Getting organized can be one of the most effective ways to start a more sustainable lifestyle. Knowing what you have and making it more accessible or visible might lead you to consume less and reuse more of the items you have. How many of us find a dress or top during our spring cleaning that has been stuck back in the wardrobe or packed away? Or toys and art supplies back at the shelves?
To help with this big task, we are speaking with professional home organizer Nassim from The Happy Space Co. The Happy Space Co is a professional home organising service that strives to make sustainable and mindful living a reality for its clients. It specializes in creating functional and beautiful spaces that are tailored to each individual's unique needs and lifestyles. The Happy Space Co. is dedicated to creating happy and healthy spaces that inspire its clients to live their best lives.

Nassim Secci, a former corporate lawyer turned passionate organizer, channels her own experience of juggling career and family life into a mission that transcends mere decluttering. 

The Happy Space Co. is not just about neat shelves; it's a testament to the profound connection between well-organized spaces and a harmonious, joyful life. Nassim's journey from a legal career to the realization of her true calling unfolds in the tapestry of The Happy Space Co., where each impeccably organized space is a testament to her commitment to transforming lives, one meticulously arranged room at a time.

What are your favourite things about house organisation?

One of my favorite aspects of house organization is the tangible impact it has on people's daily lives. Witnessing the transformation from cluttered chaos to streamlined order is incredibly rewarding. I find joy in creating spaces that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also function seamlessly, making it easier for individuals and families to navigate their routines. Another aspect I love is the personalized touch that each organisation project brings – understanding the unique needs and preferences of my clients and tailoring solutions that truly enhance their living experience. Ultimately, the satisfaction of contributing to a more harmonious and joyful home is what makes house organisation an endlessly fulfilling endeavor for me.

What are your main Spring cleaning tips and suggestions?

Spring cleaning is a great way to declutter and organise your home after winter. The first day of spring, which is March 20, is an ideal time to start, but you don't have to wait for that date. You can begin the process in March, April, or May. To make the most of your spring cleaning, we've gathered some helpful tips and tricks to help you streamline the process like a pro.

Start with easy, and achievable tasks

It's important not to underestimate the positive impact that small victories can have, especially at the beginning of a task. To start, focus on easy tasks around your home, such as organising a shelf or drawer. If you come across an area where you can get rid of 80% of the items, prioritise that as your first task. By beginning with manageable tasks, you can easily adjust your pace if you become fatigued, emotionally drained, or run out of time.

Big tasks - big reward

After completing a few simple tasks, it's time to take on a bigger challenge. We all have that one area in our homes that is overflowing with stuff, whether it's a storage room, a cluttered home office, or a closet that just won't close. Dedicate an entire afternoon to this project and trust that the effort will be worth it in the end. I like to call this area the "big-reward" zone because it has the potential to greatly improve your overall well-being.

Starting new systems

Organising your home can be made easier with the implementation of different systems to prevent clutter from building up. A good starting point is to assign a specific designated area for incoming paperwork, such as bills, school letters, or mail that needs to be reviewed. Another area can be designated for mail that has already been reviewed and requires follow-up actions. Additionally, you can create systems to organise clothing, children's rooms, toys, and artwork. For children's toys, a rotation system can be put in place where toys are regularly swapped with those currently on their shelves to keep things fresh and interesting. The best part about implementing a system is that everyone in your household can participate and contribute, making it a team effort.

Take a photo for a memory

When decluttering, it can be challenging to let go of sentimental items like old baby toys and clothes. This is because people often have an emotional attachment to the memories associated with these items. To start the decluttering process, it's essential to acknowledge the emotional connection and be kind to oneself. In most cases, people are not attached to the item itself but rather to the memories it brings. To help my clients declutter sentimental items, I recommend taking a picture of the item, such as a child's old art project. This way, they can still hold onto the memory without holding onto the physical clutter. 

Make it digital

When it comes to managing incoming mail, I would suggest using a document scanning application like TurboScan. This app can be quite helpful when you have a lot of paperwork to sort through and are uncertain whether you might need a particular item, such as a bill or receipt, at some point in the future.

Have goals in mind when organising

Home organization involves creating a space that represents your personality and goals. If your objective is to be more active, you can set up a designated area where your gym bag is easily accessible and move your workout clothes to the top drawer of your dresser. Furthermore, if you have enough room, consider decluttering to create a dedicated workout area in your home.

Please share the best wardrobe tips and tricks to keep it organised and more sustainable.

Care for your clothes

Caring for your clothes is crucial for promoting sustainable fashion. To extend the lifespan of your garments, it is important to mend any tears, reattach loose buttons, and follow the care instructions given on the label. Additionally, it is recommended to wash your clothes at lower temperatures, air-dry them, and use detergents that are friendly to the environment. These practices will not only help in reducing your carbon footprint but also promote sustainable fashion.

Timeless pieces and stylist tips

A sustainable wardrobe is all about building a capsule wardrobe that prioritizes quality over quantity. You can choose pieces that are easy to mix and match in different ways. Clothing made from sustainable materials often features excellent craftsmanship and is designed to last longer. Working with a stylist can help create a collection of timeless and versatile pieces that go beyond fleeting fashion trends.

Support Sustainable Local Fashion Brands

When you are adding new pieces to your wardrobe, it's important to opt for brands that are committed to ethical practices and sustainable materials. There are some really great brands out there that combine style with sustainability. MiliMilu, Selvaage and Tove and Libra are some of the exemplary brands that offer beautiful clothes made with the planet in mind.

Organize your wardrobe

A closet that is well-organized can help you see what you own clearly, reducing the chances of making unnecessary purchases. At Happy Space, we focus on decluttering your closet first and then implementing organization systems to make it easier for you to manage your wardrobe. This approach not only saves time but also promotes responsible consumption.

The Second-Hand Market 

Buying pre-owned items and selling ( or passing down) your own clothes you dont need anymore is essential for reducing the environmental impact of fashion. By supporting platforms dedicated to second-hand fashion like The Hula or Retykle, you help decrease the demand for new, resource-intensive production. Retykle is a pioneering platform for sustainable shopping for children. MiliMilu facilitates the resale of kids' clothing on Retykle, creating a circular purchasing model and highlighting the potential value of reselling items.

What are your views on a sustainable lifestyle?

I wholeheartedly embrace the significance of a sustainable lifestyle and believe our work as home organizers is helping our clients do the same. Decluttering, a fundamental aspect of our organizing process, naturally prompts us to reconsider our consumption habits. 

As we sift through belongings, it sparks a heightened awareness of what we truly need and value. Moreover, organizing isn't just about creating visually appealing spaces; it's a powerful tool to prevent unnecessary consumption. By systematically arranging and categorizing our possessions, we gain a comprehensive understanding of what we already own, discouraging unnecessary rebuying or overbuying. 

This dual approach, combining mindful decluttering with intentional organization, not only contributes to a greener planet but also fosters a more conscious and sustainable way of living.

How do you teach your kids about sustainability?

My eldest is diving into sustainability lessons at school, and it's been a game-changer for us at home. We're all about recycling, saving water, and making sure we use things wisely. 

As a home organizer, I of course have my own take on the topic too.  We talk about consciously passing on things we don't want anymore – like giving toys to friends who'll enjoy them. Plus, we're big on taking care of what we have. I’ve created systems to keep track of missing puzzle or game pieces, making sure everything goes back where it belongs. (This is a system we create for a lot of our clients too!) It's like a puzzle in itself, making sure we don't have to toss out a whole game just because one crucial piece is missing. We're all about avoiding that kind of waste.

What are your and your family's favourite nature/outdoor activities? 

My husband hails from Sardinia, so we're all about the beach – it's a big part of why we chose to live near one. Family bike rides have also become a favorite outdoor activity for us. Honestly, I never imagined being a bicycle person, but here I am, loving our neighbourhood rides together. 

Learn more about Nassim and The Happy Space Co on their website and we also suggest checking out their kids services and follow them on instagram ( very insightful information and tips!)

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