Five-minute tidy-ups

Tackle clutter hotspots with simple tidying strategies that you can whizz through in just a few minutes

Tackle clutter hotspots around the home with ease

STREAMLINE THE HALLWAY

Set up a hallway hub to store outdoor belongings. Allocate a bay for each family member, with a coat peg, shelf and space to stash shoes. Include a line-up of trays or shallow baskets that the family can toss smaller items into, such as keys and dog leads. String two-drawer chest section, £372; side panels, £218 for two, all John Lewis & Partners

TACKLE BATHROOM STORAGE

Take an inventory of your towel store, sorting out the good sets and getting rid of old towels you no longer use. Re-organise according to size and colour.

Stack large towels and bath sheets with folds at the front, then roll or fold hand towels and face cloths, stacking them sideways so you can identify sizes more easily.

Vagsjon bath towels, £4 each, Ikea

AUDIT SHOES AND HANDBAGS

Whittle down a bulging collection to free up some wardrobe space. Sort out your favourite shoes and bags and those you wear or use most often and store up front. Any out-of-season items can be stowed at the top of a wardrobe or under a bed. Peva 8-pocket purse file, £32.65, The Container Store

ORGANISE A TEA AND COFFEE STATION

Create a drinks station with tea and coffee-making essentials stored close to the kettle or coffee maker so everything can be accessed easily. Include mugs, cups, teaspoons and extras like flavoured syrups and milk frother. Elfa Kitchen storage 3, £125, Store

SPEED THROUGH THE LAUNDRY

Set up an easy sorting system to make wash days run more smoothly. Organise individual laundry bags so clothes can be separated according to colour and hook on the wall

Plumsa laundry bags, £9 each, Ikea