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Decluttering 101: How to Actually Create Space in Your Home 

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4 minutes

If decluttering your house is always on the to-do list, but it never actually gets done, it’s about time to reevaluate. In other cases, you’ll find yourself doing a declutter or deep clean, but by the next season, your home feels cluttered and lacking in space once again.  

As self storage experts, we’ve helped many of our customers create space in their homes. Our storage units are designed to keep all those items you’re not quite ready to get rid of, but don’t have a place in your house. 

If you’re based near Carlisle, or in the wider Cumbria area, check out our options, ranging from 20sqft up to 200sqft, for your decluttering needs. 

What should I remove first when decluttering? 

Decluttering, like many household tasks, is best when broken up into smaller, more manageable steps. If you have a spare 20 minutes, have a quick look around your house for: 

  • Broken items that can’t be repaired. 
  • Cardboard boxes you’ve been meaning to recycle. 
  • Bags that have been waiting to go to the charity shop. 

These are some quick-tick items that will immediately create space and make the decluttering process a whole lot less intimidating. 

Decide whether these items need to be recycled, donated, or disposed of, and there you go! You’ve just done your first step of decluttering! 

Which room should I declutter first? 

Now that you’ve gotten rid of the most obvious items that need to go, it’s recommended to go room-by-room for the rest of the clear-out.  

The room with the most clutter will depend on your situation: 

Kitchen: The kitchen is a room most of us use daily, and UK homes don’t always come with generous kitchen spaces, so it’s important to stay on top of decluttering. Pots, pans, dinnerware, and ingredients all take up space in our cupboards, so be sure to check for any items that need replacing, expired goods, or if you’ve got one too many mugs.  

Bedroom: Lots of people will start with the bedroom for one main reason: the wardrobe. Wardrobes and drawers lacking proper organisation will overflow – especially if you’re someone who likes a good clothing shop. Consider a storage unit for those heavy winter coats in the summer, and swimwear in the winter. For items in good condition, Vinted, eBay, or Depop are the way to go, and of course the charity shop is great for donating.  

Garage or Spare Room: Garages or spare rooms often become the dumping ground for all things that don’t have a place elsewhere in the house. Whether it’s old bikes, sports equipment, extra bedding, or sentimental items, why not take these belongings to a storage centre? This way, you don’t have to completely part with your items, and the rooms can go back to serving their intended purpose. Your garage could become a home gym, or spare room a neat office space! 

These rooms typically have the most to get through, so it makes sense to start with them first. However, everyone’s house is different. You may have a home office that’s overwhelmed with paperwork and needs archive storage, or a children’s playroom that’s in desperate need of a toy declutter.  

What are the biggest decluttering mistakes? 

There’s no ‘right or ‘wrong’ way to declutter, it’s all about what works best for you and your space. However, as storage experts, here are some common issues we see that are worth avoiding: 

  1. Starting Without a Plan: Make sure to start with a clear plan, define your goals, and set a time limit. 
  1. Trying to Do Everything at Once: Break it into manageable sessions (e.g. one room or category at a time). 
  1. Organising Before Decluttering: Declutter first, then organise what’s left. 
  1. Holding Onto “Someday Items”: Be realistic. If you haven’t used it in a year (and it’s not seasonal), it can go. 
  1. Perfectionism: Progress beats perfection. Start small, and refine as you go. 

How often should you declutter a house? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but most experts recommend a light declutter every 3-6 months and a more extensive reset once a year.  

  • Monthly: Tackle one small zone like a drawer, cupboard, or bathroom cabinet. 
  • Seasonally: Go through clothes, paperwork, and kids’ items, as these categories tend to grow quickly.  
  • Annually: Do a full-home clear out to get rid of unused, broken, or outdated items. 

With decluttering, it’s all about staying ahead, so set reminders in your calendar or phone to keep on top of things.  

Decluttering storage in Carlisle 

Whether you’re in need of a full-home clear-out or just need a little extra space, our secure self storage in Carlisle is the perfect solution. 

With a range of unit sizes, 24-hour CCTV, and frequent discounts, you can safely store everything you’re not quite ready to part with.  

If you’re based in Carlisle, or neighbouring area like Penrith or Dumfries, get in touch with our friendly team today to find the right size unit for your decluttering goals.  

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