You leave mail on the table

You leave mail on the table
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Taking just five minutes to go through your mail daily or every other day will keep that pile of papers under control so you don’t lose documents in the shuffle when you actually do need them. “The mail just keeps coming,” says Watson. “Keep trimming it down so you’re not losing items in the mix.” Instead of leaving it by your eating space, designate an area that has a basket for papers, and hang a bulletin board to write messages and reminders, she says.

Check out these 20 things professional organisers would never do in their own homes.

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Each shelf is left to its own devices

Each shelf is left to its own devices
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Richmond recommends using trays to subdivide shelves, grouping together items that are frequently used at the time. “[Trays] are helpful because they show a visual blocking of space,” she says. “It makes it easier to go in and get what you need.” She likes acrylic ones because they’re easy to wash, but she says they come in all kinds of colours and materials to match your taste.

You have more tools than you need

You have more tools than you need
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When you find your kitchen drawers overflowing, take stock of which items you actually use, and if any do the same job. If you rarely dig out your melon cutter or zester, it might be time to let go. “A knife does all of those things,” says Watson. “It’s about being intentional, knowing that if I can do this with something that won’t take up space, is it something I need to have?” With fewer tools, you’ll cut the clutter and stay more organised.

Your spice rack is a mess

Your spice rack is a mess
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If you find yourself picking up every single spice container on your hunt for the one you want, a lazy Susan could keep you from shuffling everything around. “They’re a no-brainer because then you reach with one finger in front of your cabinet, swirling,” says Cattano. Alternatively, she recommends categorising your spices and putting them in individual bins – say, one for spices and another for herbs.

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Your groceries don’t fit in your pantry

Your groceries don’t fit in your pantry
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If you find yourself leaving food out simply because you don’t have room in a cupboard, it might be time to start cutting down. “We want to save money, and it’s good to buy in bulk, but if you don’t have the space for it, changing the way you shop might be more helpful,” says Watson. She recommends first going through your pantry to take stock of what you already have. Then head to the store less often so you have a chance to use up what you have before refilling your cabinet.

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You pile up bagged goods

You pile up bagged goods
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Packets of rice and grains, and pouches of kids’ juices get turn into an unsightly pile. “Those are tiny and annoying – but great in a basket,” says Cattano. “You can fit more in the cabinet, and when you’re looking for one thing, you just pull down one bin to find it.” Don’t let your “stuff” own you.

You keep salt and pepper on the table

You keep salt and pepper on the table
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If you often bring out the salt and pepper when you’re serving food, they might deserve a permanent place on your table. But people often leave them out of habit instead of necessity, says Richmond. “Most people tend to cook with salt and seasonings to their likings, so it’s an old trend,” she says. “If you’re not actively using shakers for daily use for seasoning, tuck those away.”

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Your oil is going bad

Your oil is going bad
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Exposure to light can make cooking oils go rancid. If you like having them on the benchtop, put them in opaque containers and stylise them so they don’t just look like clutter. “Put a tray under them so it looks intentional,” says Cattano.

Next, check out 40 clever home organising hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner.

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Source: RD Canada

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