Spring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable living space, decluttering is a great way to start.

With these expert tips from decluttering and organising specialist Peter Walsh, you can take small steps toward a clutter-free home that you’ll love spending time in.

What's your why?

It’s easier to downsize if you have a clear vision of the lifestyle that you want, and why. If you’re planning a move, consider the size of your future home and the types of things you enjoy doing. Do you think you will want a space where you can lock up and leave when you feel like it? Will you want to host family and friends often? Having these goals in mind will help guide decisions on what to keep and what to let go of. 

Picture your ideal space

Once you’ve identified your goals, take a moment to visualise your dream home. Imagine you’ve waved a magic wand, and poof, you’re in your perfect space. How does it look? How does it feel? Are you smiling just thinking about it? Writing these thoughts down gives you a bit of inspiration to look back on whenever you need motivation to declutter. 

Create a schedule

Creating a decluttering schedule is a smart way to set yourself up for success. Whether you plan to tackle your space in a single day or spread it out over a week, having a dedicated plan allows you to allocate specific time for each room or area. Even setting aside an hour or two each day or week can help you make significant progress toward your decluttering goals.

To keep yourself on track, consider adding a deadline to your schedule. Setting a realistic timeframe for completion adds a sense of urgency and helps maintain focus without letting the project drag on indefinitely. Just remember, your deadline should be flexible and tailored to what works best for you. 

One area at a time

Decluttering smaller areas first can help you to build momentum before tackling tougher areas like the attic or garage. Start by grouping similar items together; for instance, gather all your kitchen gadgets in one place and evaluate them. Try saving the sentimental items for last as these can often take longer as you reflect on their meaning.

Sort, sort, sort

Begin by sorting your belongings into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. The Keep items are those you use regularly or that hold significant sentimental value. The donate and sell piles are for items in good condition that can benefit someone else. Lastly, discard anything that’s broken, worn out, or no longer useful. 

Cherishing memories without clutter

Sorting through sentimental items can feel daunting, but Peter reminds us that, “Memories live within us, not within physical objects.”

Start by prioritising the items that truly mean the most to you. Think about the ones that instantly transport you back to beautiful moments - like your grandmother's favourite teacup or that framed photo from a family holiday. Focus on keeping the treasures that really speak to you.

Snap a photo to save space

Next, consider digitising some items. Taking photos of letters, cards, printed photos or documents allows you to preserve those memories without taking up precious physical space. Some people enjoy creating a digital scrapbook or folder on their computer where memories can be easily accessed whenever they want to revisit them. For more on this, click here for handy tips for organising your photos.

Repurpose or share treasures

Another great way to keep sentimental items in your life is to repurpose them. For instance, why not frame that meaningful letter and hang it on your wall, or use that heirloom dish as a centrepiece during family dinners? This way you can enjoy these items daily, giving them a new life.

Sharing sentimental belongings can also bring a sense of joy. If you have family heirlooms or cherished possessions, consider passing them on to loved ones who might appreciate them just as much. This not only keeps the memories alive but also strengthens connections within your family.

Set some limits

It’s important to set some limits. Designate a small shelf or box specifically for keepsakes so that your sentimental items are contained and celebrated without overwhelming your space. This way, you can appreciate your memories without feeling cluttered. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to let go of things that no longer fit your life. Think of decluttering as a way to make room for new experiences and things that bring you joy.

Organisation

After decluttering, it’s time to organise the items you’ve decided to keep. In the kitchen keep the most-used items—like pots, pans, and utensils—within easy reach. In the bedroom, store clothes and accessories in a way that makes it simple to find your favourite items without excessive bending or reaching. Clear labelling and easy-to-access storage solutions, such as attractive baskets or bins, can help you stay organised. 

Get help if you need it

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo task. Consider turning it into a fun family activity by inviting loved ones to join in. Break the process into smaller tasks and assign different areas to each person. This way, you can tackle the clutter more efficiently while enjoying each other’s company and sharing stories about the items you find along the way.

Decluttering for a move

Moving can be a daunting prospect but it can also be very rewarding. If you're thinking of moving in order to simplify your life, downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable living space, the tips above will help you to get started.

If you’re considering a move to a Ryman village, we have a wealth of experience and resources to help you through the process, so feel free to get in touch.