Summertime clean-up with design in mind

 It seems every year that our houses are back to square one when it comes to summer cleaning, leaving us with the task of taking a year's worth of accumulated stuff and deciding what stays and what goes. Take our word for it: there's no better feeling than stepping into the warmer seasons with a fresh, decluttered house.

So in an effort to decrease the burden we face every year around this time, we have some ideas and recommendations on how to keep your space feeling fresh all year round, as well as some design additions you can make to ensure your house is as good as new come next summer.

Smart storage

No one wants to hear this, but the trick to keeping your wardrobe from taking over your closet is by building a strategic system of organisation that works throughout the year. Luckily, there are some accessible tips and tricks to maximise your storage capabilities and create a space that's easier to keep organised, which means easier and faster access to find exactly what you're looking for.

Before you shell out for a pricey closet organisation system, consider the things you already have that could be creatively leveraged for storage. Things like baskets, book cases, and cubbies make for perfect storage tools for things like purses, shoes, handbags and other miscellaneous items that need a home.

If you are in search of some new storage units, look for compact, multi-use options that can address more than one area of organization. To best utilise limited wall space, stack mounted shelving or wall hooks over your shoe rack to take advantage of your vertical space.

And if height allows, take advantage of a double-hanging system for tops and bottoms - all you might need in addition is a small step stool to access the top row, and you've managed to double your storage while keeping your floor space more clear for navigation.

Smart installation

 Come spring and summer, we're left with endless lists of tasks to clean up both inside and outside the house. The best way to ensure your floors make a smooth transition from winter into the warmer months is by installing varieties that are waterproof and resistant to surface damage.