I’m a decluttering pro – my ‘1-3-5’ rule makes clearing your home less overwhelming and stops it being a chore
WE all love a good clear-out – and since January marks a season of change, many of us like to declutter after the New Year.
It is a time when we feel the most inspired and motivated to embrace positive changes with our New Year resolutions and fresh goals all kicking in.
And it’s the same when it comes to our homes.
Many of us consider a home revamp at the start of the year after the Christmas break – whether that be a lick of paint, some fresh furniture or a complete declutter.
And as interest in home clear-outs surges this month, experts have shared their latest decluttering tips to give your home a fresh start in 2025.
Monika Puccio, Interiors Expert at Sofa Club, explained that her advice can streamline your space and bring order back into your home.
And she revealed that her 1-3-5 decluttering method can be an easy way to make the task less daunting and more manageable.
Monika said: “After the chaos of Christmas, you want your home to return to being your sanctuary — a place where you can relax, and not feel overwhelmed.
“This is where decluttering can be your best friend, creating a more serene and tidy space to start the new year in.
“Decluttering the home does not have to be a difficult task, and though many see it as a chore, I believe using methods such as the 1-3-5 decluttering method can be a way to make the task less overwhelming.
“The premise of this method is to take on one big task, three medium tasks and five smaller tasks.
“This helps you regain control of your space by being productive, whilst also not feeling overwhelmed by unmanageable tasks ahead.
“Take the living room, for example — a key area for relaxation.
“A large task might involve decluttering and organising your entertainment centre, sorting through books, DVDs, and decorations to create a more streamlined aesthetic.
“Next, focus on medium tasks, like clearing and cleaning the coffee table, hoovering the rug, or refreshing the sofa by tidying cushions and throws.
“Finally, tackle small tasks to tie everything together, such as sorting through letters, picking up stray items, or wiping down surfaces.
“With January notoriously being a hard month financially, decluttering your home could come with some additional incentives.
“For example, making money selling your unwanted goods on second-hand websites such as eBay or Vinted.”
Here’s how to get rid of clutter and get your home ready for 2025
A PROFESSIONAL organiser has urged people to save money and boost their mood by tidying up their lives in the New Year.
Elaine McKinlay, 61, has been sorting clients’ homes for over 18 years and knows how big an impact some simple decluttering can have.
The lifestyle management consultant, who runs her own business Clear Mountain, reckons January is the ideal time to make easy yet impactful changes.
She suggests:
- Paper pile up – it’s easy to drown in a sea of paper and books – so start your year by getting these things organised. Rather than getting reams of unnecessary letters through the door, clear out all the paperwork you no longer need and go paperless this year.
- Wardrobe malfunction – we re all guilty of hanging onto clothes that no longer fit – or we no longer love. Restrict the size of your wardrobe for the coming year. Use the ‘one in one out system’ which means if you buy something new, you have to get rid of something you don’t use.
- Kitchen sink – most of us spend lots of time in the kitchen whether it’s cooking or socialising with family and friends so it’s a good place to get organised. Clear out any unused crockery or equipment. Decide how much you actually need and use on a daily basis.
- Digi detox – have a digi clear-out, just like you’d do in your home. Remove all unused apps and file the ones you want into categories. Keep these apps in their categories, so you only access the important ones.
- Style your life – it’s not just your home that can be decluttered, your life can too. Look at how you live your life, prioritise the things you love and discard the things that create stress.