Online shopping makes it easy to accumulate things we don’t need, and the last two years have left many people feeling like they’re drowning in ‘stuff’.

Step one in streamlining your home involves getting rid of unnecessary clutter. After all, a home with its own order instils a feeling of calm. 

But here’s the thing – we can’t all be Marie Kondo. We don’t all have the same tolerance for clutter, so we need strategies tailored to our own preferences. 

For some, one big clean out a year will suffice while for others more regular spring cleans will do the trick.

So how do you figure out what stuff matters, and what doesn’t? Consider your tolerance for clutter and how it affects you; commit to regularly decluttering your space; keep a list of places to donate your items including local op shops or charities, Facebook marketplace, your local domestic violence shelters and libraries. 

Additionally, minimise your intake. Do you really need that free event water bottle, reusable coffee cup or umbrella? No? Leave it!

Meal planning creates shopping efficiency. That twice a week dash you make to the supermarket? That works out to roughly 75 hours spent grocery shopping per year.

Planning saves you time in the long run and spares you from staring at the shelves in the supermarket wondering what to get. 

They recommend choosing a day to meal plan that suits you and your family, using a meal planning template (there are plenty of good ones on Canva!) and keeping your meal plan in an easily accessible place like the fridge or a shared online calendar.

Another bonus to spice things up (literally)? Set specific categories like Meat-Free Monday, Taco Tuesday or Sunday Roasts. And if you’re really pressed for time, consider doing your shopping online instead.

Let’s be honest – not every piece of art made at school is a masterpiece to be displayed on the fridge forever. 

But there are precious things kids will bring home that you will want to keep. Minimising clutter can help you hold on to the things that matter. 

Firstly, set up a keep safe system that works for you. It could be a box with dividers for each school year, a separate email address where photos and information are sent, or taking photos of important milestones and keepsakes to create a book at the end of each year. In addition, Dinah-Rowe and Mia recommend setting up a specific email for your life admin. 

Secondly, set up a launchpad: a space in the home to keep your school bags, library bags, and other day-to-day items that match your weekly schedule. When your children are old enough, empower them to own their part of this. 

Thirdly, set up a password manager with form-filling data like your Medicare and private health insurance account numbers, emergency contact information, the address of your doctor and any health professionals.

For some things there’s a system. But the truth is – you can’t do everything. If you can afford it, consider outsourcing tasks. This may be a one-off or regular routine. 

Consider HelloFresh, Marley Spoon or Dinnerly for meal prep (be sure to search for steep first-time discount codes), a cleaner and trading services and tasks with friends or family.