The decluttering quiz

Getting started is the difficult part, but whether you decide to go room by room or take it drawer by drawer, the most important thing is to remove everything and assess items individually. Ask yourself these questions for each piece, then follow our action plans to get the job done.

How often do you use it?

A Every day

B Occasionally

C Hardly ever

When you do use it, how does it make you feel?

A Overjoyed

B It’s a practical piece

C Indifferent

Is it beautiful?

A Yes

B That’s not the point of the item

C No

Does it work with the rest of your style and taste?

A Yes

B Not really, but it’s useful

C No

Does it have genuine sentimental value?

A Yes

C No

There’s no middle ground here: be ruthless!

Would you buy it for yourself again now?

A Yes

B Maybe

C No

Would you buy it as a gift for a friend?

A Yes

B Maybe

C No

How easy it to use?

A Simple!

B It’s worth the extra effort

C Not at all

Does it work properly?

A Yes, perfectly

B Not really, but it’s a quick fix

C No, it is beyond repair

Mostly As Keep it, and style it (over the page)

Mostly Bs Keep it, but stash it (page 110)

Mostly Cs Trash it, you don’t need it in your life (below)