Unless you’re a Christmas super-fan, you probably haven’t put your Christmas decorations up yet. But it’s never too early to think about your festive decoration storage, as organisers and bags will keep your decorations tidy and protected year-round.

However, storing your Christmas decorations is tricky. Baubles, wreaths, trees, and ornaments are often oddly shaped and delicate, so they need specific storage solutions that can cost a pretty penny. In fact, I’ve dreamed of owning Ruth Langsford's clever bauble storage box for years, but have never been able to afford it (it's the Deluxe Rolling Bauble Chest, £279 at Balsam Hill, after all).

That’s why I was over the moon to discover that Primark had dropped the Christmas Gingham Bauble Holder (£5) - plus a whole range of other Christmas decoration storage solutions to get ahead of the game this festive period. They are ALL just £5, and I’m obsessed with the gingham design.

Primark’s new £5 Christmas decoration storage collection includes a Christmas tree bag, wreath holder, bauble holder, gift wrap organiser, lights organiser, and ceramic storage bag, so you can follow expert tips for organising your decorations. This keeps them safe and protected in the loft, extending their lifespan and letting you get the most out of them year after year. And look how cute they are!

And while Primark does offer a click and collect service for those who can head into the store, I’ve also shared some alternatives you can shop online if you don’t have a Primark local to you.

Alternatives

So, I guess you don't have to spend a fortune on Christmas decoration storage.

As Ideal Home’s resident storage and decluttering expert, my job is to share tips, tricks, and products that keep a home tidy and organised. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that some rooms are easier to keep clutter-free than others. The biggest headache? The hallway. And more specifically, the shoes in the hallway.

If you’ve got a big family or just want to keep your floors free of muddy footprints, you need proper shoe storage. It really is a non-negotiable in any house. And while a shoe rack or cabinet will curb clutter and give soggy shoes a proper home so you’re not tripping over them when you come home, I can’t deny that clever, effective shoe storage can also cost a lot of money. Something many of us (me included) don’t have a lot of at the moment.

That’s why I’ve searched high and low, looking for all kinds of shoe storage - from shoe storage for small spaces to multi-purpose shoe and coat racks - that won’t cost you a penny over £50. So, here are my budget-friendly buys to restore order.

Once you've tackled the shoe clutter in your hallway, why not restore order to the rest of your home, too? My collection of the best pretty-but-practical storage baskets can help you do just that.

One thing you should know about me? I’m a planner. Instead of leaving Christmas preparations to the last minute, I like to plan months ahead to spread the money (and the stress), which is why I’ve already started filling my kitchen cupboards, fridge, and freezer with festive food. However, they’re starting to get very cluttered.

And while I’m planning on moving the biggest Christmas clutter-inducers out of my kitchen before the big day to free up some much-needed space, I’ve only bought a fraction of the food I want to buy so far. By the time I add more, I know my cupboards will be overflowing, and the clutter will become overwhelming.

That’s why I’m getting ahead of the game and snapping up some kitchen organisers to double my storage space and add a layer of organisation I’ll need over the festive period. This means I’ll spend less time tidying (and stressing about tidying), and more time enjoying the festive celebrations.

The best part? These organisers will continue to curb the clutter in your kitchen even when Christmas is over.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, and there is nothing worse than trudging home with wet feet after being caught in a downpour. Actually, there is; it’s waiting hours for those shoes to dry off.

If shoes are cluttering up your radiators (and causing a fairly funky smell as a result), you’ll be interested to know Lidl is selling a £9.99 electric shoe dryer that promises to dry your footwear fast and odour-free.

With more storms on the way here in the UK, this bargain buy is a clever addition to your hallway shoe storage ideas. Say goodbye to wet footprints, soggy canvas and bad smells; this is why I believe the Lidl shoe dryer is a winter essential.

There’s nothing more frustrating than taking a winter walk, running an errand or simply commuting and returning home with soaking shoes, socks and feet after being caught in a downpour, splashed by a car, or accidentally stepping into a puddle.

Then, when you return home with wet, muddy footsteps, you need one of the best mops, followed by one of the best vacuum cleaners, to clean up, and you end up desperately trying to dry your shoes on top of your radiator or in front of your electric heater.

What I find frustrating about this drying method is that my shoes often smell and feel uncomfortably stiff afterwards. Lidl promises to rectify this problem. The Silvercrest Electric Shoe Dryer consists of two slim heating pods that will slip into your shoes. It suits all types of shoes, including children's shoes from size two onwards.

Blowing heat through 1500 air holes, it promises even heat distribution, as well as three set drying programmes lasting three, six or nine hours. The dryer automatically shuts off when the program is finished.

It has a max temperature of 56 degrees, which Lidl states ensures efficient drying without damaging the shoes. It’s also extendable, and the cable running between each heater is 50cm to cater for knee- and thigh-high boots.

As the shoe dryer is designed to dry your shoes in a matter of hours, it helps prevent the build-up of damp and therefore the lingering musty smells that are associated with wet shoes.

The Silvercrest electric shoe dryer is in stores now and is only available while stocks last. If you don’t have a Lidl local to you, or your store has already sold out, I’ve found a few more styles you can shop online.

If you’re sick of wet, musty shoes, then this electric shoe heater is a winter essential. It’s perfect for battling temperamental British weather.

In the UK, the autumn and winter months have a noticeable effect on our homes and how we use them. And as our bedrooms become places to escape the cold and store thicker winter clothes, they become fuller than ever. More stuff then equates to more mould.

One of the biggest bedroom storage mistakes I see during the colder months is overfilling wardrobes and drawers. But while it’s worth decluttering clothes to prevent damp, it can be hard to edit winter clothes down to a number that works for daily life. It’s often much easier to close the doors and pretend the mess inside doesn’t exist. These clothes then become silent moisture absorbers.

Thankfully, you don’t have to get rid of all your clothes to keep your bedroom (and your clothes) tidy and moisture-free.

As Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co explains, ‘When clothes are tightly packed together inside a wardrobe - or chest of drawers - airflow is restricted, and moisture can become trapped.’ This increases humidity in an already tight space, leading to condensation, damp, and eventually mould.

The chances of this mould then spreading throughout the rest of your bedroom only increase during the condensation-filled autumn and winter months, so the best way to prevent mould in wardrobes is to increase airflow and open up the space.

In fact, Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, advises, ‘You should aim to keep your wardrobe a maximum of 80% full, leaving a little breathing room between clothes.’

A quick and easy way to do this without getting rid of your clothes is to embrace a seasonal clothing swap. This works especially well if you keep your summer and winter clothes together, as rotating them seasonally can free up a huge amount of space.

You can keep your out-of-season clothes safe and moisture-free by placing them in vacuum bags like these Argos Home Pack of 10 Mixed Vacuum Storage Bags (£15 at Argos), and then storing them elsewhere - like a spare bedroom, under the bed, or in an empty suitcase up in the loft.

Hanging moisture absorber bags like the Nyxi Set of 12 Hanging Interior Wardrobe Dehumidifiers (£12.97) will also tackle excess moisture, pulling it from the air so it doesn’t cling to the fibres of your clothes or the sides of your wardrobe.

You can then focus on using the things people with tidy wardrobes and drawers always have to add an extra layer of organisation. This can improve airflow even more, especially if you choose drawer organisers that will turn piles of crinkled clothes into folded masterpieces and use space-saving hangers to free up more rail space.

However, where you place clothes storage also plays a key role in preventing damp and mould in a bedroom. Shannon warns, ‘A room can appear clean and organised while damp develops unnoticed behind a chest of drawers or wardrobe.’

‘Large pieces of furniture placed flush against cold external walls can restrict air circulation, leaving the wall surface colder and making condensation or mould harder to spot,’ she adds.

‘This is particularly important in bedrooms where furniture is rarely moved. Leaving a gap behind larger pieces, keeping the room ventilated and occasionally checking hidden areas can help you identify problems early.’

So, if you have fitted wardrobes or clothes storage that can’t be moved because it's too heavy, it may be worth investing in one of the best dehumidifiers to use in the bedroom. You can then keep the wardrobe doors open every now and then to increase airflow.

Moisture-busting buys for clothes storage

Making a few changes to your clothes storage can help to prevent mould. But if you’ve already spotted mould, our guide on how to get mould off walls can certainly help you.

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be incredibly chaotic. And as you add presents, decorations, and guests to the festive fun, clutter can multiply and take over your house. That’s why storage is key.

As Ideal Home’s resident organisation guru and storage obsessive, I’m a big fan of pretty-but-practical storage baskets that help you store (and sometimes hide) those items that you don’t want on show. But I'm also a HUGE fan of whimsical Christmas decor. So, when I spotted new Christmas-themed storage baskets making the rounds, I knew they were made for me.

From storage baskets shaped like Christmas puddings to adorable penguins and trees, these are the magical buys I’m snapping up right now to get ahead of Christmas clutter at home. After all, if my prediction is correct, these will sell like hotcakes… or should I say hot chestnuts?

While I'm obsessed with these adorable festive storage additions, I also appreciate that other Christmas storage needs to be practical. That's why I've recently snapped up some practical storage for my Christmas tree, wreaths and baubles, too.

The autumn weather can turn your hallway into a mess. And as someone who went years without proper shoe storage, I can tell you that constantly tripping over shoes and mopping up muddy footprints gets boring fast. That’s where clever products like the Argos Home 2 Shelf Stackable Shoe Rack (£7 at Argos) can help.

Yes, one thing I know for certain is you can’t keep a hallway consistently tidy without storage solutions that work for your entryway and your needs, and narrow hallways with limited space like mine suit small-space-friendly shoe storage solutions best. However, these space-savvy options also often limit the number of shoes you can store - which isn’t always practical if you have a big family, like to host or just love shoes (guilty!).

That’s why this Argos shoe rack is so clever. Not only does it give muddy shoes a home over the wetter months, but the stackable design means it can ‘grow’ as and when you need it. This means that you can tailor it to your space AND your shoes throughout the autumn months and beyond.

At just £7, this shoe rack is ridiculously affordable, which is great for your bank account. But this bargain price also means that it’s not quite on the same aesthetic level as the prettier shoe racks on the market.

However, I’m a firm believer that shoe storage works best when it offers function over form, as attractive shoe racks often focus too much on looks and sacrifice usable space. But the Argos Home 2 Shelf Stackable Shoe Rack offers a compact design that’ll suit a smaller hallway, while also letting you expand it if needed.

That’s because this shoe rack features a stackable design for those who want to keep more than six pairs of shoes tidy this autumn. For example, if you wanted to stop 12 pairs of muddy shoes from cluttering up your hallway, you can buy two and slot them together using the dowels in the four vertical pieces of wood.

If you need even more space, you can buy a third or maybe even a fourth and simply slot them on top of each other to keep them secure. And making the most of vertical space is one of the techniques the pros swear by when organising a smaller room or hallway.

Plus, I wouldn’t say it was unattractive. The natural pine look is a neutral design choice that suits any hallway decor, and you can paint it if you're so inclined. This means it’s a very customisable way to autumn-proof your hallway, add extra storage to your entryway, or even add to the bottom of your wardrobe or tuck it into your under-the-stairs cupboard.

Don’t just take my word for it, either. This £7 Argos shoe rack is one of the retailer’s biggest sellers, and at the time of writing, the Argos Home 2 Shelf Stackable Shoe Rack has over 3,500 reviews with an average star rating of 4.2 out of 5.

One happy customer wrote, ‘I bought three of them. They're an absolute bargain,’ and another raved, ‘Great value simple shoe rack. Easy to assemble, sturdy enough. We have it in a rear porch for gardening shoes, walking boots, etc. It holds plenty of pairs.’

A small minority haven’t been as positive about the quality, though, so bear that in mind if you’re looking to organise your hallway this autumn.

It’s a great, affordable option for muddy shoes, as long as you appreciate that it is definitely on the cheaper side of the market. But if you're willing to splash a bit more cash, I have popped some alternatives below, too.

For just £7, though, I think the stackable Argos shoe rack is my winner!

I recently moved house, and although all major reno plans are on hold for a while, I decided to treat myself to some upgraded Christmas decorations as a little moving-in gift. But when a new tree, baubles, wreath, and other festive bits and bobs turned up at my doorstep this week, I quickly realised I hadn’t ordered something else: storage!

It’s easy to overlook how you store Christmas decorations, but many of these festive items are fragile and breakable. Not to mention, they spend most of their days in a cold, damp loft, where they’re susceptible to dirt and mould, which can drastically affect their look and lifespan. That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for some new storage that can protect them properly.

Ideally, I’d love to start by buying the bauble storage trolley that Ruth Langsford uses (which, if anyone is interested, is the very fancy Deluxe Rolling Bauble Chest, £279 at Balsam Hill), but my small budget just doesn’t stretch that far. So, I’ve found some more affordable alternatives, and I thought I’d share them with you, too.

I always love to be prepared, so buying these Christmas decoration storage solutions now will prevent any nasty surprises after Christmas. And I've just snapped up these whimsical festive storage baskets for everyday items, too.

I put it off as long as I could, but I’ve finally given in and brought my coats down from the loft. And just like I couldn't ignore the colder mornings and torrential downpours, there’s no denying my hallway is now paying the price. So, to keep things tidy, I’m snapping up the Argos Home Hallway Wall Shelf & Coat Rack with Storage Boxes (£52 at Argos, or £41.60 with code COSY20)

Yes, right now I’m on a mission to autumn-proof my narrow hallway, as muddy shoes, wet coats, and messy bags have left my entryway feeling (and looking) worse for wear. And although I’ve already enlisted shoe storage ideas for smaller spaces to organise my muddy shoes, my coats still don’t have a proper home.

That’s why I’ve decided it’s time to stop flinging my jackets and coats over the bannister and invest in a proper storage solution that’ll keep coats tidy and give them space to dry. Not only does this Argos coat rack fit the bill, but it also comes with bonus storage every small hallway needs.

As far as coat racks go, the Argos Hallway Wall Shelf & Coat Rack is definitely one of the prettier options on the market. Especially when you consider that old-school freestanding coat racks aren’t always feasible in a small hallway with limited floor space, and drill-in coat hooks rarely offer anything besides practicality.

But this one strikes a happy medium: cosy yet convenient, with a wall-mounted design that helps you create order in a small room by using vertical space. This means you’re not encroaching on the walkway, but still adding storage that becomes even more important during the autumn and winter months.

The three double hooks technically offer space for six coats or bags - more than enough for every member of the family to have one each - but there’s nothing stopping you from layering them and adding more if you need to.

Just remember that if you want to keep the coats dry and prevent damp in your home, it’s best to organise your coat hooks properly and give them some breathing space.

But the pièce de résistance, in my eyes, is that this coat rack also comes with oodles of extra storage space, thanks to the three included storage boxes and the shelf above. This means you can store everything from your car keys to your post, hats, scarves, and other essentials, and use the top shelf for the all-important decor.

In my home, these storage boxes will work perfectly to store my dog’s leads, harnesses and poo bags so they don’t clutter up the rest of the house - and they’re always right by the door so I can grab my coat and doggy essentials just as I’m leaving.

And since many of the best storage baskets cost up to £30 individually, having them included with this coat rack is music to my ears. Plus, the beauty of a rack with hooks like this is that you can also use it in various rooms of the house.

Admittedly, its natural place is in the hallway, but you could also use it to hang towels and dressing gowns to organise a bathroom, or even in a bedroom for extra storage.

But if you need hallway storage and this isn’t quite what you’re after, I’ve popped some alternatives below, too.

So, don't let your coats clutter your hallway this autumn!

If you feel like September came and went in the blink of an eye, and you didn't manage to tick anything off your decluttering checklist, then don't worry: knowing what things to declutter in October will get you firmly on track.

October is a great month to try one of the best decluttering methods and get organised. Whether you think it's too early to start thinking about the C- word or not, it's a good time to get ahead and purge our homes of anything we don't need before things start to get super-busy.

And according to top decluttering experts, there are four key things to declutter in October. Focusing on these areas will set us up for the colder months ahead, and all the cosy nights we have to look forward to. Heed the experts' advice, and you'll be able to enjoy a calm and clutter-free home this autumn.

1. Halloween decorations

With so many great options available now, Halloween decorations have become one of the easiest things to accumulate over the years. If you're the sort of person who likes to go all out in spooky season, now is the perfect time to have a quick sort-through and decide which ones are worth keeping.

'Take a look at what you have and consider whether there are decorations you haven’t used for a couple of years, are broken or no longer suit your taste,' advises Shannon Murphy, founder of Simpl Living Co. 'If you have decorations in good condition that you no longer want, donating them now means they still have time to be sold to someone looking for some second-hand.'

2. Wardrobes

As we put away our summer clothes and bring out the cosy knits, October is the perfect time to streamline our wardrobes. Shannon recommends reflecting on what we didn't reach for over the warmer months, and asking ourselves whether it's worth storing these items for another year.

'Are there items you didn’t feel comfortable in, didn’t like the fit of or simply never reached for? Perhaps some pieces have become damaged or no longer suit your lifestyle,' she prompts. 'Now is the ideal time to let them go, while the season is still fresh in your mind and you can clearly remember what you enjoyed wearing and what you didn’t.'

There are some fab techniques that can give you a hand here, from the 90/90 decluttering rule to Project 333. I'd also recommend the SKUBB Storage Case, £9 from IKEA, for storing out-of-season clothes – it's helped a lot with keeping my garments organised.

3. The baking cupboard

As the weather gets chillier and we retreat indoors, October is the perfect time to do some baking (Bake Off being back on our screens helps). Which means it's also a good time to organise and declutter our baking supplies.

'Check use-by dates, get rid of anything you know you won't use (including those ingredients you bought for one particular recipe and haven't touched since) and see what's hiding at the back,' advises pro organiser Rebecca Crayford. 'Arrange everything so it's easy to see what you've got too. It's easy to end up with several half-used packets of the same thing simply because you couldn't see the first one.'

And if you are looking for a baking upgrade, Stacey Solomon recommends easy-release cake tins, like this 3-pack for £27.25 on Amazon.

4. The medicine drawer

One of the not-so-fun things about this time of year is how easy it becomes to pick up colds, coughs, and the flu. Make your life easier by organising your at-home medicines – you'll thank yourself if anyone does get ill this season.

'Take everything out, check expiry dates and see what you've actually got before buying anything else,' Rebecca says. 'I recommend putting similar things together so you can find what you need easily, and take any unwanted or out-of-date medicines to your local chemist for safe disposal rather than putting them in the bin or flushing them away.'

Storage essentials for a calmer home

Knowing what things to declutter in October is a real game-changer for getting the most out of the cosy months. You're getting your home prepped and organised ahead of one of the busiest times of year – and your future self will thank you for it.

Last year, I hosted Christmas at home, which is no small feat in a tiny two-bed terrace. But any small-home dweller with an aversion to clutter and a stubborn streak will know the biggest problems can often be solved with the simplest storage solutions. That’s why I bought the Storivo Shoe Organiser Box (£15.99 at Amazon).

I initially raved about this shoe organiser box in early December last year, before I'd used it to host up to 15 people in my home over the festive period. But since using it over Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and almost every day since, I can confidently say that it’s some of the best money I’ve ever spent. And it’s received so many compliments over the past year.

Thankfully, I’m passing the hosting reins onto someone else this Christmas. But that’s not the only thing I’ve passed on, as almost everyone who visited my home last year has since invested in the Storivo Shoe Organiser Box to tackle shoe clutter themselves. Especially now it’s even cheaper!

Unlike many other shoe storage ideas for small spaces, this clever solution uses a foldable box design instead of a shoe rack or cabinet, which are often bulky and permanent. This space-savvy design lets you use it as a temporary solution to keep shoes tidy when you have guests.

It's a simple design, but it works. And this Amazon shoe box has 16 slots for a pair of average-sized shoes (I found larger sizes and chunkier trainers needed one slot each), plus a zippable lid and side handles, so you can move it quickly if you want to keep the hallway tidy.

In fact, once all my guests had arrived and safely stored their shoes last Christmas, I zipped the whole thing up and stashed it in a cupboard to keep as much usable socialising space as possible.

And although I initially folded it down after the festive period, I quickly realised how much I missed it and brought it back out. So, it works as a more permanent shoe storage solution too.

I’d be lying if I said that this was a pretty shoe storage option, but when it comes to keeping my home clutter-free - especially when I’m autumn-proofing my tiny hallway - I always err on the side of practical rather than pretty.

After all, the main objective in any small space is to stay on top of the mess so it doesn’t overpower the tinier footprint. And so I don't trip over piles of shoes every day.

The good news is that other shoe storage alternatives are available if you don't like the look of this Amazon shoe box, though. They'll all curb the clutter this Christmas, and some are even more affordable.

Don't let shoe clutter ruin your Christmas. Get ahead of the game like I did!

While it may be the smallest area of a home, a hallway often has to do double duty in autumn. And if you’re already annoyed by piles of muddy boots, soggy umbrellas, and wet coats cluttering your entryway, you’re not alone. Luckily, you can do something about it.

Yes, we all know how important it is to organise a hallway and keep it clean and tidy year-round. But the difference between your quick whip-around and people with consistently clutter-free hallways is that the latter tidy less because they use smart storage solutions that solve their problems… rather than add to them.

These clutter busters are non-negotiables when you’re working with a small footprint and a lot of extra autumnal essentials. So, these are my top picks to keep the mess under control and stop muddy shoes in their tracks.

Don't let your hallway become a cluttered, soggy mess this autumn! And once you've snapped up these genius buys, I'd suggest investing in one of the best mops to help you out, too.

It may only be the start of October, but my hallway is already working overtime. The damp mornings and drop in temperatures mean my soggy shoes and my (many) coats are cluttering up my entryway, and the narrow space desperately needs some organisation. And as I’m on a tight budget, the Living and Home 4 Tier Shoe Rack with Coat Hanger (£10 at Argos) naturally caught my eye.

I write about storage and organisation enough to know that people with consistently tidy hallways always have some shoe and coat storage. However, I’ve just moved house and am pretty strapped for money and space in my new, narrow hallway, so buying two separate items, a shoe rack and a coat rack, doesn’t really make sense to me.

That’s why I’ve been looking for a small-space-friendly shoe storage solution that offers the best of both worlds and keeps my coats tidy, dry, and within reach when I need them, too. And I think Argos has nailed it.

Of course, the elephant in the room is that this shoe-and-coat-rack combo isn’t a thing of beauty like the many aesthetic shoe racks on the market. But in a hallway, I always think it’s better to favour practicality over prettiness.

Functional pieces like the Living and Home 4 Tier Shoe Rack with Coat Hanger are typically designed to solve the problems we all face in small, cluttered hallways, and they're often much cheaper because they don’t have extra bells and whistles.

After all, for just £10, this clever Argos storage solution has four tiers for your shoes - or even your handbag and storage baskets - and then eight double hooks for you to hang coats, hats, bags, and keys.

In my home, the hooks are also perfect for hanging my dog’s harness and leads, so I can just grab them on the way out the door.

If you have a few more people in your home and want to add an extra tier, you can also buy the slightly larger Living and Home 5 Tier Shoe Rack with Coat Hanger (£11 at Argos) for an extra pound.

Or if the black colourway is the issue, you can buy the exact same four-tier setup in white for £11, too. And, in my eyes, this is a bargain price for a storage solution that’ll disappear into the background - especially as you should be able to wipe clean the metal frame if your muddy shoes or wet coat dirty it up.

The beauty of simple-but-effective storage racks like this is that they’re also incredibly versatile and can be used in so many different areas of your home. You could use it to tidy up your under-the-stairs cupboard, or even pop it in a spare room to organise those excess coats, accessories and shoes that don’t quite fit in your main wardrobe.

But it’s worth noting that this shoe-and-coat-rack combo is new to Argos, so I can’t comment on its sturdiness or ease of assembly. So, if you’d rather buy an alternative with impressive reviews, I’ve popped some below.

Shop budget shoe-and-coat rack storage

Who says small hallways can't be organised?

Argos Home have just dropped a discreet new recycling bag (£8), and I’ve decided it’s one of the best waste disposal options for small kitchens.

Since the introduction of the Simpler Recycling Rules, I’ve personally been investigating for Ideal Home how we can make the recycling process more streamlined at home, especially if you have a small kitchen to contend with.

What I’ve found is that opting for space-saving recycling designs really does make a difference to the process and this is why the recycling bag caught my eye. If you’re someone who doesn’t want recycling receptacles on show 24/7, I think the Argos bag is a perfect fit for you. Here’s why.

I can appreciate that discussing something as mundane as recycling is a little dull. But stay with me, as it is part of everyday life, and what Argos is offering is a recycling vessel that can be stashed out of sight when not in use. It’s perfect for people who don’t want their bins on show - or even, in the case of Lauren Goodger, someone who doesn't like bins full stop.

The Argos Home Recycling Bag pops up in minutes and folds completely flat when not in use. Under the new rules, waste is separated into four categories; this bag has four handy four compartments meaning you can separate waste as you go, making trips to your outdoor recycling bins all the more easier.

I have a built-in recycling section in my bin (Habitat’s 60 Litre Twin Compartment Kitchen Pedal Bin, £70). It’s proved to be one of the best kitchen bins for my small flat, taking up little space and doing away with the need for a separate recycling bin. However, it only has one compartment for recycling, so when I take the bins out, I have to sort through it - which can feel a little gross.

The biggest strength of the Argos recycling bag is that you can separate your waste as you go, placing plastics in one section, cardboard in another and so on. If you hate sorting recycling, this bag is such a handy and affordable solution.

Plus, right now Argos is offering an extra 20% off the bin with the code COSY20, making it even more affordable. I also think the plain black colourway makes the bag look more discreet. It won’t stand out in your kitchen, making it a more attractive option compared to standard recycling bins.

Alternatively, Argos has a few more attractive options to shop online. Here are a few more recycling solutions we recommend.

While recycling isn't exactly the most glamourous of jobs, it is an essential task. So why not make your life easier?

If shoes cluttering up your hallway has become the bane of your existence, then I have some good news. Dunelms’ Ria Rotating Shoe Storage is currently 30% off and perfect for small spaces.

If you have a small hallway, I’m sure you’re well aware that a build-up of spare shoes can quickly make your space look cramped and chaotic - and in some cases dangerous! If you want to reduce the amount of trip hazards as you come through the front, it’s worth learning the clever tricks people with tidy hallways always do.

One thing is for sure: good shoe storage. And if you're short on space, the rotating feature of the Ria shoe storage makes it a solid option. Here’s why.

There are plenty of amazing shoe storage solutions for small spaces, including Lakeland’s new space-saving rack and the Amazon shoe boxes (£15.99) that the Ideal Home swear by.

But I’ll admit I’d not seen rotating shoe storage before. Recently, I coveted Dunelm’s Ria Rotating Bookshelf, and having spotted the same design was available in the form of shoe storage, I was instantly intrigued.

Reduced from £199 to £139.50, this space-saving storage solution has four shelves that rotate around an inner console, so you can access the pair you need while keeping four on show at all times. The idea is that you can keep multiple pairs of shoes out of sight at one time.

Its stylish design means it’s storage you won’t mind having on show, and at 113.5cm, it won’t take up much room either. You could even place a key tray on top and use it as a side table in your hallway, too.

‘This item came bigger than expected but lovely quality! It weighs a ton ! Very pleased -probably should have had it constructed by delivery drivers as they take packaging away. Our lovely lady who does managed it and every part was there but not a job for a novice!’ says one review.

Another review points out it is ‘too complicated’ to build, so if you are a DIY novice, it’s probably worth getting some help putting it together. Or we've spotted this Amazon rotating shoe rack which gets good reviews with users saying it's easy to put together.

More shoe storage buys

If DIY really isn’t your thing, here are a few more stylish shoe storage options you can shop online - and don’t take much effort to assemble.

Would you invest in the Dunelm Ria Rotating Shoe Storage?

I’m a huge fan of autumn. I love the changing leaves, the slight chill in the air, and long dog walks with a hot coffee in hand. But one thing I hate? Muddy shoes cluttering my hallway. That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for a shoe rack to get ahead of the mess, and the new Lakeland Multi Shoe Rack (£29.99 at Lakeland) fits the bill perfectly.

I’m currently on a mission to follow in the footsteps of people with consistently tidy hallways, and I’ve known my entryway has been missing some proper shoe storage for a while now. My husband and I have got into the bad habit of leaving our wet, muddy shoes on the doormat inside the house, and that makes our tiny space look even more cluttered.

But without a lot of space - or budget - to buy a huge shoe cabinet, I’ve had to look for a more effective shoe storage idea for small spaces, and this new Lakeland drop is both space-savvy and affordable.

When I spotted this shoe rack, I knew it wouldn’t be a conscious design addition to my hallway. After all, it’s not the most aesthetic shoe rack I’ve ever come across - but pretty shoe storage often comes at a much heftier price.

But this Lakeland alternative is practical and affordable, and sometimes that’s all you need to transform your hallway from a cluttered, muddy mess into something to be proud of. Especially since this £30 solution fits 8 to twelve pairs of shoes and can be configured to suit your space.

Yes, with a clever design feature that I’ve never seen before, this shoe rack can be assembled in two different ways. You can use it in a longer, wider two-tier formation, or fold it into a taller, narrower 4-tier formation.

This means that you can fit it around the other items already taking up space in your hallway, from coat racks and console tables to more permanent features like radiators.

For example, I know the 4-tier formation would be better in my house because the radiator limits the available wall space, and I know from speaking to experts that utilising vertical space is key in smaller spaces.

But having the option to switch it up also lets you use this shoe rack in other rooms and areas of your home. You could add another to your under-the-stairs cupboard, or opt for the lower-slung configuration at the bottom of your wardrobe to organise the shoes you wear regularly but don't use enough to keep downstairs by the door.

With muddy season already underway, the wipe-clean material also means that you can simply wipe away the grime your shoes leave behind, keeping your hallway spotless.

And for just £29.99, how can you argue with that?

Shop budget shoe racks

I’m definitely snapping up Lakeland’s new £30 shoe rack to get ahead of the mess this autumn.

The empty nester phase is often the most bittersweet. You’re excited for your children, but at the same time, your empty house is a little too loud. And while it can be tempting to hoard their belongings and turn their bedroom into a museum, refreshing your home can be one of the best ways to celebrate this new era - for all of you.

In fact, the best decluttering methods can help you tidy up a space that's been dominated by your children’s toys, backpacks, artwork, clothes, and clutter for decades, and let you embrace a grown-up home that celebrates a new era of your own life. However, you need to be careful, as many decluttering methods don’t account for the emotional upheaval surrounding this big life change.

As a recent empty-nester herself, Gemma Bray (AKA The Organised Mum) explains, ‘My first piece of advice is to remember this isn't a normal declutter. You're dealing with a young adult's belongings, in a bedroom that holds an enormous amount of emotion for you, and it's poignant because it marks a huge milestone in both your life and theirs.’ So, this is how to tackle clutter… gently.

1. Always get permission (and take your time!)

Whether they’ve moved to university or are moving to their own place, kids leaving home can be an emotional change, and Gemma warns you not to make any rash decisions. She says, ‘Parents tend to react in one of two ways. They either shut the door and avoid going in because they're too upset, or they go in and clean immediately. Both are extremes, and I'd avoid them.’

Instead, take your time and work at a pace that prevents decluttering overwhelm and helps you keep your emotions in check. And while it may be your house where you pay the bills, it’s important to recognise that your children’s belongings are still theirs. So, always get permission to declutter beforehand.

And if you need some reassurance, Gemma says, ‘Decluttering isn't about erasing the past; it's about making space for the next phase of family life. It's just part of the process. We're not trying to get rid of them altogether. It's about putting systems in place so the room stays practical and renewable.’

2. Remove genuine rubbish first

If you know you’re going to struggle getting rid of emotional clutter, the easiest place to start is by removing genuine rubbish from the areas that your children liked to frequent - whether that’s their bedrooms or the rubbish that they’ve left strewn in bathrooms and other family areas.

Gemma also suggests throwing away anything that you’re confident your child will never use again - and hasn’t used in many years. This includes anything broken or damaged beyond repair, using your common sense and knowledge of your kids to realise that holding onto it will be a (quite literal) waste of space.

Then you can move on to the more sentimental items. Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, says, ‘Work through the room systematically, sending photos of groups of belongings and asking them to identify what they want to keep, what they no longer want and whether there is anything they would like you to donate or sell.’

3. Keep a box of ‘don’t knows’ to the side

It’s best not to make assumptions when decluttering as an empty-nester, especially if your kids have only temporarily moved away or are storing items at your house until they have space to keep them at their own. In that case, a ‘don’t know’ box could work wonders.

Gemma says, ‘A good tip is to create a box for anything you're unsure about, or that could hold sentimental value to them, so they can go through it themselves next time they're home. If they need a bit of encouragement, give them a deadline - otherwise, that box will still be sitting there when they're in their forties.’

This will help you declutter without guilt and refresh your home without getting on your kids' bad side. And if you find that you’re putting everything in the ‘didn’t know’ box, it’s a sure sign that you’re not quite ready to declutter just yet. So, give yourself some more time before tackling the task again.

4. Give them ultimatums

Of course, you don’t have to declutter your kids’ belongings at all - especially if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. But you do need to set boundaries in your own home if they have moved out for good, as you don’t want your house to become their dedicated storage unit.

This is echoed by Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, who says, ‘I work with many clients who are still storing their adult children’s belongings years after they have left home. You have to set clear boundaries around how much you can store. Give them a deadline to decide what they want to keep, agree on what you’re storing and when they need to collect everything else.’

If you have a small home and are struggling to stay organised, consider space-saving storage options to house these belongings in the meantime. You can use stacking boxes, vacuum bags for clothes, or even under-bed storage so you can still clear out the room if needed.

5. Have a goal for the room

Sending your kids off to pastures new means you can enter a new era of your life, where you can explore hobbies, focus on your health and fitness, or finally relax after years of parenting. And if you want to turn your kids’ old room into something more practical, you need to have a goal in mind and a plan in place.

Kate advises, ‘Decide what you want any unused rooms to do for you now. It might simply be to empty it and keep it ready for a future downsize, or you may want to turn it into a hobby room, office, or gym. Having a purpose gives you something positive to work towards when decluttering feels difficult.’

She adds, ‘If there’s a chance your children may come back home, especially if they’ve gone to university or are living overseas, consider how you can make the room flexible enough to serve multiple purposes. A room can still be welcoming when they visit while also working as an office or exercise room.’

Empty nester decluttering essentials

Decluttering as empty nesters doesn't mean you're forgetting your family. It just means you're ready for the next chapter!

Rubber bands are one of those items that seem to wind their way up into a junk drawer and take up permanent residence. We always tell ourselves we’ll keep them for something useful, but what exactly are those things?

If you’re looking for ways to reuse rubber bands around the house, you’re in luck, as experts have suggested three different ways to give your bands a second life.

While rubber bands are one of the things you should store in drawers, they have plenty of other uses. Here are just three examples you can test out at home with ease.

1. Stop clothes slipping off hangers

When it comes to tidying and organising a wardrobe, the main grievance I have is that my clothes are prone to slipping off their hangers, making the space messy again. What I hadn’t realised was that two handy rubber bands are all I need to fix the problem.

‘Before buying specialist non-slip hangers, try adding a couple of rubber bands to basic plastic or wooden ones. Wrap a thick rubber band tightly around each end of the hanger to create extra friction, helping strappy tops, wide-neck jumpers and slippery fabrics stay in place rather than ending up on the wardrobe floor,’ explains Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

2. Clean your blinds

If you want to clean your blinds but don’t have the best tools to hand to help you, a pair of tongs, cloths and a rubber band can help you get the job done.

‘Grab a pair of kitchen tongs and wrap two microfibre cloths around the end, secured in place with a rubber band. Then, simply clamp each of the slats between the tongs and glide along. It’s a quick, simple, and satisfying hack to clean both sides of each slat in one smooth motion. Works best on venetian and aluminium blinds,’ says Heath Showman, founder of Lifestyle Blinds.

3. Open stubborn jars

Everyone has a trick for opening a sticky jar, but I’m always happy to welcome one more - after all, there’s nothing worse than being hungry and not being able to get a jar open when cooking.

‘Give an old rubber band a new job as a DIY grip. Wrap a thick band around a stubborn jar or bottle lid and twist. The rubber creates extra friction between your hand and the lid, giving you more grip and leverage without needing a specialist jar opener,’ says Max.

Do you have any other handy uses for old rubber bands?

Cupboards are always a tricky one. On the one hand, they’re ideal for hiding everything from cleaning products to food packets and bathroom essentials. But in my experience, hiding something behind a cupboard door doesn’t always lend itself well to home organisation - which is why I was intrigued when I spotted the new Tall SlideAway Storage Caddy (£4.99 at Lakeland).

As I write, I know there are at least two cupboards in my house that will empty themselves onto the floor as soon as I open them. And as I’ve recently moved house and plan to give it a complete organisational redo, I’ve set aside some money to buy clever clutter-busters to help me along the way. Luckily for me, this option is ridiculously affordable.

Technically, this Lakeland storage caddy comes in a set, and you can buy the smaller - but wider - Short SlideAway Storage Caddy for the same price of just £4.99 at Lakeland. But for less than £10 for the pair, I still think Lakeland has just won the clutter-busting storage war.

I recently wrote about Lakeland’s under-the-sink organiser, which I immediately added to my basket. However, these two new storage caddies can offer similar storage space to the first organiser - for less money and without taking up as much space. And in my eyes, it’s also way more versatile.

While the under-the-sink organiser was largely designed for people who want tidy under-the-sink cupboards, these caddies can be used anywhere - from under the sink to your kitchen cupboards and bathroom vanity. Personally, I’d also use the taller one for paperwork in my home office.

The slimline design makes them perfect for smaller cupboards and spaces, and they even come with wheels and a handle so you can quickly pull them out and grab what you need in seconds. This means that you don’t have to reach over and grab the item you need - which, let’s face it, always seems to be right at the back.

Despite being small in footprint, they’re also still big enough to hold cleaning bottles, jars, packets, tubes, and anything else you’d like to keep separated or categorised.

Plus, I’ve already seen how pull-out caddies like this can transform cupboards from chaotic to calm in no time. That’s because Ideal Home’s Managing Editor, Thea, uses caddies just like these in her under-the-sink cupboard and beyond.

She uses the Joseph Joseph CupboardStore 2-tier Easy Access Wheeled Storage Caddy (£25 at Amazon) and the Joseph Joseph CupboardStore 2-tier Easy Access Wheeled Storage Caddy (£35 at Amazon). All in all, those caddies set her back £60.

For two very similar caddies at Lakeland, you could spend just £10. And while they don’t quite have the same bells and whistles as Joseph Joseph, they’re ideal in their simplicity.

They’ll allow you to separate everything from food items to cleaning products, and give everything a home in a cupboard for a budget price.

Alternatives to buy

I think Lakeland might be my new favourite shop for clever storage solutions!

While we might think of January as the ultimate decluttering month, there's a serious case to be made for decluttering in September. The busyness of summer is over, the kids are going back to school, and we're all mentally preparing for the return of cosy season.

Knowing what things to declutter in September is the best way to put that back to school energy to good use and get organised. Whether you use one of the pro decluttering methods or not, working through the items on this list is the best back to school reset you can give yourself, and your home.

With that in mind, I spoke to home organisers and decluttering experts to find out what things we should be decluttering this September. A key theme occured around decluttering areas and items that are going to make the next few months feel a little lighter – so we can enjoy everything that cosy season has to offer.

1. The hallway

Getting the hallway ready for autumn is essential prep, as it's likely going to feel more cluttered in the colder months. Heavy coats, wellies, school bags, and umbrellas all take up more space, making September the perfect time to get organised.

'Remove anything that's outgrown, worn out or simply never used, and move summer shoes, bags, tennis rackets and other summer sports kit elsewhere,' advises pro declutterer Rebecca Crayford. 'You don't need an empty hallway – you just need room for the things you're actually going to be reaching for every day.'

If you're looking to upgrade your hallway storage ideas, Argos have some great clutter busters for keeping hallways tidy, such as this Stackable Shoe Rack for only £7.

2. Toys and stationery

'Children’s bedrooms can quickly become a dumping ground over the summer, particularly when routines are relaxed and children have more time to play,' says Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station. 'The end of the holidays provides a natural opportunity to go through everything and work out what is still being used, what has been outgrown and what can be moved elsewhere.'

September is a good time to get organised and upgrade your toy storage solutions, if you need to. Dunelm have some great options, like this Striped Storage Trunk for £16. Maria Delia, APDO member and founder of Dare to Declutter, adds that organising stationery at this time of year is also helpful.

'Empty pencil cases, desk drawers and stationery cupboards and get rid of dried up pens, broken crayons, tiny pencils and anything that has simply reached the end of its life,' she advises. 'You might be surprised at how many perfectly good supplies you already have.'

3. Blankets, throws and cushions

As we get excited about autumn decorating ideas, the first port-of-call is usually to dig all of our blankets, throws and cushions out of the cupboard and pop them around the house. But before we do, Rebecca Crayford says that we should take stock of what we have and get rid of anything we don't need.

'Keep the blankets you actually like and use, donate good-quality ones you no longer want and let go of anything that's worn out,' she advises. 'The same goes for seasonal cushions and cushion covers. There's no point putting things back into your living space – or storing them for another year – if you know you're never going to use them.'

4. The freezer

According to the pros, the freezer is one of the best things to declutter in September because we're likely going to change the way we use it over the coming months. Give yours a makeover with the things that people with a tidy freezer always have (think freezer bags, labels, and rectangular containers).

'A quick sort now gives you more room for soups, casseroles and the batch-cooked meals you're more likely to reach for as the weather gets colder,' Rebecca says. 'Use up older food that's still good, get rid of anything that's past its best and investigate those mystery unlabelled containers you've been moving around for months.'

5. The 'junk' drawer or cupboard

Most of us have a junk drawer or cupboard in the house (and if you don't, hats off to you). In the spirit of resetting the home for autumn and using up all that back to school energy, now is the time organise the junk drawer and finally get rid of the items we don't need.

'Whether it's lids without containers, odd gloves, mystery cables, unidentified chargers, or spare buttons, we all store items that have somehow lost their partner, purpose or place,' Maria says. 'Give the items in your junk drawer one last chance to find a purpose. If you can't, it's probably time to let it go.'

I'd recommend these interlocking drawer organisers, currently half price on Amazon. They're ideal for keeping odd, miscallaneous items in one place.

Ticking off the things to declutter in September will make our homes feel much calmer after the busyness of summer – and help us enjoy hibernation season in all its glory.

As Ideal Home’s go-to for all things storage, organisation and decluttering, you’d like to think that I love decluttering my home. And I do… for a little while. But when I’m halfway through, and my house looks like a pigsty, I question why I even started in the first place (and go off in search of chocolate to make me feel better).

Yes, I’ve tried so many of the best decluttering methods out there, but I often still find myself surrounded by piles of items and making an even bigger mess when I’m trying to declutter - and it’s incredibly overwhelming. And while I appreciate that sometimes things do have to get worse to get better, does that always have to be the case?

According to the three professional organisers I spoke to, no, it doesn’t. These are their top tips for decluttering a home without making an even bigger mess in the process, and what to do if you reach that ‘oh gosh, what have I done?!’ moment.

1. Work in small sections

If you plan to organise your clothes or give your kitchen a complete overhaul, it can be tempting to pull everything out of the cupboards and drawers and start from scratch with everything laid out in front of you. And as someone who has done this many times, I can tell you that this is the worst thing you can do.

Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, agrees, saying that working in small sections is one of the best ways to avoid overwhelm when decluttering a home. She says this also allows you to ‘fully complete an area before moving on to the next.’

‘I often recommend working clockwise around a room, focusing on one small area at a time. This gives you a clear starting point and a sense of progress as you work your way around the space,’ Shannon adds. ‘If you do reach that overwhelmed moment, remind yourself that you don't have to tackle the whole room today. Make the task smaller.’

By working this way, you’ll ensure that you don’t end up surrounded by all of your belongings and abandoning your task - and you’ll finally be able to get rid of the clutter that’s been building up for months (and perhaps even years).

2. Separate and remove items immediately

It can also be hard to know what to do with items when you’re decluttering, often leaving old clothes, paperwork, and toys sitting on the floor with no rhyme or reason for where they’re headed. That’s why separating these items using the four-box method is key.

‘Use four containers - keep here, move elsewhere, donate or sell, and rubbish or recycling. And make sure to finish one zone before expanding,’ advises Gemma Bray, Founder of The Organised Method. If you struggle with emotional clutter, she also says you can ‘allow yourself one small, dated “unsure” box for difficult decisions.’

But even if you have good intentions to get rid of items after a declutter, these boxes and bags can still continue to clutter up your home when you’ve finished if you don’t deal with them immediately. So, try to remove them from your house as quickly as possible to finish the task properly.

Gemma says, ‘Put donations by the door or take them directly to their destination, but do not drive them around until next year!’ Then, you can tick the task firmly off your to-do list.

3. Set a timer

Another reason decluttering becomes so messy is that we get distracted, and I recently wrote about how body doubling can help with that. However, a timer can also work wonders if you struggle to stay motivated. Plus, it helps you break down your decluttering into these smaller tasks.

Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, agrees, saying, ‘I recommend clients use a timer and start with just 10 minutes. We often overestimate how long decluttering a small area will take, and once clients see how much they can achieve in 10 minutes, it often creates momentum to continue.’

She adds, ‘The timer also helps them keep their focus and avoid getting sidetracked.’ But that’s not all. By using a timer and keeping these tasks small and manageable, you can keep the room usable and see a visual difference in your decluttering efforts.

Of course, you can set the timer for as long as you want, but most experts wouldn’t suggest choosing anything over 20 minutes, as you’ll once again be at risk of making a bigger mess and feeling overwhelmed.

4. Start with non-sentimental items

Most people don’t know how to declutter sentimental items and hit a roadblock when they come across things they're emotionally attached to. And if you’re one of them - and you often abandon your decluttering efforts because of it - Kate suggests leaving these items until last.

‘I always recommend starting small with an area that has no sentimental attachment to my clients. When you try to declutter a whole room in one go, you can quickly end up with your belongings everywhere, feeling overwhelmed and with no energy left to finish the project,’ she warns.

‘Instead, start by clearing one drawer or one small surface of items containing items that don’t hold any sentimental attachment. I normally suggest choosing an area with similar items to get you into the flow. This could be a pan drawer, underwear drawer, or dressing table,’ she adds.

And when you’ve done this, you should have built up enough momentum and confidence in your decisions to handle the sentimental items. If you genuinely can’t, take a quick break, but make sure you come back to your task.

5. Take stock of your energy levels

It can be incredibly easy to give up on decluttering when you’ve made an even bigger mess, but this mess will just get bigger as the weeks go by. To avoid this, it’s important to take stock of your energy levels during the process, as you ultimately need to be in a calm, motivated headspace to see results.

Gemma explains, ‘Overwhelm often hits when the room temporarily looks worse and your energy drops. You have not failed; you are simply in the untidy middle. When it happens, stop taking out more things. Remind yourself why you started and that this is usually the worst part, then take practical action.’

She suggests focusing on four key tasks: throwing away obvious rubbish, putting items you definitely want to donate in a bag (and get rid of it as soon as you can), returning anything that has an obvious home, and then clearing one visible surface or pathway to create some physical (and mental) breathing room.

Seeing this visible difference should perk up your energy levels, but you then need to ask yourself another question: Can you continue? Or should you try again tomorrow? There’s no shame in taking a break if it’s going to render better results.

What you'll need

I'm definitely stealing these tips!

Most of us have a ‘doom room.’ This is the awkward, spare room in our homes where we store random items that don’t have a permanent resting spot elsewhere, and it quickly becomes a dumping ground for forgotten things.

And while there are so many things people with tidy homes always have, the doom room is a very niche corner of the home that often gets ignored during regular tidying and organising sessions. But although it can be easy to shut the door and pretend the mess inside doesn’t exist, that isn’t always practical when this spare room also needs to serve as a guest bedroom, home office or hobby room.

So, take this as your sign to give it some TLC! This is what you’ll need to turn your doom room into an organised, practical space that works with your needs rather than against them.

1. Wardrobe or clothes rail

It’s important to understand your own storage needs when tidying a doom room, and if your spare bedroom always becomes an extension of your wardrobe, you need to add storage solutions that tackle this problem - instead of just piling your clothes on the bed or the floor.

And while it may sound counterintuitive to add a wardrobe to what is often one of the smallest rooms of the house, opting for a closed wardrobe can help you maintain consistently tidy clothes and offer storage space to store organised boxes, suitcases, and other items you want to remove from the floor of your doom room.

However, if you’re worried that the closed doors of a wardrobe will encourage you to simply hide mess, I’m a huge fan of clothes rails like this Argos Home Kevin Double Clothes Rail (£46 at Argos). In fact, I’ve previously written about how my clothes rail helps me stay accountable and tackle mess as soon as I spot it.

2. Sleeping space with storage

A doom room is never going to be perfect. But if you want to create a temporary guest room for friends or family members in this room, it’s important to choose your sleeping setup wisely. And in this case, it’s well worth opting for a small-space-friendly bed - with extra storage for your own use, if possible.

The best sofa beds are a great option for those who want their doom room to become a multi-purpose space where they can craft or catch up on their hobbies, and I can’t recommend the Ascot Ottoman Storage Bed (£299 at DUSK) enough. This is actually the bed I have in my own bedroom, and the roomy storage is perfect for storing extra bedding, towels, and even shoes.

If you have a slightly larger spare room and don’t want to scrimp on a proper bed for your guests, just make sure you choose a bed frame with space underneath for underbed storage boxes, so you can keep items you need readily available but don’t want on show.

3. Over-the-door organisers

One of the best ways to create order in smaller homes and spaces is to utilise vertical space, and door organisers are ideal for doom rooms. They also don’t require any drilling or permanent hanging, so can be used in rental accommodation and even be moved from room to room if you have guests and need to quickly tidy up.

The beauty of over-the-door organisers is that there are so many different types to suit the items that you may be storing in your spare bedroom. For example, you could use this SAVERHO Over The Door Shoe Organiser (£11.99 at Amazon) to store and organise all of your family’s shoes.

There are so many more options, though, with door organisers designed specifically for towels or accessories, or with larger pockets to house anything you may need. Just remember to declutter these items regularly to ensure you’re not holding on to anything you no longer need.

4. Stackable boxes

While I love nothing more than a pretty-but-practical storage baskets that serve both storage and decor, they might not be suitable for doom rooms where you need to store a lot in a small amount of space. In this case, stackable storage boxes may suit you better.

The beauty of these stackable storage boxes - like these Really Useful 3 x 62L Plastic Storage Boxes (£33 at Argos) - is that you can stack them on top of each other to minimise the amount of floor space they take up. They also come with handles, so you can easily grab the one you want and move it, or pop them in a cupboard if you have one.

These boxes are ideal for things like seasonal decor, paperwork, and everything else that doesn’t really have a proper home organised and tidy. I’d just make sure you use labels like these Large Labels for Storage Boxes (45 pack for £6.99 at Amazon), so you know exactly what’s in them.

5. A multi-purpose desk

Whether you work exclusively from home or your kids need somewhere to do their homework (that’s not their bedroom or the dining table), a desk is always a good idea. And while the spare ‘doom room' is a good place to put it, there’s no denying that they take up a lot of space.

This is where multi-purpose desks come into play, with many options to choose from. Hideaway desks like IKEA’S BILLY bookcase with a foldable table serve as a temporary desk when you need it, but offer permanent storage in the form of a traditional bookcase. This means you don’t have to live with a full-size desk cluttering up the space.

You can also buy wall-mounted desks, or a compact dressing table that can double as a desk for when you need to take your meetings. Whatever option you choose, opt for something compact, multi-purpose, or with hidden storage you can use.

Remember, a doom room is never going to be perfect... but you can always make it better!

I don’t know about you, but opening my under-the-sink cupboard requires at least three full days of mental preparation. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and I can guarantee the exact cleaning product I need will be right at the back. That’s why I was over the moon when I spotted Lakeland's new 2-Tier Undersink Storage Caddy (£16.99 at Lakeland).

Yes, only last week I wrote about the things I need to organise after recently moving house, and my under-the-sink cupboard is one of the messiest of the lot. And while I know I need to invest in some proper storage if I want to be like the people with consistently tidy under-the-sink cupboards, I’ve yet to bite the bullet as my budget is pretty much non-existent right now.

The fact that Lakeland’s new storage solution will curb the clutter AND keep my purse happy at the same time is a massive tick in my book. And as I didn’t want to gatekeep, I thought I’d share this £17 bargain with you, too.

This new two-tier storage system is specifically designed for those awkward under-the-sink areas, and the clever setup means that the smaller top tier can easily fit around any pipes or plumbing you have under there.

But the size difference also helps you distinguish between the best cleaning products and tools. You can pop your larger bottles on the bottom tier and your smaller tools, like scrubbers, sponges, and cleaning cloths, on the top tier.

And my favourite bit? Instead of knocking everything over to get the item you need from the back of the cupboard, you can simply pull out the bottom drawer and grab your bottle of white vinegar without making a bigger mess. This should also make it easier to see what you have, so you don’t waste money on any duplicates.

Plus, I’ve already seen how transformative these pull-out drawers can be in a clutter zone like the under-the-sink cupboard. Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief, Heather, went on her own clutter-busting mission last year and bought very similar caddies to organise her cleaning essentials.

The exact pull-out organisers Heather used are sadly no longer available to buy, but I’d actually go as far as to say that Lakeland’s version is better anyway (sorry, Heather!).

That’s because Heather’s pull-out drawers don’t account for the inevitable wet drips that form when you pop your cleaning products and tools back in the cupboard when you’re finished with them.

In Heather’s trays, wet drips will settle in the trays and lead to mould and musty smells - and this will just get worse if you don't tackle it immediately.

Lakeland’s caddies, however, are made from wire mesh so the moisture can fall through to the cupboard below. You should then be able to spot it and clean it right away.

And for less than £20, what more could you really want? I’m going to snap up some for my kitchen cupboards too, as I think they’ll be perfect for my spices, packets and sauces.

Alternatives to shop

Well, I'm definitely ready to curb the clutter in my under-the-sink cupboard now!

I turned 40 last year, and it triggered a huge urge to declutter my home from then on, which is very unlike me as a self-confessed collector of things...

I didn't want to suddenly (and miraculously) become a minimalist. There's no way that would ever happen because I love home decor too much, and I still want my home to feel full of personality. I just started to look around at the things I'd been holding on to for years and wondered why I still had them.

Reaching 40 made me want to take stock, and it's probably because I know what I like far more than I did when I was younger. I've become much less interested in keeping things simply because I've already owned them for years. And it turns out I'm not alone in feeling like this after a milestone birthday.

'I think people often decide to declutter when they're navigating a home renovation, a move, family changes or a wider lifestyle reset and turning 40 can be a transitional period for some people,' explains Shannon Murphy of Simpl Living Co. 'It can be a good opportunity to reassess what you own and whether it still reflects the life you're living today.'

And I felt exactly like this, so I started clearing out, and once I began, it quickly spread from my wardrobe to other areas of my house. Here's what I've decluttered so far and why it's been really helpful.

5 things I decluttered when I turned 40

If you're tempted to do the same, Shannon recommends resisting the urge to pull everything out at once. 'One of the biggest mistakes I see is starting with good intentions but then losing momentum or direction,' she says. 'I always recommend creating a plan and giving yourself a reasonable timeframe. Try to fully complete one room before moving on to the next.'

It's good advice, particularly if you, like me, can get carried away once you start. 'If everything is half-finished, it can feel as though you haven't achieved anything,' Shannon adds, 'Completing a space gives you that sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue.'

1. I gave my wardrobe a reset

Decluttering my wardrobe was the obvious place to start. There were clothes I hadn't worn for years, things that didn't fit properly and pieces I'd kept because I thought I might wear them again one day.

Turning 40 made me want my wardrobe to reflect who I am and how I dress now, rather than being an archive of me at different ages. And that's something Shannon says is very common.

'With wardrobes, people often hold onto past versions of themselves,' she explains. 'As you approach 40, who you were and what you were in your 20s, or even your 30s, may be very different from who you are now.'

Her advice is to concentrate on 'who you are today and who you realistically want to be within the next year,' rather than filling your wardrobe for an imagined future version of yourself.

There were clothes I was keeping for when I might lose weight, occasions that might never happen and because I couldn't bring myself to get rid of them.

Shannon suggests looking at how your life actually works now. 'For example, if you only go into the office two days a week, you only need enough work outfits to accommodate that lifestyle realistically. You can apply the same thinking to other categories in your wardrobe: look at how you actually live rather than how you think you might live.'

Anything I didn't feel good wearing, consistently overlooked or was realistically never going to wear again was finally allowed to go, and I was finally able to maximise every available inch of space.

2. Home accessories I didn't actually like

This was probably one of the most satisfying categories. Working within interiors means I'm constantly seeing new ideas, and my own taste has inevitably changed over the years. Yet I still had accessories dotted around the house that I didn't particularly like anymore.

I had kept some because I'd spent money on them and others because they'd been gifts or had some sentimental value. But I did realise that neither was a particularly good reason to continue displaying something in my home.

'Our interior style naturally changes over the years,' says Shannon. 'Your home and the things you have on display should meet you where you are currently. If you no longer love or use something, consider donating or selling it.'

And her advice for those expensive purchases you're keeping out of guilt is reassuringly straightforward: 'I would never recommend keeping something you don't like simply because it was expensive or gifted to you – your space is precious.'

Instead of immediately replacing everything I cleared, I've actually enjoyed having a little more breathing room and being more considered about what I bring back in.

3. Make-up and toiletries I'll never use

Next came the bathroom cupboards and drawers. There was an embarrassing amount of half-used products, make-up I never reached for, and toiletries I'd tried and didn't like, taking up valuable storage space.

This wasn't emotional clutter like my wardrobe and home accessories, but incredibly satisfying, even though it felt like a huge waste. I could suddenly see what I actually owned and, more importantly, what I genuinely used.

There's also a practical reason to be ruthless here. 'All makeup has an expiry date, which is something many people don't realise,' says Shannon. 'Look for the number followed by "M" on the packaging. For example, 12M means the product should be replaced after 12 months of opening it.'

For products you've tried and simply don't like, Shannon suggests seeing whether a friend or family member could use them instead, where appropriate, rather than allowing them to sit untouched in a drawer.

4. Sifting through sentimental items

This was easily the hardest category for me, as I end up feeling guilty when I declutter sentimental things. I am super sentimental, so over the years I've kept an enormous number of things purely because they remind me of a person, place or particular point in my life. Unlike an old bottle of shampoo or duvet cover I never use, there isn't an obvious reason to get rid of them.

Turning 40 didn't suddenly make me want to throw away everything connected to my past. If anything, it made me think more carefully about which memories genuinely matter to me. I've started asking myself whether I actually treasure the item itself or whether I'm simply scared that getting rid of it means losing the memory attached to it.

Shannon recommends giving sentimental belongings a physical limit. 'Use a container to create a physical boundary for how much you can keep. Once the container is full, you have to decide what is most important to you rather than allowing sentimental belongings to become endless boxes and cupboards.'

There are ways to preserve the memory without necessarily keeping the object.

'For photographs, you can scan them and create photo books (this is a great budget choice from Amazon), and larger sentimental items can also be photographed before letting them go,' Shannon suggests. 'Often seeing a photograph of an item can bring back the same feeling and memory without needing to keep the physical object.'

I'm still keeping things that make me smile (my daughters' lovely artwork), transport me back to a particular moment or that I'd be upset to lose. But I've allowed myself to let go of some of the other things I've been carrying around for years purely because they felt too sentimental to part with. It takes time to rifle through these things and can feel overwhelming, but it feels like a fresh start to get rid of old things that I really don't feel I need to keep.

5. Books I knew I would never read again

Books were a surprisingly difficult category for me to tackle. I've always found them harder to get rid of than other things, even when I know I'm unlikely to ever pick them up again.

Over the years, though, we'd accumulated books we'd read once and wouldn't reread, books I'd bought with every intention of reading but never had, parenting books I no longer needed to consult and other books that had dated badly (My Booky Wook, by Russell Brand, anyone? Eesh) or that I'd simply grown out of. They were taking up space alongside books we genuinely love.

I didn't want to clear the shelves completely. I love the warmth and personality books bring to a home, and there are plenty I'll always keep. I concentrated on the ones I genuinely loved, would lend to people and realistically imagine picking up again.

The rest have gone somewhere they'd actually be appreciated and used. I donated books where I could, passed others on to friends and family and used Freecycle to give to people who want them. And I have now sorted them into categories and displayed them how I like, which makes it feel more like an at-home library than a messy collection.

I definitely don't want a sparse home, and I'm certainly not finished buying beautiful things, but after decluttering these things, I know my taste better. And I know what my family uses too.

I'm just much less willing to give precious space in my home to things that belong in the past. It feels quite liberating to accept that getting rid of something doesn't mean buying it was a mistake or that something wasn't once important to me.

I still have plenty of clutter because I have a busy family home after all, but I am being more selective about what earns its place in it.

My new rule for my forties is that I don't want to spend another decade storing things I don't use, need or actually love.

First impressions count. But if you’re greeted with piles of shoes, rogue keys, random parcels, and an umbrella that’s always wet every time you open your front door, you’re not alone. Thankfully, some clever clutter-busters can help with that - even if your hallway is tiny.

I know what you’re thinking, though. You’ve already tried to organise your hallway, and it’s barely made a dent in the chaos. But the difference between your quick tidy-up and what people with tidy hallways always do is that they have a helping hand in the form of smart storage solutions that work with an entryway, rather than against it.

That’s where Argos can help. From pretty-but-practical shoe storage to dedicated areas for your bags and coats, these are my top picks from Argos’s latest hallway storage buys - and how you can use them in your space.

Will you be snapping up any of these clever hallway storage buys?

September always seems like the start of a new chapter. Most of us are back from holiday, heading back to school and work, and rooting around the back of the wardrobe for long-lost jumpers as the weather starts to change. So why not start this new chapter off right?

While you may already have plans to declutter before the kids go back to school or give the bedrooms a deep clean before everyone’s too tired to think straight, this time of year is still incredibly busy. Because of this, I asked the professionals which areas of your home you should prioritise for a quick, efficient post-holiday reset.

Ideally, you should tackle all five of these areas before September, but you’ll still notice a difference if you only have time to tick a few off the list. And I guarantee that future you will thank you for it!

1. Unpack quickly (and properly!)

I always recommend that people declutter their homes before going on holiday to reduce the mess waiting for them when they fly home, but that doesn’t account for the holiday clutter they bring back. So, the first step to a neat and tidy home come September is unpacking both quickly and efficiently.

Jo Helsby, Professional Organiser and Owner of Perfect Order, explains, ‘The period after a holiday often creates a second wave of clutter. Suitcases are left half-unpacked, clean and dirty clothes become mixed together and new purchases have no proper home. As a professional organiser, I would unpack completely rather than taking out only the things you need first.’

This isn’t a fun job, but one that you’ll be glad you did when everything is tidied away. It might be worth using boxes like these Strata Curve 4 x 10L Plastic Storage Boxes with Lid (was £12, now £9 at Argos) to store any holiday-specific items you know you won’t use until your next holiday so they don’t clutter up your everyday living space. Pop your suitcases back in the loft, too.

2. Clean and organise your hallway

September can be a very stressful month, with work and school pressure piling up. But when you complete your September reset (ideally just before September), you can ensure that your home is a calm, chaos-free zone that helps you relax and unwind after a long day. This starts as soon as you open the door.

Keeping on top of cleaning your hallway shouldn’t be difficult, but the hard flooring in these entryways can take a beating with muddy, dirty shoes, which is where the best vacuum mops can help. Proper shoe storage is also essential for reducing shoe clutter and keeping the floors as tidy and organised as possible.

Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, also has a top tip for parents. She says, ‘One of the most effective ways to turn your entrance way into a calm and organised space is to create a row of hooks that are low enough for your children to reach. Add a low bench or storage unit with baskets underneath, giving them somewhere to sit and put their shoes on, and a dedicated place to put their bag.’

3. Take stock of school items

If you have kids, you’ll know that the back-to-school rush is very real. Getting ahead of the game can help to calm the chaos and keep your home organised, and that’s why Jo advises parents to ‘gather all uniforms, shoes, bags and activity kits into one place’ before the school routine begins.

‘Check what still fits and make a clear list of what is missing before buying anything,’ she adds. ‘This prevents duplicate purchases and avoids discovering the night before school that something has been outgrown or left at the other parent’s house.’ Labels like these 60 Washable Stick-on Clothing Name Labels (£13.95 at Amazon) can also help you keep track of everything.

If you have some spare time, it’s well worth organising the wardrobes in your children’s rooms, too. Try to keep school uniforms separate from everyday, non-school clothes, and you could do this using a dedicated wardrobe organiser like this Fabric Hanging Organiser (£6 at Dunelm).

4. Reset the kitchen

You should be cleaning your kitchen regularly anyway, but a clean, tidy cooking and prep space is even more important in the run-up to September. There are a few tasks you should tick off the list here, from cleaning water bottles and lunch boxes to organising your kitchen cupboards.

Ellie Brown, Interior Designer at the interiors brand Oak&More, says that doing this now can save a lot of time during busy school mornings. She says, ‘Give the kitchen a pre-term refresh by clearing out expired food from the fridge, organising breakfast essentials, like oats and cereals so that it’s easy to just grab and go, and create an easy-to-access area for lunchboxes, water bottles and snacks.’

Just make sure you declutter your fridge and cupboards before you start resetting them, so you’re throwing out (or donating) anything you definitely won’t be eating come September. With more space to work with, it’ll be easier to keep it organised in the long run.

5. Set up a ‘command centre’

Ideal Home’s Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, recently set up a family command centre in her home, and she can’t rave about it enough - especially now the new school year is on the horizon. And if you want to give your home a back-to-school reset, it’s well worth adding one.

Kate agrees, saying, ‘Mornings with children can be stressful. One of my favourite systems to set up in a client’s home is a command centre to reduce morning friction. A command centre is a dedicated space that contains everything you need to run the house, from important paperwork to school schedules.’

She adds, ‘I always recommend including drawers or shelves so you can create a ‘morning drawer or shelf’ for easy access to everything you need to head out in the morning. I use drawer organisers or containers to create a dedicated space for each person. This means everyone knows where their belongings are and, importantly, can start taking responsibility for them.’

Will you be giving your home a September reset?

It’s the time of year when brands start dropping their autumn/ winter collections, but honestly, it’s not the pumpkins, cosy knits or warm colours that have caught my eye; it’s their clever clutterbusters that have just dropped that have grabbed my attention - they’re perfect for keeping a tidy kitchen.

If you’ve ever wondered what people who have tidy kitchens do compared to you, I can promise you a lot of it comes down to clever storage solutions. Whether you’re looking to organise kitchen cupboards or clear kitchen worktops, you need storage that blends effortlessly into your space.

This is where Dunelm comes in. From pretty storage you’ll actually want on show to practical solutions that deal with everyday mess, here are my top picks from Dunelm’s latest kitchen storage buys.

Have any of these clever storage solutions caught your eye?

I’ve recently moved home, and while the house itself is bigger, my clothes storage space is much smaller - and it’s very noticeable. But while I could simply ignore my overflowing wardrobe, I wouldn’t be a very good organising expert if I didn’t tackle the problem head-on. That’s why I couldn’t buy these 60 Pcs Hanger Connector Hooks (£6.99 at Amazon) quick enough.

Yes, I’ve gone from having a dedicated dressing room to organising a wardrobe that’s barely big enough for the two of us. And although we have big plans to improve our clothes storage setup eventually, we just don’t have the money right now. So when my Editor suggested I try these £7 hanger clips to make the most of the vertical space in my small wardrobe, I knew I had to add them to my basket.

These Amazon hooks work with your existing hangers so you can double-up (or even triple-up) on your hanging items without needing a wider wardrobe. And they’re the cheap-but-cheerful addition my cluttered, messy wardrobe has been crying out for.

I’m always on the hunt for the things people with tidy wardrobes should always have, and utilising vertical space is something all of these clutter-busting products have in common.

And these S-shaped Hanger Connector Hooks can be slipped onto a hanger’s top metal hook (often called the head) to hang another garment or two… or three. Then it will only take up vertical space rather than horizontal space on the wardrobe rail, meaning you can squeeze even more on there.

These can then help create order in your wardrobe, allowing you to hang T-shirts from T-shirts, jumpers from jumpers, and even trousers from trousers. This way, you know where everything is, and you won’t have to rifle through your entire wardrobe to find the specific T-shirt you’re after.

If you like to be as organised as possible, you could even use these hooks to create outfits for the week ahead. You could hook your trousers and jacket over a shirt that’s hooked on the rail, so you only have to grab one hanger when it’s time to get dressed.

Ideal Home’s Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, bought these connector hooks for her wardrobe a few months ago, and she can’t rave about them enough. However, she has offered me some valuable advice that goes against the listing images on Amazon - and it’s particularly important if you have a small wardrobe where you need to maximise every available inch of space.

‘The Amazon pictures show the connectors on wooden hangers, but they work so much better when you use slimline hangers with them,’ she told me. ‘Slimline hangers just make it even more effective, as the wooden hangers add so much more bulk.’

Jenny adds, ‘I’ve been able to fit so many more clothes in my wardrobe without it bursting at the seams thanks to this space-saving combo, and I think they’re worth every penny.’

Thankfully, slimline hangers don’t cost a fortune either. They can also be bought on Amazon, and you can buy a pack of 30 Amazon Basics Slim Velvet Non-Slip Hangers for just £12.79.

But if you don’t want to buy any new hangers, they are compatible with most standard hangers, no matter whether you have wooden, wire, plastic or velvet hangers.

Alternatives to shop

Thank goodness for clever little products like this!

Trinny Woodall is known for her fashion and beauty empire, so it won’t surprise you to learn that her home wardrobe is what dreams are made of. But while her incredible clothes and accessories are obviously the star of the show, the organisation of her wardrobe is a (very) close second.

Unsurprisingly, Trinny has more space in her wardrobe than the average person. But despite having the space and the means to buy expensive, built-in storage to organise her wardrobe, she’s enlisted the help of everyone’s favourite Swedish brand to meticulously organise her accessories and everyday clutter on a budget. And who doesn’t love IKEA?

The end result really is spectacular, without being out of reach for the everyday organiser. So if you’re looking to take your tidiness up a notch, Trinny can definitely offer some affordable inspiration.

Trinny Woodall regularly lets us glimpse inside her wardrobe on her Instagram page. But in a recent post, she took us on an up-close-and-personal tour of the DIY storage island she built for her accessories and everyday items. And it’s safe to say that the compliments quickly flooded in.

Fans gushed over the ‘inspirational’ island unit and storage boxes she uses to organise everything from old phones to makeup brushes and glasses. Especially since it provides a permanent home for items that often clutter bedrooms and make a sleeping space look messy.

Trinny didn’t gatekeep, either. She confirmed that she built the large wardrobe island using two sets of IKEA units - which look like these KALLAX Shelving Units from IKEA (£50 each). She then topped hers with a bespoke mirror, but you could create a similar effect for a much cheaper price using these Hode Self Adhesive Mirror Tiles (£9.59 at Amazon).

However, it’s the storage boxes themselves that received the most attention, as Muji storage boxes are known for being affordable, stackable and seriously versatile. And while they come in so many sizes, it looks like Trinny has used the 3 Drawer Desktop Storage Unit (£34.95 at Muji) for her setup.

She’s not the only one who loves Muji boxes, either. Ideal Home’s Digital Editor, Rebecca, also swears by these handy storage buys to organise her home - especially as they’re so long-lasting.

She says, ‘I invested in the big drawers and the mini acrylic drawers when I was 23 in my first London flat. Almost 10 years (and 4 flats) later, they're still in use and look great (aside from a little tape I put on them for the last move).’

‘I've used the large drawers to add storage to awkward bedroom nooks, and in my last wardrobe I used them to double the storage inside the built-in wardrobe.'

'However, it is the mini ones that I love the most; they come in a range of sizes and stack neatly together. I have them stacked on my dressing table, holding polishes, makeup, sunglasses and chargers. I've even turned one on its side to make a hairband holder.'

And that, in itself, is what makes Trinny’s setup so inspiring. After all, most people don’t have an entire room to dedicate to giant wardrobes and a huge accessory island.

But if you have a bit of free vertical wall space, nothing is stopping you from turning a smaller single unit on its side to create a very similar storage setup.

Just make sure you remember your labels, as Trinny swears by her trusty DYMO LetraTag Handheld Label Maker (£33.50 at Amazon) to keep track of everything.

How to get the look for less

Trinny’s IKEA hack is already very affordable, but I’ve spotted similar products to make it even cheaper if you’re on a tighter budget (or want to customise it to your own wardrobe space).

Excuse me while I go and completely reorganise my wardrobe space...

We all want a tidy home, but this is easier said than done. Everyday mess, busy schedules and our unique characteristics can make it incredibly difficult to keep on top of clutter. And the more this builds up, the harder it becomes to solve.

In fact, there are so many decluttering methods out there because decluttering isn’t a one-size-fits-all task. While some people have the time and the patience to dedicate an entire day to their decluttering checklist, others get easily distracted and struggle to stay on task. And this is where ‘body doubling’ can help.

This psychological hack has risen to popularity within the ADHD and neurodivergent communities, as it can help you maintain the motivation and drive to tidy your home quickly. However, anyone can try this decluttering trick in their own homes, and I asked professional organisers how to use it for maximum impact.

What is body doubling?

As Jo Helsby, Professional Organiser and Founder of Perfect Order, explains, ‘Body doubling is when another person stays with you while you complete a task.’

This is a step away from traditional decluttering methods, which are typically meant to be completed solo. By adding another person into the mix, they can combat a person’s decluttering frustrations, prevent distractions and make the process more enjoyable.

Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, says that body doubling can also help with decision fatigue when decluttering.

She explains, ‘Decluttering alone can often feel daunting, which means people struggle to start or lose momentum. Body doubling can be especially helpful for people with ADHD or anyone who feels overwhelmed by the amount they need to do.’

After all, decluttering isn’t one big task that can be ticked off a to-do list in one fell swoop. Decluttering a single room can result in hundreds of tiny decisions that play on the mind and the emotions, and those who find it difficult to concentrate can often give up without making any headway. Especially if they feel alone and know they need to get rid of emotional clutter.

With another body to help, the decluttering process can ‘feel much more achievable,’ says Ellie Fife, Founder of Holistic Life Organising. ‘Having someone alongside you can help you stay on track, reduce distractions and prevent you from abandoning the task halfway through. It turns a task that can feel overwhelming into one that feels much more manageable, focused and supported.’

However, body doubling needs to be done correctly if you want to see - and feel - its impact on your home and your life.

How to use body doubling to declutter

1. Choose your helper wisely

Body doubling shouldn’t be confused with a morning natter with your best friend. To get the most out of this psychological hack, you need to choose your helper properly - and they also need to know what they’re getting into.

As Jo explains, ‘A body double can be a friend, family member or professional organiser like me, but they need to understand that their role is to support rather than take over. They should not pressure you to throw things away or make comments about what you own.’

She adds, ‘A useful body double might ask where an item belongs, whether you use it or what is making the decision difficult.’ So, if you struggle with motivation and distractions, you should avoid choosing a helper with similar characteristics or traits.

2. If there’s nobody to help, watch a video

If you struggle with social interaction, body doubling may not seem like the decluttering method for you. However, you don’t necessarily need someone in your home to help you tidy up your space.

Sometimes, watching someone completing similar tasks is enough to motivate you and encourage you to continue. Shannon says, ‘Watching decluttering videos on YouTube can create a similar effect by giving you the feeling of working alongside someone else while you complete your own task.’

This may not be as effective as having a physical person to help you, as it’s very easy to stop a video when there’s nobody there to hold you accountable. Nevertheless, it’s an alternative to consider if that isn’t an option you want to explore.

3. Agree on a starting point, and check in periodically

Decluttering an entire house - or even an entire room - can feel incredibly overwhelming. It can feel even more daunting if you’ve not tidied in a long time and clutter has built up. That’s why you may find it helpful to agree on a starting point when body doubling.

This can work in the same way as micro-decluttering, where you focus on a smaller task rather than the big picture. And Jo has found that many of her clients find this incredibly productive and that it reduces overwhelm when they’re struggling.

‘Agree on one small task at the start, such as sorting a single drawer, then check in when it is finished. The task needs to be specific. “Declutter the bedroom” is too broad and can leave you overwhelmed before you begin,’ she explains. Then, it should be easier to move from one smaller task to the next.

4. Set a timer, if that’s helpful

Everyone is different, but if you struggle with motivation and distractions, it’s typically best to declutter in short bursts. So, using a timer and decluttering for a fixed block of time can help when you want to see visible results - like a ten-minute declutter, for example.

Not only does this require only a short window of concentration, but it also helps prevent overwhelm and burnout when decluttering decisions begin to weigh on you. You can then take a breather and check in with yourself.

Can you handle another ten minutes? Or should you try again tomorrow? Body doubling may be a hack to boost productivity, but you also need to ensure that it’s working for you at the same time. So, give it a try and see for yourself.

Will you be trying this decluttering hack?

As Ideal Home’s Editor for all things storage and organisation, I normally like to practice what I preach and maintain a tidy, clutter-free home. But I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m letting the team down right now… and I have a recent house move to blame for that.

I’ve already written about how I decluttered before moving house to help combat extensive moving costs and streamline my belongings, but there were still a lot of boxes to contend with on moving day. And in my haste to unpack these boxes as quickly as possible, I didn’t put much thought into where these items needed to live. I just knew that I wanted the boxes gone ASAP!

Just over a week on, and I’m quickly realising that shoving items into any free space is not conducive to a tidy home. So, I’m embarking on a mission to turn my messy reality into an organisation-obsessive’s dream. This is what I’m snapping up to get the job done and bring my vision to life.

1. Drawer organisers

In my old house, I barely had any kitchen drawers. And while my pots and pans were neatly tucked away in a cupboard like people with tidy kitchen cupboards, this cupboard was on the other side of the kitchen, and it just wasn’t very practical for mealtimes.

Now that I have a drawer underneath the cooking area, my pots, pans and trays live there. However, they’re an absolute mess, and it’s extremely difficult for my husband to get what he needs to cook up a storm without having to take everything out and put it back in again.

So, to up the organisation ante in my kitchen, I’m using Ideal Home’s Digital Editor, Rebecca, as my source of inspiration. She uses IKEA’s OSBIT Plate Holder to organise her frying pans and pan lids, and it works a treat - but I’ve also heard great things about this Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Cookware Organiser (£20 at Amazon).

2. Airing cupboard essentials

Does anyone else struggle to store spare towels and bedding? In my old house, they had a dedicated storage space under my ottoman bed where they were out of sight and out of mind. Now, I’m storing them in the airing cupboard, but the height of the shelves makes it difficult for my 5'2" body to reach them.

However, our Sleep Editor, Amy, swears by using bedding storage bags for her bedding, so I’m going to invest in some too. They should keep bedding and towels tidy and contained, and these Lifewit 35L Clothes Storage Bags (£10.99 at Amazon) even have handles so I can quickly grab them and pull them down with ease.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Heather, also uses something similar for her larger bedding items - but then uses specific bedding files for smaller sheets and duvet sets to keep them folded and neat. The end result is an organisation dream, so you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be stealing this idea too.

3. Garden storage

I hit the jackpot with my new garden. This tiered beauty looks like it belongs at a Tuscan villa instead of a suburban house in Kent, and I absolutely love how unique it is. However, the only storage available for gardening tools and my husband’s DIY gear is right at the top of the garden and in a tiny metal shed that barely fits our lawnmower.

Considering our last house had a huge 10 ft x 6.5 ft shed, this is a massive downgrade - and one we’re already struggling with. Because of this, we’re rethinking our garden storage and adding alternative options to each tier for all of our garden cushions, plant pots, BBQ accessories, and anything else we might need.

One of the top contenders on my list is a garden wardrobe, which Ideal Home's Content Director, Lucy Searle, added to her garden earlier this year. It’s practical without being in the way, and tall enough to fit all of the larger garden tools we need to tame the many bushes and trees. For smaller items, I’m eyeing up a storage bench that will also double up as extra seating for the big garden party I have planned before the end of summer.

4. Under-the-sink organisers

Part of my job involves testing the best cleaning products on the market, so my under-the-sink cupboard is full to bursting right now. And while it’s only been just over a week since we moved in, I genuinely can’t take it anymore. So, I’m making some changes to make the products more accessible.

I’m taking inspiration from our Editor in Chief, Heather, who undertook her own under-the-sink cupboard evolution a few years ago - and she’s told me that they’ve undoubtedly helped her to maintain its tidiness during that time.

I particularly love her use of the lazy Susan, which she has paired with some pull-out drawers like this Housolution Pull Out Under Sink Storage Organiser (£21.99 at Amazon). However, there are so many other solutions out there, so I don’t think I’ll have any trouble taming this beast.