Embrace the space: Keep calm and declutter

Now an outsize dining room table and chairs and some antique light fittings mean the house already feels like it’s bursting at the seams. Decluttering a home filled with inherited items can be emotionally challenging, so here at Michael Graham we’ve come up with some top tips on tidying and owning your own space.

One of the reasons that attempts to declutter fail is that if you live in a house filled with objects that are tied in with your memories of people, it’s daunting to consider letting them go.  It’s easy to ditch an Ikea Billy bookcase, but feels unthinkable and perhaps heartless to get rid of a chest of drawers you inherited from a late parent or grandparent.  If you are serious about decluttering though, start by asking yourself these three questions:  Do I need it? Will I use it? Do I love it?  If it’s an important family heirloom that you can’t love no matter how hard you’ve tried, offer it to other family members first. You’ll look generous and if no one else wants it, you can donate it to a charity shop or sell it with a clear conscience.  For the rest of the process, follow these four steps:

• Start small, with a drawer or a cupboard.  
• Be kind to yourself.  If you can’t face throwing something out, keep it and keep going.
• Don’t feel guilty for ditching presents you never liked, particularly wedding presents.
• Don’t expect everyone in the house to care about decluttering as much as you do. Take a deep breath and let messy children keep their rooms messy.

A decluttered house exudes positive energy and you’ll be amazed at how much more energised you’ll feel knowing that everything has a place with space to spare.  Keep that picture in mind and get started. You have nothing to lose but the junk.

Are you a decluttering convert?  Get in touch in the usual way via our social platforms and to view Michael Graham town and country properties to buy or to rent below