historical record of my life is something I highly value.

One unexpected find was my childhood scrapbooks. I have about six or seven which I hadn’t looked at in probably about two decades. I assumed they would be just full of rubbish so I thought I’d have no difficulty chucking them. Actually though, I’ve kept them all.

"One of them [found box] turned out to contain the only birthday cards I ever received from my grandfather before he died when I was 10."

Would you recommend engaging Sally, and at what point?

I would highly recommend booking in a tidy session with Sally, especially if you’ve never decluttered before, or are about to tackle a particularly challenging category. In either case I would recommend booking in the session before you start.

Sally will help you to sort things into categories and will help you formulate a strategic plan. She will also help you to talk through why you want to declutter and what you hope to get out of it. It’s important to clarify this at the beginning of the process so that you have a clear idea of what you’re working towards.

How do you feel now?

Lighter and more in control. Rather than feeling like these items were weighing me down, I feel like I’ve deliberately chosen them and curated a collection of things which I actually want to read and look at.

Do you have a decluttering dilemma and need some extra support?

A session with Sally could be exactly what you’re looking for. Sally will help you through the hardest hurdle of starting a sentimental declutter, provide a helping hand when things get overwhelming and guide you step by step to meet your goals. Within an hour you will know where and how to start and be equipped with a personalised tidy plan set out into achievable sections.

Click here to book a tailored, one-on-one session with Sally and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

How To Be A Conscious Consumer

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 01:11:00 GMT

Okay, so we know over-consuming is bad for the environment and adding to climate change . We know that, globally, we are consuming at a much higher rate than ever before and that this isn’t sustainable. Many of us want to lower our carbon footprint , buy responsibly, and contribute towards preserving our natural resources. But how can we change our own behaviour and do the right thing without sacrificing the lifestyles we enjoy?

I consider myself a mindful consumer. But honestly, it has taken me years to get here. So today, I’m going to share with you a way of thinking that has really helped me to curve my purchasing and reduced my carbon footprint.

First, I think of products as having a lifecycle , with three distinct stages:

Stage 1: Production

Stage 2: Use

Stage 3: Disposal

We have broken the product lifecycle into three simple stages.

Second , and before making any purchase, I consider not just the environmental impacts, but the social impacts (the benefit or detriment to the community) and the economic impacts (or who will benefit from my purchase) that occur at each stage of this lifecycle.

Sound complicated? I promise it isn’t! Read on, and I’ll walk you through it.

Stage 1. PRODUCTION

Whether you’re browsing online, or in store, take a good look at the item and ask yourself ‘how did this get here?’ The answer will tell you a lot about the sustainability of the product. Things to consider:

Raw Materials

Packing and distribution

Purchasing

Sometimes it’s hard to know the real answer to these questions, but a good rule of thumb is: if the product is sustainable, it will tell you. It will be advertised as Fairtrade or locally made, it will highlight a percentage of profits that go back to the community, and it will be made with recycled materials. If you can’t see any of that information on the packaging or in the product description, try and opt for an alternative.

In short, if the product doesn’t say anything about being made sustainably, then chances are it wasn’t.

Stage 2: USE

Does the thing I am buying have multiple uses?

Always try and opt for things that can multitask. For example, will you be able to wear that shirt with multiple outfits? Or will it only go with that specific pair of trousers?

How long will it last?

Will that piece of furniture you’re eyeing last 5-10 years? Or is it likely to end up in landfill within 18 months?

How long am I planning to use it for?

Is the purchase a quick fix like a plastic water bottle you will use two or three times then throw out, or is it a reusable bottle you can use for months or years?

What happens if it breaks?

Something I hear often these days is ‘it isn’t worth fixing’. Indeed, the sad reality is, often it’s cheaper to buy a new replacement product than get the old one fixed. Try and opt for products that are less likely to break (bonus: you’ll save a lot of money in the long run!), but also consider if replacement parts are available.

Stage 3: DISPOSAL

What will happen to the item once I no longer need it? Most people don’t think about an item’s ‘after life’ when they’re standing at the checkout. We normally consider this down the track when we are trying to work out how to get rid of it. Try and challenge your thinking, flip your view and consider this before you buy.

Donations:

Once I no longer need the new thing, can it really be donated? Be honest. We know that for the most part, only high quality products resell second hand . Fast fashion doesn’t, and often places more burden on charity shops.

Waste:

Are the materials recyclable, like a tin can, or cardboard? Can its parts be recycled once it no longer works?

Hand me down:

Will the new purchase be in good enough condition to pass on to someone else eventually? Or is it so on trend that in two years time, nobody will want to wear it?

So there you have it! I know it can be hard to shift your way of thinking, and in my experience, it definitely didn’t happen overnight. But I believe that small, but mindful changes to your thinking here and there will, over time, lead to a shift in the way you consume that just feels natural. Give it a go, you’ll be a conscious consumer before you know it!

Ready to take the next step and make your home more sustainable?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

Everything You Need to Know About Selling in Consignment Stores

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 07:38:00 GMT

Last year we published Selling Secondhand Clothes , a piece packed with great ideas for how to successfully sell pre-loved items. But while we’ve received many success stories, we also know that selling items independently can take a lot of effort.

Taking photos with the right lighting, figuring out the right price point, organising shipping – there’s a lot involved and it can take time. So this year, I tried my hand at selling my second hand items through consignment stores.

Read on to hear about what I learned and my six top tips for selling on consignment.

What is a consignment store?

A consignment store is a shop – online or otherwise – that will sell your items for a commission. The store will manage pricing, marketing, advertising, interacting with the customer and payment.

How much commission do they take?

Again that depends on the store, yet most will take a fee plus a percentage of the item’s price. Hence the more expensive the item, the more willing they will likely be to take it.

What types of clothes do consignment stores take?

What they accept varies greatly from store to store. Some opt for high end (think Gucci and Escada) while some only take certain brands, and others vintage only.

Do I get to choose the price?

No – the store will set the price. If you don’t like what they’ve offered, say no. There should be no pressure to sell your piece for less than you would be happy with, and the store should understand this. It is perfectly acceptable to say; “I was hoping for a little more, I would prefer to keep it”.

How many items will I need to sell?

While not a blanket rule, many stores will only consider selling your clothes in batches. You will need to be willing to sell about four pieces at a minimum.

Could my pieces be rejected?

Yes – be prepared to be turned away. Just because you love your items and think they are sellable doesn’t mean they are for that store. Consignment buyers know what they’re looking for; the season, stock levels, what they know is selling well, and how much they can make from an item all factor in.

What’s the guarantee that they will sell?

There is no guarantee. Just because your item was accepted does not mean it will sell, so be ready with a back-up plan if it doesn’t.

My six top tips for selling in consignment stores

1. Do your research

There is no point trying to sell your Dad’s 1980s gig t-shirt to a consignment store dedicated to high end fashion. Do your research and check out their social media for the styles they promote. Search for a brand list on their website and only take pieces you know their customers will love.

2. Team up with friends

If you only have one or two pieces to sell, team up with friends and take your pieces in together.

3. Presentation is key

This is not a car boot sale, this is a clothes boutique. Your clothes must be squeaky clean! Wash, iron and present on the hanger or folded in a nice bag. If your piece is dry clean only, leave the drycleaning tags on.

4. Don’t take it personally

Having items rejected by a consignment store is normal so don’t take it personally. And if you’re like me and want to learn why, ask them! Most stores will be happy to explain why they didn’t accept your items.

5. Make the time

While consignment stores are great for when you don’t have the time to sell items yourself, you still need to dedicate some time to the process, so if you’re on the fence or strapped for time, consider donating to your local charity store.

6. Ask for store credit

If the store offers store credit for the sale of an item, you will often get more credit than you would cash. So if you love new clothes and love the environment, store credit is an ideal way to support the pre-loved market, limit landfill and freshen up your wardrobe.

In summary, selling at consignment stores is great for high quality or unique pieces you know will not get the credit they deserve on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

I hope those tips help, secondhand or pre-loved fashion is the way of the future. And remember to buy second hand yourself, putting #prelovedfirst is one of the best things you can do to improve your environmental footprint.

Visit our Sustainability Journal for more earth-loving ideas �� Take the next step and book in a consult with Sally.

6 Reasons Why Clutter is Damaging Your Health, and Costing You Money.

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

When you think of saving money, tidying and organisation may not be the first things that come to mind. But believe me, clutter can come at a cost. Research shows that poor organisational skills costs the US economy an estimated $89 billion annually , and the cost to health could be a lot more.

In her research, Australian psychologist Libby Sanders reveals that clutter affects our anxiety levels, sleep, and ability to focus. Dr. Sanders is an advocate of decluttering and has written previously about why she thinks there is good reason to get on board with the Konmari Method.

I have witnessed families, couples and singles completely turn their lives around after working with me. Living in an organised, calming and nourishing environment helps almost every aspect of your life. Here are six reasons why clutter and disorganisation are damaging your health, and costing you money.

1. Mess makes you less productive

Or brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganisation such as a messy desk or piles of paperwork on the kitchen bench drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus.

Visual distraction in the form of clutter sends our brain into overdrive and can reduce our ability to process information, but clearing clutter from our homes has proven to increase our ability to focus and be productive.

2. Clutter can affect your mental health

Most of us have a vague u nderstanding that clutter makes us feel stressed, but now we have evidence to prove that it does actually stress us out. Scientists at the University of California have found that being surrounded by too many things increases the body’s level of the stress hormone cortisol, increasing susceptibility to depression, insomnia and anxiety. When reviewing the home environment of mothers, they discovered that cortisol was higher in mothers living in a cluttered environment.

Clutter is proven to increasing susceptibility to depression, insomnia and anxiety.

In short, clutter induces a negative mindset, reduces motivation and diminishes happiness.

3. Constant clutter can affect your physical health

If you’re living in a constantly messy environment you could be facing potential health problems. Living in an environment that is messy and cluttered can lead to your body producing a low-grade fight or flight response which could wreak havoc on your digestive and immune systems.

This is probably a good time to remind you that if you or someone you know is suffering from a hoarding disorder, visit our blog for Decluttering Tips for Hoarders for links and advice .

Read Decluttering Tips for Hoarders for links and advice.

4. Disorganised living, means you’re probably wasting time

Time is precious. If there is anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s that we never know what is around the corner so we must use our time well. I think we can all agree that constantly tidying up a messy environment and searching for lost items is not the best use of your time.

On the other hand, living and working in an organised environment, where each item has a home, eliminates the need to search for lost items, and makes cleaning and all round living simpler.

Being organised gives time back to us.

5. You’re probably not sleeping well in mess
If you find yourself falling asleep more easily in a minimalist hotel or after a big spring clean , this is no coincidence. People who sleep in cluttered bedrooms are more likely to have sleeping problems, both in terms of falling asleep and waking up during the night. There is a lot to be said for tidying up before you go to bed – a clean floor will not only make the space feel calmer, but will aid in the ease of sleep.

The bonus of tidying up at night is that you will also set yourself up for the day ahead as you wake up to a clean room in the morning.

Read Your Sleep Sanctuary Nighttime Rituals for more sleep support.

6. You might be losing opportunities

This might be my favourite reason to get organised. I can attest first hand that getting your life in order brings opportunities. With all the time you get back and reduced stress-levels, you’ll be the best version of yourself, and will be in a much better position to pursue your dreams, start that side hustle, train for that marathon, or even commit to finding your perfect match. Getting organised hunts down those opportunities and brings them to fruition.

If all this doom and gloom has sent you crawling under your desk, don’t worry, I have good news for you. Organisational psychology research shows that being organised triggers positive behaviours! Scientists have proven that living and working in organised environments encourages healthy eating choices and socially responsible habits, such as donating to charities.

In summary, organisation not only reduces stress and makes sleeping easier but also triggers positive, healthy behaviours. If that isn’t motivation enough to get tidy – I don’t know what is!

Becoming A Minimalist FAQS

Need help?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for support delivered straight to your inbox.

6 Ways To Make Your Home More Sustainable

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 23:16:00 GMT

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably always looking for ways to use less of the earth’s resources and make your home more sustainable. Finding out the best ways to do this though, can be time consuming, so you’ll be pleased to hear that I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Without further ado, here are six of the best ways you can make your home more sustainable, starting now.

1. Recycle religiously

While reducing and reusing is better, recycling is still important. Up to 96% of Australian kerbside recycling is made into new products. However, in Australia large volumes of recycled materials still end up in landfill due to contamination. This is also the primary reason China stopped accepting our recycling exports. So be sure to wash out any remaining food and always pop jars, cans, bottles and paper in the recycle bin loose, never in a plastic bag.

Still not sure how to recycle? Read up on Planet Ark’s Golden Recycling Rules .

2. Close the blinds in summer and rug up in winter

Heating and cooling accounts for 40% of household energy use , making it the largest energy user in the average Australian home. If you own your home, investing in efficient reverse cycle air conditioners, double glazing and shade protection is ideal. If structural changes are not an option, make sure you do your part by closing the blinds in summer and throwing on an extra blanket in winter. As nice as it might be to sleep under a doona with the air conditioner on full blast, this habit is doing the environment no favours.

As a bonus, you’ll probably save a load of money on your energy bill too.

Throw on an extra blanket

3. Switch out old appliances and whitegoods

Home appliances account for almost half of household greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrading aged appliances to newer energy efficient ones can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. That thirty-year-old freezer in the shed running for occasional use is likely doing more harm than good.

But remember, use your good judgement. The size of an appliance will have an impact on its energy usage. Just because a cinema-sized TV has a five star rating, does not make it more efficient than the smaller one you have now.

4. Eat less meat and dairy

You may have heard that meat production is bad for the environment, but how bad? Well, animals raised for meat require large lots of land to grow their feed, fertilizers to make the feed grow rapidly and room to graze. This need for land and resources makes meat production the largest driver of Amazon deforestation, accounting for 80% of clearing. In fact, one third of the Earth’s surface is used for meat, and emissions related to meat production are almost double those for fruit, veg and legumes.

Adopting a ‘Meatless Monday’, or becoming a sustainable vegetarian or flexitarian will make your home and lifestyle much more sustainable.

For more meat-emissions data visit Our World In Data .

5. Buy mindfully

Choosing products we love makes good sense. Take time to consider your purchases and only buy what lights you up or will improve your life in some way. When we buy something without thought we disrespect the resources and labour used to make it. We also tend to take better care of the things we love, and in turn they last longer and we need less. This may mean opting for higher quality products which might cost a few extra dollars upfront, but long term it will save you money.

6. Buy secondhand

Making the most of secondhand marketplaces like Gumtree or Facebook, or joining events like the Garage Sale Trail are ideal ways to freshen up your home without bolstering your carbon footprint. Unlike pre-loved clothing, with homewares you know exactly what you’re getting, making the whole process quick and easy. I recently bought a lovely white platter to brighten up my dinner table, and a set of nesting tables for my lounge room – both items pre-loved and gorgeous.

So there you have it, six ways you can boost your home’s sustainability. For more sustainability ideas visit our blog, How To Do Plastic Free July During A Pandemic .

If you are ready to take the next step?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

Your Sleep Sanctuary Night-time Rituals

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 03:34:00 GMT

We all know sleep is good for us. But while most of us could happily slumber right through alarm time, actually getting to sleep can be a little more elusive. Blame the auto-play feature on Netflix, the gloom and doom of our new normal or the addictive nature of scrolling – getting sleepy can be exhausting!

If you have an inkling that help sleeping is just what you need – join the club. According to the Sleep Health Foundation , 40% of Australian adults experience some form of inadequate sleep.

At Home Sanctuary we believe that the set up for quality sleep starts in the home.

To help you catch more Z’s for longer we have dreamt up our favourite Sleep Sanctuary night-time rituals.

Sleeping and sleeping only

Bedrooms are for sleeping, unwinding and restoring. To create the most relaxing, sleepy bedroom before tucking yourself into bed, remove all objects from the bedroom that are not conducive to unwinding. Move all work-related items such as computers, pagers, study notes, to-do lists and unread mail out of the room before going to sleep. If that’s not feasible, at least place them out of sight during the twilight hours.

Create hygge lighting before bed

Just like TV and phone screens keep us awake, so does bright lighting. One or two hours before it’s time to sleep, dim the lights in your home, light a candle and even play some soft music. The Danish method of hygge , (meaning cosy) recommends using lamps instead of ceiling lights, and candles wherever possible. Low lighting helps our melatonin levels to naturally rise, setting us up for a quality, restful sleep. Reach The Art of Hygge for more hyggely rituals.

Snuggle into your sleepwear
Taking off the clothes you have worn for the day and slipping into favourite PJs signifies that it is time to rest. Just like a new shirt gives us confidence for a job interview, sleepwear tells our subconscious that it’s time to calm down. While it might be easier to roll into bed as you are, I recommend trying to dedicate one to two pieces of your wardrobe to sleep in.

Pyjamas signify that it is time to rest

Declutter the bedroom

Before turning out the light, fold up and put away the items on the floor. A clean floor will not only make the space feel calmer, but will reduce your stress levels, aiding in the ease of sleep. The bonus of tidying up at night is that you will also set yourself up for the day ahead as you wake up to a clean room in the morning.

Make the bed

Finally, take time to make the bed before you start your day. Not only will it instantly declutter your bedroom, but it will mean you’ll be treating future you to that lovely ‘tucked in sheets’ feeling – no more crawling back into a mess of sheets and pillows at the end of a long day.

Now to tackle the rest of the house! For more sanctuary creating tips, check out Three Simple Tips For Making Your House Into A Home . After you’ve had a good night’s sleep, of course.

Keen to learn more ways to make the most of your home? Book in a one-on-one consult with Sally to start making your sanctuary today.

Why Facemasks Have Me Worried

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 01:04:00 GMT

The post Why Facemasks Have Me Worried appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

5 Things You Should Declutter From Your Wardrobe

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 03:52:00 GMT

It’s generally agreed that clothing is the easiest category to declutter. So why is it that so many of us struggle to reduce our wardrobes? After all, I stopped clothes shopping for fun in my twenties, and have been stripping back my wardrobe for years, yet somehow clothes still make up a big part of my possessions. However, I recently let go of the following five things out of my wardrobe, and I feel a lot lighter.

If you’re looking for a place to start with your wardrobe declutter, might I suggest you join me?

You won’t miss those ‘must-haves’ (that you secretly don’t like), or that ill-fitting bra. Trust me, it’s time to let go of…

1. Declutter anything that makes you feel guilty

These might be items you paid a lot for but have hardly worn. They might be an overpriced pair of shoes that give you blisters, a gift you just can’t see yourself wearing, or high quality pieces you know should feel great, but they don’t. For me, it’s a pair of handmade, Brooklyn-designed pants that cost $500 but I’ve only worn a handful of times. Anything in your wardrobe that screams ‘you really should wear me more’, but doesn’t bring you joy – get rid of it.

Bonus – you’ll probably be able to sell some of these items and make a little extra cash. Check out Selling Secondhand Clothes to learn how.

Discard anything that doesn’t match your lifestyle

2. Items in your wardrobe that don’t suit your lifestyle

Like all areas in our home, our wardrobes must move with the seasons of our lives. Your wardrobe is a curated collection of items that show you off and help you lead the life you want to live. Anything in your wardrobe that doesn’t match your current lifestyle, thank it and discard.

Switched jobs and no longer need your old work outfits? Discard. Happily settled into a relationship with no need for that skimpy, first date dress? Discard. Done with clubbing and no longer wear your six-inch podium heels? Consider discarding.

Remember, intentional decluttering is more than just getting rid of some stuff. It is about reassessing how your clothes are making you feel and whether they add value to your life. It’s time to let go of anything that hasn’t grown with you.

3. Ill-fitting anything (especially underwear)

If your wardrobe is a carefully curated collection, then each piece should fit you well. After all, clothes should look good, and feel good to wear but for many of us, this is easier said than done. Fluctuating body weight can present difficulties, so if this is you, take Courtney Carver’s advice: box up and put away anything that doesn’t fit right now, and bring it back out when it does. Change your wardrobe to suit your body, not the other way around.

The reality is, clothes that are too small or too big probably don’t spark joy and shouldn’t be in your wardrobe. As for ill-fitting underwear, nobody’s got time for that!

4. Declutter those wardrobe “Must-have” basics

It may shock some of you to learn that I don’t own any basics. Okay sure, I own a white shirt and a pair of black socks, but not because I think they’re necessary wardrobe staples everyone should have. I have them because I love them and they feel good. I truly believe that there is no need to keep anything in your wardrobe because you’ve been told that it is a ‘must-have’ basic or a staple. Shift your thinking and only keep (and purchase) items that you love wearing and which work for you.

5. Declutter anything that doesn’t feel like YOU

If every time you open your wardrobe it frustrates you, or you’re always complaining ‘I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR’, something isn’t working, and it could be because nothing feels like ‘you’.

When we buy items based on how they look on a model in a magazine, or seasonal trends or for a ‘feel good boost’, we are not really dressing according to our own style. Of course, finding your own style can take time, and there is no need to pressure yourself. But I can guarantee if you dress to look like someone else you will feel like someone else, and no one is better than you.

If you want to keep rolling on the declutter train, and need a little support consider our personalised KonMari Consulting offerings, and sign up to our FREE 10 Day Challenge.

Make sure you read What Is The KonMari Method, and How To Use It. And if you’re after more wardrobe decluttering ideas, check out Project 333 by Courtney Carver. I have recently read the book and loved all of the ideas and tips.

Is Konmari the same as Minimalism?

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 05:38:00 GMT

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9 Things I Love About My Home Sanctuary

Mon, 18 May 2020 10:29:00 GMT

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Five Things to Declutter During a Pandemic

Tue, 05 May 2020 06:33:00 GMT

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Easter 2020: How I coped without my country escape

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:37:00 GMT

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7 Ways You Can Embrace Your Home Sanctuary & Find Peace In Isolation

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 06:29:00 GMT

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Tidy desk, tidy mind: What you need to know about Marie Kondo’s new book

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 09:51:00 GMT

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How To Buy Less and Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 09:39:00 GMT

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KonMari Inspired Tips for Downsizing

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 02:24:00 GMT

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How To Reduce Your Travel Carbon Footprint

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 05:31:00 GMT

I will be honest, I had forgotten how much waste travelling can produce. Extra snacks here and there, eating on the fly, receipts and brochures at every turn. At home in my usual routine, it’s easier to keep my waste under control. Put me in New York City over the holiday season and I’m tested. Slice pizza, doughnut stalls and 50% off at Anthropology…AHHH someone hold me down!!!

I admire Greta Thunberg for refusing to jump on a plane, but I cannot make that commitment…not yet anyway.

Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says the most important thing we can do for our planet right now is to talk about climate change. So, for those of us not ready to cut up our passports, here are some small steps to lighten your travel footprint.

1. Carry a cup, water, take-away cutlery & reusable bag (especially when you fly)

Investing in a cute back-pack to fit my take-away cup, water bottle and cutlery was the BEST decision I made for our New York City holiday. Over the three week vacation, I saved 50+ disposable cups from landfill.

Bonus points for showing off your enviro skills to flight attendants. Not once has my reusable cup been rejected on a flight, in fact Qantas and JetStar staff encourage it. The only thing better than a glass of wine at 30,000 ft is an ecofriendly one.

(P.S. did you know Air New Zealand is trialling an ediable cup?)

2. Sit down to eat where you can

Making the time to sit and eat is a great way to limit waste. HOWEVER increasingly cafes are serving up meals in disposable dinnerware. Seek alternative cafes and support those who are doing the right thing. Plus if they can’t wash a mug I wouldn’t trust them to make a good coffee.

3. Think like a local

“Tourist traps” are hot spots for disposable products. Take Times Square for example; a must-see for any visitor, but I can guarantee anything purchased within a four block radius will be gift wrapped. Even the nearby convenience stallsstock pre-cut fruit over an apple. When setting out to enjoy a tourist location, think like a local. Don’t leave hungry, take snacks, carry water and turn on that “we don’t need nik naks” mindset.

4. Use public transport

Shared services are and #ecotravellers best friend. The London tube, the NYC Subway, the Parisian Metro are all superior solutions to a taxi. Don’t stop there; jump on a city bike, an uber pool, even brave an Indian rickshaw. Your carbon footprint will thank you for it.

5. Don’t open the hotel toiletries

Sure you paid top dollar for this room, but does the environment need to pay as well? Skip the mini soap and travel with your own. By the end of the week, you will have likely saved ½ kg of waste from landfill. Go you!

Plus…you never use them at home, I declutter hotel toiletries with clients ALLLLLL the time.

6. Seek out the businesses doing good

There are 1000 of local and international businesses doing amazing things for our planet.

For us, New York was a social enterprise tour. Browsing Brooklyn’s racks of recycled-clothing ; admiring Patagonia’s repair floor; supporting cafes giving back to the Aussie Fire Disaster, trying alternative milk and vegan meat. Support those doing good

Trying “impossable meat” at Bareburger

visit bareburger.com

7. Fight the buying urge

Window displays look extra sparkly on vacation and our buying temptation runs high. Before the vacation discuss with your travelling companions what you would like to buy.

If I had a penny for every decluttered “Bali” outfit!

Before the vacation discuss with your travelling companions what you would like to buy. And before each purchase ask yourself (your true self not your holiday excited self) will this item bring joy in my normal life; ie “will this large pineapple embedded cane hat still spark joy in Melbourne” …maybe not.

8. Be present

T ravelling is a luxury. In the Western world, it is easy to skim over the remarkable feats accomplished to get us to these remote or not-so remote areas. The resources, skills and investments made to enable us to explore our precious planet are immense. Presence and gratitude will go a long way.

9. Ditch air travel

While all the above are great, the best thing you can do to reduce your travel footprint is to fly less. Choose a choose a holiday locally or endulge in a stay-cation. For motivation read the New York Times piece, Flying Is Bad for the Planet. You Can Help Make It Better. Flying less is my goal.

For more sustainable ideas check out our blog on Selling Secondhand Clothes and Secret Santa Sustainable.

How to Write New Year’s Resolutions That Stick

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 01:20:00 GMT

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Get Your Life Organised in 2020

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 00:49:00 GMT

New You guessed it, in this blog we are going to talk about…

How To Get Your Life organised in 2020

Whether you have been thinking about it for a long time, or woke up today and decided to get your life in order, we can all agree that there is no better time to get organised than at the start of a new calendar year. For some of us, this might mean a few little tweaks to our existing somewhat organised existence. For others, this might be an in-your-face, there-is-no-time-like-the-present life changer.

Get More Done

Laura Vanderkam, author of Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think , recommends we write next years performance review now. Many of us have big goals, I know I sure do, at 15 I listed ‘build and operate a big international company’ on my after high school to-do list (I know, ambitious kid). But why do so many of these goals go unfulfilled? Of course, some goals might be unrealistic, like building a seven-storeyed home in the Aussie bush, another goal of my 15-year-old self, but many can be achieved if we prioritise them.

“Time is elastic”

Laura Vanderkam

Vanderkam says that time is elastic, meaning that we will always find time for what we see as the most important. She recommends we replace, I don’t have time with it’s not a priority.

But how do you know what to prioritise?

In many ways prioritising is like decluttering a messy room. We often don’t know where to start, so it never gets done. After years of project management where I ran multiple streams of work with conflicting priorities (all while building a side hustle), I have learnt a few things about prioritising. Not just in my professional life, but my personal life as well.

Here are my key tips to make your new year the most organised and successful yet!

1. Organise Your Priorities

a) Write a list 20-40 life goals you have right now

Note: these will change through each stage of your life, so don’t worry if they looked different than they did a few years ago. Focus on where you are going, not where you have been.

b) Highlight those you want to achieve in 2020, ideally breaking them down into Career , Relationships and Personal categories.

If a big list goal is too broad to achieve in 12 months break it down into bite-sized chunks.

For example;

Big Goal: Buy a beach house
2020 Goal : Create a Beach House savings plan, where I will put away 30% of my income saving around $____ by December 2020

Big Goal: Establish a strong network of friends in my new city
2020 Goal: Dedicate 2 hours per week to creating new connections through sporting clubs, social events or/and making an effort to follow up on meeting a new person.

c) Organise Your Energetic Timetable

Now that you have your 2020 goals set, let’s make sure you achieve them.

Take a look at your week and ask yourself when you have the most energy. Are you a morning or an afternoon person? Do you work well after dinner or at sunrise? Identify when you are most productive (or have the most enthusiasm for physical goals) and use it to your advantage.

It’s one thing to organise your priorities, it’s another to organise your energetic timetable to meet them.

I know I am most productive between 8:30am and 12:30pm. Therefore while it is tempting in the morning to clean up my inbox over a cup of coffee, or if I am at home tidy the kitchen, I am much better off using this time to work on my biggest goals.

The trouble is, when we have the most energy our senses are heightened, we feel alive and connected to our purpose. In this superwoman like state, it is tempting to get “a few things out of the way” or pick up a new activity. But veering off track will make those times of low energy even harder as you force yourself to complete the big goals.

Extra Tip

Working out our energetic timetable transcends goal setting and can be used in everyday life as well. IE delete those mundane emails, and loads of washing when your energy is at its lowest. Declutter, study and brainstorm ideas in high energy times.

Low energy times = Less stimulating task

High energy times = Big goal time

2. Declutter and simplify

What tasks can you stop this new year to make space for your big goals and your most successful year yet?

To get the important stuff done we need to take out the excess. And I don’t just mean the physical excess, while that is important too, decluttering tasks will free up time and mental capacity.

Some tasks you might quickly recognise as unnecessary and you can remove them, like ironing your pyjamas, others might be harder to recognise.

Using “spark joy” to declutter tasks might not work

Instead, I invite you to follow the advice of mindfulness guru Russ Harris , author of the Happiness Trap . For a fulfilling, happy life Harris suggests we get clear on our personal values and turn to those when we get off track or overcome with negative emotions.

In the business world, Harvard Professor Bill George refers to this as our True North . I believe we can use this philosophy for decluttering tasks as well. Having recently done this myself I can attest to its success.

We can use Marie Kondo ’s notion of joy, decluttering all tasks that don’t give us joy….but that might mean we declutter cleaning, ironing, mowing the back yard..essentially anything that is not a pleasant activity.

Declutter tasks based on personal values

If one of your personal values is creativity but you are spending more time on manual labour, what manual tasks can you declutter or delegate to focus more time to those big creative goals?

If ‘family’ resonates as one of your strong values , but you are attending more events with acquaintances than family, can you start staying no? Declutter the acquaintance interactions and spend more time with those you truly care about.

This New Year clarifying your personal values will help you to define what joy truly means to you, and assist in decluttering those activities adding no value, freeing space for your big goals.

Want more ideas on happiness, have you heard of Hygge , read our blog on the art of the worlds happiest people ??

Three Quick Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Planning with BONUS TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 10:15:00 GMT

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Easy Homemade Christmas Muesli

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 01:59:00 GMT

We all love a sustainable Christmas gift, and if it’s edible it’s even better! That is why I am sharing my number one go-to edible Christmas gift this year.

This recipe will not only make your kitchen smell like Christmas, it’s easy to make, healthy and delicious! Thank you to my friend and naturopath Johanna Clarke from Franjos Kitchen, this lip smaking recipe will have you and your loved ones inspired to keep up a nutritious brekky throughout the silly season.

P.S. don’t forget to check out our favourite ideas for a greener Christmas ideas.

The perfect sustainable and nutritious Christmas gift.

Healthy Christmas Muesli Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower and sesame work well)
1 cup coarsely chopped almonds
½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp good quality salt (ie Himalayan salt)
2 cup rolled oats (ideally organic as they are extra soft and creamy)
½ cup coconut flakes
2 tbsp chia seeds
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup goji berries

Method

Preheat oven to 150 degrees
Mix well your seeds, nuts, cinnamon, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and salt in a bowl so that all ingredients are coated evenly and well.
Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and put in the oven. Take a look after around 15 minutes, giving it a little shake, pop it back in the oven and keep an eye on it. When it is golden brown, crunchy and yummy, take it out and let it cool.
When the mix has cooled, add your rolled oats, coconut flakes, chia seeds, cranberries and goji berries. Mix it up in a bowl and divide into your jars or bags.

By Johanna Clark

The finishing Christmas touch!!

Once cool, pour muesli into sterilised glass jars and decorate with a festive ribbon or fabric topper. (Jars, ribbon and toppers are also a great way to repurposed decluttered fabric & jars)⁠

If saying no to gifts, or reducing the excess “stuff” is on your mind this year check out our latest blog “How to Politely Say No To Christmas Gifts” .

Tips to Get Your Home Organised For The Holidays

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 11:02:00 GMT

A holiday is defined as “ an extended period of leisure and recreation”, so let’s keep it that way. No one wants to spend their Christmas Holidays and New Year celebrations stressed out over a messy house or multiple jobs that have to be done.

Here are a few simple tips to get your home ready for this years holidays season aka, an extended period of leisure!

1. Curb Your Clutter

See your home as a guest, take a walk through the front door and look around your space with fresh eyes. You should be proud of everything you see in the living and entertaining areas and want to show it off. If you spot an item that doesn’t spark joy , question if you should keep it. See the“How To Curb Living Room Clutter Diagram”.

2. Create A Welcoming Sanctuary

Now that you have cleared the clutter and put haphazard items away, let’s go back to the entrance. Is there a place to drop a bag, or take off shoes? If you are pushed for space, try setting up a “drop off” zone on high traffic days to keep the entertaining area clear and clutter-free.

3. Prepare Your Kitchen

Let’s be honest, the kitchen and dining areas go into overdrive during the festive season. Make it easy for yourself by keeping your kitchen and entertaining benchtops clear. You will need this space for appetisers and drinks. Use the same “curb the clutter” premise and keep benches clear of anything except for your favourite spark joy items.

Now is also a great time to do any deep cleaning before the holidays start. Give the oven, cupboards and mixmaster a once over.

4. Make Space and Reduce Waste

We tend to indulge a little over the holiday period, and rightly so. Our pantries become full with special occasion and celebration foods we don’t normally cook, eat or buy at any other time of year. Hence, tis’ the time to maximise your fridge and pantry space.

In preparation, take a look in your pantry, are there items you can “use up” now? Check your dry foods for ingredients you can use in this year’s festive bake-up. Items like glacé fruit, flours and cooking brandy don’t really go off so don’t be scared to use them up rather than throwing them out. The less food waste the better!

5. Get Out Those “Special Use” Pieces

As a tidy consultant I have come across many special use items; candles, table cloths, serving wear, glassware, coasters, napkins, serving spoons, tea towels, hand towels, soap, guest towels, placemats, wine buckets, bottle stoppers and even pet outfits (just to name a few).

Now is the time to find them. So often while pulling out items from the back of a clients wardrobe mid-declutter I come across one of these, “oh I was looking for that” responses…sound familiar?

Locate your speciality items now, and store in a place you will remember and access easily as you set up your home for the holidays. And if you don’t want to use it, ask yourself why you have it. Can’t be bothered finding it…then you definitely don’t need it.

5. Tidy Up The Bathroom

With more people coming and going over the holidays, the bathroom becomes a high traffic area. Cleanliness is vital, and let’s be honest a bathroom says a lot about someone. There is a reason restaurants invest in spa-like restrooms. Take the time now to declutter the sink area, placing as much as you can in drawers and cupboards. Clear benchtops = easy to clean.

5. Minimalistic Can Be Chic

How many times have you had to move a table centrepiece to make room for food? Fewer decorations is often best. When entertaining focus on the food, the drink and the quality of conversation, less on the nic nacs. Guests remember good food, company and music more than anything else. There is a lot to be said for a fresh table of flowers; sustainable and chic.

6. Enjoy The Finishing Touches

Why dress up your sanctuary only for others? You deserve finishing touches too. Is there anything you can add now to enjoy for yourself? A vase of flowers in the bathroom perhaps? Or bring out the crystal glasses a few weeks early.

Beautiful objects are made to be enjoyed.

Why stop there?! Check out Tips to Decluttering and Simplifying your Life & learn how to Sell Secondhand Clothes

Tips to Decluttering and Simplifying Your Life

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:18:00 GMT

The words ‘simplify your life’ have a lovely ring to them don’t you think? They evoke feelings of direction, clarity, soothing horizons and of course, white linen.

But how do we ever reach this mirage? And a mirage it is to so many people. It’s an elusive concept we are continuously trying to reach with the idea that once we do everything will be better.

I have good news and bad news

The good news is that simple living doesn’t have to be a mirage even for the busiest, highly driven folks, in fact, they are the ones who need it most. But the bad news is simple living is not utopia.

Simple living does not mean your car will no longer breakdown and you likely will still get called by childcare right before an important meeting.

Yet how you react in these situations will be improved. With less stuff absorbing your energy supply, you should (and will) have more resilience to deal with the inevitable ups and downs of life.

There is no secret formular

So how do we convert this mirage into a reality? There is no secret formula, as one of my yoga teachers would say “you just have to do the work”.

Here are my tried and testest ways to simplify ( and declutter ) your life.

Make a list of what you love

“When do you feel most yourself? What activities or moments do you feel most like you?” – This is the very first question I ask my workshop attendees, and many of them are stumped. And rightly so. We can tell you what success looks like to our boss, what makes our kids happy and our partners appreciate us, heck I can even tell you what makes my digestive system happy….but want makes me feel like me? It’s a tricky one.

Begin understanding what you love by writing a list of what makes you you.

To begin understanding what you love , and what makes you you, write a list. No need to mull over it, there are no Nobel prizes to be won here, merely jot down the first things that come to mind. The clearer you can be on what you love, the easier it will be to get rid of those nasty “energy-sucking” activities.

Start saying no

Saying no is easier said than done, but without those two little words (“no thanks”), your path to a simpler way of living will be a long one.

If saying no doesn’t come naturally, refer back to your “what I love” list and start saying no to any activities, emotions and objects that don’t support the life you are trying to create.

Examples of things to say no to:

1. An invite to a fancy-schmancy event with a big group of people you don’t know well when you have “I am happiest in small relaxed groups of close friends” on your “what I love” list. You are not a crowd person, that’s okay, say no.

2. Feel guilty for saying no to such an event. Guilt is a useless energy-sucking emotion. You don’t need it. Say no.

3. Discarding a piece from your wardrobe you have been holding onto because of it’s price tage, but you don’t feel good in. Life is too short to wear anything that doesn’t make me feel a million bucks (or at least a couple of thousand). Say no.

Less digital

Blue light, short-sightedness, elevated mental stimulus, feelings of inadequacy and subliminal advertising – all outputs from too much digital. While Netflix, social media and handheld tablets have their place, too much time with these things is proven to make us feel tired, burnt out and overdone.

Ways to reduce digital:

Take a memory photo

Leave the phone at home for a walk or social event and use the best computer you have to store your memories, your brain.

TIP: Clean clothes is a must for consignment stores, they will take nothing unwashed

Turn off notifications.

Try browsing social media, emails and anything else you check regularly when you want to, not when your phone wants to you too. Hell, you might even forget to check…wouldn’t that be nice!

Unsubscribe

How many of the emails you receive daily are actually written for you? And not by a mass marketing campaign wiz…probably not many. Unsubscribe from any marketing emails that don’t add value to your life.

Delete social media from your phone

If forgetting to check social media is laughable (it is for most Millenials), try deleting the apps off your phone and only visit Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter from a computer. One extra step between you and the gram could be what you need.

TIP: If deleting the apps is too much at first, start by deleting accounts you no longer care about. Do you really care what that friend of a friend you met once on holiday is up to?

Mute TV ads and gain 15mins of stillness every hour

Turning off the TV can be hard for many of us. If reality TV is on your “love list”, then snuggle in and enjoy your time in front of the box…but mute the ads.

TV ads have very potent messaging, visual stimulus and are often louder than your beloved show. Mute TV adds for 8 extra minutes of calm and quiet every 30mins.

There is no secret formular to simplified living, we just have to do the work.

Declutter your surroundings

Take a walk around the home, does everything you see add value to your life? Are there items you know to be no longer serving you well? Maybe there are duplicate runners at the door, you started using your new ones and forgot about the old? Maybe you have multiple cleaning products? Or clothes in your wardrobe you no longer wear ? It’s time to let them go.

Fewer objects in your surrounds will not only quieten your mind but will also save you time looking for things, putting things away, ??clean, wash and repair! ??

Learn How To Declutter Your Wardrobe, and complete your Spring Declutter with the KonMari Method .

Spring Declutter 101 with the KonMari Method

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:46:00 GMT

The post Spring Declutter 101 with the KonMari Method appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

Decluttering Tips For Hoarders

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 02:51:00 GMT

It’s estimated that between 2 and 5 per cent of Australian adults are living with hoarding disorder, with the condition tending to become more problematic in older age. In fact hoarding is twice as common as obsessive-compulsive-disorder, most commonly known as OCD.

What is the KonMari Method & How To Use It

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 00:29:00 GMT

You have heard of Marie Kondo and you know she is about finding joy, but what exactly is the “KonMari Method”?In a nutshell, the KonMari Method is a revolutionary Japanese approach to simplifying, organising and storing. This unique way of finding order in our lives and homes was founded by Marie Kondo, hence the abbreviation “Kon-Mari”, who in 2011 published her first book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”.

Here are the top ideas that make Kondo’s method of organising unique;

– Declutter by category not by room

- Always declutter before organising

- Say “goodbye” to items as they are discarded

– Fold clothes into origami squares so they stand-up by themselves

And most importantly, “Spark Joy”

The KonMari Method includes folding clothes into origami squares

Before Kondo came along we had been relying on storage solutions to find order. Flocking to homewares stores for any tidy itch that needed to be scratched and filling our kitchen pantries with lazy Susan contraption to fill every inch of our home.

Until now decluttering has involved keeping items if we paid a lot for them; if there was a possibility it could be useful in some way (you know “just in case”, no point throwing it away); and if an item was gifted to us we would feel too guilty to turn it over to charity. Sound familiar?!

The KonMari Method flips our engrained organising philosophy on its head and asks: “How does it make you feel? Does it give you joy?”. Rather than the objects in our lives owning us, the KonMari Method tells us to consider how they are contributing to our lives.

Once we have decided to discard an item, we must thank it (yep say thank you) for its service. For helping you prepare food, for keeping you warm, for confirming that you don’t look good in floral; whatever purpose that item served, thank it and let it go.

“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard the rest” ~ Marie Kondo

Kondo’s unique method is not focused on throwing away or creating minimal homes, it’s about finding joy and being grateful for what we have. While maybe a little woo-hoo for those of us not spiritually inclined, decluttering this way forces us to be honest with ourselves. The KonMari Method urges us to recognise when we have changed; when our ideologies, tastes and desires have shifted, encouraging us to accept and let go items that no longer serve us. Applying the KonMari method is a great starting point in the process of morphing your home into your personal sanctuary .

How to Apply the KonMari Method?

Get Clear

Step one is to get crystal clear on what makes you happy. Now is the time to work out what “joy” means to you. You are as unique as they come. You have your own passions, desires and tastes, and hard as magazines try to convince you otherwise, you are your own joy detector.

So, what does joy mean to you? It can be hard to find the answer right away… don’t rush it. Give yourself a few days to come up with a list of key joy items.

Take note when you smile a little bigger, what comes naturally or reduces any stress you might be holding. If possible take a mindful walk in nature, soaking in the sights and sounds.

Another option is to sit quietly and reflect on a time you felt most yourself. However, a little word of warning, be mindful not to get caught up in happier, maybe unreachable times past. You are looking for actions and items that make you feel good in the now, not who you have been.

Declutter, KonMari Style

Once you have an idea of what gives you joy, it’s declutter. Start with clothes and work through each category following these steps:

ONE. Make a pile.

Get it out of cupboards, wardrobes, st orage boxes from the shed, wherever it is, pile it all together and take a look. Yep, all of that is yours.

T WO: Put back only what “Sparks Joy”.

I know what you are thinking, how can a rice steamer/black sock/stapler make me feel joy? Excellent question, it can’t. BUT your gratitude towards it and how it improves your life can make you feel pretty good right? And that is all that I am asking you to do, just put back what improves or maintains a happy life. If you are not sure it does… you probably don’t need it.

THREE: Say goodbye and thank you.

Part of being grateful for what we own means treating everything with respect. That rice cooker worked hard to give you delicious meals, it deserves a little thank you.

If you follow these three steps for every category of items in your home (clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, books, cooking equipment, tableware, bathroom supplies, hobbies, photos.. just to name a few), you will have a home full of gratitude, joy and connection before you know it.

How sucessful is this process is? Read how Domain.com journalist enjoyed a tidy lesson with Sally, read Living The KonMari Way.

5 Ways to Adjust Your Morning Routine for the Cold Season

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 07:49:00 GMT

Winter has arrived. As our bodies start to slow down and adjust to the dark mornings and shorter days it can be hard to maintain those healthy habits we created through summer.

Here are my top five tips to maintain a healthy home and body (our second forever home) through the colder months.

1. Be kind to yourself

Humans are diurnal animals (we are active during the day). The shorter days are our chance to recharge energy stores, connect to our space and take part in homely quieter activities that often take a back seat in summer. Give yourself permission to unwind; take a Sunday to cook, get crafty and enjoy the hyggeness of your home. Before you know it, Spring Racing season will be knocking at the door and it will be BBQs every weekend. Take this time to rest.

2. Wake up early

I know it’s dark and the doona is EXTRA toasty at 6am, but I promise that extra hour to set your intentions, take a walk or read a book before the kids get up will be worth it. Using the early morning light will not only set you up for the day ahead, but it will also ensure you are equally as productive now as you are in the summer months (extra important when you are a business owner, primary carer or work for commission).

3. Drink warm water

With hot showers and central heating quickly drying out our skin, hydration is equally as important through the cooler months as it is on the sunkissed beach days. But we are in luck; sipping on warm water is not only a great way to stay hydrated, it’s wonderful for our digestion. As the water moves through our stomach and intestines, digestive organs are better hydrated and easily able to eliminate waste (eww…and WIN!!). Add a slice of lemon if you want to be extra fancy (and extra healthy).

Add a slice of lemon to your morning

4. Adjust your exercise routine

It can be hard to maintain a fitness regime when there is next to no daylight hours outside of 9-5, and often when it is light it is raining (typical). However, some body movement is a whole lot better than none. Try switching out your normal program to match the winter climate.

Morning Exercisers

Try training at lunchtime, no sleep-in excuses there! Or why not cut midweek sessions down to 20 mins and dedicate time to longer weekend sessions, that way you commit the same number of hours to your fitness as you do in summer, you just don’t have to do it in the dark!

Cardio Only Types

Running, walking and riding in the rain is fun, but not every day. Join a gym and hit a spin class. All the cardio and a whole lot of fun – you never know you might just love it.

Not So Active Peeps

Incidental exercise is your best friend this winter. Get off a stop early on your way home from work, opt for stairs over the escalator or park just that little bit further away from the supermarket. Small changes will create big rewards.

Yoga, Pilates and Barre Lovers

Sorry lovely, you have no excuse. These endorphins pumping, body-loving classes are heaven for the body and mind all year round. Keep up that membership, your body will love you for it.

5. Love your home

Unless you are jet setting off to Europe or setting yourself up in Bali this winter you are guaranteed to spend a lot of time at home. And there is no better way to maintain positive happy energy through winter than to love the space you live in . If you have been putting off decluttering , redecorating a room or fixing that broken tap, do it now. Your home is your sanctuary , your number one place to nurture, support and inspire you this winter.

Your home is your number one place to nurture, support and inspire you this winter.

More…boost your happiness levels over winter and follow Sally’s winter wardrobe Appreciation August.

Moving Home Checklist: Your Guide to a Stress-free Move

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 22:22:00 GMT

The post Moving Home Checklist: Your Guide to a Stress-free Move appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

I love living alone, am I ready to give it up and move in with my boyfriend?

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 10:43:00 GMT

The post I love living alone, am I ready to give it up and move in with my boyfriend? appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

Why I store my winter clothes each summer, even if Marie Kondo doesn’t

Fri, 17 May 2019 22:43:00 GMT

I love coats. Pink, blue, white, yellow, duffle or overcoat – I love them all. Rather an odd obsession for an Australian, given that we don’t have long, gruelling winters, yet the cosy feeling of being wrapped up and protected from the elements in cashmere or wool is so much more rewarding to me then stripping down to a bikini on a beach. This is why I own many more ‘spark joy’ coats and wraps than I ever will Seafolly twin-sets.

Declutter & Organise Your Wardrobe Seasonally with a KonMari Consultant

Sally mid wardrobe change-over

For nine months of the year, however, my beloved coat collection sits idle. In fact, if I am lucky I will only get three Melbourne days cold enough to wear my Boston overcoat. And with increasing rent prices and diminishing wardrobe space in our ‘most livable city’, I am forced to store them away.

Just like Marie Kondo welcomes a home, I welcome back each item like an old friend, carefully placing them back into pride of place in my wardrobe and in doing so, marking and celebrating the changing of the seasons.

Yes, despite what Marie Kondo says, I cannot keep my winter outerwear in my wardrobe all year round – it’s just not physically possible. Which is why, twice a year, I ‘turn over my wardrobe’. And I love it.

It has become a beloved tradition of mine. Every May and September I put aside an afternoon to pull a trunk out from storage full of my favourite winter (or summer) items and transform my closet into a gallery of burgundy and navy knits, (or florals and flowy satin).

Five Quick Tips For A Greener Christmas

Sun, 02 Dec 2018 04:29:00 GMT

Christmas is generally a time of excess in many respects, whether it’s eating too much, spending too much, or consuming probably a few more cocktails than is generally required. With this in mind, we’ve put together five quick tips for a more sustainable festive season…

1. Fewer gifts can actually equal more

Think quality gifts rather than cheap stocking fillers. Consider pooling funds with others to buy a bigger item you just know someone will love. Avoid plastic toys if you can – there are some gorgeous alternatives that little people will love (and they’ll probably last longer).

2. Don’t give presents!

Yep, we said it! Shock horror, but it really can be done. If you’d prefer a gentler version of this, take inspiration from our recent post on Sustainable Secret Santa and do Thriftmas, with the rule that all gifts are to be second-hand, repurposed, or handmade.

3. Don’t wrap

Or, if you don’t quite want to give your gifts completely naked, use brown paper, recycled paper or reused paper from last year. Don’t forget to keep any wrapping paper your receive to reuse next year, and that goes for cards too – these can be cut in half and used for gift tags.

4. Get into the kitchen

There are so many lovely possibilities for edible gifts, whether it’s cookies, jam, rocky road (we love Easy Homemade Christmas Muesli which is a breeze to make) or something as simple as homemade vanilla sugar. Short on time? Support small businesses by sourcing some locally made treats.

5. Reduce your food waste

Australians throw away a whopping 4,000,000 tons of food each year. You wouldn’t want to contribute to this at any time of the year, so why do so at Christmas? Plan your festive catering carefully, and eat mindfully, cooking only for the number of people you know you have to dine. Still ended up making too much? Luckily, Christmas leftovers are the best kind of leftovers.

Want more holiday ideas?

Learn how to Get Your Home Organised For The Holidays. Or check out out interview with Broadsheet on How To Spring Clean Your House .

Sustainable Secret Santa

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:59:00 GMT

The Secret Santa is a classic in offices and friendship circles across Australia and is a brilliant way of reducing your shopping list if you want to exchange gifts with your group but don’t quite want to sap your bank account buying multiple gifts.

A simple way of making group gift-giving even more sustainable (and more affordable!) is to make it a rule that all gifts must be either second-hand, repurposed, or handmade.

The old saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ really is true. Finished reading that juicy bestselling novel? Give one of your friends the pleasure of reading it too. That expensive face cream you were gifted doesn’t suit your skin type? Now is the time to find it a better home with someone else! For more sustainable holiday ideas check out our 5 Green Christmas Tips .

By repurposing things you don’t need but which still hold value, you’re not only reducing the waste which you’d otherwise have generated from buying something new, but you’re also decluttering your home in the process.

A few more ideas include houseplants, homemade cookies, or if you’re feeling creative, something knitted, folded, sewn, or painted might be the perfect thing for that friend who appreciates beautiful handmade treasures.

Learn why we are called Home Sanctuary and read, Why Home Sanctuary, what’s in a name?

TIP : If you’re throwing a party and want to take your Secret Santa to the next level – make it a ‘ Stealing Secret Santa ’.

The rules:

Each person who wants to join in contributes one gift.
One by one, each participant chooses a gift from the pile and opens it.
The next person has the option to open a gift or to steal one which has already been opened! A person whose gift has been stolen can open another one.
Keep going until all gifts are opened, and to avoid descending into festive chaos, make it a rule that a gift cannot be stolen more than three times.

How To Spring Clean Your Home

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 03:50:00 GMT

The post How To Spring Clean Your Home appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

Appreciation August

Sat, 11 Aug 2018 08:52:00 GMT

The post Appreciation August appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

Three Simple Tips For Making Your House Into A Home

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 06:07:00 GMT

The post Three Simple Tips For Making Your House Into A Home appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

The Life-changing Magic of Not Giving a F$@#

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 07:21:00 GMT

The post The Life-changing Magic of Not Giving a F$@# appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

Why Home Sanctuary, what’s in a name?

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 06:30:00 GMT

For over a year I have been welcomed into peoples homes all across Australia, guiding individuals through the life-changing magic of tidying up. Early on I realised that what I offered was much more than organising. My love for the environment and passion for reducing consumerism at the forefront. Every home I entered I promised myself that when I left the family would not only be more connected but reconsider every future purchase, ensuring it had a purpose, a need and would be loved. I promised to leave with them the skills to maintain a calm and conscious way of life.

As I met more and more people craving order my meditation practice changed, it moved off the mat and into my day to day activities. I was discovering joyous moments where I hadn’t before, revealing pleasure in the smallest of things.

Read 5 Ways You Can Bring Mindfulness Into Your Home

Pouring a cup of tea into a cherished mug; noticing the soft satiny texture of a camisole brushing against my skin while folding; proudly setting the table to display a nutritious meal; surrendering into a sea of cushions and connecting with the ones I love.

My home shifted from organised to a sanctuary; I knew there was more to share.

I want my clients to experience the love I feel da ily through mindful home rituals.

In our Western world, there is much to experience, endless opportunities and a world of emotions to navigate through. Our homes should be an oasis, free from pressures of the outside world.

A place to nourish our bodies with planned meals inspired by the seasons, free from unnecessary waste and harmful chemicals. A place to connect with our partners, children and our ourselves. A place free from distraction and social pressures. Somewhere we can put down the to-do list and mindfully walk through home duties. A unique space to display all the things we treasure, surrounding ourselves with objects that light us up and inspire us to be the best version of ourselves. A place to completely let go and just breath. All the while acknowledging that without a welcoming calm sanctuary to return so we wouldn’t be able to accomplish our most significant achievements.

Gratitude for what we have will always supersede the acquirement of something new on the happiness scale.

I can help you live like that. Welcome to Home Sanctuary.

The Art of Hygge: From the World’s Happiest People

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 06:49:00 GMT

A few years back my family created the tradition of a Saturday night movie, hosted on those rare weekends when we are all together in our family home. We spread out over the couches and bean bags; blankets and rugs are passed around; someone makes a pot of tea; chocolate is handed out, and we sit back to watch a film together. I often forget the details of the film, but I always remember the activity with fondness.

Recently I have learnt that the Danes would call this Hygge, an event shared by a small group in a warm setting. A cosy family movie is a true hyggelig activity.

The Danes would be the first to admit that their climate is far from ideal. From March to November, the weather forces Danes to stay indoors. Nine months of the year spent inside is absurd to us sun-loving Aussies, yet somehow the Danes are ranked the happiest people in the world.

According to the Happiness Research Institute , a key contributor is hygge.

Hygge, pronounced hoo-ga or heurgh, loosely translates to “cosiness” or a “feeling of home”. Picture a warm, inviting setting making the indoors the ideal place to be. But hygge is more than just textures, light and a way of arranging things in a room, it is about connecting to the moment and the people around you.

Hygge is a feeling, not an action. Danes not only spend more time with their family and friends than any other European nation, but they are also are calmer and more at peace than their European counterparts. So how do they do it? The Danes create inviting hygge environments, generally indoors, that encourage people to relax and connect with one and other.

Hygge home ideas:

The use of candles and lamps to form soothing pools of light;
Share relaxed homemade meals on open platters at informal tables;
Embrace cakes and sweets, enjoying life’s pleasures; and
Create cosy nooks around the home with blankets and pillows.

Merely thinking of cosy nooks, cinnamon buns and coco makes me feel relaxed and happy. However, given it doesn’t often snow in Melbourne the setting isn’t quite complete. Never the less, as an Australian with plenty of light and warm days I have still embraced the notion of hygge.

I have changed the way I use lights in my home, I hardly ever turn on our ceiling lights, preferancing table lamps and string lights. I also now light candles at mealtimes, not scented ones, but tea lights dotted around the room.

I have started baking more, taking pies and cookies to family and friends to share. While these are only small changes I have noticed a difference, I truly do love coming home to my cosy, now candle-lit home, and inviting other around to share.

As the weeks get cooler I will be sure to experiment more with the Danish way to live well; I don’t think I can go wrong following in the footsteps of the worlds happiest people.

Happiness: What The Real Psychologists Have To Stay

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:10:00 GMT

Social media has become a haze of amateur psychologists. Every fitness clothing label now posts daily motivational jargon. Not convinced that is the best place to learn about happiness, I turned to the pros. I wanted to hear what real psychologists had to stay.

The study has been running for over 75 years, with those subjects still alive now in their 90s. A few decades in the scientists expanded their research to include the subject’s offspring; there are not over 1000 people involved at all stages of life. Some of the original participants went on to become successful businessmen, doctors, lawyers, and others ended up as schizophrenics or alcoholics. Interestingly, the education and employment had little correlation to happiness, time and time again the subject referred to their connection with family, friends and acquaintances as the number one factor.

I am a big fan of “me time”, but after listening to Robert Waldinger’s TedTalk “What makes a good life?” I plan to trade some of it in for relationship building. As well as being the director of this longest study on adult life, Robert is a Harvard psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and Zen priest.

I don’t think I can ever give up my solo walks and quiet time, but for lifelong happiness, I know I need companions in all areas of my life.

What to learn more? Click here to listen to the TedTalk you will not be disappointed.

The post Happiness: What The Real Psychologists Have To Stay appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

Moving 101

Wed, 28 Dec 2016 03:38:00 GMT

The post Moving 101 appeared first on Home Sanctuary .

Home Sanctuary

Four Sustainable Choices I Made For Our No Regrets, Country Wedding.

Here’s how I managed to keep my

"I want it all" wedding while staying mindful of the environment

1. Gum leaf wedding table place cards

I loved collecting our gum leaf place cards. Local and biodegradable.

2. Locally sourced, in-season sustainable bridal flowers

In season locally sourced flowers helped to reduced our wedding carbon footprint

3. Reusable chalkboard wedding seating chart

I purposefully chose to use a chalkboard so we can give it a second life after the wedding

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4. Customised wishing-well bridal registry

What sustainable choices did you make for your wedding or event? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Sustainable Wedding FAQS

It's time to leave Marie Kondo

Media have called me “Australia’s Marie Kondo”. So why is it, that after almost 10 years I am handing in my official KonMari Method badge?

Ultimately it's the next step in my war against the Joy of Throwing Away. Keep reading to understand why.

In the beginning, it was all about joy.

My Realisation About Op Shops

The Tipping Point - "Joy Of Throwing Away”

Graduating from UniMelb with a Masters of Environment

My next step against joy of throwing away .

What's not changing at home sanctuary?

FAQs

Organised Travel: Packing for Holidays with Kids

Holiday planning tips for parents.

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Designed to help you get to your destination stress-free and ensure a smoother travel experience for the whole family.

1. Plan with Precision

Holiday Organising: Start with daycare, accommodation and a shopping list

2. Master the Art of Packing for Kids

Pack vertically in categories. No surprises here this is the Marie Kondo gold standard.

Watch: Packing for Flights with Young Kids

Note for Kids Under Two

Read How to Reduce Your Travel Carbon Footprint

3. Planned Parents Prepare for the Unexpected

4. Engage Your Kids in Holiday Organisation

Plan for the unexpected, kids can be unpredictable.

5. Embrace Flexibility

Mindfulness FAQS

How to Politely Say No To Christmas Gifts [Updated 2023]

But how do you say no to all the excess without being labelled the Christmas grinch?

So, how do you politely say no to gifts from friends and family during the festive season?

1. Be honest about not wanting gifts.

2. Back it up with logical reasoning.

3. Offer alternatives for gift-givers at Christmas time.

4. Have the “no gift” conversation early.

How To Say No To Christmas Gifts FAQ:

HOLIDAY READS

Five Quick Tips For A Greener Christmas

How to really relax this holiday season

My Journey as an Eco-loving, Tidy Focused Mother-to-be

Before I tuck into my mothering cave of long nights and sleep deprivation, here are a few little bits from my journey as an eco-loving, tidy-focused mother-to-be so far.

PLUS My Golden Rules for Accepting Secondhand Baby Clothes

Have you started nesting?

Pregnancy and the planet.

We will raise our child to live by the motto; “human health is planetary health”

Have you bought a lot of baby stuff?

Tips for accepting secondhand baby products.

My golden rules for accepting secondhand baby clothes

Harness Your Spring-Clean Energy In Two Simple Steps

If you too feel the pull of Spring, do not take it for granted! Grab the once-a-year spring tidy energy by the horns and get organised.

Make the most of this natural spring energy in two easy steps.

STEP 1: MAKE A CLEANING WISH LIST

STEP 2: PUT A SPRING (CLEAN) INTO YOUR STEP

The best piece of advice I can give is not to ignore the spring energy spike and take advantage of this unique seasonal opportunity.

Read How to spring clean your home.

Spring Clean FAQS

5 Ways You Can Bring Mindfulness Into Your Home

What is mindfulness?

Why be mindful?

Here are five of my favourite ways to bring mindfulness into your home.

1. Mindful Ownership: Appreciate what you own

2. Mindful Observation: Take a seat and see your home

Mindful Tip: Take a moment to see your home without judgement

3. Mind and Light: Notice the change in light

4. Mindful Tasks: Turn a chore into a mindful practice

5. Mindful Work: Drop the multitasking

There you have it, five ways to add a touch of mindful living into your home.

Mindfulness FAQS