Household clutter and how to clear it
Household clutter can build up almost without us noticing. Before we know it, it’s everywhere – spread across the entire home. When it gets to that point, it can feel difficult to know where to put it or even where to start.
Household clutter and how to clear it must be one of the most searched-for questions in Google, second only to “How do I meet my soul mate?”!
The golden rules of decluttering
I follow two golden rules and suggest to my clients that they do the same:
- A place for everything and everything in its place
- Put everything back where it came from
It makes sense to have items in logical places: mugs in the kitchen, books on a bookshelf, toiletries in the bathroom, clothes in the wardrobe. Clutter builds when we take something out but don’t put it back, combined with procrastination.
Start small
Clutter can be dealt with more easily than most people realise, but when it’s built up, the task can feel insurmountable. That’s why I encourage my clients to start small. Don’t beat yourself up for where you’re at – just congratulate yourself for being ready to tackle it.
You’ll need:
- Black bin liners for general rubbish
- A white bag for recycling
- A box or bag for items to sell
- A bag for items to reposition in your home
- A bag for charitable donations
Peeling the onion
Decluttering is like peeling an onion – you need to break it down into layers.
First layer: household recycling. Old letters, cardboard boxes, packaging – these can go straight into your recycling bin. Recycling is so much better than landfill, and we can recycle more than ever before.
Second layer: categorise your piles by putting like with like. This is my favourite way to declutter. When you group similar things together, you can see clearly what can be disposed of, repositioned, donated, or sold.
Once you’ve gone through each pile, reposition what you’re keeping into the right place. You may even discover more items you no longer need along the way.
Recognising the “extra”
I often use the word extra when talking about clutter, because that’s exactly what it is: extra to your needs. It’s the stuff taking up space with no real purpose. Extra toys no longer played with, clothes that don’t fit, paperwork you don’t need. Once you see clutter as “extra,” it becomes easier to let go.
Getting support
If your household clutter is severe, working with a professional can make a huge difference. Professionals can guide you, support you, and even connect you with charities, auctioneers, or clearance services. They often have a “little black book” of trusted contacts to help you move on from your clutter.
I am not a fan of hiring a skip, since it all goes to landfill. A better way is to use a reliable, licensed house clearance service, but remember – you still need to bag up what you don’t want.
Your local tip is also a great resource. Metals, batteries, paint cans, wood, plastics, textiles, printer cartridges, old electricals – almost everything can be rehomed, recycled, or redistributed. I particularly favour the Salvation Army, who accept donations joyfully and redistribute them well.
Final tip
If you’ve bagged up items for charity, leave the bags by the front door or put them straight into your car. That way they’ll leave your home quickly instead of hanging around and becoming more clutter.
Be decisive – it’s the only way to unclutter yourself.
Love,
Beth
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