YOU don’t have to wait until spring to clean and declutter your home – but you might feel like putting it off until then.
If, after weeks of summer chaos, it all feels too much, the advice is to tackle it room by room.
But if that is still overwhelming, manage the mess an hour at a time — and even make some money. Here’s how . . .
SIXTY-MINUTE MOVE: Max Wilson, co-founder of Pocket Storage, suggests setting aside just an hour. In that time, aim to tackle just one room.
“An hour is long enough to make a noticeable difference while keeping you focused on the clutter that matters most,” he says. Stop after 60 minutes, even if the room isn’t perfect.
If you adopt Max’s method, set a 60-minute timer and work through the room in four 15-minute stages.
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First, grab a bin bag to get rid of obvious rubbish and recycling.
Next, collect anything that belongs elsewhere, to return it to its rightful place, but don’t go elsewhere until the hour is up so you don’t get distracted.
Then sort items to donate, sell or store. Finally, organise what is left, making sure the items you use most are now easily accessible.
Max says: “A room that’s 80 per cent better after an hour is far more useful than waiting six months for the free weekend when you’re finally going to make it 100 per cent perfect.”
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CASH FOR CLUTTER: Deal with your donation pile next so it doesn’t sit around gathering dust. Take it to a charity shop or your nearest clothing and recycling sites. Then turn to the pile of things to sell.
Try Vinted for clothing, eBay for valuable or specialist items, and Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree for bulky items and local collection.
To get the best price, clean everything, photograph it in strong light and include descriptions with brand, size, condition and measurements.
Bundling cheaper items together, rather than listing individually, can earn you more.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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