Brits looking to refresh their home are being told of decluttering hacks that can make the process less daunting.
Interior experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have shared their five little known tricks including the 1-3-5 method.
This decluttering method is designed to help make the task feel more manageable.
The idea is to choose one big task to tackle along with three medium tasks and 5 small, minimal-effort tasks that will help achieve the main goal.
Similar methods include 12-12-12 which involves picking 12 items to donate, 12 to throw and 12 to put back in their original place.
Cat Wiltshire from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Decluttering your home, rooms and wardrobes can be an overwhelming task which is why we’ve shared five methods that can help break everything down so it feels more manageable.
“The 1-3-5 method and the 12-12-12 method can make big tasks feel less daunting.
“If you’re someone who accumulates a lot of stuff then you’ll benefit from things like the backwards hanger trick and the ‘maybe box’.
“Both of these will prove to you whether or not you need all of the items you own.
“By breaking down these tasks you can make sure you’re making the most of your storage space all year round.”
Declutter hacks:
1. 1-3-5 method
The 1-3-5 method involves choosing one big task to tackle, setting three medium tasks that will help you complete this and five small tasks. The idea behind this method is to break down big and daunting tasks into smaller and more manageable chunks to help the process feel less overwhelming.
For example, if your one big task is to reorganise your wardrobe, your three medium tasks could be to put your clothes into categories, declutter hangers and decide what to donate. Your five small tasks will help you achieve this and could include throwing away damaged hangers, refolding messy clothes, putting clothes you want to donate into a separate bag, or arranging a single shelf or drawer.
2. One in one out
This hack is a great ongoing method to use to prevent a build up of clutter. The rule is simple, for every new item you bring in, you must remove an existing one. Before purchasing a new item, consider one you would get rid of first. This can be applied to clothes, books and children’s toys.
The idea behind the method is to prevent you from buying unnecessary items and accumulating too many things over time, helping you to keep your storage space clutter free.
3. 12-12-12
If you want to get your kids involved in clearing out some of their things or you’re feeling overwhelmed, the 12-12-12 method is a quick and easy kickstart to decluttering. Simply pick 12 items to donate, 12 to throw away and put 12 things back in their original place.
This can be a great way to kickstart the decluttering process and it can be done throughout the year to keep on top of things.
4. Backwards hangers
If you have a lot of clothes, consider turning all of your hangers backwards. Each time you wear an item, put the hanger back to its correct position. Revisit your wardrobe after a set time period, this could be six months or one year, and take a look at which items you’ve worn. Consider getting rid of any clothes on hangers that are still facing backwards.
5. Create a ‘maybe’ box
If you’re unsure whether or not to keep certain items when you come to decluttering, then create a box to place these in. Store it away and if you haven’t thought about the items within thirty days take it as a sign that you no longer need them.
