…and a bonus one that might just change everything.

Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming — especially when life is busy, rooms are full, and you’ve no idea where to start. But a clear, organised space can bring calm, clarity and a surprising amount of relief.

Here are my top 10 practical, no-nonsense tips to help you take control of the clutter — plus one bonus tip that could make the whole process much easier.

  1. Skip the trends. Forget the trendy 30-day “one item a day” style challenges. If you’re serious about decluttering, just commit to the job and give it the focus it deserves. Quick fixes can feel satisfying in the moment, but lasting change comes from a deeper sort-out.
  2. Allow more time. Decluttering always takes longer than you expect. Give yourself at least double the time you think it will take — that way, you’re more likely to finish what you start and avoid ending up with half-sorted chaos.
  3. Don’t put something away randomly. It’s not just about where things live, it’s about how they’re grouped. Create clear areas in your home — like a laundry zone, a stationery cupboard, or a memory box. That way, the whole household knows where things belong.
  4. Take it out of the house that same day. Once something’s been decluttered, don’t let it linger. Take it straight to the charity shop, recycling centre or bin. Allow time for this. Bags left in the house to remove later just invite you or others to delve back in “just in case”.
  5. Have a “Sort Later” box, but DO sort it at the end. As you go, you’ll find random papers, bits and bobs, and things that don’t have an obvious home. That’s okay — pop them in one box temporarily so your attention isn’t diverted from the main task. Just make sure to sort through it at the end of your project. Don’t let it become the new junk drawer.
  6. Audit your laundry flow. Cluttered homes often have laundry bottlenecks. Make sure every stage — washing, drying, ironing, folding, and putting away — has its own space. Not the bed. Not the kitchen counter. Not hidden behind the sofa when guests pop round!
  7. Choose storage that really works. Open shelving looks great in magazines, but in real life? Sorry Ikea… but KALLAX UNITS… did you have to? Doors, drawers, and smart storage solutions keep things tidy and out of sight. Go for functionality as well as style.
  8. Be honest about your “To Sell” pile. If you haven’t listed it in a week, you probably won’t. I see piles in every cluttered home, covered in dust. Give yourself permission to skip the guilt and donate it. Reclaim the space — you’ll feel lighter instantly.
  9. Paperwork needs a system. Paper can take over your home. Everyone always asks for help with this. Invest in a filing cabinet or box with separate folders for each family member. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just organised enough that you can actually find things when you need them.
  10. One Memory Box per person. Give each family member a “Memory Box” — a simple, lidded plastic box for sentimental treasures. But once it’s full? It’s time to review and decide what truly deserves space.

Bonus Tip: Ask for help. Decluttering can be emotional, time-consuming, and surprisingly hard to do alone — especially when you’re already juggling life, work, or family. That’s where I come in. Sometimes just one session with a professional can give you clarity, confidence, and a practical plan to move forward.

Ready to Get Started? Whether you’re stuck in the overwhelm or just need a little guidance, I’m here to help.

Home Makeovers – Simple Changes. Big Results