2 min video – The Organised Wardrobe: Before and After Transformation
If you have any questions about what I did or the products get in contact.
What my client said:
“Imogen kept my thinking on track, she asked pragmatic questions, and continually queried how we were organising would work for me and my habits. She managed my expectations and was clear about what we would achieve offering the benefits of what we were doing. 10 out of 10″
Tips: How to Edit and declutter more from your wardrobe
(and let go of what you don’t need)
Pick a favourite charity to donate items to before you start
Picture items you donate going being re-homed for a second life (instead of unloved and unworn in your wardrobe)
Remove damaged, torn, or broken items
Remove items that don’t fit you now
Remove items that don’t make you feel like Beyonce or Lizzo or like your own beautiful self, you deserve this now, today
If you are not sure, then try it on or wear it in the next few days, you’ll soon remember if there is a reason why you don’t wear something or if you have just forgotten you had it
Be honest, if you haven’t worn it in a few years, let it go
If you are keeping something for sentimental reasons then take it out and put it in a separate Sentimentals Box, freeing up space
If you are keeping something because you might fit into it in the future, consider when that change happens if this is the item you’ll celebrate that with or if you’d probably get something else even better then
Once you have edited, consider which choice items you need to complete and compliment what you have, buy next with this in mind
Remember the ‘buy cheap buy twice’ proverb when considering future purchases.
“We all get distracted, it’s how we manage this that counts”
1. Think about what you like best about working from home? Maybe it’s a bit more sleep in the morning or being able to get involved with daily family activities. What have you enjoyed doing and what really matters to you? Think about what is non-negotiable in your day and what you don’t want to miss out on. Book these in to your routine and remember this is the trade-off for other parts of your working day.
2. We all get distracted, it’s how you manage it that counts. We get interrupted by others at home, lose focus, get frustrated or anxious as we try to keep on top of work or finish projects.
Start with the physical space and set-up of your work area to reduce distractions. Be deliberate in your choice of work space. Don’t underestimate the effect a good home working environment has on your concentration and well being. Keep an area tidy, studies show a mess reduces our ability to focus on a task (Sabine Kastner 2015).
Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash
Then think about those you share your house with. Discuss your working hours together, consider what everyone needs. Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you are off work. This might not always translate to younger members of the family but explain when and what you will do together daily, and talk to them about what you do in your work time.
Are you looking after yourself outside of work? If you are physically and mentally well then this will show in your work. Don’t allow good habits to slip while at home. It will be better for you and your work long-term. Eat your 5 a day, rest, divide work and relaxation clearly. Don’t work late and over time, which is really easy to do, allowing a recharge and rest will aid problem solving and decision making. A Stanford study showed longer hours didn’t increase productivity (John Pencaval, 2014).
And lastly, and most importantly, ask yourself when you are most productive? Noticing your own habits and natural tendencies and working with them is key to maximising your productivity. Try different things to find out what works for you: start early, try exercise before work, or swap some work hours to the evening when your children are in bed. It’s time to get creative and really work out how best you work and make the most of it. Don’t forget to communicate any changes you are trying with your colleagues and those you live with. Being flexible and open will help others help you. You being more productive is better for your company or colleagues in the long-term, so ask them to help you. For more support find an accountability partner, a person you trust, to check in with regularly regarding your to do list. You can help keep each other on track. Just by vocalising what you want to do and what you haven’t done, to someone else, will focus your actions.
Distracted? Not getting your to-do list done?
Productivity tips:
Use Pomodoro timer*
Dress up for your day
Leave your phone away from you
Choose 3 things you need to get done today
Declutter your desk/workspace
Do one thing a day which aids your mental health
* breaking tasks into easy to achieve, focused slots, Pomofocus
Anyone can easily see what stock you have and how much is left of it. It looks great and there is the simple pleasure of pouring rice into a glass container. For an extra touch add a label – see my video hack above.
My top tips are:
Use glass (a bit more sustainable) or plastic containers
Use sturdy jars or washed out produce jars are fine
Measure shelf/cupboard before buying jars to make sure you get the right fit
Match jar size to produce e.g I use Risotto rice more than normal rice so I have a larger jar for that.
Try square jars, to use space more economically, see Eden and Willow
For a better look – buy all the same jar style and if on display, use groups of three or fives, looks more appealing.
I use a combination of Maddison jars, Eden and Willow square jars and M&S on a pull-out rack. I tend to use jars with wooden lids.
At end of life check if the glass can be recycled (toughen glass can not be recycled in the normal way)
Basket Storage – How to use baskets in your home – 3 min video
How you can use baskets in your home
1 minute read
Why I use baskets for storage in my home:
Eco-friendly, coming from fast growing crops
Biodegradable at end of life
Long-lasting if cared for
Available from Fairtrade companies (helps communities generate own income)
Look good, obvs 😉
Versatile, I use baskets in my own bathroom, wardrobe, kitchen and office
Can be used for – toiletries, as drawer dividers for clothes, linens, towels, toys, packet foods in the kitchen, and office items like paperwork and stationery (anywhere except where they might be exposed to sustained damp)
While researching some baskets this week I noticed some lined baskets were on offer @La Redoute – 35% sale on these (see below).
Why I like lined baskets:
Easier to clean (the material comes out and can be washed in a machine)
The material protects what’s in it, like clothes
Comes in 3 sizes so you can match the size to what you are storing.