Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

I’ve been collating my favourite tips from professional organisers, ready for spring cleaning season. Last week, I published part one of this mini-series (if you haven’t read it yet, click here to check it out), now it’s time for part two. Enjoy!

Don’t Buy Storage… Yet

As tempting as it is to rush out and buy those storage boxes and baskets you’ve had your eye on for a while, it shouldn’t be the first thing you do. That’s according to Nicole Anzia of Neatnik, who says you should declutter first and buy storage second, when you’ve worked out exactly what you need. Buy storage to suit your needs, not your aesthetic tastes. Remember it has to be able to hold the items you need it to hold and fit the space (whether under the bed, in the wardrobe, etc). For more from Nicole Anzia, check out this great Apartment Therapy post.

Label Everything

When your boxes are filled to perfection, it’s time to start labelling. Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organisers, suggests labelling every box, basket and container so you know exactly what’s inside. You should even put a small, discreet label on the inside edge of drawers and inside cabinet doors so you can quickly indentify the contents. Labelling saves time and helps keep you organised in the long-term. Get more tips from Lisa Zaslow and other professional organisers here.

Make it Easier to Put Things Away

This final tip is from Kate Brown, owner of Impact Organising LLC. In this article she recommends using open and easily accessible storage containers for any items you use frequently. The laundry basket, for example, shouldn’t have a lid, and it certainly shouldn’t be tucked away in the back of a cupboard. For Kate, it’s all about reducing the number of steps it takes to put something away, because you’re far more likely to stay organised if it’s effortless.