Our Top Tips to Declutter your Home
Let’s face it, most of us have that bit of clutter we keep putting off. Whether it’s a whole room, a secret cupboard or simply “that drawer”, decluttering can quickly feel overwhelming before you’ve even started.
The good news? With the right approach, decluttering doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Here are our tried-and-tested tips to help you regain control of your space including methods we’ve used ourselves.
Choose the Right Time
Pick a day when you genuinely have time to focus. Trying to squeeze a 60-minute task into five rushed minutes will only make the job feel more stressful and may put you off tackling clutter again in the future. Giving yourself proper time helps you stay calm, focused and motivated.
Use a System That Works for You
There’s no single “right” way to declutter. The key is finding a system that suits your personality and the space you’re working on. Here are three effective options:
System 1: Relocate First
Remove everything from the area that doesn’t belong there and return it to the room it does belong in — without worrying about organising it yet.
Example: Take the sellotape and scissors back to the kitchen, even if you don’t decide their permanent spot straight away.
System 2: One Item at a Time
Pick up each item individually and only return it once you’ve decided on a permanent home. This works well for smaller areas and encourages mindful decisions.
System 3: The Sorting Piles
Create three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Dispose. Once the space is cleared, revisit each pile and deal with it properly before moving on.
Prioritise the Most Impactful Spaces
If you have several areas to declutter, start with the one that affects your daily life the most. Ask yourself:
Does this clutter cause stress?
Does it create a safety hazard?
Does it impact how I use my home?
Starting with a high-impact area gives you a quick win and boosts motivation.
Get Everyone on the Same Page
If you live with others, communication is key. When shared items move, confusion follows. For example, if bin bags have always lived next to the bin and suddenly disappear, they’re likely to reappear on the shopping list. Agree on new systems together to avoid frustration later.
Repeated Clutter Is a Sign Something Isn’t Working
If you’re constantly decluttering the same spot, the issue isn’t the clutter, it’s the system.
A common example is post piling up on stairs or worktops. Once a designated space is created for incoming mail, those clutter hotspots often disappear altogether. Look for patterns and address the root cause.
Protect Sentimental Items Properly
When storing sentimental items after a declutter, make sure they’re protected. Sturdy storage boxes, bubble wrap and clear labels help keep treasured belongings safe, organised and easy to access in the future.
Donate or Sell Quickly
Once you’ve decided to part with items, act fast. Leaving bags of donations or sale items lying around increases the risk they’ll creep back into your home.
Charity shops, shelters and community organisations are always grateful for donations. If you’re selling, platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Vinted are popular, easy options.
Maximise All Available Storage
Make the most of often-overlooked spaces:
Under the bed
Under the stairs
On the backs of doors
Smart use of vertical and hidden storage can dramatically increase usable space without adding clutter.
Decluttering isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a home that works better for the way you live. Tackle it one step at a time, and you’ll be surprised how much lighter your space (and mind) can feel.