Are you part of the 80% of British women who feel stressed by clutter at home? A recent study of over 2000 adults by storage company Caboodle found that four in five women (and 59% of men) find the amount of stuff they own overwhelming.
“Lots of physical possessions in homes bombard people,” says professional organiser and declutter coach Kate Ibbotson. “People spend hours searching for misplaced items and, as time is the most precious commodity we have, it’s such a waste to spend it this way.”
But despite the huge interest in KonMari, Marie Kondo’s signature decluttering method – you only keep items that ‘spark joy’ – the Caboodle survey still found that over half of us are reluctant to have a clear out in case we later regret it. 40% of respondents said they wish they hadn't thrown away some old clothes and 36% lament having given up books. It’s clear that KonMari doesn’t work for everyone.
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Instead, finding the best way to store your possessions effectively might be a better solution. “All too often, I end up decluttering inappropriate storage boxes from clients’ homes,” says Kate, who advises incorporating solutions that utilises space within your existing furniture, like stepped organisers or turntables in cupboards. Wall shelves and hooks also work well to keep floors clear.
Reinvent your kitchen cupboards
NEX Expandable Stackable Kitchen Cupboard Shelf Insert
Simplywire Baking Sheet, Pan & Chopping Board Rack
mDesign Lazy Susan Turntable Cabinet Storage Container
To ensure your new solution is beautiful as well as practical, Kate says you should think about what style would work best with your home’s existing decor. She recommends using materials like wicker in rustic interior schemes, for example, and products with simple, clean lines in contemporary properties.
Decluttering expert and APDO member Lizzie Grant says that you could also invest in some feature furniture with built in storage areas, like ottomans, sofas, foot rests and beds that open up. “Just don't forget to double check your room’s measurements to ensure your new piece of furniture will fit before making a purchase,” she says.
Make your hallway work harder
The Garden Trading Co Kelston Peg Rail
Noa & Nani Brittany Hallway Bench & Coat Hook Shoe Storage
Wenko Norway 2 Tier Stackable Walnut Wood Shoe Rack
The Home Collection Cream Ceramic Umbrella Stand With Feather Detail
When it comes to open solutions for those smaller items on your bookcase or shelves, both Lizzie and Kate recommend using pretty boxes or baskets to keep things orderly. “Perspex containers blend into the background and sustainable materials like bamboo can also be very attractive and durable,” says Kate. “Even labels on boxes can be made appealing by using a string tie or adding a colourful border.”
Pretty storage boxes and baskets
The Basket Company Banana Weave Basket
House by John Lewis Felt Storage Basket
H&M Cotton storage basket
Coby Set of 3 multi-coloured rectangular water hyacinth baskets
Finally, the space under your bed can also be a good spot to store spare bedding and towels. When senior shopping editor Sally Newall had her bedroom redecorated, she bought some of these IKEA rattan underbed boxes to finish off the room’s makeover. “They look miles better than the ugly plastic ones I had before,” she says. “They tone in with with my wood-frame bed and the zip-up top keeps everything neat.”
Attractive under-bed boxes
House by John Lewis Bow Underbed Storage Drawers, Set of 2, Oak
Wayfair Rotanev Underbed Storage Drawer
A good tidy up brings other positives too. Investing in the right storage will not only improve the look of your living room and make you feel more zen; it might also save you some cash too. "Clutter costs money," Kate reminds us. "It's very common to buy duplicates if something is misplaced."
So take a weekend day to get organised. You'll feel so much better - and there's no clear out required.
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