3 minute read
The “Smart” (sustainable) Way
James Fordham tells us why he appreciates being married to a 'smart' declutterer.
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In recent years, the word “smart” has taken on different meanings. If you google it, you’ll see that the word 'smart' is traditionally used to describe something clean, tidy, or well-presented. But recently new versions have crept into our language that weren’t there a few years ago: smart working, smart meters, smart industry, smart speed cameras – what these terms all have in common is that they start with the objective of doing something more efficiently, to optimise the resources and time at your disposal, to avoid waste and wasted time.
Spend time more productively, get more out of your resources, lower your costs.
So, our house is definitely smart, according to the old definition as well as the new.
Organised Storage - from Tea to Toothpaste, from Docs to Socks
So yes, now I am being forced to spend time at home, I appreciate being married to a “smart” declutterer. Firstly, I know where everything is. Conchi The Home Coach’s organisation and storage solutions are clear to see in every room of the house.
In the kitchen, everything has its place and spices, tea, coffee, jams (to name but a few) are all carefully arranged and labelled. Where once I used to waste endless time searching for clothes – cricket socks, my infrequently used white sweater, winter coats – now my wardrobe has been decluttered I find things quickly and easily.
My stress levels have come down accordingly. From tea to toothpaste, docs to socks, we know what we have and we know where to find it. The result is that we don’t buy more than we need, or waste valuable time finding it.
Everything has its rightful place and simple storage solutions mean surfaces are uncluttered, unfussy.
“Smart” (sustainable) Style
The longer Covid-19 keeps me here, the more I appreciate my surroundings. I feel at home. Our house is well-organised, yes, but Conchi also has the knack for injecting her unique Italian style in our home interior on a budget.
Valued objects from our shared past have been carefully combined with new, or have been given a new life, either by being completely re-purposed, or by being carefully placed in a new setting. In the lounge, for example, one of Conchi’s dated smart tops has been converted into a unique lampshade cover and fabric from good quality tops and sweaters have been upcycled to create personalised cushion covers.
Glossy cover books have been piled up to function as a side table to place a lamp on, giving them a new purpose and space. In our dining room, the front covers of an Italian magazine featuring a local artist’s paintings have been cut out and tastefully placed in coordinated monochrome frames alongside our daughter’s artwork from junior school. Fine art on a budget.
For me, that’s the essence of “smart”, optimising the space and the objects you have to get the best possible result. And more importantly we are conscious that the less we waste the better for the environment!
Remember that Conchi has launched a remote decluttering coaching & styling service, so you can adopt her techniques, tips and processes safely online!
Tel: +44 79224 54487 enquiries@conchithehomecoach.co.uk www.conchithehomecoach.co.uk
DECLUTTER • ORGANISE • STYLE
Do any areas in your living or work space need decluttering, organising and styling? Conchi The Home Coach is here to help! She offers a confidential, professional decluttering and interior styling service, either on site or on line.
• Decluttering & Organising any room • Office filing organisation • Room makeover • Pre-sale house staging • Downsizing (senior specialist) FREE CONSULTATIONS available.
