Page 34 - April 2024

INTERIORS INSIDER

Clutter heartstrings, keep it, and reassess another day
Clear the like to see more often, or could easily live
without. If there’s anything that tugs at your
– you don’t want to regret parting with anything
you can’t replace. It makes sense to keep items
that spark a strong emotion or memory, even
if you don’t use or look at them regularly. But
We talk to a decluttering expert about the ways you can create if there’s anything you forgot you even owned,
calm in your home. or something you haven’t worn, read, or used
for months (or even years), it might be time to
pass it on.
he famous William Morris saying goes, Regardless of whether you’re selling your home
“Have nothing in your house that you or not, creating a tidy environment can do “Decluttering is such a personal journey, and it’s Once you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s important to
Tdo not know to be useful, or believe to wonders for your ability to enjoy your space. ok to start small,” says India. “I like to begin with keep it up, to make sure that your belongings
be beautiful.”, but it’s not always as clear-cut as Decluttering isn’t about stripping away all of items that have minimal sentimental value, don’t spiral out of control again. India
that. Whether you live in a maximalist museum your personality and reducing the homeliness but when you reach those more emotional recommends establishing a regular routine:
of mementoes, or you enjoy the tranquility of a of your property; rather, it’s about taking away items, consider documenting them through “Consider scheduling monthly or quarterly
minimalist haven, decluttering our belongings the overwhelm that can come with the feeling photographs to preserve those memories sessions to reassess your belongings and purge
is something that applies to everyone, to keep of too many things spilling out of control. before you decide to let them go.” what’s no longer needed. I like the ‘one in, one
some sense of order in our environments. out’ rule: for every new item brought into the
We spoke to India Lawson, decluttering India advises sorting items into categories home, let go of an old one.”
Decluttering has long been a hot topic in the expert, and founder of East Lothian-based The when you begin the process, making piles
world of interiors; the KonMari method had us Uncluttered Living Co., to get her advice on what to keep, donate, recycle, and discard. Some If you live in a smaller property, or you find that
all wondering if three copies of the same book you can do to create the relaxed atmosphere people also like to create a ‘sell’ pile, for items your storage space is limited, India advises a few
sparked joy, while the popular BBC programme you’ve been craving, whether you’re downsizing that could be resold on online platforms clever hacks to make sure you can keep on top
‘Sort Your Life Out’ taps into the emotions we and need to organise decades of precious like eBay or Vinted, such as clothes and of your possessions. “Maximising vertical space
can all feel when overcome by owning too memories, or if you’re in the thick of family life, accessories. There are also various websites is key,” she explains. “I like to use shelves, tall
much ‘stuff’. with your home overflowing with toys, clothes that will buy and refurbish your used storage units, and multifunctional furniture with
and just about everything else. electronics and tech equipment. built-in storage options. You can also invest in
storage solutions that are tailored to smaller
“I always advise starting by pinpointing the areas If you’re planning to recycle a large variety of spaces, like under-bed storage and hanging
in your home that cause the most stress,” says items, do your research to find out where they organisers, which can all make a big difference.”
India. “Clearing surfaces where clutter tends can be recycled. You could drop textiles off at
to accumulate quickly, such as countertops, local recycling bins, or list toys, furniture and So, you’ve cleared the clutter and invested in
tables and floors, can make a big difference and equipment for free on community websites like some clever storage, but how can you maintain
instantly creates a sense of openness. Starting Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. For some it going forwards?
with a small, manageable space can make items, you can even contact local charities who
the process feel less overwhelming, before may be able to collect them from you. “Mindful consumption and thoughtful habits can
moving onto larger rooms.” curb clutter over time, helping to reduce how
“Wherever possible, I prioritise recycling or much you accumulate,” advises India. “Above all,
It’s key to think about items objectively donating items, rather than sending them you should focus on creating a space that aligns
when going through this process. You to landfill,” India says. “Many communities with your current lifestyle and priorities.”
can easily sort boxes of paperwork and offer recycling programmes, and numerous
discern what’s no longer required, but charities accept donations of gently used In a nutshell – do you really need the latest
it’s harder to sift through sentimental items. For anything that can’t be recycled or kitchen gadget you’ve seen on TikTok? If you’re
items. Think carefully about what you donated, try repurposing or upcycling them, to struggling to cram everything into the drawers,
use or look at regularly, and what you’d minimise waste.” then perhaps you already know the answer.

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