Experts: Instagram sensations Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin started Home EDit
Home EDit reinvent traditional organising and create functional systems that were stylish and design-oriented. They work with celebrities including Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Q We do not have a playroom, so most of our toddler’s toys are on the first floor and visible as soon as you walk into our house. There aren’t many places to hide them. We use a storage ottoman for most of his toys, but how should we organise his little kitchen and trucks?
A
For this situation, we always recommend obtaining a small furniture piece with closed storage. It’s fun to set up a “parking garage” for larger vehicles inside a cabinet as well.
Q What’s the best way to organise a new house when you have a lot of stuff?
A
Edit first. Make sure everything you are bringing into a new house is what you want.
Q I’m looking for a clever and convenient way to organise my jewellery. Any suggestions?
A
Use vintage tea cups for necklaces or rings. They can be a beautiful counter display.
Q What are your suggestions for organising board games? The boxes they come in break and are of varying sizes.
A
We love to unbox a game. Use shoe boxes with cups inside to contain small pieces. For larger boards that won’t fit into a shoe box, use an acrylic magazine sorter to stand the board up on a shelf. Turntables with dividers are also great for holding small game pieces in one area.
Q I have an open kitchen and small pantry to store all food, dry goods, sauces, coffee, etc. Do you have suggestions for making foods that are different sizes and colours look good together? I am having a baby in a month, so tips that are sustainable and easy are appreciated.
A
Use the same type of bin to store the food and it will look beautiful despite the food not being the same.
Q How do you encourage your children, partners and helpers to keep up the systems and organisation?
A
We believe if there is a system with labels, it is easier for others to know exactly where to put items back. Keep the system simple, with general categories.
Q I am a single mom of two girls, living in an apartment. My daughters are 4 years and 3 months. How do I preserve hand-me-down toys for my younger daughter while keeping my older daughter’s toys current and clutter-free?
A
Clear storage boxes meant for shoes or boots, which can be easily stacked and placed under beds.
Q I just moved into a new apartment, but it has no linen cupboard. I’ve crammed my linen into an armoire. Is it worth installing shelving in a cupboard or building a linen cupboard?
A
If it’s possible to place a free-standing shelf unit in the cupboard, that may help instead of installing one. You can use baskets to store linen and towels.
Q What is the most complicated item to organise?
A
Beads. The best is to sort by colour, type and size.