Could a clear-out save your relationship?

As research reveals clutter is one of the leading causes of household arguments, Hannah Britt asks the experts for advice

How tidy are you? Be honest. If the answer is not very, then you are in good company. According to research from home storage experts at Lovespace, 61 per cent of people argue about clutter at least once a month, with over a third arguing every week.

“Clutter is a bone of contention because our home is a place to relax and recharge,” says Helen Sanderson, author of the Home Declutter Kit. “We all have different values, and some family members will have a high need for order, so clutter will stress them out.”

Experts agree that a clear-out is hugely beneficial – but how do you start?

“Creating space and a calm environment is so important both for wellbeing and family life,” says decluttering expert

Sally Walford (declutterme.london).

And professional declutterer Vicky Silverthorn (youneedavicky.com) adds: “Many underestimate the buzz it can give you to shed your belongings and get more clarity in your life again.”

Start small

“Take a drawer or cupboard and do it to completion,” says Vicky. “You will feel a sense of accomplishment that you are getting somewhere. Chipping away is the key.”

Believe in yourself

Don’t underestimate how hard some things can be to change, but also never underestimate your ability to make a shift. “Almost anything is possible if you have commitment, conviction, and some support to understand yourself better. Sometimes you really need to know what is behind a habit before you can change,” says Helen.

Pick something easy

All clutter is not the same. And getting rid of things with sentimental value can be a whole lot harder than day-to-day mess. “So start with something easy or an area that has the least sentimental value,” says Sally. “This could be getting rid of out-of-date herbs and spices in your kitchen or empty bottles in the bathroom.”

Use what you have

When you decide to declutter it can be tempting to go out and buy new storage solutions. But resist the urge, says Vicky, as this is actually introducing more stuff into your home.

“Don’t go out and buy a load of baskets thinking that will get you organised,” she says.

“Declutter first, because then and only then will you work out exactly what you need. Remember, you’re looking to enhance your space, not hinder it.”

Coat hanger trick

“Did you know that you only use 20 per cent of what you have 80 per cent of the time?” asks Sally.

While this can be applied to anything in your home, the wardrobe is a good example. “Try this trick and you’ll soon see what you don’t use. Hang all your hangers facing the same way.

“When you wear and wash clothes, hang the hangers back the other way. There you are – that’s your 20 per cent.”

Colour code

“Colour coding is a great way of tidying, especially for children,” says Sally. “Having coloured boxes for specific toys can help them to be more organised, and turns clearing up into a game. They will know that their small toys go in the red box or in their bedroom, the socks go in the orange box.”

Sell, sell, sell

Have a bag on the go for covetable items that might make you some cash. But don’t overwhelm yourself. “Be selective and realistic about what you are going to sell and the time you’ll need to do it,” says Vicky.

Take a drawer or cupboard and do it to completion. Chipping away is the key

New beginnings

“Have your tools ready – rubbish and recycling bags, and basic cleaning products,” says Vicky.

“Once you’ve decluttered a space, clean it straight away no matter how small. This helps the area look even better and signifies a clean, fresh start.”

One in, one out

Once you’ve decluttered, don’t ruin all your hard work by filling the space up again.

“Stick to the one in, one out rule to keep things tidy,” says Sally. “Don’t add, replace. This will stop you from having similar items and keep you in control of that clutter.”