A Moment With: SortedLondon's founders Rachel & Becky

We meet award-winning interior designer Rachel Forster and property manager and curator Becky Fountain 

We caught up with the founders of home organisation and de-cluttering company SortedLondon to learn about what fuels their creativity and what passion projects are keeping them busy... 

Tells us a bit about yourself
 
We’re old friends who met 20 years ago in Paris. We now live in London with kids, busy lives and hectic spaces. We set up SortedLondon after having seen how streamlining our own homes and offices has had such a dramatic effect on changing our lives.

Tell us a bit more about SortedLondon
A regular sort out can help us to reflect on how we live, what we really need and what we really could do without. Our work/home lives constantly overlap and can present problems with organising how best to manage in small or shared areas.  Having the tools to live and work efficiently and freeing yourself from the chaos that holds you back is what led led us  to set up SortedLondon.

What influences do you draw upon to fuel your creativity?
 
We’re inspired by each other to begin with as well as people like James Wallman, Marie Kondo, Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus, who have their own tips on how to organise people’s lives and reduce what you consume.  Also listening to our friends and clients about how much they benefit from re-engaging with what they own and knowing that they’re surrounded by what they love and appreciate.
 
What is your current passion project?
 
Anyone who is struggling with ‘stuffocation’ and is ready to make a change. We’re working with clients who need more space in their stockrooms, a school wanting to maximise their layout, a family overwhelmed by countless boxes coming out of storage and another making space for a loft conversion.  We can save people time and money by not hoarding and storing and give them the strength to move forward, that’s what makes us feel passionate about what we do.
 
'10 in 10' - We ask our favourite innovators, creators, movers & shakers, 10 questions in 10 minutes or less...
 
What music do you listen to when:
 
-You want to unwind? 
BF: I listen to radio nova and it helps me keep up with my French too.
RF: Radio 6, Cerys Matthews, Craig Charles, Jarvis Cocker, Shaun Keaveny, they’re all good.
 
-You're hosting a dinner party for friends?
BF: usually too busy talking.
RF: mixes from dj friends on sound cloud.
 
-You're in the mood to dance?
BF: Baccara’s ‘yes sir I can boogie’ or Indeep’s ‘last night a dj saved my life’.
RF: Deep electronic beats and disco, but not at the same time
 
What are your must-have travel essentials?
BF: rescue remedy for flights, sunglasses always and a list of all the best places to eat.
RF: sheepskin scuffs and earplugs.
 
Favourite travel companions?
BF: My long suffering partner and my 9 year old son.  Luckily they’re happy to put up with my quest for culture in return for food.
RF: Kids and boyfriend aside, my dad. He’s generous, fearless and great fun to be with.
 
What life lessons (if any) have your travels taught you?
 
BF: Be grateful for new experiences and embrace everything.
RF: Knowing when to stay and when to move on.
 
What city do you find the most:
 
-Inspirational?
BF: Venice.
RF: Havana.
 
-Invigorating?
BF: Camping anywhere, to properly realise you don’t need much to have a good time.
RF: New York or an outdoor tree shower.
 
-Relaxing?
BF: Bermuda, all about beaches and snorkelling.
RF: In front of an open fire.
 
-Like your home away from home?
BF: Paris and Barcelona.
RF: My tentipi Safir 9.
 
Top travel tip?
BF: Do your research, get tips from friends, learn some lingo.
RF: Get off the beaten track and live like a local.
 
What's your soul food (e.g. food that makes your heart sing)? 
BF: A really good piece of cheese and some sourdough.
RF: Creamy mash with a steak and ale pie.
 
Favourite tipple?
BF: Prosecco.
RF: Peppermint tea first thing in the morning.
 
How do you like to unwind?
 
BF: see above (and add friends).
RF: hot bath.
 
Inspirational quote that you live by?
BF: 'Less is more'.
RF: 'Warrior not worrier'.

www.sortedlondon.com