I often get asked for house decluttering advice, particularly when someone is planning a house move.
It can be a daunting prospect, especially if you have been in the same property for several years. Where on earth do you start?
That is why house decluttering advice and support is often sought, and I always say it is better to start sooner rather than later.
First off, try not to overwhelm yourself. I know that is easier said than done, but if you start well in advance rather than leaving it until the last minute, you will find yourself ahead of the game. You will not be frantically making major decisions that can put undue pressure on you and, indeed, your family. Mindfulness is key.
My House Decluttering Advice
I have been lucky (or unlucky, whichever way you look at it) to have moved many times in my life. Each time, I have always started early to ease the stress.
In fact, in my current home, which I love but do not intend to be my forever home, I only have what I need and use. In other words, I am slowly packing my suitcase without actually moving. I even have furniture that I will not want in my new home but, for now, serves a purpose. Every item is either loved or needed.
Almost daily, I remove something that I know for sure I no longer want. That item is immediately donated or sold. In other words, I am laying the groundwork for what can otherwise be a huge undertaking.
If I were planning to move home imminently, I would grab some boxes. If I saw things that I knew I wanted to transfer to my new home but did not necessarily need right now, Christmas decorations always spring to mind- I would simply box them up ready to go. You can do that with anything in your home. Just make sure you label each box, so you know what is inside.
Another key bit of house decluttering advice is to carefully assess which bulky items will no longer be required. If you can survive without certain things, large pieces of furniture can be donated or sold well in advance.
If this works for you, create a list. I like using notes on my phone, but I also love a clipboard. List all the categories or rooms you need to go through. This really does make life a lot easier, and who does not like a clipboard? I used them a lot when I was a PA, and even if I was a bit overwhelmed, the clipboard helped!
I also recommend getting the entire family involved. This is not a one-person job. Get everyone to start clearing their own space, carefully identifying what must stay and what can go.
I usually find that children are pretty good at letting go and often find it much easier than us grown-ups. I worked with one girl before her entire family was due to move, and I loved her zest for letting go of toys she no longer played with. She liked giving things away to those in need, which was very touching.
What Should You Keep When Moving House?
I suggest that you do not jump the gun by buying things you may want for your new home. As tempting as it sounds, quite often you can end up purchasing items that simply do not suit.
Try to hold off. After all, what are a few weeks of living out of suitcases until you find just the right items?
For instance, I purchased a record player for when I get a cabin, as well as a disco globe. Sadly, the record player is now in storage for when the day comes that I move. Not my smartest purchase, and I admit I jumped the gun a bit there!
Always focus on what you must take with you rather than what you do not want. These are the essentials, not the things that “might come in handy in the future”.
Pack a suitcase as if you were going away for a month or two. That way, you have everything you need should you find that your wardrobe is packed away for a bit longer than expected.
I always say that if you have something to sit on, a lamp and a kettle, plus clothing and beauty products, of course, you can survive much longer than you think with very little.
House Decluttering Advice When You’re Not Moving
It might be that you are seeking house decluttering advice simply because your home is full. The same principles apply, just to a lesser extent.
Break the rooms you want to declutter into categories and think about one room at a time.
Make life easy for yourself. Recycling and rubbish can be removed quickly, and by doing this first, you are clearing the path as the debris has gone.
Make sure you have the right “tools” with you. Have bags ready for rubbish and recycling, a bag for charity donations and a box for items you wish to sell.
Again, do not be tempted to buy more storage units. It is far better to declutter first and then buy what you actually need. You may find you already have a piece of furniture that is not being used and can be brought into a particular room and used in a better way.
If anyone asks me for house decluttering advice, I always say to categorise first. Putting similar things together, such as books with books and pans with pans, can ease the pain because you can clearly see what you have.
You can also spot the problem areas. For instance, if you have more clothes than you could ever wear in a year, it could be that you focus on clothing first.
Selling is so easy on sites such as Vinted or eBay, and as the sales start to rack up, you may find yourself enthusiastically listing anything you no longer need, not just clothes.
Download any apps you may need too. I like World of Books to potentially sell any books, CDs or DVDs I wish to let go of. I also use Freecycle sites. These are great for giving things away without the hassle of having to dispose of the item yourself, plus you are giving something to someone who can make use of it.
Auction houses are another way to sell unwanted items. Many auction houses these days will take both modern and old items. You may not get a fortune, but sometimes it is far better to have someone do a clean sweep for you and handle the sales.
To be fair, selling online is great, but it has its drawbacks too. It is time-consuming and, if you do not make any sales, it can be draining. Be realistic about what you can sell.
Remember that many things can be easily replaced, either through sites such as Facebook Marketplace or online, without necessarily costing you a fortune. There is no point in clinging to broken or unused items. They are taking up valuable space in your home.
If you have specialist items you wish to sell, do your research carefully. Some specialist jewellers will be sympathetic to your needs and offer good prices. The same applies to harder-to-sell items such as stamp collections.
What About Sentimental Items and Photos?
I always recommend to anyone seeking house decluttering advice that they buy themselves a beautiful memory box. These are a great way to store precious memories, but be careful not to overstuff them. Remember, not every memory is a good one.
I also get asked what is best to do with photos. Photos are hard to go through and can churn up all sorts of emotions, but I am a bit old-school.
Printed photos can be stored in albums, yes, just like the old days! That way, you are more likely to look at them. I recommend keeping them in the living room so you can always pick one up if you fancy travelling back down memory lane.
Think About the Home You Want to Create
Focus on the style of home you are trying to create. Without a map, how can you find your way?
Create a mood board on sites such as Pinterest, download some pictures or cut out images of homes and styles you like the look of. Focus on colours as well as style.
Are you seeking a modern, clean space, or do you like a more retro look with lots of pictures and objects? Neither is wrong, but make sure you know what you are looking to achieve. This will help to keep you focused.
After all, if you have lots of pink-coloured things but you prefer greens, then perhaps the pink things need to go.
I recommend starting with a blank canvas of white and bringing colour into your home from there. This can create a cleaner look.
Remember, this is your home and your happy place. What do you want it to make you feel like?
Need Some Help Decluttering Your Home?
If you find all of this overwhelming, I would love to have a chat with you about your decluttering needs.
I come with years of experience and have a good eye, having worked with some style gurus over the years in fashion and skincare. A design project after we have completed the house declutter is my dream job!
You can also find out more about how I can support you on my website.
It would be my pleasure to not only offer some house decluttering advice, but to physically support you in creating the home of your dreams. A home that feels clutter-free and calm, with a place for everything and everything in its place.
Email: beth@thelifestyleconcept.co.uk Call: 07932 945738