Bedtime habits for a tidy home: why evenings shape your space
Do you ever wake up already feeling behind? Before you have even made a cup of tea, are you mentally scanning the kitchen, the hallway, the chair with yesterday’s clothes draped over it? Do you find yourself starting the day in reaction, dealing with what was left unfinished? That feeling of being behind before the […]
The broken window effect and why clutter spreads so easily
Have you heard of the Broken Window Theory? It emerged in the early 1980s in urban studies as a way of explaining how small, visible signs of neglect can influence behaviour. The original observation was simple. If a building has one broken window left unrepaired, it subtly signals that no one is paying attention. Over […]
Ancient wisdom for decluttering as you step into the new year
What does your plan or vision for this year look like? Some people choose a word for the year, or perhaps a project, theme, or gentle intention. Others resist the whole idea altogether. There is no right way in, but I’d like to offer you this question: What do you want more of in your […]
Buying less: the missing piece of sustainable decluttering
Have you ever stood in front of a cupboard, holding something you no longer want, but still could not bring yourself to let it go? You are not alone. Many of my clients tell me they struggle to part with items because they cannot bear the idea of adding to landfill. I understand that completely. […]
Another fine mess: what Laurel and Hardy can teach you about clutter
You might think clutter is just about too many things. It isn’t. It is about an inner conflict; the kind that happens inside your own mind. Laurel and Hardy – the iconic comedy duo whose mismatched personalities caused endless chaos on screen – are a perfect metaphor for what happens inside your mind when you’re […]
Emotional dependence on clutter: 8 subtle signs to look for
As I define clutter as ‘decisions that haven’t been made’ it becomes problematic when we our possessions evoke such an array of emotions. This is because, in order to make decisions, we our executive function available to solve the problem of clutter. I was recently asked to contribute to an article about addiction to clutter, […]
Worried about landfill when decluttering?
It is wonderful – and vitally important – to be concerned about the environment. The choices we make about what to keep, what to let go of, and how to dispose of things really do matter. That’s why this blog shares some advice on making your decluttering project as environmentally friendly as possible. Could being […]
Selling clutter: why it may feel harder than it should
Do you experience resistance when it comes to selling clutter you’ve decided you no longer need as part of a decluttering project? If so, you’re not alone. Decluttering often involves tricky decisions. Each item asks you to weigh up emotions, memories, and practicalities. And even when you’ve finally decided, “Yes, it’s time for this to […]
Keeping spares: the hidden cost and why we do it
Most of us like the idea of being prepared, and keeping spares can feel like a great way to do this. A spare light bulb in the drawer, an extra toothbrush in the bathroom, a back-up phone charger in case the first one breaks. But what happens when one spare becomes five, and your cupboards […]
The biggest obstacle to change isn’t your clutter. It’s resistance.
Have you noticed how the moment you decide to declutter, something inside you whispers, “Not today”? That’s resistance – the inner force that works to keep you in the familiar. It pretends to keep you safe, but really it keeps you stuck. Sometimes resistance is obvious – the heavy weight that leaves you paralysed. Other […]
A way to clean that supports your body and your space
At the heart of my work is a simple belief:Your home should support you — emotionally, mentally, and energetically.It’s not just about getting rid of clutter. It’s about creating a space that nourishes you rather than drains you. That feels peaceful, alive, and in balance. And once you’ve done the work of creating that shift […]
How clutter ties you down
A recent conversation with a client has stayed with me. She described her experience with clutter as feeling like Gulliver in Gulliver’s Travels – how clutter ties you down feels like being pinned down by countless tiny ropes, completely unable to move. We both recognised the power and truth of that image straight away. It […]
Why the magic of decluttering is in the action
“This will make you feel warm inside.” Have you noticed how often products these days seem to promise magic?They claim they’ll transform you – your life, your home, your sense of self. We all know that fantastic – and frequently hollow – promises lie at the heart of so many brands’ enticements.And yet, in perpetual […]
10 home investments I wish my clients had made before we started working together
Recently, some of you joined the brilliant webinar with Jane Leach on refurbishing your home. It got me thinking… So often, the planting stage of a decluttering project – where we start organising and styling your home – is so much smoother when some smart storage solutions are already in place. So here they are […]
Why it’s so hard to let go of childhood toys – and how to start
If you’ve ever opened a box in the loft and found your old Lego sets, dolls with straw hair, or that once-beloved teddy bear, you’re not alone. Many of us hold on to childhood toys long after we’ve grown up – sometimes for decades. Even when you’re actively trying to declutter or simplify your life, […]
When order overwhelms: autism and the hidden challenges of clutter
For some people, a cluttered home is just a sign of a busy life. But for many of my clients with autistic traits or on the autism spectrum, clutter carries a much deeper story – one of overwhelm, protection, meaning, and sometimes even pain. If you’re autistic (or think you might be), and you struggle […]
ADHD and decluttering: the untapped strengths you may not realise you have
Over the years, I’ve worked with many clients who live with ADHD. Time and again, I’ve seen how frustrated they feel — not just by the clutter in their homes, but by the stories they’ve absorbed about themselves: I’m just not organised… I can’t do this… my brain doesn’t work that way. And while yes, ADHD […]
Riding the waves of decluttering momentum
How to stay on course when the energy dips We often start decluttering with a burst of energy. We start with something easier. The decisions come easily. The bags fill. Space opens. You feel lighter. Energised. Motivated. But after a while, that momentum naturally dips. The initial wave passes, and you may find yourself getting […]
ADHD and clutter: why it is so hard — and how change is possible
Clutter is rarely just about stuff. For many people with ADHD, it’s deeply emotional, tangled up with identity, past experiences and the constant juggling of an already overloaded mind. One of my clients, Sally, illustrates this perfectly. Sally’s home was full — not just of things, but of meaning. Every object carried a story: unfinished […]
Why decluttering books is so emotional – and how to do it anyway
Books and magazines often carry more than just words. They hold our memories, inspirations, aspirations – even parts of our identity. That’s why sorting through them can feel unexpectedly emotional. As a psychotherapist and professional organiser, I’ve seen time and again how our bookshelves reflect what is going on in our inner world. There are […]
Why you need to declutter and organise your home – and not leave it for others to sort out
Decluttering your home is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your grown-up children or relatives. When you leave behind a house full of possessions, the responsibility of sorting through everything—yes, everything—often falls to them. This means making decisions you’ve put off, all while navigating their grief. The process can be emotionally overwhelming […]
Why do I have no motivation to declutter? 7 psychological barriers and how to overcome them.
People often ask me, ‘Why do I have no motivation to declutter?’ This is a key question, because clutter is decisions that haven’t been made and action that hasn’t been taken: in other words, clutter is the result of procrastination and distraction. And the main reason we procrastinate is lack of motivation. Therefore, understanding why […]
Four questions to ask when decluttering
Asking yourself questions is an essential part of the decluttering process. I believe that clutter is decisions that haven’t been made. Therefore, reflecting on a good question will help you make those decisions and liberate yourself from clutter. 1. What are the positive consequences of decluttering? This is a good place to start. Decluttering is […]
“But what about the landfill?”
“But what about the landfill?” people often say to me. A laudable and valid concern, but one that is perhaps more complex than it appears. It is wonderful and vitally important to be concerned about the environment, and this blog has some advice on making your declutter project as environmentally friendly as possible. Having said that, […]
The one a day decluttering method might do more harm than good
The one-a-day cleaning or decluttering method has been quite popular recently. But while it sounds like a good idea – and appeals as it seems like less work – just decluttering one item a day rarely helps. If you have a significant clutter problem, here’s why it might not be the best approach for you. […]
Hacking your brain’s natural chemistry to help you declutter
Did you know that you can hack your brains natural chemistry in order to tackle clutter and disorganisation? Here’s how. The brain has a natural ‘reward system’. It functions by releasing a chemical called dopamine when you anticipate or receive rewards. (You may well have heard of this.) This release of dopamine, often referred to […]
Why a disorganized home triggers anxiety, and how to address it.
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed when you see clutter and mess everywhere? Just the sight of scattered papers, unwashed dishes, and clothes in disarray can create a sense of chaos and stress. Perhaps it has even led to arguments with others because it bothers you more than it bothers them. You are not alone; […]
Decluttering and organising your kid’s rooms
Decluttering and organising your kid’s rooms is great for you and them. A clear, harmonious space really helps them be calmer and more focused, especially helpful if they struggle with ADHD, autism or dyslexia. But let’s face it, everyone can do with more calm in their life. Plus, teaching them to let go of things […]
Overcoming indecision
Having a hard time making decisions about your possessions? You are not alone, indecision is very common when it comes to clutter. Here is a quick look at some of the psychology behind indecision. Clutter is decisions that haven’t been made. So decluttering, is ultimately about sitting down and making time to assess a series […]
Why The Clutter Shift isn’t right for everyone
Are you thinking about joining The Clutter Shift programme? Maybe you’re wanting to finally tackle that clutter and you need some expert advice, structure and accountability to get there. If that’s the case, joining this unique programme will really help. I’ve helped many cohorts of students with The Clutter Shift now, so I know from […]