Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? You’re not alone. For busy parents and professionals, keeping on top of a home can feel like a full-time job. That’s where professional organisers come in, with a calm approach, a practical plan and a few insider tricks to make the process far less stressful.
Before we even touch a single item, there are ten things we always do. Here’s why they matter
Before any sorting begins, we always start by getting clear on why you want to declutter. Is it to create a more peaceful home? To make space for a growing family? Or maybe you’re planning a move? We take the time to listen, either through a consultation call or in-person home consultation, to understand your needs and goals. This helps us create a plan that’s tailored specifically to your situation and ensures the process is individual to you.
We take a good look at the home. Every home is different, with unique layouts and challenges. Understanding the natural flow of your space helps us plan realistic, tailored solutions that work for you.
Decluttering an entire home in one go is rarely achievable, especially for busy families and professionals. We break the process into manageable parts - one room, or one zone at a time.
The truth is if it’s not scheduled, it probably won’t happen. We help our clients block out time in their schedules even if it’s just 30 minutes for areas they can work on their own. A little progress regularly is better than none at all.
5. Having the Right Supplies
You don’t need fancy boxes, of course if you want aesthetically pleasing boxes that is absolutely fine, we can do that, however if you want to repurpose what you already have that is great too. Having strong bin bags, donation bags, recycling containers, and a note pad for to dos is a must. Having a clear system from the start avoids creating more mess as you go.
6. Take ‘Before’ Photos
Not just for social media, though they do make great transformation posts! ‘Before’ photos help clients see how far they’ve come. When you feel stuck mid-way, they’re a great motivator.
7. Donations and Recycling
We check local charity shops, recycling centres and donation services ahead of time. We aim to keep as much out of landfill as possible, ensuring that items in good condition find new homes while the rest is properly recycled or disposed of.
8. Talk to the Household
Decluttering impacts everyone who lives in the home. We gently encourage a family chat especially with partners and kids, so that everyone knows what’s happening, when and why. It’s key to reducing resistance and getting more buy in.
9. Create a Sorting Station
Whether it’s the dining table or a space on the floor, we set up a simple system - Keep, Donate, Recycle, Bin. Having clear zones prevents piles from moving around the house and keeps momentum going.
10. Start with What Overwhelms You Most
We always begin with the space that’s causing you the most stress, whether that’s the kitchen, bedroom, living area, or somewhere else entirely. Tackling the biggest source of overwhelm first brings the biggest sense of relief. It’s where change feels most immediate and impactful. That being said, we always leave memories and sentimental items until last. These tend to take the most emotional energy and it’s much easier to make thoughtful decisions about them once you’ve already built up confidence and momentum.
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff, it’s about making space for the life you actually want.
As professional organisers, our job is to guide you through the chaos with calm, clarity and a plan that works for you.If your home is feeling too much right now, remember this - you don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s get to know your space and your needs through a consultation call or an in-person home consultation and we’ll create a plan that helps you breathe easier in your own home.