Whether you're living alone, with roommates, or with family, one of the constants of life is a battle against clutter. We all at one time or another find ourselves dealing with mess, or feeling stifled in our spaces due to things getting out of hand. It's a natural part of life, and one that takes constant upkeep to avoid.
Naturally, many of the choices that we make with our furniture is in an attempt to manage disarray and keep a place feeling fresh. Whether that be through cabinets, wardrobes, or even under-desk storage solutions, knowing what you need to keep your space comfortable is an important aspect of life. At La Joie Living, we are passionate about giving Australian homes everything they need to succeed. So, if you're looking for ways to keep the clutter at bay, we've put together a guide on what you'll need.
First thing's first…
Understanding Your Home
With any effort to improve and declutter a space, it's important to know what type of space it actually is. For example, apartments often have limited room, meaning that any large storage area is going to take up some of the already-limited floor space that you're working with. On the other hand, a homeowner or someone living in a traditional house will likely have access to outdoor storage options, or if they're lucky, a garage space that can be utilised for storage.
Long story short, the type of property you have will determine where your efforts should be.
For Apartments
Work with stackable storage options, and focus on mapping out areas where things can be stored out of sight. Apartments are generally built to utilise space optimally, so they often offer built-in wardrobes and other unintrusive spaces which can be further optimised with storage boxes and organisers.
On the furniture front, which happens to be La Joie Living's speciality, cabinets are your best friend. Cabinets like the Hamptons Sorrento Buffet and Hutch Glass Display Bookcase may take up some floorspace, but what they offer in return is a stylish way to keep the clutter away whilst also creating a centrepiece for the space itself. This beautiful buffet bookcase cabinet display is simple, elegant, and will fit into the majority of Australian apartment designs aesthetically. Just remember to lay out your space and understand the dimensions prior to making your order.
Managing Clutter in a Home with a Garage and Backyard
To effectively manage clutter in a home with a garage and backyard, prioritise multifunctional storage solutions and strategic organisation. Start with the garage: install wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, and overhead racks to maximise vertical space. Use labelled bins for tools, sports gear, and seasonal items, keeping frequently used items accessible. The garage’s utility makes it ideal for bulky items, freeing up indoor space.
In the backyard, consider weatherproof storage benches or sheds for gardening tools, outdoor toys, or cushions. These keep items protected while maintaining a tidy aesthetic. Designate zones for specific purposes—like a corner for kids’ play equipment—to avoid sprawl.
Indoors, furniture with built-in storage is key. At La Joie Living, we recommend pieces that blend multiple functions, such as the Contemporary Modern Heather Gas Lift Storage Queen Bed Frame, which can offer a beautiful sleeping experience whilst also providing ample storage.
Regularly declutter by sorting items into keep, donate, or discard piles, and store seasonal decorations in the garage or shed. With thoughtful planning, your home can stay organised, stylish, and clutter-free year-round.
Five Simple Ways to Deal With Clutter
Adopt a minimalist mindset
Generally speaking, Australians tend to love a laid-back lifestyle. So, why not channel that into your home by keeping only what you truly need or love? Regularly ask yourself, "Do I use this? Does it spark joy?" If not, donate, sell, or simply get rid of it. This is especially true for those working with limited space, as through the years, items can build up without regular culling.
Use smart storage solutions
As in the first point we discussed, in Australian apartments and homes, space can be tight. Invest in multi-purpose furniture like ottomans with storage, wall-mounted shelves, or under-bed containers to keep things tidy without eating up floor space. By equipping all of your necessary furnishings with storage, you are opening up a whole new world of tidying opportunities.
Declutter seasonally
Before summer or winter, sort through clothes, kitchen gear, or outdoor stuff to ditch what’s not needed and keep your space fresh. I'm not quite sure why we always do this with the seasons, but if it works, it works, and a spring clean is never a bad idea.
Go digital where possible
With more and more of us getting tech-savvy, and a lot of our jobs in the 2020s shifting to digital, it's a great time to simply scan and store important documents, photos, or receipts on cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. This cuts down on paper clutter and keeps things accessible.
Follow the one-in, one-out rule
Whether it’s new clothes or a kitchen gadget, for every new item you bring home, remove an old one. This keeps your space balanced and prevents pile-ups.
Shop With La Joie Living Today
Whether you’re moving home or you’re just looking to update your furniture, La Joie Living is a fantastic one-stop shop for your at-home needs. Explore our full furniture range, and see how we can help you with the next step of your home furnishing journey!
