I’m a super-organised mum- here’s how to keep your kids’ toys & clothes tidy using B&M & Poundland bargain buys
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TRYING to keep your house clutter and chaos free can feel like a never-ending chore, especially if you have kids.
No sooner have you finished cleaning the house from top to bottom, it looks like a bomb's hit it again, and it can be hard to find the time and enthusiasm to get organised.
Thankfully, there are some ways to make decluttering as simple and stress-free as possible.
Here, founder and busy mum-of-two Janine McDonald shares her recommended great cheap buys to help get things organised...
Happy home, happy mind
Firstly, thinking about why you want to get organised is helpful, and an excellent source of motivation.
Janine says: "Having an organised home supports children's cognitive development as there is less distraction and a more calming environment, especially an uncluttered bedroom.
TIDYING TIPS
"It allows the child to switch off at night and wake in a more positive frame of mind.
"It makes tidying up a lot quicker and less of a chore as both children and adults know where things need to be returned to.
"You know exactly what you have and can avoid duplication. It's also a valuable life lesson."
For general organising, these from Poundland, £2, are great as the lid makes the areas look neater, clearer and less dusty.
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Similarly, this, £5, is also multi-purpose as can be used as an extra seat for a small child in the room.
Simple storage solutions
When it comes to a proper sort-out, no matter how bad it seems, it's never too late to start, even when it comes to the horror that is the kids' rooms.
Janine says: "The best time to start is now.
"Break it down in to small segments, for example while the kettle is boiling quickly sort out a drawer or pair up socks.
"Each time you go to another room, take something with you which belongs there and put it away.
"If you have an hour or so, I would suggest you start with decluttering bedrooms.
"This will give you, or whoever the room belongs to, a better quality of sleep and waking up more refreshed.
"Once you have fully decluttered it's easier to keep on top of because there's less things around. Decluttering is a progressive journey not a one-off event."
This glow in the dark , £10 from B&M, is perfect to create a fun yet practical storage solution.
You can also create a 'teddy bear house' with this , just £2 from B&M.
Finally, these £5 for two, can be used to keep different categories of toys in each segment, for example dolls, cars or games.
Clutter-free clothing
The only job worse than doing the washing is putting the washing away - and it's easy to see how many of us end up with piles of clean, unsorted clothes.
But there are some clever ways to store clothing clutter-free.
Janine says: "These from B&M (£3.50 for ten), are great for neatening up the wardrobe and ensuring items don't fall on the floor, and create extra hanging space.
"This set of , also from B&M costing just £1 for three, are also great for separating items in drawers enabling children to categorise their undies.
£1.50 for three, are ideal for shoes, but also other items such as notebooks, while £2, is great for blankets, next size-up clothes, winter coats and board games."
Little helpers
Of course, it's not all on you to get the house spick and span, and actually enlisting your little ones' help to sort out their own belongings can be a great idea.
Janine recommends encouraging your kids to keep their crafts and books organised using these from B&M, £3.
Alternatively, Home Bargains sell these for £2.99, which are also useful for stationery and small collectable items.
Janine says: "When it comes to de-cluttering family homes, I get the children involved too.
"I make up fun games and challenges to get them on board and help them to develop more effective habits.
"If I can introduce fun, enjoyment and satisfaction into the de-cluttering process, families are more likely to make a longer-term transformation."
Spend a penny (or not)
Additionally, you don't even have to spend a penny to start organising if you don't want to.
Janine says: "I'm a sustainable organiser so I encourage clients to use what they already have to start them on their journey.
"For example, a shoe box can be decorated to store folded tops within a drawer.
"A loo roll inner can be used to keep game console chargers tidy when not in use.
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"Takeaway containers can be used to keep craft items in, and cereal boxes cut in the shape of a magazine holder can store comics.
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"Zip Lock bags can keep LEGO sets, board game or jigsaw pieces together."
Looking to take things a step further? You can also follow Mrs Hinch’s ultimate guide to home organisation.
