Tips… how to keep your home decluttered

Putting things in storage boxes is often ● just a way of putting off throwing them away. You may think you’re being organised and tidy, but you’re actually just deferring the decision.

When you come across an item you ● haven’t used for a while, apply the “threeyear rule”. If you haven’t used it in the past three years, get rid of it – whether it’s a butter dish or a piece of clothing.

If you pick up one of your old possessions ● and are momentarily unsure of what you should do with it, that’s probably a sign that it can safely be discarded.

When you replace something you own, ● throw away the original immediately.

After finishing a meal, make a decision ● there and then about what you’re going to do with any leftovers. Either decide to have them the next day – and plan a meal incorporating them – or throw them straight in the bin. Otherwise, they’ll just clutter the fridge until you have to throw them away.