New Year’s Declutter: Top Three Strategies that Will Have Your Home Sparkling in No Time
As we prepare our homes for 2026, undressing the festive season, one daunting task is creeping up the list… the New Year declutter. Yes, the dreaded ‘big clean’ – removing the trees, tinsel, and build up of Christmas clutter to make way for a fresh start to the year. But, according to one home expert, this dreaded declutter doesn’t have to kill the mood – and it could even help pay for your January gym membership… With Brits currently estimated to hold over £1,000 worth of unused items in their homes, there has never been a better time to declutter.
“New Year’s decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially after a busy festive period, but breaking it into manageable steps makes a huge difference.” Says Victoria Benini, interior expert and buyer at Harbour Lifestyle. “And, with Brits estimated to have almost £1,000 of unused items laying around in their homes, decluttering could even pay towards your New Year’s resolutions!”
Victoria Benini says, “I have three tried and tested methods when it comes to cutting out clutter in a home…
“Firstly, I recommend the ‘1-3-5 method’ as an all-rounder. Tackle one large task, three medium ones, and five smaller ones each day. It keeps the process achievable without being exhausting – and before you know it, you’ll have a clutter-free space to enjoy.”
For those drowning in sentimental clutter or being plagued by decision paralysis, the ‘One Touch’ rule could be the solution according to Victoira, and it’s simple: when you pick something up whilst decluttering, you decide then and there whether to keep, donate, or recycle it. Don’t let it linger – that’s where most people get stuck!
“And finally, a tip I find especially effective after the home is filled with shiny new things post Christmas – is the one in, one out method. This method prevents clutter by only allowing what is needed in the home. Been gifted a fancy new set of wine glasses? Time to donate the old ones.” Victoria recommends.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be daunting, and these clever hacks promise to make it faster, easier, and even fun. And, with Brits facing a cost-of-living crisis, looking for ways to make space, save money, or even sell unwanted items – the advice couldn’t be timelier.
Common decluttering questions answered – Victoria, comments:
What should you not declutter your house with?
“Avoid using large, disposable plastic bags – they often lead to landfill waste. Opt instead for reusable bags, shipping boxes, or crates. These are not only eco-friendly but also make it easier to sort items into categories – donate, recycle, or keep – without creating more rubbish. Better still, if you’re donating to a charity shop, reusable bags or boxes can double as a way to transport your items and help reduce waste in the process!”
What should I remove first when decluttering?
“Start with items you use the least, or those that have expired, like old magazines, broken gadgets, or unworn clothes. These decisions are easier to make, and build momentum. By starting with the simplest areas – like a ‘junk’ drawer or an overstuffed cupboard – you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate you to tackle trickier spaces later on.”
What is the golden rule of decluttering?
“Keep what you love and use; let go of what no longer serves a purpose. You want to create a home that reflects your current life, values, and needs. Sentimental keepsakes or items with practical use have their place, but holding onto things out of guilt or “just in case” will only weigh you down. When deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself: does this item add joy, utility, or meaning to my life? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.”
Why is it so hard to declutter?
“Decluttering often stirs up sentimental memories and decision fatigue. It’s not just a physical task, it’s an emotional one too. The key to overcoming this is to break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Use proven strategies like the 1-3-5 method, which encourages you to tackle tasks in increments. By focusing on one step at a time, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to create the space you truly want.”