How To Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo

It’s official. Well-planned storage really can make us happy. Just ask Marie Kondo, the global face of simplifying and tidying.

The Japanese consultant, author and Netflix star has become a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring people with her KonMari Method of keeping things neat and ordered and asking that all-important question: Does this item spark joy?

We’re also firm believers that life just runs a little smoother and our home feels calmer and more spacious when there’s a place for everything and everything is in its place. Not being able to find the mixing bowl/curry powder/dog’s lead/phone charger becomes a thing of the past too.

Being able to rethink your storage is just one of the benefits of building your home. Not only can well-designed storage help keep clutter at bay, but you can also find what you need, when you need it. And put it away again quickly and easily, ready for next time.

First up is the kitchen.

The kitchen is usually considered the nerve centre of the home and as such its storage needs are large and varied, from the everyday essentials, to the items that are useful, but used more infrequently. From mugs and muesli, to serving platters and spices, kitchen storage needs to work hard day in, day out.

It’s handy to think of kitchen storage in terms of three zones:

The food zone: With the fridge/freezer looking after the bulk of the perishable food items, the pantry will keep all the non-perishables neat and tidy. In many cases, the traditional walk-in pantry has become a bigger, larder-style pantry where thin shelves make it easy to see – and get to – everything stored there.

The prep zone: Chopping boards, knives, baking trays and saucepans are typically stored close to the oven and cooktop, along with oils, herbs and spices so that it’s easy to add that extra burst of flavour to your cooking.

The clean-up zone: This zone includes the sink and the dishwasher. It’s a good idea to store plates, mugs, bowls, glasses and cutlery nearby so they can be put away quickly and efficiently. The rubbish bin and recycling bin are also in the clean-up zone.

Kitchen storage options have come a long way in recent years, with drawers the go-to solution in the majority of new kitchens. There are deep drawers, wide drawers and spice drawers, as well as options for drawers-within-a-drawer, corner drawers and drawers to fit around plumbing.

Bag drops, drop zones and e-zones have also become popular storage solutions in the modern home.

Often integrated into the kitchen, or close to it, an e-zone or drop zone is an area where the laptop or tablet can be charged. A bag drop also works well close to the kitchen, providing a dedicated space to leave the keys, phone and handbag, and to drop off the shopping after you’ve done the grocery run.

The ensuite is another area where good storage can keep everyday ‘stuff’ and paraphernalia from spiralling out of control. Hairdryers, make-up, styling products, toothbrushes, toothpaste and sun cream can easily start cluttering up the benchtop if they don’t have somewhere to live.

Drawers can come to the rescue again here, providing organised storage that you will want to use. A mirror-fronted medicine cabinet above the vanity will also keep bathroom essentials organised and within easy reach.

You don’t need to have a lot of ‘stuff’ to make good storage a priority. It’s more about keeping what you do have neat, tidy and easy to get to.

Marie Kondo would be so proud. Especially if every item sparks joy!