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Decluttering Guide 2026: A Five-Step Spring Home Refresh

A guide to decluttering your home in five easy steps this weekend

Stuffocation: It’s thinking you’re messy but the fact is you have too much stuff and nowhere to put it.

It’s something that creeps in gradually with an impulse purchase here and there, especially when wintery nights keep us indoors and the lure of online shopping is irresistible. But we’re now entering the traditional season of decluttering, something our forebears called spring cleaning, but back in the day when people had fewer possessions the focus was on a deep clean. Now we have to start with clearing.

So, black bin bags to the ready, and let’s get started.

Step 1 – Declutter the Kitchen

Start small and clear the surfaces. Cluttered countertops can make the kitchen feel hemmed in, especially if it’s on the smaller side.

Cull appliances gathering greasy dust on the counter, keeping the kettle and toaster and machines used frequently on display. You’ll see the difference immediately and feel it, too. Approach chopping boards and cookbooks in the same way, especially the larger and infrequently cheese and charcuterie boards. Not only will the kitchen look better, wiping surfaces will be easier and faster.

Storage Solutions: The Malone streamlined sideboard has a Shaker kitchen cabinet aesthetic; the Belgrave offers a more traditional look.

The kitchen should now be looking better, so move onto the next space.

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Belgrave Wide Sideboard

Step 2 – Declutter the Living Room

Inadequate storage is often the reason a room looks cluttered, so any new storage purchases should have practicality foremost in mind. Decide what you need to keep by getting rid of broken items and things you don’t use anymore. Discard piles of magazines and newspapers and get things off the floor and into cupboards, or onto shelves if you want them to be seen. Having a home for everything means a place to return them when not in use and keeps clutter and mess at bay.

Storage Solutions: Check out the Hudson smoked oak bookcase, the Sonoma Rise & Lift storage coffee table, and the Kona natural light oak display cabinet .

At this point, with two rooms tackled, treat yourself to a cup of coffee and a biscuit, and admire your progress.

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Sonoma Rise & Life Storage Coffee Table

Step 3 – Organise the Hall

Shoes, coats, umbrellas, school bags and sports bags are some of the items ditched as we come through the front door, making the hall a hot mess. Part of the problem is lack of space as halls tend to be small areas where storage can be tricky to fit in. An instant remedy is to add a compact console or cabinet.

Storage Solutions: Check out the Camille soft grey wooden console table or the Kona natural light oak. If space allows, try the larger Kristen weathered oak sideboard.

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Kona Natural Light Oak Wooden Console Table

Step 4 – Organise the Bedroom

Start by clearing under the bed; you’re bound to find things you’ve forgotten about. Take a steer from decluttering guru Marie Kondo and ask, does the item spark joy? If it doesn’t, and it has no meaningful use, it might be best donated or discarded.

Give the same treatment to night stands and dressing tables, and the tops of tall boys. Assess if items are to be kept, donated or slung, and organise what remains into drawers or neatly displayed if they’re used frequently. Finish by changing your bed linen and the room will feel much more inviting and restful.

Storage Solutions: The Stella 5ft ottoman bed or the Oliver 6ft have in-built storage to keep linens and out-of-season clothes clean and dust-free. For keeping surfaces clear, there’s the Truffle chocolate oak wooden night stand and the Russell oak three-drawer locker.

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Stella Beige 5ft Ottoman Storage Bedframe

Step 5 – Declutter the Wardrobe

While it’s not a room, the wardrobe is often where we’re urged to start any decluttering session.

Start by taking everything out, and one-by-one assess your garments. Ask, does it still fit, and, if not, will it ever? Is it worn out and needs discarding? Pay special attention to things you may have bought months ago, still unworn with the tags on, and make a decision to wear it in the next month or it goes to charity.

Storage Solutions: If you can’t see what you have simply because of lack of suitable storage, the Miami rustic oak slide wardrobe 2m and the Malone soaped oak two-door are streamlined options.

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Malone Soaped Oak Wooden 2 Door Wardrobe

Declutter & Spring Cleaning FAQ's

What is the difference between decluttering and spring cleaning?

Decluttering focuses on removing excess belongings, while spring cleaning is about deep cleaning surfaces. Modern homes often require decluttering first before cleaning can begin effectively.

 

When is the best time to declutter?

Late winter and early spring are ideal, as increased daylight highlights clutter and naturally motivates a seasonal reset.

 

How do I declutter without feeling overwhelmed?

Work room by room or surface by surface. Completing small areas builds momentum and prevents burnout.

 

What furniture helps keep a home clutter-free?

Sideboards, storage coffee tables, ottoman beds and sliding wardrobes help conceal everyday items while keeping them easily accessible.

 

Why does my home still feel cluttered even when tidy?

Often the issue is lack of appropriate storage rather than mess. Ensuring every item has a designated home makes it easier to maintain order.