Contrary to popular belief there is an easy way to declutter your home, and it is to Declutter Room by Room.
Whenever I start work with a client, we normally establish which areas of the home are requiring my attention. It could be that books need sorting, or clothing, or the trainer pile! But in truth, it always comes down to which rooms need looking at first off.
It is interesting how, that in so many properties, the same ‘areas’ do seem to come up time and time again. The Loft is a usual suspect; so many of us use the loft to store all those items that are not used on a regular basis. Sadly, over time, the loft can house all sorts of treasures from memories to empty boxes, to the golf clubs no longer used, through to even, potentially, cash in the attic!
I was in a loft last week and we uncovered long lost photographs and childhood memories. My client found it difficult to not disappear down a rabbit hole, as she reminisced, so I gently reminded her that we were simply putting them carefully away, to be moved to her new home. In other words, I coach clients to not take on more than they can handle. I normally recommend that any form of memorabilia is left to last. If memories are in the loft, then the loft is best left to last to declutter, but it can be added to the list.
In all cases, even if you declutter room by room, there is always a standard practice and that is to remove the entire contents of a drawer, a cupboard, a wardrobe, clean and then put back those items you are using. The rest is then up for debate. This way, you have identified what the important bits are, so that the entire decluttering process is much easier.
My favourite room must be the bedroom, only because, as any woman will admit, it normally houses a wonderful wardrobe of clothes, some worn often, some worn sometimes and other items that are not worn at all.
And that is where I come in. As with any other room in the house, it’s a case of breaking the room down into categories. The main category in most bedrooms is clothes, either for you, or for you and your partner. Some of this can be found in the wardrobe itself, or in the chest of drawers which most bedrooms have. The second category is jewellery, hotly followed by make-up. They can be tricky to store, but over the years I have come to realise that there are great solutions out there to house your jewellery both easily and stylishly and even trendy solutions to store your make up.
I always prep my clients that to declutter room by room can take time, but it will be worth it. This way, we can work to a plan and finish the project to both our satisfaction.
Beth