Vicky’s top tip:

BOXES AT THE READY

There are many decluttering mantras and methods to help you sort your stuff. You might have heard of the ‘spark joy’ movement, a method of accessing what’s important to you, and then there’s the 12-12-12 Challenge (12 items to throw away/ recycle, 12 to donate, and 12 to be returned to their proper home), and the one-in-one-out rule. The simple four box technique is a firm favourite with the HomeStyle team. Before you start your decluttering process get four boxes and label them: ‘store’, ‘recycle/bin’, ‘charity’ and ‘keep’.

‘When you’ve chosen your area to tackle, empty the space and lay out the contents into the categories,’ advises Vicky. ‘ Then give the area you’ve worked on a good clean to signify a fresh start.’ Don’t overfill the ‘store’ box. If you never use it or it’s not of great sentimental value – and be ruthless herefl – don’t keep it.