A new abode provides a unique opportunity to optimise your space for usability, focus, and a feeling of comfort and harmony.
Home organisation trends have gained significant popularity in Australia with the rise of shows about finding joy through the art of decluttering (Marie Kondo, anyone?) and increasing market demand for innovative storage solutions.
These trends reflect a broader cultural shift towards intentional living, especially for those working from home, which has increased the need for organised, multifunctional living spaces.
Working from home has forever shifted what we need in an internet connection. Picture: iStock
This means we’ve become more connected and more online than ever before, with our demand for internet growing faster than you might realise.
“About 36% of Australians are currently working from home at least part of the time and we are all using the internet more than ever,” says Jane McNamara from nbn.
“The average Australian household downloads eight times more than it did a decade ago, on about 25 connected devices, with downloads expected to double again in the next six or seven years, and connected devices expected to hit 44 by 2030.”
“This trend will continue as new technology emerges and becomes a part of our lives,” she adds.
Here are 5 tips to help optimise and harmonise your new home both physically and digitally.
1. Reducing clutter reduces stress
Stuck in a tech tangle? A cluttered home can disrupt your sense of harmony, potentially making you feel drained and unfocused.
So, whether it’s an overflowing inbox with thousands of unread emails, a home office filled with messy cords and old gadgets, or an internet connection that is not set up for your needs, every bit of digital clutter adds up.
Work on ridding your home of things you don’t need — think old paperwork, unused gadgets, random knick-knacks and anything else that no longer sparks joy.
Clear your space, clear your mind. Picture: iStock
You can apply the same philosophy to your digital space.
Spend a bit of time organising your documents, photos and videos into tidy folders, clearing your notifications and culling your apps for a more focused and efficient digital environment.
2. Fast internet makes you more efficient
The internet has evolved into the beating heart of the modern home, seamlessly connecting people, devices, and experiences.
“A decade ago, the typical Australian home had 2 to 3 internet-connected devices,” says Jane.
“Today, we have smart phones, watches, speakers, fans, fridges and cameras, on top of laptops, TVs, tablets and gaming consoles, not to mention electric vehicles downloading software patches and uploading footage and data from the day.”
“These all rely on your home connection, often downloading and uploading all at once.”
With so many connected devices in the home, high speed internet keeps it all running smoothly. Picture: iStock
To cater for an increase in devices and family members using the internet at the same time, especially during peak times – think streaming, gaming and late-night work video calls - having the right internet plan for your needs is key for better online experiences.
Higher speed plans can offer more capacity so that your household can continue streaming, working from home and gaming online all at the same time with less disruptions.
3. Older tech could be holding you back
Just as old white goods and broken furniture can disrupt the functionality and harmony of your home, so can older tech devices.
Keeping the technology that connects you to the internet up to date is another element to consider in a well-organised digital life. The Wi-Fi generation of your router could limit the speeds you experience on your internet plan.
“We know many Australians are still using Wi-Fi 4 technology, which was released about 16 years ago in 2009, and can typically only achieve download speeds of up to 100Mbps,” says Jane.
“Those with this technology simply can’t get the higher speeds they may be paying for.”
Older devices may be holding you back from your internet's full potential. Picture: iStock
Check if your devices are compatible. Outdated firmware or tech tools from different generations, like an old printer and a new laptop, may not work well together.
4. Your Wi-Fi router’s position may be disrupting digital flow
Furniture placement plays a crucial role in enhancing the flow and functionality of a home.
Arranging furniture to ensure clear pathways and balanced layouts can help with zoning your home for your needs. And harmony is not just about physical furniture placement, it’s also about enhancing your digital experience by looking at your Wi-Fi set-up.
To make your internet connection work best for you keep these things top of mind:
- Don’t hide your Wi-Fi router away in a cupboard or behind furniture, as obstacles including mirrors, fridges, and even fish tanks can block your signal and limit your speed.
- Minimise interference as common household items like microwaves, TVs, radios and baby monitors can affect your Wi-Fi signal so try to avoid placing your Wi-Fi router near them.
- Elevate your Wi-Fi router and place it in a central location where you use the internet the most.
The positioning of your internet router is paramount to its efficiency. Picture: iStock
“Even the fastest speed plan and latest equipment can’t deliver the speed you’re paying for if it’s set up poorly. It’s a bit like buying new speakers and laying them face down on the carpet,” says Jane.
5. You may have internet ‘dead zones’
If you live in a large home or multi-storey home, or if you’re experiencing internet dropouts, you could benefit from a mesh network - a type of Wi-Fi setup that helps improve internet coverage in your home, especially if you have a large house.
Instead of relying on a single router to send out Wi-Fi signals, a mesh network uses multiple devices called nodes.
Think of it like a team of people passing a message along. Instead of one person trying to shout the message across a big room, several people relay the message to ensure everyone hears it clearly.
This way, you get a stronger and more reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, even in areas that are far from the main router. With a mesh network, you can potentially wave goodbye to internet dead zones, laggy streaming and slow smart devices caused by poor Wi-Fi coverage in the home.
Slow internet? You might need a mesh network. Picture: iStock
Connecting with others is a fundamental human need. Virtual connections can be as supportive as in-person ones and the key to a harmonious internet connection could be optimising your home internet setup.
By harmonising your digital space, you can help make your internet coverage flow seamlessly through every corner of your home - bringing balance, connectivity, and peace of mind.
After all, in today's world, good internet is more than a convenience — it's the foundation of a harmonious, connected life.
Consider harmonising your home with a high speed nbn plan. Check what’s available at your address on the nbn website.
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