I'm a cleaning pro – five easy hacks for decluttering every room in the house

The Sun

2 days ago

WE all love a good clear-out and when is there a better time to declutter than in the summer when the sun is out?
With autumn fast approaching, many homeowners will be itching to make the most of the sunshine and get through all those annoying chores that have been piling up.
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This makes it the perfect time to clear out clutter, renew your space, and welcome positive energy into your home.
Not to mention, it can create a more relaxed and enjoyable living space as we head into the cosy season.
But it can quickly feel daunting when you want to declutter the entire home.
So in a bid to help, experts have shared five easy hacks from their room-by-room method.
Max Wilson, interiors expert and co-founder of Pocket Storage, said his helpful tips are guaranteed to help avoid burnout.
He says: "Our method is about creating a sense of accomplishment with each space you tackle. It's powerful because it's built on small, achievable wins.
It's especially effective for busy families who need to see quick results and for individuals who are easily discouraged by large, open-ended tasks
Max Wilsontorage expert and co-founder of Pocket Storage
'Instead of feeling defeated by the sheer scale of the entire home, you can celebrate the completion of a single space. It's about building confidence and creating a positive feedback loop for yourself."
Max says this approach is perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed and doesn't know where to begin.
He adds: 'It's especially effective for busy families who need to see quick results and for individuals who are easily discouraged by large, open-ended tasks.
"It's also ideal for people who are dealing with a significant life change, like moving, downsizing, or welcoming a new baby, where there's a clear need to re-evaluate and reorganise every space."
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The entryway
The entryway or welcoming hallway into your home often becomes a catch-all for shoes, coats, and junk mail.
So Max says the key here is to establish a clear purpose for the space.
He explains: "Think of your entryway as a transition zone. Everything here should serve a purpose for coming and going.
"Use a shoe rack or bench with built-in storage to corral footwear and a key bowl or wall-mounted organiser to keep essentials in one place.
"Don't let mail pile up - deal with it immediately."
The living room
The living room should be a place for relaxation, so it's no wonder that we can quickly become stressed when it gets messy.
Max advises focusing on items that contribute to comfort and conversation.
He explains: "Start by clearing all flat surfaces like coffee tables and bookshelves. Sort books by genre or colour to create a visually pleasing display.
"Use decorative baskets or ottomans with storage to hide away blankets, remotes, or toys.
"The goal is to make the space feel open and inviting."
The kitchen
Kitchens are one of the easiest rooms in the house that can become cluttered with anything from gadgets to spices and non-essential items.
But the expert says the goal is to optimise the space for cooking and daily routines.
Max adds: "Go through your pantry and cabinets one at a time. Group similar items together.
"Use stackable containers for dry goods and drawer dividers for utensils.
"Get rid of any duplicate gadgets or appliances you haven't used in a year. Remember, a clear countertop makes cooking more enjoyable."
8 things you should never have in your bedroom
DECLUTTERING expert Miles Davis has also revealed the eight things you should never have in your bedroom if you want a good nights sleep.
They are:
Bedside table clutter - Limit items to essentials, like a small lamp, an alarm clock, and maybe a glass of water.
Unused cosmetics and beauty products - Anything you haven't used in six months likely doesn't need to be there. Aim to pare down to just your daily essentials, storing extras in a bathroom cupboard or closet.
Clutter under the bed - If you must store items there, keep it limited to a single, well-organised category, say, off-season clothing or holiday gear.
Piles of clothes - If clothes are clean, hang or fold them back in the wardrobe. If they're dirty, throw them in the laundry basket.
Bills and paperwork - Try setting up a dedicated area for bills or admin in another part of the house, and see if you sleep more soundly without them looming nearby.
Technology - Bedrooms should be tech-free zones, except maybe for a stereo to play relaxing music.
Books - Try to limit yourself to one book at a time, and place it back on a shelf when you're done reading.
Exercise equipment - Save your bedroom space for winding down, not working out.
The bedroom
The bedroom should always feel like a little sanctuary, or a peaceful retreat to relax from the everyday stresses.
And a clutter-free bedroom can help you have better sleep and a calmer mind.
For this, Max suggests: "Focus on the surfaces first: nightstands, dressers, and the floor.
"Fold and put away all clothing. Use under-bed storage boxes for seasonal items or extra linens.
"A simple rule for your closet: if you haven't worn it in a year, it's time to let it go."
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The study/home office
If you're lucky enough to have a study or home office in your home, then you can't forget to declutter in there, too.
A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind, and a functional workspace is essential for focus and productivity.
Max says: "Organise your desk first. Use file organisers and folders to manage paperwork.
"A cable management box can hide messy cords and create a cleaner look.
"Keep only the essentials on your desktop to minimise distractions."
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