choosing native plants for the garden

Try it

Attach sturdy wire baskets to the wall to use as book shelves

Storage solutions

Order in

When there’s a designated spot for your stuff, tidying is a breeze

With more time at home – and a little encouragement from Marie Kondo – many of us have indulged in the joy of decluttering. The next step to organisational success is to create functional and stylish ways to store your stuff so it’s tidy and easily accessible. Start here, with our round-up of savvy solutions for every space. }

“Effective storage means you will be able to find and access everything, as you need it”

Josh Smith Rack It

KITCHEN

Stack it To maximise pantry space, decant staples into stackable clear containers in varying sizes, like the ClickClack Pantry Cube containers. For simple labelling with a personal touch, use a paint pen such as Empire liquid paint marker in White or Black to scribe the contents on the front. Like with like Soft-close pull-out baskets are ideal as they allow you to see and access the entire contents of a shelf, suggests Bonnie Black, founding director of Little Miss Organised (littlemissorganised. com.au). “If they’re not an option, a great alternative is clear pull-out containers on wheels,” she says. “Use them without a lid to corral food containers, lunchboxes and water bottles, and use a smaller size to store lids or separate plastics by type or shape.” Under-sink stars Utilise the void under the kitchen sink with a rail. Fit an adjustable, self-supporting aluminium rail and use it to hang spray bottles and cleaning cloths. Behind closed doors Inside the pantry door is prime real estate for small, regularly used items. Use simple stick-on hooks to hang items like measuring spoons. Narrow wire baskets are great for spices and a mounted paper towel holder will help to free up valuable bench space. Roundabout Delete dead space in awkward corner cabinets by installing a rotating shelf unit, so you can simply swivel and grab what you need.

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Kaboodle 2 tier blind corner soft close pullout baskets, $537, I/N: 2667707

Flexi Storage 435mm x 79mm x 70mm small spice shelving basket, $11, I/N: 2580936

1 Empire liquid paint marker in White, $4.98, I/N: 0163237. 2 Kimberley 700mm half shelf plastic lazy Susan, $79.50, I/N: 4520098. 3 HomeLeisure ‘Trend’ paper towel holder, $3.94, I/N: 4561587. 4 All Set 50L storage container with wheels, $6, I/N: 2583730. 5 ClickClack ‘Cube’ pantry containers, $139.95*/set of 10, I/N: 0249098.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered through a MarketLink Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

BATHROOM

Roll up Rolled towels create a resort vibe and take up less space. Keep them handy on shelves, or group them in a decorative woven basket. For extra hanging space with character, add a vintage timber ladder – or try making one (see opposite). Vanity fix To organise your vanity, divide and conquer. Bonnie recommends small tubs or baskets, which can be arranged by use and user. “Have a ‘daily use’ basket and consider separate baskets for make-up, hair products and pampering. Colour coding kids’ baskets can also be really helpful,” she adds. For slim drawers, try a cutlery insert tray, where you can separate smaller items and grab your favourite lipstick in a flash. Mirror upgrade For added functionality, switch to a mirror shaving cabinet, which offers great headheight storage. For an on-trend alternative to a standard cabinet, choose one in a timber veneer or with a curved shape.

Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 76cm x 76cm x 39cm 2 x 2 cube unit in Oak, $54, I/N: 0045680, and 370mm x 330mm x 330mm inserts in Urban Canvas, $10.70 each, I/N: 2583440

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1 Cibo Design ‘Circle’ 600mm mirror cabinet in White, $237, I/N: 4844372. 2 Ezy Storage ‘Brickor’ touch basket, $6.79/small, I/N: 2583806. 3 Practa Solutions 6 section bamboo cutlery tray, $33, I/N: 0166763. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Watch it! Make your own bathroom storage: bunnings.com.au/DIY-towel-ladder

Cibo Design ‘Tonic’ 900mm mirrored cabinet in Coast Veneer, $275, I/N: 0138304, and 900mm vanity in Coast Veneer, $414, I/N: 0138517 (cabinet only)

BEDROOM

Toy tubs Encourage kids to put their toys away with a colour-coded tub system. “To help make the system easier, add word or picture labels,” Bonnie says. “To reduce the quantity of toys that need tidying day to day, only keep favourites out and consider rotating items in circulation.” Space saver Vacuum bags will revolutionise the way you store things, says Jessica Haslem from Flexi Storage. “They’re ideal for seasonal clothes, bedding and bulky recreational gear, which you simply bag up then use your vacuum cleaner to suck out the air, reducing the contents to a third of the size for storage,” she says. “This frees up valuable cupboard space and the sealed contents are protected from dust and mould, ready for when you need them again.” Storage as art A coat rack mounted on the wall is a wonderful way to display favourite scarves, jewellery,

hats and bags, or make your own from a beautiful piece of timber with knobs or hooks. Double duty Add a second hanging rail or expandable hang bar below the original rail in your wardrobe. To streamline outfit selection, store shirts on the top rail and pants and skirts on the lower bar. Chic shelves “Decorative storage can add interest to a plain wall – it’s a functional spot to keep and display items you love,” says Jessica. } “Kid tip! If something doesn’t have a home, it will find a home on the floor”

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1 Flexi Storage 760mm x 210mm x 200mm coat shelf with hooks in Oak, $36.75, I/N: 0127441. 2 Neatfreak 61cm-106cm x 5cm x 87cm expandable hang bar, $24.90, I/N: 0098243†. 3 Ezy Storage 60L storage tub in assorted colours, $6.50, I/N: 2583350. 4 Flexi Storage wall cubes in Oak, $26.23/pack of 3, I/N: 0127429.

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Wire baskets are handy for books and paperwork

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STUDY

Wall allure Create vertical storage with a pegboard, suggests Bonnie Black. “Start with a piece of masonite pegboard and spray paint it to match your walls or in a striking feature colour, then be as creative as you like – add S hooks, wire baskets, small shelves and pin images for a mood board feel.” Plastic plant pots (drill a hole in the top for hanging) are also handy for storing pens and craft supplies. Waste not Upcycle jars into personalised penholders with a coat of paint on the inside of the jar. A group painted in sorbet shades looks great on a kid’s desk and can be embellished with googly eyes, buttons, pipe cleaners and washi tape. If a rustic, organic

1 Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 376mm x 335mm x 335mm 2 drawer insert in Oak, $25, I/N: 0079582. 2 Neatfreak 160cm x 53cm over the door accessory organiser in Alloy Grey, $25, I/N: 0098251. 3 Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 146cm x 146cm x 39cm 4 x 4 storage unit in Oak, $165, I/N: 0045679. 4 Pinnacle 900mm x 450mm metal pegboard in Matte Black, $38.50, I/N: 0038055.

look is more your style, wrap the jars in natural twine. Hanger helper Over-door hooks and hangers make great use of this otherwise underutilised space. The Neatfreak over-door accessory organiser takes this idea to the next level with 25 pockets, perfect for storing tiny tech devices and charging cables. To keep track of what’s where, clip a labelled cardboard tag to each pocket. Divide it If you’re sharing a home office space, consider dividing the zone with a wall of cube storage. “Fill with your chosen fabric or natural inserts for personalised useable drawer space, or team with doors and shelf dividers to hide papers and stationery,” suggests Jessica Haslem.

EXPERT TIP

“In the garage or shed, reserve the top storage shelf for large items like tent poles, fishing rods and surfboards, which can be laid flat. This ensures they’re out of the way and won’t get damaged”

Pinnacle 1140mm x 515mm x 410mm wall mount storage shelf, $64.90, I/N: 2760334

GARAGE AND SHED

Grow a storage wall

To convert an empty wall into storage space, Rack It category manager Josh Smith suggests beginning with a Rack It Wall starter kit, a shelving setup that can be extended or reconfigured to suit your needs as they change. Suspend Clear clutter off the floor with hooks to hang bulky bikes or skateboards, garden tools and any other potential trip hazards. Basket case Contain smaller items like kids’ beach toys, shoes, gardening gloves and hand tools in a compact mesh basket unit. “These are perfect for the garage as the mesh baskets provide good airflow and ventilation to ensure the contents don’t smell or collect moisture,” says Jessica. Multitasker “For a storage solution that doubles as a fully operational workspace, use a modular shelving set-up like the Rack It 1000KG racks, teamed with PRO storage systems so you can add overhead cabinets, under bench drawers, large 2 door cabinets and 4 drawer units for maximum organisation,” says Josh. ◆

Watch it! Build your own: bunnings.com.au/ how-to-build-garage-shelves

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1 Rack It Pro 910mm x 900mm x 600mm drawer insert in Black, $443, I/N: 0027425. 2 Delta two bike folding rack, $45, I/N: 0086001. 3 Flexi Storage 3 mesh baskets and frame kit in Black, $99, I/N: 0168747. 4 Rack It Wall 940mm x 600mm x 20mm folding workbench, $154, I/N: 0176973. 5 Rack It 1000kg 1940mm x 1830mm x 640mm 3 shelf starter kit in Black, $270, I/N: 2760599. 6 Pinnacle universal tool rack, $7, I/N: 2610008. Some products are not availiable at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Wilderness ready

Take the RYOBI ONE+ range on your next outdoor adventure

1 Top chop Powerful, compact and lightweight (just 2.6kg), the RYOBI ONE+ 18V 2.5Ah chainsaw kit is a handy piece of gear for your next getaway. With a 10" (254mm) bar and push-button oiler for easy chain lubrication, it’s an ideal tool to clear that campsite spot or cut up some firewood.

2 Plug in Recharge your devices anywhere, anytime with the RYOBI 18V ONE+ USB power adaptor. This unit clips onto any ONE+ battery, letting you charge your phone, tablet or other electronics on the go. Pair it with your 5.0Ah battery to get up to six full phone charges while you’re sleeping under the stars.

RYOBI ONE+ 18V 2.5Ah chainsaw kit, $259, I/N: 3381292

RYOBI ONE+ 18V USB power adapter, $35/ skin only*, I/N: 6210800

3 Cool off Keeping your cool on a hot day – or night – is important for a comfy outdoor experience. The RYOBI ONE+ hybrid portable fan will give your site up to 16 hours of cool air, plus it has two speed settings, multi-directional head adjustment, and handy hanging options.

4 Pump it up No matter where you need air – to quickly pump up your tyres, inflate (or deflate) the airbed or water sports equipment, the RYOBI ONE+ air inflator and deflator is your ideal tool.

5 Light the way Used for late-night bathroom trips or as a vital piece of safety equipment on a hiking expedition, a torch is a key item in any outdoor adventure. The RYOBI ONE+ LED torch has a high-quality LED light with 140 lumens light output, 170 degrees rotating head (left/right) and up to 36 hours of run time.

6 Nightlife Late-night card games require a bright, long-lasting light. The RYOBI ONE+ LED area light is a convenient, portable option, providing up to 70 hours of light, along with a handy 1-Amp USB charging port for smart devices.

RYOBI ONE+ 18V hybrid portable fan, $89.98/skin only*, I/N: 6210576

RYOBI ONE+ 18V LED torch, $35/skin only*, I/N: 6210771

RYOBI ONE+ 18V air inflator and deflator, $109/skin only*, I/N: 6210400

RYOBI ONE+ 18V LED area light with USB port, $59.98/skin only*, I/N: 6210745

PORTABLE POWER, LARGE AND SMALL.

$99

2000W DIGITAL INVERTER PETROL GENERATOR I/N: 0088752 $999

This type of generator is perfect for powering equipment with sensitive electronics, like fl at-screen TVs, computers, microwaves and digital battery chargers (as used for smartphones and 4WD batteries).