Decluttering shouldn’t be a stressful task. In fact, the whole point of organising your home with practical and stylish storage solutions is to de-stress your life. But as with most things, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. Figuring out your organisational personality is the first step to a successful journey in making your spaces work for you.
Before we have a little psychometric fun in determining your organisational persona, the first question to ‘clear up’ is whether you are a visual organiser (you like to see your stuff) or a hidden organiser (you prefer your stuff hidden away behind closed doors or draws).
Sometimes space limitations will pull rank as to the type of organisational products that will work, and oftentimes budget will dictate the type of storage solutions you invest in. But, on the whole, you should have fun and express who you are. This is what will translate to sustainable decluttering habits.
Different individuals have distinct organizational personalities which influence how they approach reducing excess visual clutter as well as the practical storage solutions tailored to fit each one.
Take the ‘quiz’ to find out which organisational approach resonates with you:
#1 Are you a systematic strategist?
You thrive on structure and order. A penchant for precision dictates that everything should be in its place and everything should have a place. The mantra, ‘less is more,’ is likely to be your minimalist default. Because you thrive on order and routine, it will be clean lines, open spaces, and a lack of unnecessary items cluttering your environment that define your organisational style.
For you, storage solutions will include sleek, multipurpose furniture and clever hidden storage options to keep everything meticulously arranged. You love modular storage units, labelled containers and colour-coded organisers. Glass pantry storage jars, clear stackable storage bins (to keep belongings neat and easily identifiable) and transparent shoe boxes really get you excited.
This ‘zen’ persona will be drawn to:
- Hidden cabinets: Furniture with hidden compartments that offer functional storage.
- Labelled containers: Clearly marked containers and shelves are a strategist’s best friend.
- Drawer dividers: Keep different categories neatly separated and easily accessible.
- Modular storage: Adaptable units allow for reconfiguration as your organizational needs evolve.
#2 Are you a creative dreamer?
You possess a boundless imagination and a passion for artistic expression. Your organisational approach is more free-flowing, emphasizing aesthetics and visual appeal. You don’t mind a little ‘organised’ chaos and will likely embrace the unconventional.
Consider open shelving for easy access and to display your favourite items such as books, art supplies, or decorative pieces. Use decorative baskets and vintage trunks to store items while adding a touch of decor and eclectic whimsy to your space.
This ‘organised chaos’ persona will be drawn to:
- Open shelving: Display your colourful supplies and favourite items for easy access and visual inspiration.
- Transparent bins: Keep your materials organized while enjoying the view of your creative arsenal.
- Vertical organizers: Utilise wall space to store tools and materials efficiently.
#3 Are you a flexible go-getter?
You lead an active and dynamic lifestyle and your organizational personality involves adaptability and functionality. You seek harmony by seamlessly blending different elements; appreciating a mix of styles and functions.
Your storage solutions should include furniture with integrated storage, stylish baskets, and adjustable shelving that can adapt to your changing preferences.
Opt for multi-purpose furniture, such as ottomans with hidden storage or foldable desks to maximize space efficiency. Consider portable storage solutions like rolling carts that can easily be moved around to suit your changing needs.
This ‘mix and match’ persona will be drawn to:
- Multi-functional furniture: Pieces that combine storage and style to cater to your diverse tastes.
- Stylish baskets: Store items in plain sight while adding a touch of design to your space.
- Adjustable shelving: Accommodates various-sized items and adapts as your collections change.
#4 Are you a sentimental soul?
You cherish memories and attach emotional value to your belongings. This trait has the potential of turning you into a hoarder, making decluttering storage solutions your enemy. Considering you don’t like to throw things away as you attach meaning to stuff, your organizational challenge involves keeping mementoes and heirlooms safe while still trying to maintain a clutter-free space.
As a sentimentalist, you treasure anything you link with happy memories. This makes solid memory boxes and stylish baskets ideal investments to store cherished keepsakes (trophies, photo albums, children’s toys and artworks etc.). Utilize dedicated shelves or display cabinets to intentionally edit your stuff and showcase sentimental treasures that work with your overall aesthetic. (Remember, whatever is out needs to be dusted!).
This ‘nostalgic’ persona will be drawn to:
- Various-sized baskets and boxes: Keep items (and memories) neat and ordered but easily accessible.
- Adjustable shelving: Accommodates various-sized items and adapts as your collections change.
- Under-bed storage: Maximizes space while storing additional stuff that you are not yet ready to part with.
Creating functional and comfortable spaces where you can live, work and play is the epitome of contemporary living. Storage solutions become the muse for any organisational personality to simplify their life and their spaces.
Whether you are a purist (defined by just one of the above personas) or a blend (displaying organisational characteristics from two or more personas), the end goal is always the same: beautifully organised spaces that embrace the functionality of stylish and practical storage solutions.