Home starting to feel pretty stuffed with…well, stuff? Not sure you need to keep it all, but also not sure what you do and do not want to have in your home? It can be hard to work out what enhances your home and what does not, but it is not impossible, and below, you will find some top tips to sort the must-haves from the don’t wants, so you can curate a home you truly love…
1. Start with a Vision (Not a Pinterest Dream Board)
Before you begin tossing things around, it’s worth imagining how you want your space to feel. Do you dream of a minimalist haven or a cosy nest bursting with personality? Take a moment to visualise your ideal setup. Jot down some keywords—“calm,” “functional,” “stylish”—or even doodle a quick sketch. A clear vision helps you decide if that mountain of old magazines belongs or if it’s time for a dramatic purge.
2. The ‘Does It Spark Joy?’ Test (Without the Marie Kondo Drama)
If you’re familiar with the famous decluttering mantra, you know the drill—if it doesn’t spark joy, it’s gotta leave your home. Of course, don’t stress if you don’t feel an immediate emotional reaction to every item. Sometimes practicality should rule. Ask yourself, “Have I used this in the last year?” and “Would I buy this if I saw it in a shop?” The answers will help you decide if something is a keeper or a candidate for clearance.
3. Sort, Sort, Sort
Now comes the fun (and a bit of messy) part—sorting everything into piles. Create categories like “Keep for Now,” “Store for Sentimental Reasons,” and “Time to Say Goodbye.” Lay your items out on the floor if you have to. It might look like a chaotic jumble at first, but soon enough you’ll see patterns emerge. You might find yourself rediscovering treasures you’d long forgotten—or realising that all those decorative trinkets were just collecting dust.
4. Consider Your Options for the ‘Maybe’ Pile
Sometimes you’re just not sure. That’s where the ‘maybe’ pile comes in. Place those items in a box and stash it away for a couple of months. If you don’t miss them, it’s a green light for the donation bin. And if you’re still not convinced, remember you can always use resources like a quick Google search for “Storage Units near me” to create a temporary home for those borderline items. It’s not a permanent solution, but it can give you breathing room while you decide.
5. Embrace the Process
Decluttering is as much a mental journey as a physical one. You might stumble across hilarious relics from your past (remember that neon windbreaker?) or find yourself musing over old photographs. Let yourself enjoy these moments. Yes, part of the process is painful, but it’s also a chance to reset, reimagine, and reenergise your space. It’s about creating an environment that’s truly yours—one that works for the present, not the past.
Be honest, be ruthless, create a space you truly love!
