Twelve storage tips
Habitat asked the experts for their top tips for a well-organised home.
1. Natalie Fermoyle, of Bella Life Style Interior Design, recommended a regular clear-out of the most common clutter culprits - think wardrobes at the beginning of a new season, kids' bedrooms at the end of each school term, and pantries once a month.
"Spring is a great time to tidy up linen cupboards and long-term storage areas such as the garage, storerooms and studies," she added. 2.
"The benefit of under-bed storage is that in smaller bedrooms where you can't fit tallboys and dressing tables you can still put clothes away."
Bedroom suites and ensembles were available with built-in drawers, with a range of configurations and finishes to choose from.
3. John Care, display and new product design manager at Dale Alcock Homes, said sculleries (also known as larders or butler's pantries) were the ultimate solution for a clutter-free kitchen.
"Having an adjoining walk-in larder enables the main kitchen area to stay clean and tidy, hiding cooking preparation from guests," he said. 4.
5. A well-organised wardrobe is not only functional, it creates a feeling of luxury, according to Caroline Powney, of Alliance Robes. "If your wardrobe is well organised, and you can see and reach everything, there is no frustration or wasted time trying to find things - especially first thing in the morning," she said.
Ms Powney said more people were opting to invest in a custom wardrobe, which added value to a home as well as maximising functionality. "It is designed to accommodate your individual needs," she said. "It is tailored to the size and shape of your room, and can make small, unusual spaces very functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing," she said. "There will be no wasted space."
Dressing rooms were also increasingly popular and "even converting bedrooms or the home office into dressing rooms".
6. If you never seem to have enough storage, why not make use of your unused roof space?
"The wasted area within the roofline can account for more than 50 per cent of the house floor plan," Ben Pierson, of Attix, said. "In particular, Perth's older homes often have very little storage but some of the biggest roof spaces.
"Converting your roof into a storage area is a great way to add value to your home. In addition, it frees up your spare room, clears the boxes out of your wardrobe and generally de-clutters your home."
7. Living rooms are a magnet for clutter, so opt for furniture that doubles as storage, Fantastic Furniture's Craig Evans said. "Choosing smart storage shelves for storing or displaying books, DVDs, and frames can add character to your living space," he said.
Look for cubes, entertainment units with plenty of drawer space, and coffee and side tables with built-in storage.
8. Howards Storage World's Cathy Player said organising kitchen cupboards could have a massive impact on functionality as well as your weekly food bill. "A big thing we're seeing is that people are really looking for ways to save money, particularly on food," she said. "A makeover of a pantry with a decent shelving system in it can make the difference between having control of your pantry inventory or not."
From the fridge to the pantry to the "junk drawer", Ms Player said a few inexpensive elements such as dividers, caddies and organisers created infrastructure and helped make the most of cupboard depth.
9. IKEA interior design manager Kyle Johnson said portable island benches and trolleys were a great way to add extra storage and workspace in the kitchen.
"Choose one with wheels for a mobile solution you can roll anywhere you need it," he said.
10. "Savvy and multi-functional storage solutions are key to reducing clutter in any bathroom," Reece's Daniela Santilli said.
"Using multipurpose accessories and innovative towel rail solutions such as corner, freestanding or swivel rails are an easy, and often overlooked way to save space and create the illusion of less clutter.
"A storage seat is another clever way to conceal excess bathroom products or linen."
11. Adrian Galiazzo, of Snooze, said spring was a great time to clear out your boudoir. "Bag any items you no longer need or want and drop them into your nearest or preferred charity shop," he said.
"Put winter coats, quilts and throws neatly into storage drawers."
12. To ensure your study or home office is neat and organised, Officeworks' Alex Staley said a desk with built-in storage compartments was a must, while "stack and store" containers and sleek cabinets would keep space stylish and streamlined.
"If your filing cabinet is too bulky, downsize to a pedestal or mini filing cabinet; a colourful, compact alternative which fits under the desk," she said.
