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Clear space, Identify the problem areas Sort into categories
EXPERT ADVICE
clear mind stressed or overwhelmed. These are often Create piles for items to keep, donate,
simple
system
Start by noticing which parts
makes
A
of your home make you feel
decluttering far more effective.
surfaces where clutter builds up quickly –
recycle and throw away. You might also
kitchen worktops, dining tables, hallways
or bedroom floors. Clearing these areas want a separate pile for things you could
sell, with platforms like eBay, Vinted and
first can make an immediate difference Facebook Marketplace making it easy to
We share simple ways to bring balance and breathing space back into your home and give you a sense of progress straight give unwanted items a second life.
away.
Many companies now buy and refurbish
Begin with small, manageable space to old tech, so unused phones, laptops and
n today’s fast-paced world, our homes
often become a reflection of our busy avoid feeling discouraged. Tackling one tablets don’t have to end up in a drawer.
I lives – filled with objects, memories and room, or even one drawer, helps build Where possible, prioritise donating or
purchases that slowly accumulate over time. momentum and makes the task feel far recycling over sending items to landfill,
What starts as a few extra items on the side more achievable before moving on to and consider whether anything could be
soon turns into overflowing cupboards, larger areas. repurposed or upcycled instead.
cluttered surfaces and rooms that feel more
chaotic than calm.
While everyone has a different approach to Memories vs Belongings Make it a habit
interiors, from carefully curated minimalism Some items are easy to sort Once the clutter is gone, the
to cosy, lived-in maximalism, one thing through, but sentimental key is maintaining it. Regularly
remains the same: clutter can quickly affect belongings can be much harder to part reassessing your belongings can stop
how we feel in our own space. That’s why with. When deciding what to keep, think things building up again. A helpful trick is
decluttering has become such a popular about what you genuinely use, love or the ‘one in, one out’ rule – for every new
topic in recent years, with shows, books and display, and what has been simply packed item you bring into your home, try to
experts all encouraging us to rethink what we away and forgotten. remove one you no longer need.
keep and why.
Try starting with items that carry less If storage is limited, look for smart
Selling your home or not, creating a clear emotional weight before moving on solutions. Vertical shelving, tall cupboards
and organised environment can have a to more meaningful possessions. If and multifunctional furniture with hidden
hugely positive impact on your wellbeing. something feels too difficult to let go of, storage can make a big difference,
Decluttering isn’t about removing your it’s okay to keep it and revisit the decision especially in smaller homes. Under-
personality or making your home feel clinical; later. However, if you haven’t worn, read or bed boxes, drawer dividers and hanging
it’s about creating a space that feels calmer, used something in months – or even years wardrobe organisers are also great for
more manageable and easier to enjoy. – it may be time to consider whether it still maximising space.
deserves space in your home.
Whether you’re downsizing and sorting
through years of memories, or simply trying
to stay on top of family life and the endless In short, before buying into the latest viral home trend, ask yourself whether you actually need
flow of ‘stuff’, these simple steps will help you it – and where it’s going to live. If your cupboards are already bursting, you probably already
regain a sense of calm. know the answer.
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