With spring just around the corner, there's never been a better time to shake off the winter blues and declutter your space.
Keeping track of clutter can seem like a daunting task, especially in high-traffic rooms like kitchens and hallways, but eliminating smaller pieces can bring big results.
"Think of decluttering as a constant and sometimes even slow process, rather than a quick search of your home followed by the inevitable acquisition of new items," Catharina Björkman, Scandinavian lifestyle expert at Contura , tells Country Living .
"It's about making lasting change and scheduling regular meetings that happen infrequently and often in the right order. This reduces the risk of feeling overwhelmed and increases our chances of accomplishing the task at hand."
The good news is that you can declutter your home in just a weekend (or less).
To help you get started, we've put together a list of everything you need to do on Saturday and Sunday. If time permits, get a head start by completing some tasks on Friday evening.
Ordering Tips: What to do on Saturday
Step 1: Decide what you want to order
The first step is to make a list of what needs to be organized. Focus on small spaces like a drawer, closet , corner, or shelf rather than entire rooms.
"Make a list of all the areas you want to clean and renovate. Pay special attention to areas that may have been neglected during these winter months," said interior designers at Hiatt Hardware . "Planning ahead will help you identify key elements in your home that will make you feel fresher if you give them a little attention."
Decluttering tip : Take photos of the rooms you want to declutter. Your perspective changes when you look at the room through a screen. This will also keep you accountable and give you a satisfying before and after.
Step 2: Plan your day
Begin your decluttering process by developing a detailed, step-by-step plan, focusing on areas that have not yet been addressed.
Kate from Fantastic Removals suggests writing down specific times for each task, while Elaine Penhaul from Lemon and Lime Interiors suggests writing down the things you plan to do.
"With notebook in hand, slowly walk through your house and identify the strengths and problem areas you would like to improve in each room. Look for overcrowded shelves or cupboards."
You might want to start by clearing out a kitchen drawer before tackling your closet in the afternoon. Kate tells us: "Plan the weekend in detail, including specific times for each task, and make sure they are all completed on time. This will help you stay on track and ensure you have enough time to complete everything you want to accomplish. ".
Sorting tip : Sort in small chunks lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. And don't forget to plan important coffee breaks.
Step 3: Sort the items into three piles
Once you've decided where to start, sort the items into three groups: keep , donate/sell , and throw away (like expired products). You can also find items that can be reused to create something new, but save the DIY project for another weekend.
Decluttering tip: "Start with a space that will give you a quick win, like a small closet or drawer. This will help build momentum and keep you motivated to keep cleaning up," says Kate.
Step 4: Choose what you want to stream
It can be difficult to let go of it, even if you no longer need or use it. However, many people hold on to items that have become too useful, especially sentimental possessions. You don't have to part with everything: create a "souvenir" box with your favorite things and donate other items.
Vlatka Lake, space station storage expert, suggests: "Do you have a lot of clothes in your closet that you never wear, or are you struggling to find space on your shelves due to the amount of candles and decorations you have accumulated over the years to find?" ? ". ? When considering how to control your hoarding, you should first ask yourself what things you really need and what things are taking up unnecessary space. »
Tidy-up tip: Donate unwanted items to your local charity shop or refugee donation centers across the UK.
Step 5: Decide what you want to keep
Decluttering isn't just about throwing things away, it's also about finding ways to organize anything you want to keep. As you walk through each room, think of useful things and objects that bring you joy and bring back fond memories. "If you're having trouble deciding which items should stay or go, ask yourself whether they bring you joy or evoke a fond memory. If the answer is no, you should remove it," says Catharina.
"Once you've decided which items you want to store, all you need to do is find a place to put them on Saturday," Lisa Cooper, product manager and home expert at Thomas Sanderson , tells us.
"Bedside tables and kitchen counters can often be crowded, so it's important that everything has a home (or that everything has a home). Use a decorative container for accessories you want to access quickly, like keys and phone chargers, and put them away." Store all of your toiletries in a drawer after use so they don't clutter up your surfaces.
Clean-up tip: "Every family member can help at home, including with tidying up and keeping things tidy in the common room," adds Catharina.
Ordering Tips: What to do on Sunday
Step 6: Get rid of items quickly
Clearing out clutter is all well and good, but don't allow tidied items to pile up again. Once you've got everything organized, use Sunday to return items, drop them off at recycling centers, or advertise anything you sell online. Don't put this off, otherwise your things could end up in the tidy drawers.
Tidying Tip: "When it comes to organizing your home and keeping surfaces clean, decorative baskets are lifesavers and can store everything from toys to toiletries," says Elaine.
Step 7 – Use storage solutions
Smart storage doesn't mean everything has to be hidden. To maintain a clean look, use stackable drawers, beautiful baskets, and boxes throughout the home.
"Go through each room to decide what can be stored, including books, electronics, magazines, clothing, shoes, toiletries, linens, towels and toys. Increase storage space wherever you can and utilize every corner. You will probably find unused space in the sink, under stairs, under beds and in kitchen or bathroom cupboards," explains Catharina.
Cleaning tip: Built-in cupboards that can be installed precisely in niches, under eaves or under stairs to make optimal use of every square centimeter
Step 8: Create a system
Kate tells us: "When sorting, it's important to classify items and create an organization system for them. Use color-coded labels or boxes to help you remember the contents of each container. »
Tidying Tip: Create a new tidying routine by incorporating these tasks into your daily routine
Step 9: Celebrate your progress
And at the end, celebrate your progress with a well-deserved glass of champagne. "At the end of the weekend, take a moment to celebrate your progress and achievements. Enjoy your new space and appreciate the benefits of a clutter-free home," concludes Kate.
Tidying Tip: Tidy up a little every week to keep things organized. Even a simple bathroom cabinet, a chest for storing belongings or a toy box for children is a manageable task.
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the deputy daily editor of House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK , where she continues to write about home and interior design, gardening , dog breeds , pets, health and wellbeing, country news, small space inspiration and the most popular properties on the market. . She has previously written for Condé Nast Traveler magazine, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at the University of Creative Arts and graduated with a degree in fashion journalism.
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