I’m incredibly guilty of buying holiday-specific items that I only use once or twice a year. Admittedly, there are very limited occasions for me to use a flamingo floatie on a regular Thursday. But it got me wondering whether there was a way to use some of my other holiday essentials when I get home, instead.

After all, I always make time to declutter before going on holiday, but nobody really talks about the post-holiday chaos where you have a suitcase full of travel toiletries, beach towels, souvenirs and packing cubes that need a home in your house. And normally, I shove them to the back of a cupboard, hide them in the spare room, and pretend they don’t exist until I next go on holiday.

But after speaking to professional organisers, I’ve discovered that one of these holiday essentials - packing cubes - can be used throughout the home to aid organisation and banish clutter. This is how they suggest using them, and how I’ll be making the most of them when I fly home.

1. Store out-of-season clothing

Holiday packing cubes like this 8-Piece Travel Packing Cubes Set (£15.99 at Amazon) are ideal for organising your outfits and even storing dirty clothes while you’re on holiday. But if their primary function is storing clothes, why aren’t we using them at home, too?

Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, says we should all be making the most of packing cubes - especially if we want to store seasonal clothing and free up space in our everyday drawers and wardrobes. She says, ‘They can be placed in less accessible areas of your wardrobe or another storage space that you don’t need to access regularly.’

She also says they’re perfect for separating children’s clothes by size, so you can keep their current size in the wardrobe or drawers while still keeping the sizes they’ll eventually grow into readily accessible and ready to swap over when they have a growth spurt.

Just be careful when storing clothes made of cashmere, wool or silk, as these fabrics can attract moths during long-term storage. However, I’ve heard nothing but good things about these ecoKiwi Cedar Rings (28 Pack for £9.99 at Amazon), which you can slot into the packing cubes for moth protection.

2. DIY drawer and wardrobe organisers

I recently completely re-organised my drawers using dedicated clothes organisers from Amazon, but it turns out I could have saved my money and used the packing cubes I had left over from my last holiday instead. In fact, Ellie Fife, Founder of Holistic Life Organising, says they can turn an ‘organised dumping ground’ into a tidy and clutter-free space.

‘Packing cubes are ideal for creating contained categories in drawers, cupboards and shelves,’ explains Ellie. ‘In a wardrobe, they can be used to keep accessories together, or store items like swimwear, scarves and gloves.’

The same can be said for drawers in any room of the house, as these packing cubes can help organise clothes, tidy up a junk drawer in the kitchen, or even organise cosmetics in a bathroom vanity. The bonus is that packing cubes are typically much cheaper than plastic or wicker containers, too, and you can even zip up the lids to hide visual clutter.

This also allows you to stack them, and if you opt for compression packing cubes like these ANTLER - Compression Packing Cubes, Set of 4 (£50 at Amazon), you can fit even more in your drawers and wardrobes - without them physically taking up even more space.

3. Make grab-and-go bags

Kids and hobbies require a lot of things. But when you’re running late for your children’s swimming lessons and struggling to find their costume or goggles, you often leave a mess in your wake. The more this happens, the more chaotic your house becomes.

This is where a grab-and-go bag can help, and Ellie says that ‘creating grab-and-go bags for swimming lessons, sports clubs or weekends away’ can help to combat clutter as you always know where these items live. Popping them in your hallway or utility room means that when you’re ready to leave, you can simply grab the bag… and go!

But these grab-and-go bags don’t just have to be for when you leave the house. If you’re into your crafts, you can fill a packing cube with all your crafting materials to keep them safe and easy to grab when you need them. You could even add this Lifewit Plastic 36 Bead Grids Craft Storage Box (£16.99 at Amazon) for smaller, fiddly items.

This way, your crafting items will always have a dedicated home, and they won’t end up strewn around your home. Alternatively, you could use packing cubes for storing your kids’ artwork when you just don’t have any space left on the fridge. Then, they’re safe without taking over your entire house.

4. Store spare bedding

Most of us have spare bedding, but everyone knows how hard it is to organise bedding when it’s impossible to fold a fitted sheet and duvet sets look messy no matter how you attempt to store them. But according to pro organisers, storing spare bedding is just another way to reuse holiday packing cubes when you’re not actually on holiday.

Ellie explains, ‘They can be used for spare bedding, guest towels or blankets, helping to keep linen cupboards more organised - bonus if you label them by what’s inside and/or bed sizing.’ In fact, using labels alongside your packing cubes just seemed to come up time and time again.

Shannon agrees that labels are a no-brainer, saying, ‘Adding labels to your packing cubes is a simple but effective way of knowing what you are storing. This allows you to quickly identify the contents without having to open multiple bags and helps maintain an organised system.’

This should keep your home tidier, too, and the good news is that labels are extremely cheap. You can even pick up this 250 Pack of Double Dragon Address Labels from Amazon for just £3.94.

Who needs expensive storage when you have holiday packing cubes at your disposal?

The end of the school year always comes with mixed emotions for the kids and me, mostly because our routines are messed up, but I digress. The one thing that I wasn't prepared for was the sheer amount of artwork and schoolwork both of my daughters brought home. It was pretty much an entire year's worth of creativity landed in my hallway in one afternoon.

As much as I genuinely would love to keep every single piece because I'm a big softie, tend to hold on to things that hold sentimental value and find it super hard to get rid of emotional clutter, I knew with the sheer volume, this wasn't going to be realistic. I also wasn't about to cover my fridge with it all, only to face the impossible task of deciding what deserved to stay and what needed to go.

Instead, I wanted a way to celebrate what they'd made without immediately forcing myself to sort through an enormous pile (and hide it from them in the process!). The solution has meant I can display their artwork beautifully now and decide what to keep later. These are the things I've invested in to showcase them, and it turns out they're the perfect delay tactic!

1. A front opening art frame has taken the pressure off

The best thing I've bought is a front-opening children's art frame, £8.49 from Amazon. From the outside, it looks like a normal picture frame, but it opens up to store several pieces behind one display.

It means I can pop quite a number of pictures into the frame without having to edit the collection down too much straight away. The latest masterpiece sits proudly at the front, while all the others are kept safely behind until I'm ready to go through them. When I remember (seldom), I have changed up the picture.

Professional organiser Shannon Murphy, founder of Simpl Living Co. says parents shouldn't feel guilty about being selective. 'An art gallery doesn't display every piece of art an artist has ever created; it curates a collection of the best pieces with the best stories,' she says. 'The same principle applies to children's artwork.'

2. I've given their favourite pieces a proper home

Rather than keeping all their artwork downstairs, I've framed a handful of extra special pieces in their bedrooms.

I also have a pinboard (£16.99 at Amazon) in one of my daughters' rooms, which has become the perfect place to display certificates, photos and little creations she's proud of. It's easy to swap things in and out as new masterpieces come home, and it gives her a dedicated space to celebrate everything she's achieved throughout the year.

Seeing their artwork displayed like pieces of real art makes them so proud, and it also means those standout creations become part of their bedrooms rather than disappearing into a storage box.

Shannon also recommends getting children involved in choosing what stays if they're old enough. Asking them which pieces they're most proud of often reveals lovely stories or memories behind the artwork, which can even be written on the back before it's stored away.

3. A magnetic display makes it easy to rotate new masterpieces

Instead of adding more to my fridge, I've also added a magnetic arch wall sticker, from £21.99 at Amazon, in their playroom, which acts like a little gallery space.

Whenever they bring home something new, we simply swap it over with another picture with no tape or Blu-Tack needed, and they love choosing what to feature each week.

If you do like displaying artwork on the fridge, Shannon suggests introducing a simple one-in, one-out rule, where every new masterpiece replaces another. It's an easy way to keep displays looking intentional while helping children learn to make thoughtful choices about what they treasure most.

4. I'll sort through everything when I get time

Eventually, when things are quieter, I'll go through the collection I've stored away in a box and keep the pieces that really capture each stage of their childhood, storing them safely to look back on in years to come.

Shannon suggests photographing favourite creations and turning them into an annual book if space is tight, or storing originals in a large artist's portfolio case, like this from Amazon for £22.99, or a display book like this one (£14.44 from Amazon) to keep them flat, protected and organised.

Having somewhere to display and temporarily store all of their artwork has taken away the pressure completely. I get to enjoy everything they've created, and my daughters can proudly see their work on display.

Then I can choose what to keep when I'm ready (and they forget about them), rather than making snap decisions I'll probably regret, just to keep the clutter to a minimum.

If you’re in the market for handy and affordable kitchen storage solutions, get yourself to your local Lidl middle aisle as the supermarket is about to drop fridge and cupboard organisers from just £1.99 - this is what I’m snapping up for my tiny kitchen.

As I write, I’m looking at my tiny kitchen, and I’m determined to put some small kitchen storage ideas to good use. When you lack space, organisation and a few clever storage solutions are paramount for a tidy kitchen - and I’ve definitely seen my space descend into chaos when I lack these features.

Lidl’s new fridge and cupboard organisers drop on Sunday (2 August), and I’m not missing out on the opportunity to smarten up my cabinets and organise my fridge more efficiently.

For context, I have a small fridge and freezer built into my worktop, and about two kitchen cupboards for food storage. One of these cabinets has become a mini seasoning pantry, where I keep all my spices. Using my trusty shelf inserts (like this £16 Argos Home insert), these items all stay relatively tidy.

I can’t say the same about my dry goods, which seem to be in a permanent state of disarray. But this is where Lidl’s Kitchen Cupboard Organiser With Three Compartments (£1.99) will come in handy when organising kitchen cupboards. With three equally spaced compartments, it’s ideal for storing bags of rice, pasta and orzo (all of which are currently shoved in my cupboard with no thought behind it).

It’s also suitable for use in the fridge, and a great way to keep food groups together and in one place. If you like multiple cheeses, you can keep them together, or if you haven’t already invested in a produce saver, it can keep fresh produce in one place - reducing your chance of forgetting about veg in the back of the fridge.

Lidl also has a Kitchen Cupboard Organiser With Handles, which is a large container measuring L25.4 x W15.2 x H12.7cm. The brand will also be selling a more space-saving Kitchen Cupboard Organiser With Lower Front, which can store everything from fresh fruit to canned goods.

All organisers can handle a range of temperatures from -20 to 40°C and are made from transparent plastic to make it easy to identify their contents. The products will only be available in store. If you don’t have a Lidl local to you, I’ve rounded up a few more affordable options you can shop online.

A tidy and organised kitchen really does make all the difference on how it operates, and whether you actually enjoy spending time in yours. These Lidl organisers may seem like a small detail, but they will make a big difference to the run of your kitchen.

I may be Ideal Home’s Editor for all things cleaning and organisation, but I still feel like I’m constantly fighting a losing battle with my house. In fact, clutter continues to build up on a daily basis despite my best efforts, and I know I’m not alone in this.

And while I’ve been taking steps to learn from the things people with a tidy home always have, sometimes I find it easier to understand what I’m doing wrong rather than what everyone says is right. That’s why I decided to ask professional organisers what those who always seem to have a streamlined, clutter-free home actively avoid.

It turns out that a tidy and organised home requires you to steer clear of decluttering mistakes that can have disastrous consequences. And while this list of mistakes is quite lengthy, the pro organisers all agreed that they see these three clutter catalysts more than most - and I’ve even been making them myself.

1. Leave things to ‘deal with later’

When you have a busy life, leaving rubbish on your kitchen worktops or empty contact lens cases on your bathroom vanity isn’t at the top of the priority list. But I know from personal experience that leaving one day’s worth of clutter can quickly add up to a whole week - and that ‘deal with it later’ mentality results in a very messy home.

That’s why Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, says you should try and deal with home items as soon as possible. ‘People with tidy homes never put something down when they could put it away. Instead of leaving something on the side to deal with later, they put it back where it belongs straight away,' she explains.

Of course, some people might not be able to do this immediately. If that’s the case, you could take advantage of a clutter bucket to temporarily remove it from a surface. But Shannon advises that you ’return everything to its proper place each evening’ and never leave it for more than 24 hours.

2. Overfill storage

I’m a sucker for pretty-but-practical storage baskets, and use them a lot throughout my home. And while they’re ideal for tackling clutter, Shannon says that they can also cause even more problems if you overfill them. She explains, ‘Good organisation isn't about squeezing more into your cupboards.’

Tidying guru Marie Kondo also said the same when I interviewed her recently, as she warns that too many people buy storage without actually dealing with clutter and getting rid of items that no longer serve them. Instead, you need to use proper decluttering methods to streamline your home and prevent overfilling your cupboards, wardrobes, baskets and boxes.

Thankfully, there are so many ways to get rid of items after decluttering, but Shannon says, ‘If you're planning to sell something, give yourself a realistic deadline. If it hasn't sold within that timeframe, donate or give it away rather than letting it become permanent clutter.’

3. Buy items without knowing where they'll go

Working for a homes magazine means I’m constantly surrounded by pretty home decor and handy appliances that I often don’t have the space for. And Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, says that buying them is just another reason why my house is never tidy.

She explains, ‘When everything has a designated home, tidying becomes much quicker and easier. You'll save time because everything is easy to find, and you're far less likely to lose things. It can also help prevent overbuying.’ And when I buy these items on a whim without knowing where they will live, I’m simply adding more fuel to the fire.

Thankfully, that doesn’t mean that I can’t buy anything else ever again. Employing the one-in-one-out decluttering method can help when you want to buy new items but want to maintain a clutter-free home, and Kate suggests keeping these must-have items ‘accessible in their designated space’ so I can use them without them encroaching on my space.

Have you been making these mistakes?

Thanks to the constant barrage of dirty plates, washing-up sponges and soap bottles, it often feels impossible to maintain a tidy, clean kitchen sink area. And as I can’t look at this area without my stress levels rising significantly, I often ignore it and pretend the clutter doesn’t exist… which just makes things even worse.

Admittedly, I’ve taken steps to be like the people with tidy under-the-sink cupboards over the past few months, and this has made a huge difference to my once-messy kitchen. But while I’ve tackled the space underneath my sink, the area above and around it still needs work.

So, in an effort to keep my sink area as tidy and as clean as possible, I’ve asked my most organised friends, family and colleagues what they use to restore order and keep everything from soap scum to limescale at bay. This is what they said.

1. Clever storage

Smart storage is key to a consistently tidy home, and the good news is that kitchen sink storage comes in so many different shapes and forms. For example, a sink organiser like this Joseph Joseph Stainless-Steel Sink Organiser (£29.99 at Amazon) has space for your washing-up liquid, scrubbing brush, and your sponges.

Keeping these smaller items together by the sink is ideal for keeping this (admittedly very ugly) clutter from spreading out across your entire kitchen. However, if space is really limited, you can also utilise the sink itself by opting for something like this NiHome Extendable Over Sink Kitchen Organiser (£11.99 at Amazon), which sits on top of the sink for extra storage.

Then, you have storage in the under-the-sink cupboard, which is your best friend if you want to remove as many items from the sink area itself. By rehoming this visible clutter, you’ll make the space look (and feel) bigger. Not to mention that it’ll be so much easier to clean and tidy.

2. An expandable sink drainer

If you don’t have a dishwasher, your sink area probably takes a beating while washing up - especially as small draining boards just aren’t big enough to deal with the number of plates, bowls, and mugs we use daily. That’s why people with tidy sink areas make the most of expandable sink drainers.

This is something everyone needs to maintain tidy kitchen worktops, as these expandable dish drainers can work with your washing-up needs rather than against them. And if you only have a couple of glasses and pieces of cutlery to wash up, you can keep it small. If you have lots to wash up, you can make it bigger.

This will stop your soggy, wet kitchenware from migrating across the rest of your worktops, which can make things look messy and cause water pooling. If you opt for one like this Argos Home Expandable Dish Rack (£28 at Argos), it also has a drip tray and spout to ensure all excess water makes its way back into the sink.

3. A sink cover

I’ve been on the hunt for handy clutter-busters for a small galley kitchen, and sink covers have come up time and time again. These products do exactly what they say on the tin: they cover your sink, hiding what’s underneath.

This can help you if you’re in a pinch and trying to tidy before guests arrive, but don’t want to waste water on washing up a few bits. You can use something like this Tomorotec Roll Up Sink Cover (£12.99 at Amazon) to cover any to-be-washed items, and it even doubles up as a drying rack when you need it, too.

In fact, the beauty of sink covers is that they can be dual-purpose - and you could even just buy a chopping board to hide sink clutter while also creating more worktop space for more practical kitchen tasks. Just be warned that you’ll still need to do the washing-up eventually.

4. Pretty bottle alternatives

You should never underestimate the power of decanting when you’re trying to keep a space tidy and clean. That’s because the packaging of the many products you use in and around a kitchen sink area - including washing-up liquid and hand soap - is probably making your space look messy.

Visually, they’re often very different sizes, colours, and shapes, which can instantly add clutter to your space. But decanting them into pretty, matching bottles can instantly rein in this clutter and add visual intrigue to your sink area. Especially if you opt for sleek, stylish bottles like this MaisoNovo Hand and Dish Soap Dispenser Kitchen Set (£30 at Amazon).

If you choose refillable cleaning products like this Miniml Washing Up Liquid Refill 5L (£15.99 at Miniml), you can also buy in bulk without having to buy countless bottles which will go straight in the bin. So, it’s an eco-friendly win, too.

5. A regular cleaning routine

It’s all well and good keeping a kitchen sink area tidy, but you also need to keep it clean if you want it to be something you’re proud of. And it may sound silly, but putting your sink ‘to bed’ as part of your closing shift cleaning routine is always a good idea.

This involves washing up any straggling cutlery or mugs, wiping the sink and draining board down to remove any standing water, and scooping out any food stuck in the drain. I’d also suggest using these EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks (£9.99 at Amazon) once a month to clean a kitchen sink drain.

If you need to remove any limescale or banish soap scum, it’s also well worth cleaning with white vinegar to allow this naturally acidic cleaner to break down the grime. Just be warned that you can’t use white vinegar on natural stone sinks as this could cause damage.

So, I guess having a tidy (and clean) kitchen sink area isn't that hard after all...

While most people focus on tidying and organising the rooms they use (and see) on a daily basis, the reality is that the areas you use less typically need more attention. And the one area we all forget to declutter? The garage.

Of course, most people don’t want to spend their summer decluttering the garage. But with the kids off school, some free time on your hands and the warmer weather keeping things dry, professional organisers say that now is the perfect time to do it. Especially as your garage has probably become a dumping ground.

As Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, explains, ‘Garages become the home's unofficial storage unit, much like the loft. Before you know it, the space feels overwhelming and becomes somewhere you avoid altogether.’ So, follow these easy steps to reclaim your garage once and for all.

1. Start with a vision

Today, garages have so many uses, from storing summer essentials like tents and bikes to even a spare freezer. But as Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, warns, ‘Garages are often one of the most cluttered areas of the home because they become a dumping ground for broken items, things people plan to sell and possessions they're undecided about.’

But since a garage has so many uses, it’s important to make a plan before you start decluttering it this summer. The best way to do this is to figure out what you want to use the garage for. Is it simply a place to store the car? If so, you’ll need to get rid of anything unrelated to your vehicle. Or does it need to offer more?

Kate advises, ‘Think about exactly what needs to live in the garage - tools, gardening equipment, decorating supplies, camping gear or sports equipment. Having a clear vision will help you make better decisions about what stays and keep you motivated throughout the project.’

2. Choose your method

There are countless decluttering methods out there, as decluttering is a very personal activity that needs to be tailored to how you work best. And if you prefer to tick things off your list in a single sitting, Shannon says that emptying everything and starting from scratch is your best bet - especially in the summer when you have more time on your hands.

‘Choose a dry day and remove everything from the garage. Seeing the space empty and grouping similar items together makes it much easier to decide what to keep,’ she says. However, if you struggle with decision fatigue and clutter overwhelm, this method might not work for you.

In this instance, Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, suggests breaking the task into chunks instead. She advises, ‘This makes it easier to see the wood for the trees, and it can be a good warm-up for the actual decluttering. Start in one corner, and pull things out and organise everything by type or category.’

3. Utilise proper storage

The garage is one of the many places we’re all forgetting to declutter, but there’s often a reason for that - and that’s because we often don’t have the proper storage in place to keep things neat and tidy. That’s why, when decluttering your garage this summer, it’s well worth investing in effective storage to help you maintain this order in the long run.

Kate says, ‘Racking is essential in a garage to maximise the vertical space and keep your belongings off the floor. Use plastic containers on the shelves to store items, keeping them accessible and protected. If you have lots of tools or gardening equipment, consider investing in some wall-mounted storage so you can see everything at a glance and access it quickly.’

She adds, ‘Bikes also work well on wall-mounted hooks, freeing up floor space. And if you have a lot of sports equipment, use hooks and storage boxes to keep it organised.’ Thankfully, these storage solutions don’t have to cost a fortune - but they will make a big impact.

4. Label everything

Labelling can make or break a newly decluttered garage, as it adds an extra layer of organisation that will help you keep things neat and tidy in the long run. And Kate even goes as far as to say, ‘This bit is crucial.’

Shannon agrees, saying, ‘Rather than opening every box looking for one item, label each container or keep a contents list, so you know exactly what's inside.’ This goes for the rest of your household, too, so you won’t have any family members rummaging through the boxes and messing with your system.

This should also prevent the accidental purchase of any duplicates, too, as you’ll know exactly what you already have, so you don’t buy any more or waste your money. Just make sure you go through these boxes every to ensure you definitely still want and need the items inside them.

So, will you be decluttering your garage this summer?

I don’t know about you, but my fridge gets very full over the summer months, packed with picky bits, BBQ essentials, and fresh fruit and veg for those hot-weather meals. But while I’ve generally been a ‘shove it where there’s space’ kind of fridge organiser, experts say I’ve been doing it all wrong - especially in the midst of a heatwave.

Of course, many of the most common fridge organising rules revolve around cross-contamination and bacteria. But as AO's refrigeration expert, Jade Golding-Gault, explains, ‘As temperatures rise, your fridge must work harder to maintain a consistent temperature and keep food cool. Many people don’t realise that fridge temperatures are not consistent throughout and can differ per shelf.’

Because of this, you may need to reassess your summer fridge organisation and start moving things around to maximise freshness and minimise food waste. This is easy enough to do, though.

1. Make the most of the salad drawer

One of the biggest food organisation myths is that it doesn’t matter where you store items in a refrigerator, but that simply isn’t true. Most fridges are designed with designated areas for certain foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.

Jade says these need to go in the salad drawer during the summer months. She explains, ‘It may seem obvious, but the salad drawer is a crucial area of your fridge. These compartments are designed to maintain the right humidity levels, helping produce stay crisp and reducing food waste.’

If you don’t have enough space in your salad drawers for everything, there are ways to fake it so you can store food to make it last longer. These StayFresh Produce Keepers (£12.99 at Lakeland) are designed to do just that and can be placed on any shelf if you really don’t have any space. Just be warned that the temperature won’t be as stable.

2. Move your milk (if you can)

Whether you prefer cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk or even pea milk in your morning cuppa, there’s a high chance that you pop your milk in the door of your fridge - and for good reason, too. It seems like the most logical place to put it, given the bottle's shape and size and the space available in the fridge.

But experts say that storing your milk in the fridge door can cause it to spoil more quickly in the summer. Chris Grundy, Senior Product Manager for Cooling at Haier, says, ‘Despite the built-in bottle shelf, the fridge door is actually the warmest part of the appliance because it's opened so frequently. For maximum freshness, milk should be stored on a middle shelf instead.’

However, I appreciate that this isn’t always possible, as many milk bottles and cartons are just too large to fit on a shelf. I’d also advise against storing it on its side, as this is a recipe for disastrous leaks. So, if you really can’t store it on a shelf, make sure you limit how long you keep a fridge door open.

3. Try not to overfill it

The key to a fridge full of fresh food is airflow and organising it so it’s never packed too tightly. And this is even more important during the summer, when temperature fluctuations already threaten your food's freshness.

Chris warns, ‘Overfilling the fridge is a common mistake. Cold air needs room to circulate, so leaving a little space between items helps maintain an even temperature throughout the appliance.’ And this is where fridge organisers like this selection of Dunelm fridge organisers can help you do that, as you can move and stack them in a way that allows for this airflow.

Ideally, you should aim to keep your fridge around 75% full, leaving 25% for cold air to circulate and maintain cooler temperatures. Doing this can also save you money in the long run, but if you’re really struggling for space, you could also try freezing more items in bags like these Amazon 1 Litre Freezer Bags (£1.74 at Amazon).

4. Unpack food as soon as you can

Temperature changes in a fridge become even more dangerous when the food inside is already starting to thaw. That’s why one of the biggest summer fridge organisation tips you shouldn’t ignore is to load up your fridge immediately after a food shop.

This should prevent your food from getting too warm - especially during a heatwave - and I swear by my Trolley Bags for Shopping Trolley (£24.95 at Amazon) for getting food out of the supermarket, into the car, and then into my fridge quickly and efficiently.

You should also take care when storing any cooked food, too. And Chris advises, ‘If you've cooked food, allow it to cool before refrigerating it, as placing hot dishes straight into the fridge raises the internal temperature.’ This can then have a knock-on effect on the other food in the fridge.

5. Adjust the temperature, if needed

While it’s not technically an organisation tip, knowing what temperature a fridge should be set at is even more important during the warmer months of the year, as this - combined with poor organisation - can wreak havoc on your food. Plus, some fridges can struggle in the heat without you realising.

James Cooper, Senior Product Manager for Refrigeration at Hotpoint, says, ‘Your fridge should be between 3 and 5°C, but during a heatwave, older models can fluctuate by 5-7°C throughout the day. If your fridge is too warm, food will start to go off, smell bad, or could even develop mould.’

He adds, ‘To ensure food stays fresh, your appliance needs to be able to maintain consistent temperatures – especially when the weather turns warmer.’ So, it’s worth understanding what the numbers on your fridge dial actually mean and maybe even investing in a standalone thermometer like this Salter Fridge Freezer Thermometer (£9 at Amazon).

So, take some time this week to re-organise your fridge for summer! Your food (and your wallet) will thank you for it.

Although it’s often the smallest area in our homes, we expect our hallway to hold everything from shoes and coats to bags and dog leads. And that’s before I mention the important letters and parcels we receive - or the ones we want to send out. That’s why I was incredibly intrigued when I spotted this clever Seagrass Letter Holder Basket (£8 at Dunelm).

Yes, while I do everything I can to be like the people with consistently tidy hallways, I find that paperwork and parcels create clutter that I can’t seem to shift - especially when they’re important letters that require my attention before they can be thrown away or popped in the post box.

The Seagrass Letter Holder Basket offers an alternative, though. By hanging this on your hallway wall, you can prevent letters from cluttering your console table (or even your floor) while still keeping them within easy reach so you don’t lose them. And it’s the clutter-busting addition my hallway has been crying out for!

Many of the hallway storage solutions out there aren’t equipped to deal with the onslaught of paperwork and parcels we receive on a daily basis. Instead, they focus on larger hallway items like shoes, bags and coats.

Even the best pretty-but-practical storage baskets are typically too large to safely store loose paperwork in small hallways without them crumpling, ripping, or getting lost at the bottom. Plus, they’re typically shoved in a corner to be forgotten about, taking up much-needed floor space.

But Dunelm’s Seagrass Letter Holder Basket allows you to keep these important documents front-and-centre, while adding some natural warmth and intrigue to your hallway walls. All you have to do is hang it from your walls using a hook like these KINGLAKE 115 Pcs Screw in Hooks (£7.99 at Amazon).

If you’re a renter or just don’t want to make any permanent holes in your wall, you could also avoid drilling by using these Command Wire Toggle Hooks (£16 at Amazon). Either way, the sturdy rope handle will keep the basket slightly open, so you can easily grab what you need without having to take it down every time.

It also takes advantage of vertical space, which is a must when you want to create order in small homes with limited storage, as it keeps everything off the ground and makes a small space - like a hallway - look even bigger and tidier.

However, I think the beauty of this letter holder is that it doesn’t just have to store letters. In fact, I’m going to snap a second one up to hold all of my ugly dog walking accessories that I don’t want on show. This way, my dog’s leads and treat pouch will be readily available by the front door, without cluttering up the space.

The textured seagrass weave is also incredibly versatile, suiting any hallway style, whether you’ve opted for a natural boho look, a cottage-style vibe, or a more modern look. And for £8, can you really go wrong?! I don’t think so.

Shop letter organisers and baskets

A tidy, clutter-free hallway doesn't have to be expensive!

Everyone has one IKEA product they just can’t get enough of – from the viral BILLY bookcase to the simple but effective KALLAX units. But my standout has always been the RÅSKOG storage trolley. And its latest design upgrade has given me yet another reason to love it.

IKEA’s RÅSKOG storage trolley is a fan favourite, and for good reason. The slim design features three tiers of deep storage, perfect for smaller spaces or homes with limited surface area. And the easy-to-manoeuvre castor wheels help it slot seamlessly into any room.

I have a dark grey RÅSKOG trolley as storage in my small bathroom, housing everything from toothpaste and toilet paper to skincare products and makeup wipes. And, when I was at university, the trolley (complete with a NORRÅVA bamboo lid) was a game changer in my tiny accommodation.

I had a white trolley tucked neatly into a corner in my dorm room, where I stored a plethora of student essentials, from textbooks to make up. When the top shelf wasn’t in use, the bamboo lid transformed my trusty trolley into an extra surface.

As much as I’ve always loved the RÅSKOG, I often found myself longing for a colour that suited my style a little bit more than just black or white. And now, I’m spoilt for choice, as the RÅSKOG has launched in 4 new colourways.

IKEA’s products are often a go-to when it comes to transforming tiny homes, and it’s no secret that the brand makes storage fun. The new and improved RÅSKOG is proof of this, with 4 new colours – beige, light turquoise, pink, and red-brown – that are guaranteed to put a summer-ready spin on your storage solutions.

The pastel pink colour was the first to catch my eye. It feels fresh and fun, without stealing too much attention from the rest of your scheme. Pink kitchens are having a moment right now, and I think this subtle trolley would be a perfect kitchen companion – whether you use it to house those cupboard essentials you always find yourself reaching for, or stock it full of drinks and nibbles when hosting.

Or, for those who prefer a deeper shade, the red-brown trolley is a timeless piece that will elevate your storage from cluttered to chic. The terracotta style dropped earlier this month, making it IKEA’s latest RÅSKOG launch, and it’s one to consider when upgrading your small living room storage ideas if you’re searching for something both classic and practical.

The beige trolley is a great choice if you want your storage to be an extension of your scheme. It will subtly blend into your scheme, without the stark nature of the other monochrome colours. But, I have my eye on the light turquoise design for a fun pop of colour.

Alongside these new colour upgrades, IKEA have also introduced a slightly larger version of the trolley which is designed to suit every space. With prices starting at £19, you won’t want to miss out.

Shop alternatives

Missed out on the cult IKEA trolley? Don't worry, try these instead.

When you’re already mourning the lack of holiday sunshine, an all-inclusive buffet and someone else cleaning for you, the last thing you want is to return home to a messy, disorganised house. That’s why it’s well worth taking some time to declutter and tidy certain areas of your home before you go on holiday to ensure a seamless, stress-free return.

There are many things to declutter in July, whether you’re going on holiday or not, but there’s no denying that it’s even more important if you’re heading off on an adventure during the summer holidays. And if you set aside just half an hour in between packing, you can pre-emptively keep overwhelm to a minimum when you get home.

But if you’re worried about fitting in a decluttering session in between your packing sessions, I’ve asked professional organisers to share the items you definitely should declutter before you go on holiday. They’re only small tasks, but they’ll have a big impact.

1. Your hallway

Your hallway is the first thing you’ll see when you get home after a holiday, and that first impression sets the tone for the rest of your day - and even the rest of your week. To combat this, take some time to organise your hallway before you jet off on your summer holidays.

Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, echoes this, saying, ‘There's nothing nicer than coming home from holiday to an uncluttered hallway where you have space to bring in suitcases without immediately feeling overwhelmed.’ So, take some time to tidy up any loose shoes, store keys somewhere safe, or finally return that parcel.

It may be that you need to take inspiration from the things that people with tidy hallways always have, in which case I’d recommend investing in affordable shoe storage like this Karee 3 Shelf Shoe Storage Rack (£19 at Argos) and proper storage to house those ugly-but-practical items that don’t have a permanent home.

2. Your fridge

I’ve been on a mission to give my fridge some TLC recently, and I’ve lost count of the number of Fridge Storage Boxes (£2 at Dunelm) that I’ve bought to finally restore order. But even if your fridge is just as organised, you still have to declutter your fridge before you go on holiday.

Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, explains, ‘Fridges are often forgotten about in the pre-holiday rush, but it’s worth spending just 15 mins to remove any expired food and give the fridge a quick clean. Any food that will go out of date before you return can always be passed on to family or friends to prevent food waste. It’ll save you from any unpleasant smells with plenty of room for the big shop on your return.’

Decluttering and organising your fridge shouldn’t take long, but there's no point in binning food if you’re not going to empty your bins before going on holiday, too. I’d suggest leaving this task until the last minute, so you don’t accidentally leave any food in there.

3. Your worktops and surfaces

As Kate says, ‘Nobody wants to come home from holiday only to be greeted by clutter,’ and this clutter often congregates on surfaces like your kitchen worktops, bedside tables, window sills and more. This is even more common in the run-up to your holiday as you rifle through your drawers and cupboards to find holiday essentials.

But if you can spare ten minutes, it’s well worth clearing the clutter from these areas, getting rid of anything you no longer need and putting everything else back in its rightful home. And if you want to maintain these tidy worktops for as long as possible, utilising all of the space in your cupboards with these Kitchen Cupboard Organisers (£7 at Amazon) can work wonders.

Kate explains, ‘Clearing kitchen worktops and other everyday surfaces before you leave means you'll walk back into a home that feels calm and welcoming, helping you hold onto that holiday feeling for a little longer.’ And who doesn’t want that?

4. Your laundry area

Those piles of post-holiday laundry are equal parts terrifying and satisfying, but you probably don't want to add even more to your plate if you don't have to. That’s why your laundry area is another one of the areas to declutter before you go on holiday.

Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, says, ‘Try to have your laundry basket as empty as possible before going on holiday – and ideally your clean laundry put away in your wardrobe – so that you will only need to deal with your holiday laundry when you return home.’

I swear by this Joseph Joseph Tota 90-litre Laundry Separation Basket (£115 at Amazon) to keep my laundry in check. But if you want to keep that holiday feeling going, Hester also says it’s well worth changing your bed linen before you go on holiday so you can come home to fresh, crisp bedding when you get home.

5. Your paperwork

Whether you need to send a birthday card, pay bills, or book that doctor’s appointment, you should also tick this off your to-do list before you go on holiday. That’s because this paperwork can quickly add up, and leaving it until you get back can add both physical and emotional clutter to your life.

Shannon echoes this, saying, ‘Deal with paperwork before you leave, especially if you're going away for an extended period; deal with any bills or paperwork beforehand so you're not returning to unnecessary stress, emails or demanding letters.’

It might also be worth setting up a family command centre to keep track of this paperwork or any important documents - especially if you have kids or you simply struggle to keep on top of your schedule. Using a calendar like this Magnetic Fridge Whiteboard Calendar (£12.95) can also help with that.

By decluttering these things before going on holiday, all you need to worry about is enjoying yourself! I'm not jealous at all...

During the summer months, our outdoor spaces become essential extensions of our homes. But no matter whether you have a cosy balcony, a large lawn or a smaller patio, it’s important to keep it tidy and organised. This way, you can enjoy every inch of your outdoor space without being overwhelmed by clutter.

And while it’s well worth taking tips from people with tidy outdoor spaces, sometimes being told exactly what to do isn’t the best way to maintain your garden. Instead, understanding what you shouldn’t do can help you correct bad habits and adjust your to-do list so you’re working with your outdoor space rather than against it.

So, to help you maintain a tidy and clutter-free garden, I’ve asked professional organisers what you should avoid for the most organised outdoor space you could ask for. This is what they said.

1. Use your shed as a dumping ground

As someone with a huge shed in my garden, I know just how easy it is to stash everything you don’t want on show in there. But as Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co explains, ‘You should never use the shed as a long-term storage unit for indecision.’ Instead, you need to take the time to declutter and organise your shed regularly.

This involves taking stock of what you have, what you no longer need, and what you can get rid of to restore order and keep on top of clutter. And as sheds often need to house smaller, loose items, Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, suggests, ‘Write a list – either using pen and paper or by making a note on your phone – of the items stored in your shed on it.’

The less you have in there, the more manageable it becomes, and the easier it is to effortlessly put things away in the future. But if your shed is simply too big for your needs, it could be worth downsizing from a shed to a garden wardrobe to dissuade you from using it as a dumping ground in the future. This can also open up more usable garden space for you to enjoy.

2. Keep plastic pots ‘just in case’

If you’re a green-fingered gardener who regularly buys plants from the garden centre, there’s a high chance that your outdoor space is full of plastic plant pots that you’re keeping because you don’t know if you’ll need them again. But the reality is that you don’t need them - not all of them, anyway.

Shannon explains, ‘If you never grow seedlings, these pots simply become clutter. Keep a small number if you genuinely use them, but recycle the rest.’ Thankfully, it’s very easy to recycle plastic plant pots and give them a new home instead of just sending them off to landfill.

By keeping your plastic plant pots to a minimum - say, one of each size - you can stop them from cluttering up your outdoor space. But if you really want to keep hold of more, you might want to consider buying a potting bench so that you can clearly distinguish your gardening area from your entertaining or relaxing area.

3. Let garden waste build up

The easiest way to clutter up your outdoor space is to fill it with rubbish - quite literally. And if you have leftover plant clippings, rubble from your latest DIY project or even old garden toys lying around, take this as your sign to get rid of it as soon as possible.

This is especially important, as a tidy garden is also a mind game. And if you already have a pile of garden waste in the corner of your garden, you’re more likely to continue piling it up and make your garden look even worse. That’s why Shannon says, ‘Regularly clearing waste keeps gardens looking aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain.’

Keeping floor space clear is also one of the best ways to make a small garden look bigger, so it’s well worth understanding the new garden waste recycling rules to understand what can and can’t be put in your household garden waste bin. However, you should also compost at home and take a trip to the tip if needed.

4. Have multiples of the same item

An outdoor area often has to serve various purposes at the same time. Because of this, they also require many essential items, such as garden furniture cushions and garden tools. But having multiples of the same item is one of the bad habits professional organisers want you to avoid.

It’s easy to accumulate new items over the years, with many of us stocking up on garden decor simply because we like it and fancy new tools just because they offer something your old tools don’t. However, the reality is that you probably don’t need many of these things - and they’re cluttering up your outdoor space as a result.

These duplicate items are things a small garden doesn’t need, and large gardens can struggle under the weight of these extras too. That’s why Shannon suggests, ‘Keep the one you naturally reach for and let the duplicates go.’ And this applies to everything in your outdoor space.

5. Buy items without knowing where they'll go

Outdoor spaces are always evolving, but professional organisers want you to avoid buying items without knowing where they will go. Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, warns, ‘We can all be guilty of popping to the garden centre at the first sign of sun and getting carried away.’

She adds, ‘This often results in lots of new flowers, shrubs and other garden items, but with no plan of where they will go, which can be a costly mistake.’ This can also make a garden look messy, overfull, and unorganised. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t buy anything new at all.

You just need to be tactical about what you buy, and the one-in-one-out rule could help here, as with each new purchase, you have to get rid of something else to avoid a buildup of clutter. Hester agrees, saying, ‘I think it’s better to donate unwanted gifts to charity for someone else to love than for those items to gather dust in your home or dirt in your garden.’

So, give your garden some organisation love this summer!

As Ideal Home’s resident decluttering obsessive, I regularly take inspiration from professional organisers and experts to tidy and organise my own home. Recently, however, I’ve found myself in somewhat of a decluttering slump and enlisted Marie Kondo's help to understand where I was going wrong.

From her iconic KonMari folding method to her foolproof kitchen organising trick, the Japanese organising consultant, author and Netflix star has certainly made her mark in the decluttering and organising world. And Marie Kondo’s KonMari method of organising has had millions asking if their belongings ‘spark joy.’

But when I sat down with Marie Kondo recently, I wanted to focus on what I shouldn't be doing when tidying my home. Her response? I was making the same mistake she sees so many others make: focusing too much on storage and not enough on the items I’m storing.

Speaking exclusively to Ideal Home, Marie Kondo explained, ‘I feel that one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to tidy their homes is thinking about storage before deciding what to keep. Of course, storage is an important step in the tidying process, but storage alone cannot solve the problem.’

And while I’m a sucker for handy storage solutions, such as the best storage baskets, what she says makes sense when you think about it. After all, simply storing (or even hiding) things away doesn’t allow us the chance to edit and declutter our belongings - which is particularly essential in smaller homes with limited space and storage.

This means we’re constantly adding more to our homes, leading to clutter blindness and a constant battle to stay on top of the mess. Thankfully, Marie says that there’s a quick and easy solution to this.

‘Before thinking about storage, it is essential to first decide what to keep,’ she advises. ‘Choose only the items that spark joy for you, and let go of the rest. By doing so, the true volume of what you need naturally becomes clear.’

The organising guru says this should also help to prevent unnecessary purchases that strain our wallets and our homes, and that having a clearer understanding of what we have left should allow us to choose storage that works with our homes rather than against them.

However, my chat with Marie didn’t end there. She also shared some other tips for maintaining a tidy and organised home.

Marie Kondo’s tips for an organised home

1. Reassess how you feel when you come home

A recurring theme in Marie Kondo’s teachings is that your home should evoke feelings of serenity and calm. If it doesn’t, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. This is why you should always reassess how you feel when you come home at the end of the day - especially if you feel emotionally heavy.

Marie explains, ‘For example, you come home, but for some reason, you don’t feel a sense of relief. You find yourself spending more time looking for things. You open your closet and, even though it is full of clothes, nothing feels quite right, and you feel like you have nothing you truly want to wear.’

Of course, it can be difficult to declutter when you’re overwhelmed, but taking steps to get rid of items that no longer serve you or your home can make a huge difference.

2. Plan a ‘tidying festival’

There are so many decluttering methods out there, but Marie is a huge proponent of a ‘tidying festival.’ She calls this a ‘dedicated period of time to review all of your belongings, choose what you want to keep, and decide where everything belongs.’

The idea here is to keep only the items that spark joy and always make sure you give the items you’re keeping a designated, permanent home so they can be returned after each use. This should prevent clutter from building up on surfaces that you’d typically like to remain clear.

However, Marie does appreciate that this can be difficult. So, she advises, ‘Imagine your ideal lifestyle before you begin. Ask yourself: “What kind of space do I want to live in, and how do I want to feel there?” Once you understand your purpose and your goal, the way you experience the process changes completely.’

3. Tidy by category

Tidying a home can feel like a never-ending task, and many people choose to do it room by room. However, Marie Kondo’s KonMari method recommends tidying your home by category instead.

She explains, ‘The ideal order is clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. That said, I understand that not everyone has the time to tidy an entire category at once. For those people, I recommend starting with a “small category.”’

For Marie, it’s all about small changes that add up to make a big difference, as something as simple as organising your sock drawer can take away the stress you often feel in the morning when you’re getting ready. It may also encourage you to continue these small steps until you’ve tidied your entire home.

4. Store items upright if you can

Whether you want to organise your clothes drawers or finally tackle your junk drawer, Marie suggests storing your items upright whenever possible. This will allow you to clearly see what you’re looking at and take stock of what you have so you don’t accidentally buy more.

She also adds, ‘For example, with clothing, if you don’t have enough space to hang everything in your closet, try folding your clothes and storing them upright in drawers. Not only does this allow you to make full use of the height of the drawer, but it also lets you see exactly what you have and where everything is.’

If you need help keeping these upright items tidy, Marie also recommends using dividers or small boxes to organise them into smaller categories. For example, socks with socks, pens with pens, etc.

Editor-approved organising tools

I’m definitely going to use Marie Kondo’s tips moving forward, and these are the products I recommend as an Ideal Home Editor to help those doing the same.

Will you be using any of Marie's tidying tips?

While smaller homes can be cosy, they can also become incredibly cluttered due to a lack of space and storage. And when you have things everywhere, small homes can look (and feel) even smaller than they are, making life incredibly stressful.

Naturally, knowing how to declutter when you’re overwhelmed is a great place to start, as you can regularly get rid of items that no longer serve you or your smaller home. But the reality is that those who live in smaller homes often still need the same amount of practical items as those who live in bigger homes - which means that organisation is key.

As Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, explains, ‘Without a complete overhaul or a full-on decluttering session, there are other, simpler things you can do to make a small space feel less cluttered.’ So, it’s well worth taking inspiration from the organising rules and hacks that professional organisers use for smaller homes.

1. Keep floors and surfaces clear

One of the best ways to create order in small homes with limited storage is to make the most of vertical space, as this keeps floors and surfaces clear. And Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, echoes this. She says, ‘One of the simplest ways to make a small home feel bigger is to get as much off the floor as possible.’

She adds, ‘The more visible floor space there is, the larger and calmer a room naturally feels. Wall-mounted storage, floating shelves and furniture raised off the ground can all help create this effect.’ The same goes if you follow in the footsteps of people with consistently tidy worktops, as any clear area creates the illusion that a space is bigger than it is.

However, every room can benefit from clutter-free floors and surfaces, which is why it’s well worth investing in small-space-friendly storage solutions. This could be as simple as using these 60PCS Self-Adhesive Cable Clips (£9.99 at Amazon) to hide messy wires, to in-cupboard organisers and even larger pieces of furniture for storage.

2. Elevate and move your furniture

While permanent fixtures such as sofas and cabinets are necessary in any home, smaller homes need to be more strategic about the type and placement of this furniture. In fact, Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space, suggests opting for multi-purpose furniture to make a small home feel bigger.

‘Multi-functional furniture with storage lets you reduce the number of pieces in your home, so that your small home doesn't feel overfilled,’ she explains. But since it’s often not practical (or financially viable) to replace your furniture, Kate also suggests that elevating and moving your existing furniture can still have a huge impact.

She says, ‘You can often transform a space simply by moving the taller furniture to the far side of a room, so it gives you a clear sightline and feeling instantly more spacious.’ And if you have low-slung pieces, using furniture feet like these Adjustable Feet for Furniture (£14.99 at Amazon) can help raise furniture to make a small room look bigger.

3. Follow the one-in-one-out rule

There are so many decluttering methods out there, but those who want to make a small home look bigger could definitely benefit from using the one-in-one-out rule. This allows you to continue buying new items for your home - such as decor or household essentials - without overcrowding your limited space.

Kate explains, ‘Rather than letting clutter build up, every time you bring something new and additional into your home, you need to let something go. Set up a charity basket somewhere you pass often and that is easily accessible, so you can just drop in your unwanted items as you go.’

This should also help you save money in the long run, as you’ll become more intentional with purchases. And instead of buying something on a whim and adding clutter to your home, you’ll have to decide whether you love it enough to replace it with something else in your home. If you don’t, you probably don’t need it - and you’ll avoid adding another unwanted item to your small home.

4. Hide with intention

Modern homes and families require many ugly but practical items that can quickly clutter a small space and make it look smaller. And while you don’t need to get rid of them to make a small home look bigger, it could be worth hiding them with intention. A handy clutter bucket (or two) can help with that.

A clutter bucket is also often called a ‘drop zone’ for these necessary items that you don’t want on show. Hester explains, ‘Do you have a few bits and bobs on your kitchen counters? Pop these loose items into a bowl, and your kitchen will immediately look neater, calmer and more spacious. You can do the same for the sideboard in the hallway, where a variety of items usually collect.’

For larger, uglier items, a clutter bucket with a lid can help you hide them while keeping them nearby when you need them. However, as Kate warns, ‘The key is to regularly empty it and put everything away, or you’ll end up with lots of doom baskets instead!

Will you be trying any of these hacks in your small home?

Shoes are the biggest contributors to clutter in every home, and they tend to pile up in a messy heap in the most inconvenient spots. This is even worse when space is limited, and it can be a major source of stress for those who want to maintain a tidy hallway… or just want to stop having nightmares about shoes every day.

That’s why it’s well worth looking towards our Swedish space-saving saviours for handy IKEA shoe storage hacks, and I’ve found one that turns even the smallest of nooks into a useable space for a whopping 20 shoes. In fact, as soon as I spotted Ali from @shemadehome turn a tiny space in her hallway into the ultimate shoe storage area, I knew she was onto a winner.

Not only is this IKEA shoe storage hack extremely practical, but Ali managed to create that built-in look on an incredible budget of under £85. This is how she did it.

Like many looking for shoe storage ideas for small spaces, Ali was inspired to bring this IKEA shoe storage hack to life when the jumble of shoes in her family home had become too much.

She told me, ‘As a family of five, we have a lot of shoes. We wanted to maximise this dead space in our porch, and found that the Ikea BISSA units fit perfectly.’

And while these BISSA units are already marketed as shoe storage thanks to the different pull-out compartments, Ali wanted to take her hack one step further. So, she bought two different sizes - the smaller BISSA Shoe cabinet with 2 compartments (£30 at IKEA), and the slightly larger BISSA Shoe cabinet with 3 compartments (£45 at IKEA).

She then stacked the smaller cabinet on top of the larger one, attached them to the wall to prevent toppling, and added some decorative trim to enhance the built-in look. This cost her just a few pounds from Wickes.

To finish it off, she colour-drenched the units in the same colour as the rest of her hallway - Little Greene’s Clay Mid Paint, which starts at just £5 depending on the pot size. And as you can imagine, Ali was over the moon with the result, especially as she turned what was previously dead space into a stylish shoe storage solution for up to 20 pairs of shoes.

She told me, ‘The result is a huge amount of shoe storage, on a shoestring budget, that looks incredible too.’ However, she’s not the only one who has turned to IKEA’s BISSA units for an organised hallway.

Ideal Home’s Editorial Assistant, Maddie, recently moved in with her boyfriend and raved about her IKEA Bissa shoe storage too. And while she didn’t add trim or paint it like Ali, it still totally transformed her hallway - and she hasn’t had to deal with shoe clutter since.

But if IKEA hacks aren’t quite your style, it’s still possible to buy ready-made shoe storage for smaller spaces. These are my picks as an Ideal Home Editor.

You just can't go wrong with an IKEA hack!

As a small home dweller with very little built-in storage, I know firsthand just how difficult it can be to live in a cosier space with a lot of stuff. And no matter how hard I try to keep things tidy, it always looks cluttered. I know I’m not alone in this struggle, either, which is why I wanted to call on the professionals to help.

Over the years, I’ve started investing in clever clutter busters for a tidier home, but I still know I’m a long way from professional-level organisation. And when I asked three professional declutterers and organisers where other small home dwellers and I were going wrong, they all said the same thing: we’re not taking advantage of our vertical space.

As Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, explains, ‘When storage is limited, the key is to make your home work harder for you while still keeping it visually calm and manageable.’ So, this is how to make the most of vertical space in smaller houses, so you can maintain a tidy, organised home.

1. Add shelves to the walls

In small homes, walls are often the biggest (and clearest) areas of the house. So, making use of this vertical space is a no-brainer - and shelves can help you do that. Especially as they increase storage without encroaching on usable floor space.

The beauty of shelves is that they can also be used in any room of the house, no matter whether you want to maintain a tidy bedroom or a tidy bathroom. Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, says, ‘A shelf above the bathroom door could store toilet paper, cleaning products and other bathroom-related items.’

She adds, ‘Shelves installed about 30cm from the ceiling can be great for storing books, saving you the need for a bookcase, which takes up floor space. One of my neighbours stored all her books in this way in her hallway, and I very much liked how it became a feature, really adding character to her entrance.’

Of course, it’s always advisable to use the best decluttering methods to have a clear-out before you add anything to your shelves, so you don’t fill them with items that you no longer want or need. And if you don’t like seeing these items on your walls, you can use decorative storage baskets and boxes for a cleaner look.

2. Make the most of doors

Many people ignore their doors, but the pros say that doors are invaluable in small homes. In fact, Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, told me, ‘I’m always surprised at how many people don’t utilise the back of their doors; it is such an underrated space and one of my favourite quick wins.’

Again, you can utilise the door space in any room of a small house, making the most of handy (and affordable) additions such as hooks and over-the-door organisers to store towels, coats, shoes, accessories, and more. This will stop piles of clutter from taking up space on your floor, stairs, or chair of doom.

Kate says that doors are particularly handy if you want a tidy hallway, as you can ‘use hooks on the wall for coats and bags to free up floor space. Alternatively, hanging shoe storage on the back of a door also works well.’ But if you don’t want to use the actual door, Hester suggests you still use the space behind it.

She says, ‘Could you fit a narrow bookcase behind your door? I’ve attached a towel rail with moving arms behind my bedroom door. On this, I hang up the clothes that I’ve worn but can get another wear out of (worn clothes, too clean to wash).’

3. Don’t forget the inside of cupboards

Creating and maintaining order in a small home with limited storage is all about utilising that vertical space that you wouldn’t normally use, and the insides of your cupboards can work just as well as your doors. There are many ways to do this, too.

If you want to be like people with consistently tidy kitchen cupboards, it’s well worth buying additions that turn your previously unused cupboard doors into extra storage space. Hester explains, ‘On the inside of kitchen cabinets, you can attach containers to the inside of the door to store pan lids, rolls of bin bags, and cling film.’

But the cupboard itself can also be utilised further, with Kate suggesting, ‘An easy win for your kitchen is to add extra shelves in your cupboards if you only have one shelf per cupboard. This simple, low-cost solution can give you up to 30% more storage space.’

These are also low-maintenance and non-permanent additions, as you can chop and change your cupboard layouts depending on what you’re storing at the time. But if you’re able to store more in your cupboards - whether that be in your kitchen, living room or even your bedroom - there’s less visible clutter on show. So, it’ll make your entire home feel tidier.

Who said small homes with limited storage had to be cluttered?! Not us!

As a small-home dweller, I’m used to making sacrifices due to limited storage. And while I’m willing to second-guess some items that catch my eye when shopping, I’ve always been reluctant to get rid of clothes that I genuinely still wear and love. And before I invested in these DIMJ 12 Pack Drawer Organisers (£18.99 at Amazon), my clothes were constantly spilling out of my drawers.

Yes, as I’m always trying to be one of those people with constantly tidy clothes, the clothing clutter and my complete inability to shut my drawers really started to get to me. It made me feel anxious in what should be a relaxing sleeping space, made me less inclined to fold and care for my clothes, and even made it harder to get dressed in the morning.

However, I didn’t have space for a whole new chest of drawers or an extra hanging rail for my clothes, so I needed to find a solution that would work with what I already had. And introducing these drawer organisers has not only restored order but also freed up space I didn’t even know was there.

I’ve recently been talking about how I store clothes without a wardrobe, but, for me, a chest of drawers is non-negotiable, as I need the folded storage space - particularly for smaller items such as underwear, shorts and even pyjamas. But this folded space is often much bigger than the clothes inside, which means they can quickly become a jumbled mess that seems impossible to tame.

And while they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing clothes storage solution, the DIMJ Drawer Organisers are an organisational game-changer. The ones I bought came in a pack of 12, split into three sizes: four large square organisers, four smaller rectangular organisers, and four small square organisers.

It’s worth noting that the smaller option is very small, but the beauty of these organisers and the different sizes is that they can be used for anything. And I found this perfect for my underwear drawer, as I used the smallest size for my delicates, the middle rectangular size for my socks, and the largest size for bras.

I then continued to use the larger sizes to separate and organise my T-shirts in a drawer that had previously been impossible to close. This is mostly because I’d given up trying to fold them and simply shoved them in there to avoid dealing with them - as shown by the white T-shirt that definitely needs a good steam now.

And while I didn’t have the skills to perfect Marie Kondo’s impressive folding method when putting them into the new organisers, the difference was still really impressive. Not only could I finally close the drawers properly, but it also proved to me that my drawers weren’t as full as I thought (and that there was even space for more clothes).

My only regret is that I only bought a pack of 12, so I've since bought another set to organise my husband's chest of drawers, too - and his socks have never looked tidier. But there are also options on Amazon to buy them in a variety of quantities - including an 18-pack for £32.99 or a 28-pack for £38.99. Even if you don’t need them all, they’re flat-pack and won’t take up too much space in your house when not in use.

There are also many different colourways to choose from, so you don’t have to opt for the slate grey that I went for. And you can use these all around the house to organise a junk drawer or even tidy up your cosmetics, so the opportunities really are endless.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. The DIMJ Drawer Organisers are a bestseller on Amazon, with an overall star rating of 4.4 out of 5 across over 8,500 reviews. One customer even wrote, ‘The quality is good, and my drawers have never been so organised! Should have bought them years ago!’

Another wrote, ‘These organisers are brilliant - just what I had hoped for. Ingenious design (zips) and sizes. Great value for money.’

But even if you don’t opt for these specific drawer organisers, I can’t recommend adding some storage to your clothes drawers enough. They really do help maximise the available space while minimising clutter, as they allow you to grab what you need without messing up the entire drawer.

In fact, since adding these to my drawers a few weeks ago, I've been able to maintain the organisation with ease - no overflowing underwear in sight. Sure, I’ve had to re-fold a few things here and there, but I’ve been able to keep my drawers so much tidier with very little fuss.

If you want to continue organising your clothes, I’d also suggest checking out my roundup of Dunelm’s impressive clothes organisers, too.

Every inch of space counts when you have a small garden, especially when warmer, sunnier days are on the horizon. Because of this, you need to be incredibly mindful of what you’re putting in that small space - and what shouldn't be there at all.

Of course, it’s almost impossible to have a perfect, pristine garden. But if you want to be a bit more like the people with consistently tidy gardens, the key is to be intentional and keep your priorities in check. Do you want your garden to be a plant paradise? Do you want it to be the ultimate kids’ playground? Or do you want to find a middle ground that works for everyone?

Whatever the case, getting rid of items that don’t serve your outside space is a great starting point. That’s why I asked professional organisers what small gardens really don’t need, and what you should be decluttering for a more enjoyable space - whether you want to relax, host, grow, or make the most of family time.

1. Too many ornaments and planters

Small gardens deserve pretty lights, decorations, and plants as much as bigger gardens do. But when space is limited, you do need to be mindful that too many things can clutter up a space and make it look much smaller than it is. So, editing can go a long way.

This is echoed by Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutterer at Ace Your Space. She explains, ‘Too many decorative ornaments can overwhelm a small garden, creating visual clutter. Start by gathering all the planters and ornaments together and discarding anything that’s rusty, missing pieces or broken.’

You can then work on recycling any plastic pots, and selling or donating anything that will no longer serve you. When that’s done, you can choose your favourite items and place them in a way that creates interest - not clutter - in your garden. Anything seasonal (such as cushions or outdoor Christmas decorations) can then be stored in this Keter Eden Storage Bench (£125 at Argos).

2. Leftover garden waste

According to Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, ‘If you have waste waiting to be taken to the recycling centre, now is a great opportunity to clear it.’ After all, leftover garden waste is one of the biggest sources of clutter in small gardens, and something Kate regularly sees with her clients.

She says, ‘I often find clients have old windows, doors, pallets and even bathroom fixtures cluttering up their side alley after a renovation or upgrade. Remove any garden debris, whether that’s piles of bricks, wood or old plastic plant pots, using rubble sacks for easy disposal.’

The same goes for any grass clippings or chopped trees that are cluttering up your small space, so it’s well worth booking a slot at your local recycling centre as many garden items can no longer be recycled kerbside. Alternatively, consider at-home composting so you can then feed your garden for free.

3. Bulky garden furniture

If your intention is to make your small garden look bigger - and keep it as tidy and clutter-free as possible - you may also need to rethink your garden furniture choices. That’s because bulky garden furniture can instantly make an outdoor space feel tiny and chaotic, and you may even have broken or unused furniture taking up valuable space.

Thankfully, the best garden furniture comes in so many shapes and forms, and Kate says, ‘Consider compact, foldable furniture for the off-season that can easily fit in a small shed or storage box. Bench seating is also a clever solution, as it takes up less space than individual chairs and can be tucked under the table when not in use.’

Choosing to sell items after a declutter can help here, as you can sell your old and unwanted furniture on resale sites like Facebook Marketplace and use that money to buy newer, more streamlined options that suit your smaller garden - like this Habitat 2 Seater Folding Wooden Garden Bistro Set (£80 at Habitat).

4. Old or broken kids’ toys

If you have children or use your garden to store bikes, you’ll know just how much toys and recreational items can clutter up a small space. And while these things absolutely do have their place in a small garden, it’s still important to regularly declutter to weed out old or broken items.

Decluttering toys can be incredibly therapeutic and clear up a huge amount of space, especially if they’re no longer needed. And Shannon advises, ‘If children have outgrown ride-on toys, sports equipment or garden games, consider donating them to another family, school or community group where they can continue to be enjoyed.’

To keep things tidy and organised in the long run, Kate suggests reducing some of the outdoor toys to reclaim usable, adult space - while storing and rotating the remaining ones so they’re easy to get to without getting in the way.

5. Duplicate garden tools

The key to a happy and thriving garden is maintenance, and garden tools are required to get those jobs done - whether that be the best secateurs or a robot lawn mower. But it’s easy to get spend-happy when tending to a garden, and many people buy unnecessary and duplicate garden tools.

These items can clutter an outdoor space and lead to an overflowing shed, which is why it’s important to take the time to go through them and declutter anything you know you no longer need. Then, you can focus on organising the remaining items so they don’t encroach on valuable usable space.

Shannon suggests, ‘Ask yourself: Have I used this in the last couple of years? Is it broken or beyond repair? Do I have multiples of the same item? This process often highlights tools, pots and garden accessories that have been kept 'just in case' but no longer serve a purpose.’

If you declutter these things from your small garden, it'll make a HUGE difference.

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like watching TV on the sofa or just hanging out with your loved ones. But if you’re anything like me, you probably can’t relax if your living room is a mess. And because living rooms are used so often, they seem to become magnets for clutter.

Of course, most of us want to be like people with consistently tidy living rooms, but the reality is that smaller lounges are constantly losing the battle against clutter. That’s because these cosier living rooms often don’t have enough space to maintain the levels of tidiness and organisation they require. And once they get messy, it’s easy to simply let them get messier.

As Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, explains, ‘Small living rooms work best when every item has a purpose. When a space is limited, even a small amount of excess can quickly make the room feel crowded, visually busy, and harder to relax in.’ So, these are the items you should declutter now to create a calm, clutter-free living space.

1. Unnecessary furniture

There are certain design rules that you should consider when you have a small living room, but every living room needs furniture - whether that’s a sofa to sit on, a unit for your TV, or a side table for your evening cuppa. However, many people with small living rooms quickly build up too much clutter.

This is echoed by Shannon, who says, ‘One of the most common things I see in clients’ homes is additional furniture that simply isn’t needed, particularly extra chairs that end up becoming landing spots for bags, clothes, or “things to deal with later.” Instead of adding value, they often become accidental storage and contribute to a sense of clutter.’

Simple swaps here can help immensely, and it’s well worth ditching this old, unwanted furniture (which you can sell to make money) for multi-purpose furniture that doubles up as hidden storage - like this Yaheetech Lift Up Coffee Table (£64.99 at Amazon). This way, you can limit visual bulk without compromising on practicality.

2. Children’s toys

For many families, the living room also doubles as a playroom. And while this is a great way to keep an eye on your kids and spend quality time with them, these children’s toys can quickly clutter up a lounge - especially if it’s on the smaller side and doesn’t have proper toy storage ideas in place.

Thankfully, Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, says you don’t need to break your kids’ hearts by throwing everything away to create a calm, relaxed living space. Sure, regular decluttering of unwanted, old, or broken toys is a must, but the key is to find a storage solution that works for what you have.

She says, ‘While toys absolutely belong in a home, they don’t need to dominate the living room floor. Without clear boundaries or storage systems, toys can quickly spread across the space, making it feel chaotic and harder for adults to switch off at the end of the day.’ And in small spaces, vertical toy storage or pretty-but-practical storage baskets can work wonders.

3. Decorative clutter

There’s a fine line between decorative clutter and actual clutter, especially if you’re someone who loves to fill window sills and shelves with family photos, vases, candles, and more. And while professional organisers don’t expect you to ditch everything and live in a sparse, clinical box, it is worth editing your knick-knacks if you have a small living room.

This is echoed by Shannon, who says, ‘Decorative clutter is a subtle but powerful factor. Too many ornaments, or even unused candles, can make a room feel visually heavy and smaller than it actually is. When every surface is filled, the eye has nowhere to rest, which can create a constant sense of overwhelm. In small spaces especially, less really does create more impact.’

Of course, it can be hard to get rid of emotional clutter - but once you experience the rewards and turn your small, cluttered living room into a relaxing space you can enjoy, I have no doubts that it’ll be worth it. And if you can’t bear to part with it completely, using clutter buckets to keep it out of sight can work as a compromise.

4. Paperwork

Every living room needs to serve multiple purposes, and for some people, it is also their home office, homework space, and admin area. Because of this, paperwork can quickly pile up and clutter up a small living room. So this can be organised and decluttered.

Kate explains, ‘Piles of paperwork lying around won't provide the relaxing space you need to unwind. Be ruthless with what you keep and create a designated storage area for your essential paperwork. Bookshelves with cupboards at the bottom work well, as you can organise your paperwork into magazine files or hanging file boxes. Making sure it's easy to access is key to avoiding future piles.’

You could also take inspiration from our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, who created a family command centre in her home for all of her important paperwork, doctor's appointment reminders, and essential information that she needs to keep organised in one place.

5. Spare cushions and blankets

In my eyes, a living room isn’t complete without a few blankets and cushions - whether you’ve added them for comfort or decorative reasons. But there are rules to how many sofa cushions you should have, and it’s fair to say that too many blankets can make a space feel (and look) messier. This is especially true if you don’t use them.

These spare cushions and blankets are items your small living room doesn’t need, and removing them can reduce clutter and maximise the space you can relax in after a long day. You don’t have to get rid of them completely, though.

Shannon advises, ‘Items like spare blankets or cushions can be vacuum-packed and stored under sofas or in concealed storage, freeing up valuable space elsewhere.’ In fact, that’s why I always recommend that people have a pack of these Argos Home Pack of 6 Mixed Vacuum Storage Bags (£10 at Argos) at home at all times.

If you declutter these items from a small living room, it'll instantly feel calmer (and bigger!)

When you think of IKEA, you probably think of larger flat-pack furniture and, of course, the meatballs. But if you know where to look, you can come across smaller (and much cheaper) products that will transform your home in more ways than you’d think. The OSTBIT Plate Holder (£2 at IKEA) is the perfect example of that.

There are so many small home clutter-busters I swear by as an organisation-obsessed Ideal Home Editor, but IKEA always seems to nail the easy and affordable storage options. That’s largely because this Swedish retailer knows how to design products that serve so many different purposes - like a dish rack that can be used in every room of the house.

At first glance, the OSBIT Plate Holder appears to be a relatively unassuming product. But there’s a reason why customers are buying up to seven of them to organise their home, as this £2 game-changer can be used to store everyday essentials, maintain a tidy kitchen, show off precious collections, and so much more.

Made from bamboo and consisting of two rows of six pegs, the IKEA OSBIT is designed primarily as a plate holder and dish rack. This can help you keep your worktops tidy when washing up, while also protecting - and perhaps even showing off - the plates in your drawers or cabinets.

But as IKEA explains in the write-up for the product, ‘You can also use the plate holder for anything from lids and chopping boards to letters and children’s puzzles.’ And the storage and organisation solutions don’t stop there.

Ideal Home’s Digital Editor, Rebecca, swears by this £2 dish rack to organise the pots and pans in her kitchen cupboards. She told me that the compact rack not only keeps clutter at bay but also makes it much easier to grab the pot or pan she needs at the time.

And if you’ve always dreamt of open shelving in your kitchen, you could also use a few of the IKEA OSBITs - coupled with a few shelves like this Anika Floating Shelf (£19.99 at Amazon) - to fake it for a much more affordable price.

Happy IKEA customers have also raved about the multi-purpose nature of this £2 product, too. At the time of writing, it has over 1,000 reviews with an average star rating of 4.7 out of 5, with one customer raving, ‘This little item is more than you think.’

They add, ‘This item is so useful, it's incredible. It stores plates, DVDs, and books near the bedside, ready to read on your bedside table; it can also make a rack to hang things on, etc. It’s amazing; I always buy from IKEA when I go in. I have seven now!’

Another wrote, ‘I picked this up in store to use as a bow maker for crafting, but after seeing other hacks online, I have fixed it to a shelf by the bedside as a rack to keep my phone & tablet while charging them. Also, a handy place for TV remotes. I can imagine picking up more of these over time as I find new uses for them!’

So, the opportunities really are endless! And for just £2, you really can’t go wrong.

More multi-purpose storage solutions

Will you be snapping one up?

Just over six years ago, my husband and I bought our first home - a small Victorian terrace with lots of character, but not a lot of storage space. And because we assumed that it was the proper thing to do, we immediately bought ourselves a wardrobe for our small bedroom. Within weeks, though, we began to regret our decision… and we got rid of it.

Yes, for those wanting to follow in the footsteps of people with consistently tidy clothes, it’s easy to assume that you need a wardrobe to keep things organised - whether that’s a freestanding wardrobe or bespoke built-ins. But I’m proof that you don’t have to follow the norm when it comes to bedroom storage, and that it’s sometimes worth getting creative when you’re a small home dweller.

And while we did initially wonder whether we made the right decision when we ditched our lovely (and admittedly not cheap) wardrobe for a rail like this SONGMICS Clothes Rack on Wheels (£34.99 at Amazon), we’re still confident it was the right choice for us six years later.

In fact, we love our clothes rail so much that we’re going to continue using it as our main source of clothes storage when we move to our new house soon - even though our bedroom will be bigger.

And while the exact rail we bought six years ago is sadly no longer available, there are so many similar options out there, like this Habitat Arnie Clothes Rail (£20 at Habitat) that our Sleep Editor, Amy, is always raving about, too.

But if you’re still scratching your head and wondering why on earth I’d ditch the obvious practical choice of clothes storage for a rail, these are the three reasons why I’ve chosen not to use a wardrobe in my home.

1. It’s so much cheaper

Let’s be honest: wardrobes are expensive. And for the amount of clothes that my husband and I had when we moved in, we knew that a wardrobe alone wouldn’t cut the mustard. So, we bought a large wardrobe for around £500, as well as two separate chests of drawers for around £100 a piece.

Admittedly, £700 isn’t a lot when you consider the cost of fitted wardrobes, but it still felt like a major blow to our bank balance. And while hanging space is definitely necessary for certain items of clothing, I personally prefer to fold most of my clothes, so that £500 stung even more. Especially as they felt rather flimsy and we weren’t confident in their longevity.

So, when we spotted the heavy-duty hanging clothes rail for SO much cheaper, we decided to chance it. We sold the wardrobes to recoup some of our money, and the result was a combined clothes storage set-up that cost just £135.

2. It’s easier to keep tidy and organised

I’m constantly trying to emulate people with tidy bedrooms and what they use to keep them that way. And while regularly decluttering is a huge part of that, so is keeping things tidy and organised - and I find that having my hanging clothes on show on a single rail actually keeps things way tidier than they did when I had a wardrobe.

Don’t get me wrong, I have a wardrobe in my spare bedroom that’s used for all of my bags, big coats, and other items that can’t hang prettily on the clothes rail in my bedroom - but that’s my case in point. Wardrobes can quickly become a jumble of clutter that makes you feel stressed every time you open the doors. And you’re often less likely to tidy it when you can hide these things.

With everything on show, I tackle messy things immediately. And I also swear by seasonally switching up my clothes, so the rack is never overflowing and my out-of-season clothes are stored in vacuum bags - like these Argos Home Pack of 6 Mixed Vacuum Storage Bags (£10 at Argos) - in suitcases in the loft.

3. The size works so much better

Big furniture can make a small bedroom look smaller, and that’s exactly what we found out when we first bought wardrobes for our 3x3m bedroom. And while the rail isn’t exactly smaller in terms of length, it’s a lot shorter - which means it visually opens up the space and feels less overpowering.

For us, switching from a bulky wardrobe just made sense for our small space - and I no longer feel like a big piece of furniture is closing in on me while I’m sleeping. The sleeping space feels calm and relaxed, with everything in order.

Not only that, but having a clothes rail with wheels also helps me maintain a dust-free home as I can easily dust the skirting boards behind it - and I don’t have to worry about damp (or even mould) rearing its head behind any wardrobes, which is common when you have big furniture in small rooms.

For me, switching from wardrobes to a clothes rail has transformed my small bedroom. But I appreciate that it might not work for everyone!

As a small home dweller, I know firsthand just how cluttered these cosier homes can get. And no matter how much you tidy, the house is always a mess, and everything is always in the way. This is particularly annoying in small kitchens, as it’s impossible to cook a meal without wanting to pull your hair out.

But while it’s important to make the most of small kitchen storage ideas, the reality is that they’re often not enough to curb the clutter that can build up in this multi-purpose space. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home - serving as a cooking area, pantry, washing area, hosting hotspot, and sometimes even a dining space, too.

As a result, small kitchens become dumping grounds for anything and everything - creating a buildup of clutter that doesn’t accurately reflect how you actually live and cook. That’s why I asked professional declutterers and organisers for their take on the things your small kitchen really doesn’t need - and what you should declutter for a more streamlined cooking space.

1. Non-kitchen items

According to Kate Dufton, Professional Organiser and Declutter at Ace Your Space, one of the biggest small kitchen storage mistakes you can make is using it to store non-kitchen items. And I’m guilty of doing that myself, as my small kitchen is even home to my dreaded junk drawer.

She explains, ‘When you've got a small kitchen, every single cabinet and drawer is prime retail space. There's no room for items that don't belong in a kitchen, such as medication, the junk drawer(s) and arts and crafts. These belongings need to be decluttered and then re-homed elsewhere in the house.’

In fact, freeing up a single drawer in a small kitchen can make a huge difference, giving you space to rehome items from a cluttered countertop and follow in the footsteps of people with tidy kitchen worktops. And when you have tidy worktops, you create the illusion that your kitchen is bigger than it actually is.

2. Old pots and pans

If you take all of the pots and pans out of your kitchen cupboards, there’s a high chance that you’ll unearth many that you haven’t used in years, hidden at the back. And as pots and pans are large in size, they can clutter up a small kitchen without you even realising.

Kate says, ‘These large, bulky items can take up huge amounts of space in a kitchen, and we often have more than we need. Strip out any duplicates, worn-out non-stick pans and aim for a capsule collection of good-quality pans.’ Then, you can focus on organising the pots and pans you have left, which can also free up space when done correctly.

There are many pots and pans organisers out there that will keep your cupboards and drawers tidy, but if your small kitchen is really short on space, Kate suggests using a ‘ceiling-mounted hanging pot rail or a pegboard pot rack on a spare slice of wall to create a stylish and practical solution.’

3. Shopping bags

Does anyone else have an entire shopping bag filled with other shopping bags? I certainly do, and it makes my small kitchen look both ugly and cluttered. Especially as mine lives on a door handle in my kitchen cupboard, so the door doesn’t shut properly, and it regularly pushes the contents inside the cupboard onto the kitchen floor.

However, the reality is that I have never (and probably will never) use the sheer number of reusable shopping bags I have at my disposal. And they’re taking up much-needed space in my small kitchen that could be used to house items I do actually use, with the help of clever space-saving clutter busters that keep them organised.

Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co. has a solution, though. She advises, ‘Rather than storing an overflowing collection in a cupboard, consider returning excess bags to the supermarket and offering them to people who may otherwise need to buy one. It keeps them in circulation and frees up valuable space at home.’

4. Duplicates

I’m a huge fan of bulk buying, as it’s often a great way to stock up on essentials at a lower price. However, I’m also guilty of bulk-buying non-essential items, and the pros say this is one of the biggest contributors to clutter in a small kitchen. Then, you lose track of what you have… so you buy even more.

Kate explains, ‘I see this so often with my clients, and all that happens is the cupboards are so tightly packed that often food is lost at the back of the cupboards and goes out of date. As well as your cupboards causing you stress on a daily basis, the money you save is often negated by the amount of food that goes out of date.’

This doesn’t just apply to food, either. This also applies to your collection of messy food containers, cooking utensils, mugs, and more. So, it’s well worth taking your time to declutter and organise your kitchen cupboards so you’re only filling them with the items you actually need - and to stop them overflowing with duplicates.

5. Gadgets and appliances

Small or not, no kitchen would be complete without at least one gadget or appliance - whether that’s one of the best air fryers or coffee machines. But often we get swept up in crazes and trends and impulse-buy large items that clutter a small space. These are the items we need to declutter and dispose of safely.

It’s important to ask yourself if you actually use the gadget or appliance before donating or selling on a resale site, and Hester Van Hien, a Home Decluttering and Organising Consultant from Tidylicious, says we need to be especially ruthless with single-purpose gadgets - especially when buying new ones.

She says, ‘Before purchasing kitchen gadgets, consider if you can get the job done with another kitchen tool that is fit for multiple purposes. For example, herb scissors. Do you really need them, or could you use your standard kitchen scissors or a sharp knife instead?’ If you do need new appliances in the future, try to opt for multi-purpose ones that take up less space in a small kitchen.

After decluttering these items, your small kitchen will feel so much more organised!

Like many others in the UK, I live in a small home with limited storage - and since my entryway is the tiniest (but busiest) area of my house, it’s full of clutter. But while I’ve tried to find a handy shoe storage solution, I’ve always come up short as they’re just a bit too obvious. So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across the new Rowan Shoe Storage Cabinet (£179 at Dunelm).

Sure, I know that one of the most important things people with tidy hallways always have is shoe storage, but I’m someone who likes things to be both practical and pretty. And while wire shoe racks and wooden shoe shelves are certainly practical, they’re rarely ever pretty and can become a hallway eyesore instead.

The Dunelm Rowan Shoe Storage Unit doesn’t look like any regular shoe storage, though, and you’d never guess that this stylish unit is hiding space for up to 15 pairs of shoes. It’s a game-changer if you want to curb hallway clutter and make a good first impression on your guests - and I’m adding it straight to my basket!

At first glance, the Dunelm Rowan Shoe Storage Cabinet looks like a relatively normal (albeit incredibly chic) piece of furniture. The oak effect makes it look sturdy and strong, and the slatted door design is bold and modern.

But hidden behind those doors are four shelves for your shoes - as well as the fifth shelf at the bottom, which can be used to store the shoes you use every day, or house some aesthetic storage baskets to keep practical clutter like post, keys, and parcels out of sight. It's truly one of the most practical yet stylish shoe storage solutions out there.

According to Dunelm, all five shelves hold up to 15 shoes up to size 10, so every family member can dump their shoes in the cabinet instead of by the front door for everyone to trip over. And as the cabinet has raised legs and is just 36cm deep, it can also serve as a great shoe storage idea for small spaces.

But what I love most about this shoe storage cabinet is that it perfectly blends practicality and style. It can serve as a must-have storage addition to a hallway without compromising on aesthetics - and the design lends itself to any home decor style. And that’s pretty rare.

You can even use the top of the unit as a makeshift hallway console table, adding anything you like - from a trinket tray like this Habitat Harlequin Blue Trinket Tray (£8 at Habitat) for your keys to some greenery like this Green Artificial Foliage Arrangement in Lydford Vase (£65 at Next). It really is so versatile.

Dunelm has only just dropped this new storage unit, but already the rave reviews are coming in thick and fast. One customer wrote, ‘Looks great and was easy to build, holds plenty of shoes and is a solid piece of storage.’ Another wrote, ‘It’s really smart and space-saving for a small hallway.’

However, one customer did note that the legs are made from a slightly different material, but for £179 I still think you’re getting a bargain - especially when shoe storage units from some brands can cost you over £500.

But if you love the Dunelm Rowan Shoe Storage Unit but have a slightly tighter budget, I’ve also found three alternatives that will still help you with your hallway storage ideas. Say goodbye to shoe clutter for good!

Will you be snapping up this space-saving shoe storage solution?

I don’t know about you, but I’d be nothing without my freezer. It’s where I store all my leftovers, and it helps me meal prep for the week (and sometimes even months), so I’m not stuck with the never-ending question: What shall I cook? But the one thing I hate is how messy my freezer is all the time.

I’ve recently been taking inspiration from what people with tidy fridges always have, and it’s made a huge difference to the space available and the freshness of my food. And while these products and tools have been transformative, it’s fair to say that it’s made my freezer look even worse - especially as everything is just shoved in there, and the drawers get stuck every time I try to open them.

So, I’ve made it my mission to organise my freezer and invest in the things people with tidy freezers always have in theirs. And I thought I’d share them with you, too.

1. Freezer bags

I’ve recently been introduced to Kate Hall, a Home Food Waste Expert, who shares her freezer tips and tricks as @thefullfreezer. And one thing she swears by in her enviable freezer? Freezer bags! She uses them to freeze everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to nuts and hummus.

The beauty of reusable freezer bags is that you can freeze solids or liquids (as long as you freeze them flat first) and then store everything vertically - almost like a filing cabinet of freezables - to maximise space and even improve visibility. Then, when you want to defrost the contents, you should be able to pull the bag out without having to move anything out of the way and making a mess in the process.

To make this as efficient as possible, though, it’s a good idea to file them either by expiry date or by category. For example, vegetables with vegetables, meat with meat, and sweet stuff with sweet stuff. I’d also recommend keeping a freezer thermometer - like this Pack of 2 LCD Digital Fridge Freezer Thermometer (£7.49 at Amazon) - in there to ensure everything lasts as long as possible.

2. Labels

Let’s be honest, frozen food can be a bit of a mystery. The spaghetti bolognese you cooked three weeks ago looks like an indistinguishable orange mess when it’s frozen, and frozen soups basically all look identical when they’re bagged up. But labels can help you remove what you need from your freezer without rummaging around and knocking everything over.

I’m a huge fan of labelling anyway and find a label maker is one of the best tools for decluttering, so using them in your freezer is a no-brainer. Especially when you can label them simply and cheaply with a freezer-safe marker pen like these Fine Tip Freezer and Label Permanent Markers (£3.99 at Lakeland).

There are so many different ways to label your freezer, too. You could label each frozen item - such as each freezer bag - so you know exactly what the food is, when it was cooked and when it expires. Or, if you organise your freezer items by drawer, you could label each drawer with its contents so you always know where everything is.

3. Rectangular containers

If freezer bags aren’t quite your thing, food containers can also help to keep a freezer tidy - and these also come in so many different forms, from the soup storage the Ideal Home team swears by to these Lakeland 10 Stack a Boxes Food Storage Containers (£11.99 at Amazon) for chunkier or more fragile foods that you don’t want to damage in the freezer.

But while there are so many different food storage containers out there, the key to a tidy freezer is choosing rectangular containers that can not only be slotted next to each other easily, but also stacked on top of each other to make the most of the freezer space.

Airtight containers also minimise the chance of freezer burn, which you often get with freezer bags, as they keep air out and also trap any moisture inside. Plus, the beauty of these containers is that you can use them elsewhere when you’re done with them. Including tidying your kitchen cupboards.

4. Dividers and bins

Whether you have a traditional freezer with drawers or a deeper chest freezer, these spaces are often much larger than the things inside them, which means the contents rattle around and look messy. That’s where dividers and bins can help.

Yes, just as if you want to organise a fridge or organise your clothes drawers, these dividers and bins allow you to bundle the same kinds of foods together and break up the large space to ensure you can always stack them and keep them tidy without them falling over themselves or encroaching on other foods.

Food storage bins also make it easier to get your frozen items out of the freezer, as you can simply remove the smaller bin instead of removing the entire drawer and potentially exposing your other foods to hotter indoor temperatures.

5. A list

I know for a fact that my freezer is full of items that have been there for years, since it’s so easy to forget about them when they're stuck at the back. But that’s exactly why people with tidy freezers always keep a list - or inventory - of the contents inside this appliance. This way, they always know what’s in there.

If you have a magnetic freezer, you could use something like the SWEETZER & ORANGE S&O Magnetic Notepads (£5.99 at Amazon) to stick to the freezer door, making a note of the food in there and any relevant cooking or expiry dates. When you have a list to look at, you should stop buying any duplicates and wasting any money - and it can even inspire your weekly meal plans.

The downside is that unless you have an empty freezer right now, you’ll need to set aside some time to go through the contents and backdate everything in there. But once that list is compiled, it should be super easy to add things to it when you’re next batch cooking or food prepping.

Say goodbye to your messy freezer!

They say that a tidy house is a tidy mind, but the same applies to your outdoor space, too. After all, many people find it difficult to enjoy their gardens or balconies when it’s a cluttered mess of furniture, plant pots, toys and more. And when the weather is this glorious, you need to make the most of your outdoor space.

Yes, there’s nothing quite like sitting in the garden while the temperatures are soaring and the sun is shining. But gardens in the UK are often multi-use areas, serving as chill-out spaces, outdoor kitchens, growing spaces, and kids’ play areas. And this can result in a disorganised, cluttered outdoor area that’s overrun with so many things.

But if you want a spotless patio, a clear grass area, or just a garden that doesn’t fill you with dread every time you open the back door, it’s well worth taking inspiration from the things that people with tidy outdoor spaces always have. And these space-savvy solutions can help you enjoy your garden without compromising on practicality.

1. A shed (or other storage)

The first step towards a tidy anything is storage - whether that’s inside or outside the house. And by having proper garden storage, you have the option to give everything a home, from your kids’ toys to your gardening tools. In many cases, a shed is best. However, you can also use other types of storage, from bike stores to smaller garden storage boxes and garden wardrobes.

When you have this main storage option in your garden, you can then go one step further to add another layer of organisation. And if you want to organise a shed to keep all your garden tools in one place instead of cluttering up your patio or grass area, using something like this Keter Corner Tool Storage Rack (£28 at Argos) can keep everything neat and organised.

By putting all the ugly-but-practical items that would typically be on show behind a shed door or inside a storage box, you can reduce visual clutter and enjoy the natural beauty of your garden instead. Just remember to regularly declutter the contents of your storage to ensure you’re only keeping what you really need behind these closed doors or lids.

2. Multi-purpose furniture

Whether you have a big garden or a cosier outdoor area, the best garden furniture often takes up the most space. And when you have bigger pieces - or even multiple pieces - of furniture coupled with everyday garden items, it can make a space look messy and cluttered. That’s why opting for multi-purpose furniture can make such a difference.

This could be choosing a foldable bistro set like this CASARIA 3-Piece Bistro Table and Chairs (£79.99 at Amazon) for smaller balconies, so it can be folded away when not in use, or even choosing garden furniture that comes with hidden storage so you can once again hide the garden clutter that would typically be on show.

As garden furniture can often serve multiple uses, Ideal Home’s garden furniture guru, Sara, also loves it when one piece of furniture can double up as both a lounging area and a dining area. The space this frees up can instantly make a space feel tidier.

3. Dedicated ‘zones’

Your outdoor space serves so many purposes, and it is often where clutter builds up. And it’s when these areas and purposes overlap that garden items start to take over the usable space and impact how you feel when you’re hanging out in the garden. Because of this, it’s important to consider your garden layout.

If you want to maintain a tidy garden, it’s a good idea to create dedicated ‘zones’ for each purpose, keeping items related to this zone contained within that area. For example, you could use this Yaheetech Garden Potting Table (£59.99 at Amazon) to keep all of your spare pots, gardening tools, and seedlings away from your patio, which should ideally just be reserved for seating.

Of course, you can integrate an outdoor kitchen into your patio, too, but even then, you should use creative storage and furniture options to create a distinct divide between the seating and cooking areas. This will allow you to enjoy these spaces separately, without unwanted clutter spilling from one to the next.

4. Vertical solutions

One of the best ways to maintain a tidy garden is to keep as much as possible off the floor, as this curbs clutter and even makes it look more expensive. But this doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice all of your belongings to keep your outdoor space organised. You just need to work with your vertical space, instead.

This can also work in your favour, as moving your potted plants to the side of your patio or lawn can hide an ugly fence or garden wall and free up usable space. But this can also work for practical items, like your garden tools or your washing line.

In fact, ditching your freestanding washing line for a wall-mounted version like this Brabantia WallFix Retractable Washing Line (£148 at Amazon) is one of the best ways to tidy up your outside space and ensure you’re only using your main garden area for fun, summer activities. The same applies to your garden hose, as nobody wants to trip over that with a plateful of BBQ sausages.

5. Robot lawn mower

A long and unruly lawn always makes my garden look so much messier than it is, and that’s why another thing people with tidy outdoor areas always have is a lawn mower. After all, lawns often take up a large area of a garden, so keeping them neat can have a knock-on effect on the rest of the outdoor space.

And while the best lawn mowers come in various shapes and sizes, the best robot lawn mowers are gaining traction - and for good reason, too. They’re hands-free, quick and efficient, and they’re becoming smarter and smarter, which means that they do an incredible job, too.

Our Gardens Editor, Sophie, is a huge fan of robot lawn mowers and credits them for her tidy garden. This is especially true when it comes to the mental side of things, as when she keeps the lawn tidy, this gives her motivation to keep the rest of the space tidy and clutter-free.

Once you've tidied your garden, it'll be so much easier to keep it tidy too!

Anyone who has ever lived both with and without proper storage in their home will know just how essential it is for everything to have a dedicated place. But while storage is key to a clutter-free home, many storage options can actually make your house dustier without you ever realising.

Yes, just as there are many items you need to declutter to prevent damp, there are so many storage options out there that are making your home so much dustier and dirtier. And before long, this will affect your home’s air quality, leave you struggling to get rid of dust, and potentially accelerate the deterioration of your belongings.

Cleaning more is obviously an easy solution to this problem, but making quick (and relatively inexpensive) changes to these storage options can also make a huge difference. So, these are the home storage mistakes making your home dustier - and what to do about it.

1. Open shelving

Many people aspire to have open shelving in their homes - from stylish open shelving in a kitchen to custom storage units in their living rooms. And while there’s no denying that they look good and make a space look so much more inviting, they’re a breeding ground for invisible particles like dust, dirt, pet dander, and even pollen.

This is echoed by Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co., who says, ‘Open shelving and uncovered storage (especially for items not used daily) can quickly become dust traps. This is particularly true in bedrooms and living spaces where soft furnishings are already holding onto allergens. Open shelving looks great, but it does mean committing to more regular cleaning.’

For those who love their open shelving but still want to maintain a dust-free home, regular damp dusting is the way forward. This dusting method will help you trap this dust with each pass over the open shelving, so you don’t simply spread it from one area of the shelf to the other. Just remember to damp dust underneath the items on the shelf, too.

2. Fabric and woven baskets

I’m a sucker for pretty-but-practical storage baskets that help to hide clutter and give everything a home. But if you’re worried about rising dust levels in your home - or you want to pollen-proof your home - it’s best to avoid using fabric or woven baskets.

Shannon explains, ‘Wicker, along with fabric storage boxes and rope baskets, tends to trap dust and is much harder to clean thoroughly. They can look lovely, but they’re not always the most practical choice for anyone sensitive to allergens or wanting to keep things in pristine condition.’ That doesn’t mean that you need to avoid storage baskets completely, though.

In a kitchen, swapping to glass containers can still be pretty and practical, and there are many plastic storage baskets and boxes that will still make a statement. Plus, fabric and woven baskets can still be used if you pick them properly - like choosing a wicker basket with large gaps between each weave, instead of choosing one that’s tightly woven. This way, you can still dust them.

3. Long-term storage

Unless you’re a keen minimalist, most people like to keep items that they don’t use regularly. These are those ‘just in case’ items, or memories that they just can’t bear to part with. And while there’s nothing wrong with this per se, these long-term storage areas can be a breeding ground for dust. In fact, professional organisers say that garages and lofts are forgotten too often.

Shannon says, ‘Boxes that are packed away and forgotten about (especially in lofts, cupboards or spare rooms) can become hotspots for dust and even mould if conditions are right. Regularly getting these items out and editing what you keep is important and gets the air moving.’

This is particularly dangerous if you opt for cardboard boxes, as they are difficult to clean and can damage the contents if they become damp or damaged. That’s why I’d suggest swapping these cardboard boxes for plastic storage boxes with airtight lids to keep dust and moisture at bay.

4. Under-bed storage

When you’re working with a small home and limited in-built storage space, the space under your bed can seem like the perfect solution. But what many people don’t realise is that experts don’t want you to store anything under your bed if you can help it - mainly because it’s a major dust hot-spot.

Shannon agrees, stating, ‘Overfilled or disorganised storage under the bed can restrict airflow and allow dust to gather in a place that’s already difficult to clean. This is not ideal in a space where you’re sleeping.’ This is especially true if you opt for fabric under-bed storage bags that can trap dust and dirt within the fibres.

Of course, you don’t have to avoid using the space under your bed if you really don’t have any other storage options. Opting for vacuum storage bags or roll-out plastic boxes can be a great compromise, as long as you regularly get under there and dust them. I’d also suggest using one of the best robot vacuum cleaners to vacuum under the bed, too.

5. Keeping clutter

While the above storage options can all lead to a build-up of dust and dirt in your home, one of the biggest contributors to dust is your belongings themselves. And Johnny Liang, Air Purifier Specialist at Levoit, says that a build-up of clutter will ultimately affect your air quality more than you think.

‘Cluttered spaces tend to accumulate more dust and pollen,’ he says. ‘Reducing unnecessary clutter, prioritising closed storage solutions, and running an air purifier continuously can help minimise allergens both at the source and in the air. This not only keeps the space tidier but also significantly improves overall living comfort.’

Because of this, knowing how often you should declutter and using one of the best air purifiers are key to keeping dust at bay. And when you get rid of items that you no longer want - or no longer serve you - you’ll find it easier to manage dust as time goes on, too. So, it’s a win-win.

Say goodbye to dust... not to practical storage!

I live in a Victorian mid-terrace home, so I have a very small garden. But while I don’t have oodles of space, I do have a lot of big garden ideas - and these two things don’t coexist very well. That’s why I couldn’t help my excitement when I spotted that this compact OUTSUNNY Garden Shed was reduced from £618.99 to £234.60 at Debenhams.

Like everyone else, I’m gearing up to spend the next few months enjoying the much-anticipated British summer. I want to tend to my plants in the sunshine, and hang out with friends and family (ideally with a burger and an ice cream in my hands). But with gardening tools, pots, cushions, dog toys and more cluttering up my small outdoor space, it’s not very relaxing.

So, I started searching the Debenhams garden storage sale for a compact shed that would help me hide and organise these ugly-but-practical garden items without taking over the entirety of my small garden - and I think I’ve found it!

In smaller outdoor spaces, it’s always best to opt for small garden storage ideas. But anyone who has gone in search of a compact shed will know that it’s still pretty difficult, with even the smallest wooden sheds still being too large for cosier spaces.

However, the OUTSUNNY Plastic Garden Shed is the perfect size, measuring 4 x 3 ft. This means it’s nice and compact, but still has roomy storage for everything from lawn mowers to large outdoor cushions. It also comes in two different colourways, so you can choose between light grey and dark grey.

If you do have a slightly larger space and need to store bigger garden items, though, the OUTSUNNY 7 x 4ft Metal Garden Shed is also reduced from £557.99 to £213.35 at Debenhams - making it even cheaper than the smaller size.

Personally, the smaller option suits my Victorian terraced garden best, and I love that this space-savvy shed also comes with a window to let natural light into the space while adding some much-needed character to what could be a very ugly addition to a small garden.

Plus, the vent above the door allows for proper airflow to prevent damp and mould from forming on your summer essentials throughout the year.

If you want extra peace of mind, the bargain OUTSUNNY shed also includes a secure latch lock, so you can rest easy knowing the contents are safe and sound. And for under £250, I really do think it’s a steal. Especially as it was over £600.

What I love most about this shed is that it builds on the garden wardrobe trend that’s taking over small gardens across the UK right now. This has allowed those who might typically avoid sheds to find more compact options that suit these smaller spaces - meaning small home dwellers can tackle garden clutter right there and then.

But these aren’t the only Debenhams garden storage deals to be had right now, and I’ve popped some of my favourites below.

Yes, small gardens CAN have storage too! And it's just a bonus when it's on sale.

I hate a messy fridge, but I also really struggle to keep it tidy. This ultimately creates a domino effect that has me second-guessing what to make for dinner, the foods I need to buy in my weekly food shop, and why it always smells so funky. And that’s why I’ve decided to finally make a change.

Of course, I know that the first step to organising a fridge is to go through and get rid of anything that’s out of date, and to group foods by shelf. But one thing I’ve learned from the things that people with a tidy kitchen always have is that storage solutions are key to clutter-free, organised spaces.

That’s why I’ve done my research and asked my tidiest friends, family and colleagues for their top tips on keeping a fridge tidy. And these are the game-changing tools and products they’ve used to turn their messy fridges into spaces that inspire them, save them money, maximise freshness and minimise odours.

1. Pull-out containers

Whether you have a small under-the-counter fridge or a giant American-style fridge-freezer, one thing they all have in common is that they are deep. And while this means that you can tuck the food items you don’t often use to the back of the fridge, this depth can also make things messier.

So, instead of reaching to the back of the fridge and knocking over everything in the process, those with tidy fridges always use pull-out containers. This way, you can always reach every item in there - no matter whether it’s at the back or the front.

Many retailers also offer specific containers for specific fridge items, like Joseph Joseph’s Fridgestore Under-Shelf Collapsible Bottle Holder (£14 at Joseph Joseph) and this Clear Fridge Storage Egg Box (£5 at Dunelm). Alternatively, you could opt for regular rectangular-shaped containers so you’re not restricted by the contents.

2. Herb growers

There’s nothing quite like using fresh herbs in your cooking, but piles of herb bags from the supermarket can quickly make a fridge look messy. And I don’t know about you, but I always find that they go limp and wet way before their use-by date. That’s why herb growers are such a win-win.

Both our Content Editor for Kitchens and Kitchen Appliance Editors, Holly and Molly, swear by herb organisers as essential fridge storage, and find that they help them keep their fridges tidy while also keeping herbs fresher for longer, so you’re not having to buy more every time you pop to the supermarket.

The KLIPPKAKTUS Herb Storage for Fridge (£6 at IKEA) slots neatly into the door of your fridge, but there are so many other options on the market to choose from - whether you have a lot of free space to work with, or you need it to be as compact as possible. Either way, you’ll be thankful to see the back of those plastic bags of herbs.

3. Lidded produce baskets

Most people don’t realise that a messy, cluttered fridge can lead to a buildup of moisture - and this moisture can be absorbed by your fresh produce to make them spoil more quickly. And while organising your fridge can work wonders, lidded produce baskets are the ideal addition to a tidy fridge.

Often called ‘crisper baskets,’ the sole purpose of these baskets is to keep fresh produce fresh and crisp. And being able to keep all of your fresh produce together, instead of having them loose and floating around your fridge, can also add a level of organisation to your fridge.

If you want to go the extra mile, you could also use vacuum-sealed containers for your fruit and veg, like the John Lewis Vacuum Seal Glass Storage Container (£10 at John Lewis), to remove the oxygen and keep fresh food fresher for longer. It even has a drainage tray insert to keep moisture away.

4. Fridge deodoriser

A tidy fridge isn’t just an organised one. A tidy fridge is also clean and odour-free, which is why it’s so important to regularly clean your fridge and keep on top of any smells you notice when you open up the door. Odour eliminators are ideal for keeping these odours at bay.

Many of these odour eliminators - like the Acana Fridge Odour Absorber (£4.99 at Lakeland) - also come with extra features, like built-in temperature gauges or even bacteria-busting filters. This all contributes to a clean and tidy fridge.

And when a fridge looks and smells clean, you feel more inclined to keep it clean. So, it’s somewhat of a mental game.

5. Lazy Susan

If you want to organise a fridge quickly and don’t want to spend too much money, a lazy Susan can be one of the best tools in your toolbox. That’s because, just like the pull-out containers, they allow you to reach everything in your fridge - so you always know what’s there, and don’t have to make a mess when finding what you want.

In fact, a lazy Susan can be used anywhere in the kitchen, and Bake Off star, Prue Leith, even uses one on her kitchen island. But if you choose to add one to your fridge, you can organise everything from your condiments and sauces to your cold drinks.

The 360-degree spin design of a lazy Susan will ultimately make access easier and prevent food from being forgotten or spoiling. Grouping foods and fridge items together like this can also allow you to declutter your shelves and fill ‘dead space’ in an organised fashion. So, it really is a worthwhile, but very cheap, investment.

So, it's time to start organising that fridge!

I’ve always struggled to keep my kitchen worktops tidy. Even if I’m not in the midst of cooking up a storm, they seem to act as the dumping ground for everything from my kitchen utensils and appliances to unwashed dishes and even junk mail. This then makes my entire kitchen look messy…. all the time.

And while I’ve recently been inspired to make changes to my kitchen based on what people with tidy kitchens always have, the worktops are particularly difficult to organise. Of course, I know that the first step is to declutter my kitchen worktops and get rid of anything that no longer serves me or my cooking space, but I need more to restore order once and for all.

That’s why I asked my tidiest friends, family members and colleagues for their tips on keeping their kitchen worktops tidy - and the tools and products that they use to maximise space while also minimising clutter. This is what they said.

1. Smart storage solutions

The key to organising kitchen worktops is to use smart storage solutions that give everything (or at least most things) a proper home. This will allow you to stop using your kitchen worktops as a ‘landing pad’, as you’ll know exactly where everything should go when you’ve finished using it.

This is a trick that so many people use to make their kitchen worktops work harder, but it’s important to note that the storage you use is typically determined by the space that you have available. For example, people with cluttered galley kitchens like me need to make use of the vertical space - so hanging hooks like this KINGRACK Kitchen Rail (£15.99 at Amazon) can work wonders.

If you have an oddly-shaped kitchen, corner shelves and racks can also help you slot storage into those worktop angles. Of course, you don’t have to get rid of everything on your kitchen worktops, but you do need to integrate some storage to keep your items organised.

2. A clutter bucket (or tray)

Smart kitchen storage is the first step toward tidy, clutter-free kitchen worktops, but it won’t work for everything you dump in the kitchen. After all, most of us also use this area for letters that need to be sorted, keys, and other items that don’t really have a proper home - or they’re just staying in the kitchen temporarily.

In this instance, you could take a leaf out of our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny’s, book and create a family command centre. But if that’s not quite your style, a clutter bucket or tray could also work in your kitchen. This is essentially a designated (but stylish) dumping ground for these items that you know you’ll eventually move elsewhere.

And opting for a clutter bucket with a lid - like the small basket in this Woodluv Set of 3 Seagrass Storage Boxes (£29.99 at Amazon) will also keep this clutter invisible as the days go by. Alternatively, a decorative tray keeps everything together in a neat little corner of the kitchen.

3. Appliance gliders

The bulkiest things, and ultimately the most clutter-inducing, found on kitchen worktops are generally the appliances - whether you have one of the best coffee machines, air fryers, toasters, or all of them and more. And as they’re used on a daily basis, it may seem like there’s not a lot you can do to tidy them up.

However, our Editor-in-Chief, Heather, swears by using the castor wheel appliance glider hack to tidy up her worktops and keep them clutter-free when she’s not cooking or making her morning coffee. She has used wheels like these 8 Pack Self Adhesive Mini Casters (£5.99 at Amazon) in her kitchen for a few years now.

She loves how they let her push her appliances into discreet corners of her kitchen worktops, then pull them out easily when she needs them, preventing scratches in the process. But you could even go one step further and create your own appliance garage, dedicating a cupboard or pantry to storing all your appliances in one place. This will keep them off your worktops completely.

4. A countertop vacuum

Cluttered worktops aren’t only caused by things. They’re also caused by crumbs and other dirt and debris that accumulates over time - especially if you’re not following cleaning experts’ advice to wipe down your worktops every day. But this is where a countertop vacuum can help you out, something I swear by as Ideal Home’s Vacuums Expert.

A countertop vacuum isn’t like the other best vacuum cleaners out there. It’s small, perfectly formed, and designed specifically for countertop cleaning and is compact enough to be stored in a kitchen drawer - or even on top of the coffee machine.

I use the Lakeland Mini Countertop Vacuum (£9.99 at Lakeland) religiously in my kitchen, using it to suck up spills as soon as they happen so they don’t get worse and make the worktops look messy. But there are so many other options out there, too, including mini dustpans and brushes.

5. Organised cupboards and drawers

If you want tidy kitchen worktops, you also need to understand what people with tidy kitchen cupboards always have. After all, messy kitchen cupboards can often spill onto the worktops and have a domino effect, making things much worse in the visible areas of your cooking space.

This is especially true if you want to prevent your cooking utensils, pots and pans from cluttering up your kitchen worktops, as the right storage inside your cupboards and drawers should not only free up space for everything to fit - but also keep them organised so they stay tidy as the months go by.

In my opinion, you can’t really have too many storage solutions in these critical kitchen areas, but you need to make sure that you choose the right option for the right items. For example, organise your cooking trays and chopping boards with this Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Baking Tray Rack (£20 at Amazon).

Say goodbye to kitchen worktop clutter! Now it's time to move on to tidying your fridge...

Now that the winter months have (thankfully) passed us by, it’s the perfect time to do a summer wardrobe switch-up - replacing your bulky winter clothes and coats with your warm-weather outfits. And Lakeland’s 50L Underbed Vacuum Clothes and Duvet Storage Tote Bag (£16.99 at Lakeland) is the clutter-free companion you need to get the job done properly.

Yes, one of the golden rules of organising a wardrobe is to rotate your clothes as the seasons change. It’s traditionally best to do this in the spring and then again in the autumn, removing the clothes you no longer need and replacing them with the ones you will. This will stop your wardrobe from bursting at the seams, so you know exactly what’s in there - and where to find it.

But where do you store the clothes you won’t wear while they’re not in season? Well, vacuum storage bags have long been my go-to for safe and easy clothes storage in small spaces. And while they tend to all look the same, I can understand why shoppers are raving about Lakeland’s underbed option. After all, it’s genius.

When you have a small wardrobe, it’s well worth storing your seasonal clothes so that only the essentials are taking up space. But where storage baskets and tubs are bulky and not small-space friendly, vacuum bags can instantly make big things smaller - especially long winter coats and chunky knits.

Lakeland’s 50L Underbed Vacuum Clothes and Duvet Storage Tote Bag is so much more than just a regular vacuum bag, though, and technically it’s two bags in one. You can store your out-of-season clothes inside the inner bag, then vacuum out the air before zipping the outer bag for an extra layer of protection.

This is particularly handy for winter clothes, which are often susceptible to damage from clothes moths, dust, and moisture during storage. But by adding this extra, outer bag, you can keep your clothes in pristine condition - and pop it anywhere from under your bed to on top of your wardrobe or even in the loft if you really don’t have any extra space.

The beauty of Lakeland’s storage bag is that it’s also big - and its 50L capacity has been designed to hold a double duvet and four pillows if you’re also looking to switch up your bedding for summer. Then, with easy-to-carry handles and a viewing window, you can also remove your clothes if you’ve realised you’ve accidentally packed something you shouldn’t, or check on their condition as the months go by.

But if you think you have more clothes or bedding than 50L will allow - or that just seems like way too much - you’ll be happy to know that Lakeland also has this exact design in a variety of different sizes.

This includes a jumbo 87L version (from Lakeland for £19.99), or a standard 38L version (£14.99 at Lakeland). And if you’d rather not have the outer bag so you can stuff your winter clothes in an empty suitcase in the loft, you can buy the bags on their own from Lakeland - including this pack of 6 Lakeland Shrink & Store Vacuum Bags for £14.99.

Personally, I think the 50L version will be perfect for my smaller wardrobe - and I’m not the only one excited about this space-saving saviour, either.

The reviews of this Lakeland bestseller are seriously impressive, with a large share of reviewers giving it a perfect 5-star rating. One happy customer raved, ‘This is the best vacuum bag I have used,’ while another echoed this and wrote, ‘These are the best vac bags I’ve tried. They look neat and tidy and are so well protected.’

Many have also praised the outer bag for not only protecting the clothes but also protecting the vacuum bag itself.

One customer wrote, ‘I have been looking for something like this for ages. I have used previous vacuum bags, but often end up snagging the bag on something, causing it to re-inflate! The outer bag for this prevents that, and the handles make it very easy to get in and out of the cupboard.’

Wardrobe organising essentials

So, if you’re planning on switching out your winterwear over the next few weeks, I’d definitely consider this genius Lakeland product to help keep things organised.

It’s been over a month since England’s new ‘Simpler Recycling’ rules came into force and allowed for simpler, standardised waste collection. And while they have undoubtedly allowed us to be more mindful of what we’re throwing into our recycling bins, those looking to declutter their sheds this spring might have a few questions.

Ultimately, there are so many things you can no longer recycle when decluttering inside the home. But as I perused these new recycling rules, I couldn’t help but notice that outdoor spaces are affected as well. And as it’s currently prime time to declutter a shed and set your garden up for summer success, these new rules have definitely put a spoke in the wheel.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t purge your unwanted items or get things organised, though. I’ve broken down all of the garden items you can no longer recycle when decluttering your shed to help you understand how these new rules and regulations will affect you. Plus, options for what to do with them instead.

Garden items you can no longer recycle

Just as there are many kitchen items you can no longer recycle when decluttering, there are also many garden items you can’t recycle at home if you live in England.

The full list of excluded items is available on gov.uk’s Simpler Recycling Scheme page. However, I’ve laid out the garden items you’re most likely to come across (and want to get rid of) when decluttering a shed below:

• Garden waste
• Plastic plant pots (black ones specifically)
• Metal packaging that has contained white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze
• Plastic bottles that have contained white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze
• Bulky waste (including garden furniture and fencing)
• Garden tools or other gardening equipment

Many local authorities may have already excluded these items from kerbside pickup before the new recycling rules came into effect, but it’s important to note that this is now the standardised rule for all waste collectors across England. This is to maintain consistent recycling, reducing confusion and potential contamination.

It is worth noting that some councils are exempt from these new regulations until 2043 at the latest. But it’s a good idea to understand the dos and don’ts now so you know what to do with items after decluttering.

Throwing them in your normal waste bin isn’t the only option, after all. Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co., says, ‘When it comes to decluttering your garden, the new recycling rules in the UK are encouraging more mindful disposal, but they also present a great opportunity to rethink how we pass items on.’

She adds, ‘As a professional organiser, I always remind clients that decluttering doesn’t always mean throwing things away. Often, there are more sustainable and community-driven options available.’

What to do with garden items if they can’t be recycled

1. Garden waste

The new Simpler Recycling rules have had a big effect on how you dispose of your garden waste. That’s because it’s now government-mandated that both food and garden waste must be collected separately from recycling waste.

To make things easier, many local authorities offer garden waste bins to residents (sometimes for free, sometimes for a small fee). However, some councils don’t have the funds or infrastructure available to do so. That’s why it’s important to also know how to get rid of garden waste without a garden waste bin.

Shannon explains, ‘Composting at home is another great long-term solution if you have the space, turning waste into something beneficial for your garden,’ and you can use something like this Crystals 300L Garden Compost Bin (£28.97 at Amazon) to help you do that. Alternatively, most household recycling centres accept green waste.

2. Plastic plant pots

It’s easy to assume that plastic = recyclable, but that isn’t always the case. Under the new Simpler Recycling rules, the Horticultural Trades Association states that it's become somewhat of a 'postcode lottery' when it comes to recycling these pots. Non-black pots are recyclable, but black are not. So, you'll need to find other ways to recycle them when decluttering your shed.

Thankfully, there are so many ways to do that, including many take-back schemes that promote a circular economy. This includes B&Q’s plant pot recycling scheme, which uses old plastic pots to make new ones that they sell in store.

Shannon also adds, ‘Many people are happy to take them for seedlings, so a simple “free” box outside your home can work brilliantly. You could also donate them to local allotments or independent garden centres, where they’ll almost certainly be reused. If you’re feeling creative, they’re great for repurposing too, for example, getting children involved in decorating them and growing their own plants.’

3. Packaging containing white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze

While plastic and metal bottles have typically been recyclable, there are caveats. That’s because any packaging that contains white spirits, paints, engine oils or antifreeze is no longer able to be recycled when decluttering a shed - even if you’ve washed them out. This is because residual solvents can linger and contaminate the process.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t use them yourself, though. After all, there are so many ways to use plastic bottles in the garden - including making your own plant labels. Just try to avoid using them to water your plants, as you don’t want to contaminate them with any potentially hazardous material.

For paint, it’s a good idea to understand how to properly dispose of paint or find alternative ways to use paint around the house. If in doubt, your local household waste recycling centre should have a dedicated area for disposing of hazardous waste. Just make sure you check with them beforehand.

4. Bulky waste (including garden furniture and fencing)

Although wood, plastic and metal garden items can be recycled, they can’t be recycled via kerbside pickup. Most councils had these rules in place before the Simpler Recycling Scheme came into effect, but it’s now standardised across England, with waste collectors unable to collect it from outside your house at all.

This is generally because many of these materials - whether they’ve been used to make garden furniture or fencing - are stained or treated with chemicals that will contaminate the recycling process. However, many of these materials can be used for upcycling ideas for the garden. This includes making pallet furniture or even outdoor kitchens. So, keep that in mind when decluttering your shed.

Shannon adds, ‘If it’s in good condition, it’s worth contacting your nearest charity shop warehouse, as many accept larger items and even offer free collection after reviewing photos. Selling through Facebook Marketplace is also great at this time of year, when people are looking for affordable outdoor pieces.’

5. Garden tools or other gardening equipment

It may seem like common sense to avoid putting garden tools or other gardening equipment in your recycling bin when decluttering your shed, but the new recycling rules explicitly prohibit waste collectors from accepting them.

This could give you the chance to second-guess your decluttering decision, and you may simply need to invest in better shed storage or give your tools and equipment some TLC to bring them back up to scratch. Something like this Spear & Jackson 6-in-1 Blade Sharpener (£16.99 at Amazon) can help to revive things like garden shears and loppers.

Shannon adds, ‘Allotments and community gardening groups are often grateful for donated tools, especially if they’re still functional. Some recycling centres also have reuse shops on-site, where tools can be passed on rather than thrown away. Alternatively, including them in a car boot sale alongside other unwanted items can be a simple way to sell a larger amount of stuff in one go.’

Happy shed decluttering!

It’s been almost a month since the new ‘Simpler Recycling’ rules came into effect across England. And while this new scheme aims to simplify and standardise waste collection nationwide, there’s no denying that many people (myself included) still have a lot of questions - especially when it comes to decluttering the kitchen.

While there are many things you can no longer recycle when decluttering under these new recycling rules, a quick glance at the full list shows that the kitchen is one of the worst-affected areas of the home. And as recycling has always been one of the best ways to get rid of items after decluttering the kitchen, these new rules have certainly put a spanner in the works.

To help you understand how these new rules affect you and your decluttering efforts this spring, I’ve broken down the exact kitchen items you can no longer declutter - and what you can do about them instead. This way, you can continue your decluttering efforts without any unanswered questions.

Kitchen items you can no longer declutter

While it’s fairly common knowledge that recycling isn’t your first port of call when you want to dispose of kitchen appliances, there are many other kitchen items you might assume are recyclable.

But in accordance with the government’s new 'Simpler Recycling’ scheme, these are the kitchen items you also can't recycle at home in England:

• Drinking glasses
• Glass cookware (like Pyrex jugs)
• Ceramic crockery
• Cutlery
• Pots and pans
• Coffee pods

Many local authorities may already have restricted kitchen essentials, such as drinking glasses and cutlery, from kerbside pickup due to the dangers they pose if broken. However, waste collectors have now been told they don’t need to collect any of the items above (though they can if they want to).

It’s worth noting that 78 local councils are exempt from these new regulations until 2040 (and beyond). Because of this, it’s important to check in with your own local authority to see if these new rules apply.

If you find that these new recycling rules do affect you and you’re worried about how they'll impact your kitchen declutter, you don’t need to be.

What to do with kitchen items if they can’t be recycled

1. Drinking glasses

Recycling glass has always been a grey area. That’s because different types of glass melt at different temperatures, which makes the recycling process difficult (and that’s before we mention their tendency to shatter). In most cases, drinking glasses have rarely been accepted in household recycling bins.

Under these new recycling rules, however, items like glass tumblers and wine glasses are banned completely - but that doesn’t mean that you can’t bin them at all. If they’re broken, wrap them in protective paper and put them in your general waste bin. Alternatively, take them to your local Household Recycling Centre to recycle them properly.

If they’re not broken, they may just need a more thorough clean using something like this Dri-Pak Clean & Natural Bicarbonate of Soda (£3.99 at Amazon). You could then donate to a charity shop, or sell online or at a car boot.

2. Glass cookware

Similar to the above, the new rules also state that you can’t recycle glass cookware in England. So, if you’ve decluttered your kitchen and come across old Pyrex jugs, ovenware or casserole dishes that you no longer want or need, don’t throw them in your recycling bin.

If they are unbroken, you can donate them to charity or upcycle them. In fact, just like reusing Gu pots, there are so many ways to reuse glass cookware. You could use them as a storage solution for smaller items or even turn them into candles using a set like this Candle Making Kits for Beginners (£19.99 at Amazon).

If they are broken, it’s best to wrap them in paper and pop them in your normal waste bin or recycle them at your local recycling centre.

3. Ceramic crockery

From mugs to plates, bowls, and earthenware, ceramic cookware and crockery have become increasingly popular. However, these are some of the many items that have been banned under the new recycling rules.

Thankfully, there are ways to reuse them around the house. One of my best hacks for reusing old mugs is to make a DIY bird feeder and chirpcuterie board. All you’ll need to do that yourself is some string and a bird feed mix like this Extra Select Seed Mix (£8.19 at Amazon).

You can even use an old bowl as a DIY bird bath. But if you don’t want to keep it, any ceramic crockery that’s still in good condition can easily be donated to charity shops, and you may even find that you can fetch a nice price for it by selling online. If it’s broken, wrap it and place it in your general waste bin to prevent injury.

4. Cutlery

Cutlery trends come and go, and if you’re decluttering your kitchen and come across old cutlery that you no longer want, don’t put it in your recycling bin, as it can’t be collected via kerbside pickup. Donating is your best option here.

If you’re not sure who to donate to, Anglo Doorstep Collections can pick up your old kitchenware - including your cutlery - for free. This initiative will also take many of the other items on this list, including pots and pans, crockery and glasses. They will then donate it on your behalf to those who need it more.

Of course, you could also sell it - especially if it’s silver cutlery. Emma Eldrige, a valuations expert at H&T Pawnbrokers, explains that the price of silver is at an all-time high right now and ‘If you’re unsure whether something is genuine silver, look for hallmarks such as ‘925, ‘Sterling’, or traditional assay office symbols.’ But if you really don’t want it, recycle it with scrap metal at your local recycling centre.

5. Pots and pans

There comes a time in every kitchen pot or pan's life when it needs to stop being used for everyday cooking. And instead of leaving it to clutter your kitchen cupboards, why not donate it? Kate Dufton, a Professional Organiser at Ace Your Space, says, ‘Donate pots and pans to nurseries or schools for role playing and outdoor mud kitchens.’

If you want to use them elsewhere, there’s a lot you can do with old pots and pans. You can use them in the garden to make your own planters and hanging baskets, use them for your seedling starters, or even as makeshift bird baths. To jazz them up, you could use this Rust-Oleum Universal All-Surface Gloss Paint (from £12 at Dunelm).

If you really don’t want your pots and pans any longer and want to get rid of them completely, there’s a high chance that your local household recycling centre may be able to take them, generally in the scrap metal section.

6. Coffee pods

One thing everyone should know before buying a coffee machine is that, while coffee pods can be recycled, they can’t be recycled at home - especially now that the Simpler Recycling rules have come into effect. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be recycled at all.

Some coffee machine manufacturers offer their own take-back schemes when you use their subscriptions, but you can also use schemes like Podback, which will pick up and recycle your plastic and aluminium for you. Many household recycling centres have also introduced their own designated coffee pod recycling bins, too.

A lot of them will also ask you to separate your plastic pods from your aluminium ones. And disposing of coffee pods is incredibly important, as these kitchen items are often too small to be separated from other recycled materials.

New recycling rules came into effect across England on the 31st March 2026. And while this new 'Simpler Recycling' scheme has many benefits, it’s hard to ignore that it’ll also make decluttering harder. So, it’s important to be aware if you’re having a clear-out this spring.

I’m a huge advocate for a good decluttering session. Purging unwanted items can create a calm, clutter-free space, and until recently, recycling has been one of the best ways to get rid of items after a declutter. But under these new recycling rules, many items we could previously put in our recycling bins are no longer allowed.

The caveat is that many councils are exempt from these new regulations until 2043, but if your local authority has already made changes, it’s important to understand your options. And if you plan to declutter anytime soon, these are the items you can no longer recycle and what to do with them instead.

Clutter you can no longer recycle

To make things easier, I’ve compiled a list of items you can no longer put in your recycling bin under the new 'Simpler Recycling’ scheme:

• Drinking glasses
• Candle jars
• Glass cookware
• Vases
• Mirrors
• Ceramics
• Cutlery
• Pots and pans
• Kettles
• Irons
• Plastic plant pots

Depending on your local authority, items such as drinking glasses and candle jars may already have been restricted from kerbside pickup due to their potential to contaminate the recycling process.

However, these new rules have standardised these exclusions across England, with every local council required to comply - either now or by 2048 at the very latest.

Thankfully, that doesn’t mean you have to hold on to your clutter. Shannon Murphy, Professional Organiser and Founder of Simpl Living Co, says, ‘Whilst the new regulations may make it feel like fewer items can be recycled at home, there are still plenty of practical and sustainable options available.’

What to do with your unwanted items if they can’t be recycled

1. Use a recycling scheme

It’s important to note that while the items above are no longer available for kerbside pickup, many can still be recycled - it just requires a little more work on your part. This is especially true if you want to recycle plastic plant pots.

Not only can you use schemes like B&Q’s plant pot recycling scheme (which is available in over 100 stores nationwide), but it may be that your local authority offers alternative static recycling sites for glass bottles and jars too. These can typically be found in supermarket car parks or by community centres.

As Shannon explains, ‘Your local recycling centre is still a great first port of call if you need to dispose of them. Many accept items that can’t go in household bins, and some even have reuse shops where usable pieces can be donated.’

2. Rehome them

Whether you’re decluttering to save money while moving house or just switching up your home decor, and want to get rid of items that still have lots of life left in them, rehoming them is another great option.

You can offer up your unwanted items to friends and family instead of simply throwing them away, and most people would jump at the chance to take them off your hands - especially if this involves a new (well, old) mirror or sturdy Pyrex dish, as you can no longer declutter certain kitchen items.

If they don’t want them, offer them to the local community. ‘Candle jars and similar containers can be ideal for charity art groups or community centres, where they’re often used as water pots or for storing supplies,’ Shannon says. ‘Plant pots can be offered to local allotments, community gardens or forest schools, where they’re usually very gratefully received.’

3. Upcycle them

If you can’t recycle your clutter under the new regulations, why not try upcycling? Many unwanted items can be given a second life if you’re willing to get a bit creative - especially if something is simply not your taste.

You could turn an ugly mirror into something that suits your style with simple adornments, or pop it outside to create a unique garden mirror idea. The same applies to candle jars and vases, as you can use a set like this Candle Making Kit (£24.99 at Amazon) to refill them yourself.

If you want to avoid spare jars and vases in the future, our Home Decor Editor, Sara, is a huge fan of refillable candles - and one of her favourites is the M&S Apothecary Calm Candle & Refill Set (£12 at M&S). This way, you know you’ll always be able to upcycle and repurpose your purchase.

4. Sell them

You know what they say: one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and this is something to remember when decluttering. After all, you can often turn clutter into cash if you’re willing to sell it.

You’d be surprised what people will buy, so it’s always worth trying to sell as much as you can - whether that’s at in-person car boot sales or online via reselling sites such as Vinted, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.

As Shannon explains, ‘For vases, platforms like Facebook Marketplace are great, as many people search for affordable options for weddings or events, especially for DIY table settings.’ This way, you can ensure your unwanted items have a new life instead of being thrown away.

5. Think about future purchases

These new recycling rules affect everyone in England, so it’s worth keeping them in mind when you make future purchases too. To make this easier, keep track of what you can still recycle - which will also help you understand what you can’t.

To get around these rules and make life easier in the long run (especially if you plan on decluttering again soon, or just want to maintain a clean and tidy home), you could invest in new recycling bins or a compost bin for your garden to adhere to the rule changes for garden waste bins, too.

But more than anything, it might make you think twice before making that next purchase - especially if it’ll only serve a temporary purpose. Will it be easy to get rid of when you no longer want it? Is it worth it? In some cases, it might not be.

Happy decluttering!

There's nothing worse than a cluttered house, but you don't need to throw out everything you own and live like the ultimate minimalist to have a tidy home. Instead, you just need the right storage.

But to be totally honest, a lot of the storage options out there aren't pretty. They're big, bulky, and often made from plastic that just doesn't fit anyone's home decor - and finding pretty storage baskets out there can feel like an impossible task.

Luckily, I've done the hard work for you! I've scoured the internet for the prettiest (but still practical) storage baskets on the market today, helping you curb the chaos no matter whether you're looking for unique toy storage ideas or a clever clutter buster for a small home.

So, feast your eyes on these aesthetic storage options you can add to your home - without compromising on style.

These storage baskets really do offer a win-win situation, but if you're looking for more organisation tips, it might be worth checking out the other things people with a tidy home always have.

IKEA has just dropped a new space-saving bin for just £4, which is perfect for organising your recycling. With new recycling rules coming into effect around the country, it couldn't have landed at a better time.

There aren’t many instances where I feel excited writing about kitchen bin ideas. But, with the new Simpler Recycling rules having come into effect on 31 March, and for some of us, bringing with it more bins to contend with, IKEA is providing an easy way to keep your waste organised.

The TRÖSKNING £4 bin looks very similar to Lakeland’s Rotho Albula Recycling Waste Bin Fern Green Colour 25L (£19.99), with both convincing me that this style of caddy is exactly what I need to keep my recycling waste organised.

Space isn’t a premium in my flat, and doing the bins is my least favourite job. So, I do use ‘being a home’s journalist’ to justify spending lots of my work time researching space-saving bins that promise to make the job easier. At home, I’m using the Habitat 55 Litre 2 Compartment Recycling Bin (£70), which is a great size for storing both the general waste and recycling of two adults.

My building has large communal recycling bins outside, so the two-compartment bin works well for us. However, for individual homes, investing in the TRÖSKNING bin can be especially helpful if you’re short on space and have a lot of recycling waste.

Unless you’re under one of the 79 councils that have delayed the new recycling rules, you’ll be getting used to separating all your recycling into different bins. The TRÖSKNING Bin makes this a breeze. With a large 12L, this compact recycling bin can be used freestanding or stacked on top of each other to save space, and allow for recycling organisation before you take your waste outside.

Available in an icy blue (which is a popular colour trend for 2026) and classic beige that will blend right into your home’s decor. It has a small hatch at the front, allowing you to dispose of recycling such as plastic, tins and glass. You should bear in mind that it’s designed for dry materials, so if you’re looking to recycle food waste, the Joseph Joseph Food Waste Caddy (£29.99, Amazon) is a far better choice.

We’re not the only ones impressed with this smart bin, either. The TRÖSKNING Bin has already racked up a host of positive reviews, with shoppers raving about how effective it is at organising recycling.

‘I have two for recycling that fit neatly and discreetly in my kitchen. May get more. Well made, good value for money,’ said one review.

‘Perfect size, so easy to carry out to recycling bins. Love the flap to add the rubbish in. Stackable, which is handy!’ said another.

Trust me, organising your recycling as you go does make the job faster and easier. Investing in these incredibly affordable bins helps you do exactly that. Select one for each waste type, and see how much easier sorting recycling becomes.

Currently, my husband and I are selling our first home and buying our second. And while it was a long and arduous task to get offers accepted due to instability in the housing market, the feedback on our house was always the same: viewers loved it and thought it was in perfect, clutter-free condition.

This wasn’t just a fluke, though. Before putting our house on the market, we spent a great deal of time researching how to declutter before selling a house and decided to go through it from top to bottom. We thought hard about what we wanted our new house to look like and what we wanted to take with us, and we decluttered anything we knew we definitely didn’t want.

This process was hugely beneficial to us, not only in cutting moving costs but also in adding some extra cash to our pockets during one of the biggest financial commitments we’ve ever made. After all, every penny helps and turning your clutter into cash is an easy way to do just that.

1. Books

One thing to know about me? I’m a big reader. I’ve also dreamed of having a huge library in my home (I blame Beauty and the Beast for that), so I’ve happily hoarded books for decades. But the sad reality is that I’ll never have the space for what I want, which is why they’ve been piled up in my office or stored in the loft since we moved in.

As it’s not wise to store books in the loft, I knew I had to start decluttering the ones I definitely wouldn't read again, and those that didn't have any sentimental value. I then sold many of them via World of Books, which lets you recycle books for cash quickly and easily through the app.

All in all, I've made about £80 selling my unwanted books, and not having piles everywhere made the space look so much more inviting during the valuation and subsequent viewings of my house. Just be warned that World of Books doesn’t accept every book, so I just donated my leftovers to my local charity shop.

2. Old clothes

It’s not a decision everyone would make, but I don’t have a single wardrobe in my house - and I never have. That’s because we have an (admittedly very small) dressing room off our master bedroom, and we’ve always used a combination of chests of drawers and a large hanging rail for our clothes. In fact, this SONGMICS Clothes Rack on Wheels (£34.99) has lasted us a few years now.

And while having clothes on display has always kept things relatively tidy, I’d known for a while that it was still full of clothes that no longer fit or weren’t quite my style. As I also rotate my clothes seasonally, some were stored in these Mixed Vacuum Storage Bags (£10 at Argos) in the loft too.

So, I went through everything and sold 90% on Vinted. The rest I offered up to friends and family, or donated to the local charity shop. Freeing up space instantly made the room look brighter and bigger, which is always a great selling point. Because of this, it was a win-win.

3. Unwanted furniture

When we moved into this house, the furniture came with us. But while we've we've since bought new stuff, we kept the older furniture just in case we needed it. We know we don't want to take this to our new house, though, so we decided to declutter it.

Thankfully, there are so many ways to get rid of items after a declutter, and while we donated some pieces of furniture to charity and even popped some outside our house for neighbours to grab for free, there were other pieces that seemed a little too nice to simply give away. So, we sold them instead.

My go-to choice when selling second-hand furniture is Facebook Marketplace, and we sold some spare dining room chairs, an office chair and desk, a bookcase, and even old freestanding lamps for around £200 in total. This meant that they weren’t stashed away in cupboards, either, which made the available storage space look so much better during viewings.

4. Garden and DIY tools

There are so many garden features that help sell a home, and I always think a large shed is a major selling point. This is something we have, but until recently, it was a dumping ground for all the outdoor ‘things’ we struggled to store. In fact, the whole shed was bursting at the seams and looked awful.

While I knew this wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for potential buyers, I still wanted to make it look presentable and clutter-free for viewings. So, we took some time to declutter the shed and go through everything that had been stashed there over the years. We uncovered an old lawnmower, an old BBQ, and lots of garden and DIY tools we no longer needed or wanted to take to the new house.

So, we decided to sell these on Facebook Marketplace, too. They didn’t fetch much compared to what we paid for them, but the shed honestly looks brand new. We then used these 5m Adjustable Cable Straps (£9.99 at Amazon) to bundle all the leftover garden tools for easy moving (a nice hack suggested by our removals company).

5. Everyday clutter

While a lot of my decluttering efforts before putting my house on the market revolved around actively removing things from my home and selling them, I didn’t get rid of every piece of clutter. After all, clutter can still be useful, and we all need to keep essentials and everyday items nearby.

That’s why I also focused on simply rehoming every day, visible clutter in the run-up to the professional photos being taken and the viewings taking place. It’s well-known that this can help to sell your home faster as it makes a home feel more inviting and allows the viewer to imagine themselves in the space.

Hiding clutter for house viewings can be difficult when cupboards are inspected by estate agents and viewers, but I found my DUSK Ascot Ottoman Bed (£299 at DUSK) to be the key to our success, as I could hide things like my dog’s toys, bathroom toiletries, smaller kitchen appliances and anything else that looked unsightly in there.

Decluttering these things has not only helped me turn clutter into cash, but it will also help us spend less on moving day. It really is the gift that keeps on giving...

It may be a cliché, but spring is one of the best times to give your home a spruce-up and tackle excess clutter. And for my spring reset this year? I’ll be using the Doom Diamond method.

As someone who can sometimes struggle with making snap decisions when decluttering, I need a decluttering method that breaks decisions into a logical, organised process. The Doom Diamond method helps give somewhat ‘homeless’ items a permanent place, or allows you to let go as part of a logical process, making it a great choice if you’re someone who finds decluttering overwhelming.

Requiring you to make a ‘diamond’ shape of four boxes, this organising method is as visual as it is effective. Here’s how it works, and why I think it’s great for any spring reset you have planned this year.

What is the doom diamond method?

I’ll admit that when I first read ‘doom’, I immediately assumed that it was referring to the feeling of dread that can come about when faced with a huge decluttering task. I was wrong. It is actually an acronym for ‘didn’t organise, only moved,’ referring to the items in our home that never seem to have a permanent place.

The method was posted to an Instagram reel by content creator and pro organiser Abigail Roe, who explained that for this method, you take your ‘doom’ items. Place them in the middle of four boxes, which are categorised as trash, action items, items with a home and items with a home. Simply, put each item in the box that aligns most with its purpose. Old birthday cards might be best placed in the trash box, while a broken bracelet could be an ‘action item’ as you can fix it before using it again.

‘Rather than tackling everything all at once, the method encourages you to place that pile in front of you and sort items into four distinct groups, arranged in a diamond shape. These usually include things to discard, items that have a place elsewhere in the home, tasks that require action, and items you want to keep but haven’t yet assigned a permanent home,’ explains Hannah Randall, furniture and decluttering expert at Oak&More

‘A helpful way to approach it is to work in small sections, like a drawer or a single surface, rather than an entire space. This keeps the process manageable and stops it from becoming overwhelming. The idea is to create quick momentum, rather than aiming for perfection straight away.’

For this method, I recommend picking up some large storage boxes (like these Really Helpful boxes at Argos) to help with organising your belongings, while a label maker (£15.99 at Amazon) can help distinguish your categories.

Is this a good method for a spring reset?

A spring reset does what it says on the tin, it's a natural point in the year to have a clear out and clean. It's a new version of the classic idea of a 'spring clean', which focuses on the decluttering aspect as much as the cleaning.

I'm using the Doom Diamond method to declutter my home before carrying out a spring clean to help me visually break down excess clutter in my home, making the process quicker and easier.

‘Traditionally, spring is the time for deep cleaning, but you cannot clean properly if your surfaces are obstructed by stagnant piles of items. The Doom Diamond approach emphasises quick wins, such as disposing of waste and moving objects, which immediately gives you a sense of visual satisfaction and motivates you to keep going. It shows a path to efficiently resetting your home this spring,’ says Max Wilson, Co-Founder at Pocket Storage.

‘This method is ideal for anyone paralysed by ‘all-or-nothing’ thinking. It works especially well in busy households where miscellaneous piles of paperwork, toys, and hobby gear accumulate in high-traffic areas. By providing structure and clear categories, it prevents overwhelm and ensures decluttering feels achievable and even satisfying.’

It’s also a great method for those of us who have short attention spans or don’t want to spend hours decluttering and organising.

‘Setting a timer, even for 20 minutes, can be a great way to approach this method. Because you’re working in clear categories, you can see progress almost immediately. Even short sessions can make a noticeable difference, which helps build momentum. For many people, that initial sense of progress is what keeps them going,’ says Hannah.

‘It also mirrors how people naturally declutter, starting with quick decisions and building momentum. This makes it feel more intuitive than stricter organising systems. It’s important not to overthink each item. If you hesitate too long, it’s usually something you don’t need day-to-day. Keeping that mindset can help speed up the process and make it far more effective.’

If this sounds like you, it can be beneficial to try this method this spring. I’d also suggest investing in some clever clutterbusters to help keep your home in order after you’ve finished decluttering.

My home is well overdue for a reset this spring. But with a method like the Doom Diamond in my decluttering arsenal, I know I can achieve fast and effective results.

Your hallway is the first thing your friends, family, and visitors see when they enter your home. How it looks sets the tone for the rest of your house and invites nosy guests to make their first impression, and that comes with a lot of pressure for it to look perfect.

And while it’s always a good idea to be inspired by the things people with a tidy hallway always have, I know from first-hand experience that you can’t always trust your own judgment. After all, when you live in a space for so long, and your cleaning schedule becomes almost robotic, it’s incredibly easy to become houseblind to your own clutter.

This means your visitors can spot things in your hallway that just don’t register with you anymore, which is why I thought I’d remind you of the messy things guests always notice in your hallway so you can tackle them head-on before they arrive.

1. Cluttered shoes

There are so many benefits to being a shoes-off household, but ditching shoes at the door can result in a lot of clutter - especially if you have a small, compact hallway with limited space for proper shoe organisation. And when guests arrive and add even more shoes into the mix, your hallway can become an instant mess.

This is why temporary or permanent shoe storage is key when hosting. Personally, I swear by this shoe storage hack I used while hosting over Christmas, where I invited all of my guests to pop their shoes into this Storivo Shoe Organiser (£14.99 at Amazon) when they arrived. I stashed it under a table and out of the way when in use, and then folded it down for easy storage when they’d gone.

There are so many other options you could choose from, though - and sometimes simply asking them if they’re happy for you to move their shoes into another room can work wonders. But if you want to add proper shoe storage into the mix, just make sure to avoid anything big or bulky, and opt for something that’ll hide the actual shoes from view.

2. Messy coats and bags

A hallway is one of the most practical areas of the house, and it’s often where many families store the ‘outside essentials’ - like their coats, bags and school backpacks. And while this makes sense for everyday life, nosy (and judgmental) guests can often think that this collection of essentials looks messy.

And while you could simply let guests think what they want, those who want to make a positive impact on their visitors could consider organising these things in advance of their arrival. Personally, I always find that a coat rack is so much tidier than hooks on a wall, as all the coats and bags can be kept in one small area rather than cluttering an entire wall. This coat rack, £34 at Habitat, is the perfect size for a small hallway.

In fact, I prefer to keep hooks among the things people with a tidy under-the-stairs cupboard always have. But I do think that slimline units that can house both shoes and a small selection of coats can also work in a larger hallway - as long as they’re not encroaching on essential entryway space.

3. Piles of post

I don’t know about you, but my hallway always becomes the dumping ground for the post that comes through the door. I don’t know what to do with it, so I place it on the console table and hope that it (along with the rest of the pile) magically sorts itself out. But this is one of the messy areas that guests always notice.

Of course, I don’t want my nosy visitors peeking at my bills or my next doctor’s appointment, either, so sorting out this pile of post is in everyone’s best interest. And while the best way to combat this clutter is to file it in a different room and in something like this Albers Chrome Filing Cabinet (£85 at Habitat), there are other ways to organise it while still keeping it in the hallway.

Focus on storage solutions that will keep all of the post together in one tidy corner of the hallway, or you could be inspired by Jenny, our Senior Digital Editor, who set up a family command centre to deal with all of these important documents and reminders.

4. Bulky furniture

Unless you’re blessed with a hallway of dreams, most people’s hallways are relatively small in size. And just like the messy things that guests always notice in your bathroom, using the wrong furniture can make a space look cluttered and chaotic.

Bulky items like big storage benches may seem like a surefire way to organise your hallway and keep all of the essentials in one area, but using them in the wrong hallway - i.e a small one - can actually have a negative impact. That’s why it’s well worth ditching the bulky furniture in favour of slimline, space-saving ones instead.

Our Print Assistant, Maddie, swears by the IKEA Bissa unit for her narrow hallway, and almost every retailer out there now offers space-saving furniture that’ll still add practical storage to your space. They’ll make a hallway look so much tidier and combat the messy look they might have previously judged you for.

5. Those ‘when I get round to it’ items

A hallway often becomes a halfway house for the things that don’t quite belong in the home. These are the ‘when I get round to it’ items, like the parcels that need to be taken back to the Post Office, the piles of kids’ clothes that are waiting to be picked up by your mum friend, and the other temporary items that don’t have a home in your house.

And while it makes sense to keep them in your hallway so you don’t forget, these items can instantly make a space look messy - which is something your nosy guests will undoubtedly judge you for. That’s why the first port of call should always be to relocate them before your guests arrive, or, better yet, actually take them to the Post Office and drop them off at your friends’ house.

However, if you don’t have space, making the most of a clutter bucket could be a solution. These come in so many different shapes and forms, and one option I love is utilising a stair basket to keep these items nearby but out of reach of prying eyes when you’re hosting.

Combat this clutter, and your guests won't have any reason to judge...

If you love hosting, you’ll know that there’s nothing better than opening up your home to friends and family. But it’s hard to deny that there’s also a lot of pressure to make your home look perfect - especially in shared areas that you know they’ll be using (and probably judging).

And while one of the best ways to ensure your house is always guest-ready is to make use of the rooms they won’t be using, this gets a little complicated in communal areas like the bathroom. All it takes is one trip to the loo, and nosy guests will be quick to judge everything they see in front of them… even if you think you’ve done a good cleaning job.

After all, so many of us are houseblind to our own clutter, which is why it’s important to step back and see things from your guests’ point of view. Is there something on show that needs to be hidden? Do you need to move something elsewhere? These are the messy things guests always notice in your bathroom, and what to do about it.

1. Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Bathroom essentials are exactly that: essential. That’s why it’s not a bad thing to find toothbrushes and toothpaste in a bathroom, as they’re the everyday items you and your family use regularly. But while they probably don’t look messy to you, guests often find them a little off-putting.

This is because toothbrushes and toothpaste (and other tooth-y items) are usually kept by the same sink that guests wash their hands in, meaning they’ll stare directly at them for at least 20 seconds - probably while humming "Happy Birthday" twice from start to finish. This can be especially horrifying for guests if they’re dirty and scummy.

The trick here isn’t to get rid of them, though. Sometimes, relocating them to a different area of the bathroom, or using one of the things people with tidy bathrooms have to hide them from view, is the solution. There are also so many aesthetically pleasing toothbrush holders out there, too. My current favourite? This Wavy Stripe Bathroom Tumbler (£6 at John Lewis).

2. Shower and bath toiletries

The logical place to keep shower and bath toiletries in your bathroom is right beside (or even inside) the shower and bath. And while caddies and in-shower shelves like this Kitsure 2 Pack Rustproof Shower Caddy (£12.99 at Amazon) can be a game-changer when you need clever bathroom storage, they can look incredibly chaotic.

These bottles and potions are some of the messy things guests always notice in your bathroom, as they’re typically big, bulky, and always look out of place alongside your bathroom fittings and decor. Of course, it’s not the end of the world if your guests know that you clean yourself (shocker!), but you can make it look tidier if you want.

Focus on decluttering what you no longer need, pop the uglier items in a cupboard while guests come by, or you could decant your products into sleeker, more stylish bottles that can be attached to the bathroom walls for that luxe, hotel-like feel.

3. Toilet paper

One of the first rules of hosting is having enough toilet rolls in the bathroom so nobody gets caught short, but there’s no denying that toilet rolls aren’t easy to store - and they’re not the prettiest, either. Because of this, it’s easy for them to look messy if they’re placed on top of or to the side of the toilet.

But what can you do about it so your guests don’t judge you for it? Our Content Editor, Holly, swears by a bathroom toilet-roll storage hack that lets you add a small curtain around your sink or open shelving to hide them from your guests’ view. Something like this Frilled Slot Top Unlined Undercounter Curtain (£15 at Dunelm) would do the trick.

If that’s not a route you want to go down, there are so many other options out there - from buying sleek and stylish toilet roll holders to storing them in wicker baskets with lids so they’re not visible at all. This way, they can remain nearby without making the space look messy.

4. Wet, crumpled towels

In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than visiting someone’s house and wiping your hands on a damp, crumpled towel. It makes me wonder what kind of germs are lingering there, and it makes the whole bathroom look (and feel) messy and unloved - especially if there are other towels hanging haphazardly elsewhere.

Your guests probably think the same when they visit your house, which is why it’s always a good idea to refresh and fold your towels before they arrive. This will only take you seconds, but in the long term, you might want to think about your bathroom towel storage ideas.

Sometimes, simply switching up how you store and present the towels in your bathroom can make a huge difference to your experience - and your guests’. This can be especially handy if your towels are looking a little old and worn out, as you could opt for a solution that completely hides them from view.

5. Bathroom bin

In my eyes, a bathroom bin is a must. It’s a handy way to dispose of all manner of bathroom items, from sanitary products to tissues, floss, cotton buds, makeup wipes, and any empty cosmetics and toiletries that can’t be recycled. But a bin is also one of the messy things that guests always notice in your bathroom.

This is primarily because bins aren’t attractive items, and they can often stick out like a sore thumb - especially if they don’t have a lid and are in an open, visible area of the room. They can be off-putting, and most people (both the guests and the hosts alike) don’t want the other to see what’s in there.

To maintain privacy and hide it from your nosy visitors, the solution here is simple: hide or change the bin. Hiding can work if you’re confident your guests won’t need it while they’re in your home, but changing it to one that looks better and has a lid is a happy medium for everyone.

With these handy storage solutions in your bathroom, you'll impress your guests AND keep clutter at bay.

Because I live that rock-and-roll lifestyle, I’ve spent the weekend decluttering my shed. And do you know what? It was SO satisfying. The whole thing was bursting at the seams after years of neglect, and it was filled with clutter we no longer wanted or needed. But now it’s a lot emptier, I’m on a mission to make it tidier (and keep it that way).

Of course, there are so many amazing shed storage ideas out there, but the reality is that most people - like me - have a relatively small shed that’s main aim is to house the lawn mower, gardening tools, outdoor furniture cushions, and anything else that’s just a bit too dirty to be housed inside. And when space is limited, it’s easy for things to look messy and unorganised.

But in a bid to become more like the people with tidy sheds, I’ve been scouring the internet for the storage solutions my shed desperately needs. And these are the clever clutter-busters I’m snapping up to make my shed neat and tidy - and prevent mess from building up again.

1. A shelving unit

I’m no Charlie Dimmock by any stretch of the imagination, but I do like to wiggle my green fingers every once in a while - so I have a lot of pots, compost and gardening items in my shed. My husband is also a big DIY man and car obsessive, so he also uses the shed to store his tools, car cleaning solutions and a collection of rags and sponges.

At the moment, all of these smaller items are shoved in buckets or in cardboard boxes for safekeeping. This means that they not only take up a lot of valuable floor space (making it impossible to actually walk inside the shed), but they also make it look incredibly messy. But now I know that one of the best ways to organise a shed is to use shelves.

Sadly, my old wooden shed isn’t really strong enough for wall-mounted shelves, which is why I’m on the hunt for a shelving unit that distributes the weight across the base instead. This way, I can keep all of the essentials in one place and organise each shelf by category. These are the ones I’m eyeing up right now.

2. A tool organiser

Around 60% of my garden is covered in grass, but we also have a large patio and a few flowerbeds, which means my shed also serves as the go-to storage space for larger tools such as our spade, grass strimmer, broom, and more. It’s also where we store one of my prized possessions, the weed-pulling tool our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, swears by.

Up until recently, I’ve tended to lean them up against the shed wall to keep them handy, but this has always made them look extremely messy. And when things already look chaotic, I rarely think twice about adding more clutter into the mix, and it becomes a vicious cycle.

That’s how I know I need a tool organiser to keep these items neat and tidy. At the moment, I’m torn between buying a freestanding garden tool organiser and a wall-mounted one for lighter tools. So, perhaps I’ll buy both so there’s some spare space for when I need it.

3. Bungee cords

Although I’ve spent the weekend decluttering my shed and getting rid of anything that’s no longer needed, there are still a lot of rogue essentials left behind. This includes bamboo sticks for taller plants, broken-down wood we’re going to use in our chiminea, and even poles for a gazebo we use for much-needed shade in the summer.

These smaller items don’t really have a proper home in the shed, and it’s incredibly easy for them to fall over and get in the way. But one of our gardening writers has the perfect storage solution for these rogue items: bungee cords.

Our writer, Lisa, has used bungee cords throughout her shed and swears by them for a neat, tidy outdoor storage area. She’s attached them to the walls, in corners, and even to the roof of her shed to organise those things that don’t always have their own proper place. So, I’m going to stock up on some, too.

4. A cushion storage box

The best garden furniture is often hardwearing and durable, but I personally always like to keep my cushions in the shed to protect them from unnecessary exposure to the sun or bad weather. And while I’ve always just thrown them in the shed with very little thought behind the action, this just makes my shed look messy and unorganised.

It also leaves them susceptible to so many cobwebs and even mould during the colder, wetter months, which is why I’ve been on the hunt for a cushion storage box or bag to keep them safe and clean - and raised off the ground. There are so many options out there, and most can even be stored outside of the shed, too.

My garden cushions also have handles on the sides, so I’m also considering buying some hooks like this 6-pack of Heavy Duty Garage Storage Hooks (£5.99 at Amazon), as they can also be used for bikes, garden hoses, and ladders.

Excuse me while I stock up on these shed storage essentials...

I don’t know about you, but the under-the-sink cupboard in my kitchen has to deal with a lot. It’s the dumping ground for all of the cleaning products I don’t want on display, as well as my (many) washing-up tools, bin bags, and other random items that don’t have a proper home. And I can’t stand it anymore.

And while I’ve tried to organise my under-the-sink cupboard every so often, I’ve always struggled to traverse the awkward placement of the sink pipes, the small space, and the fact that I have so many different items to store in there. So, the result has never been very effective, and most of the time I’ve just moved things around without actually making a difference.

But I’ve recently been taking steps to follow in the footsteps of people with tidy kitchens, and the only area of my cooking space that I haven’t tackled properly is this under-the-sink area. That’s why I’ve taken inspiration from the people who have organised under-the-sink areas to see what they use to keep things clutter-free. And this is what I’m adding to my basket.

1. Cleaning organisers

At Ideal Home, it’s my job to test the best cleaning products - so you could say that I have more of them in my home than the average person. But I know I’m not the only one who struggles with the game of Tetris, you have to play with all the bottles, packets, and boxes of cleaning products that live under the sink.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Heather, has experienced the same problem before and fixed it with a genius under-the-sink storage solution. Sadly, the exact pull-out shelves she bought are no longer available, but I’ve found alternatives that offer the same sliding design and integrated storage boxes. She’d suggest decluttering your cleaning products first to ensure you’re only storing what you need, though.

The beauty of these organisers is that they negate the need to reach into the back of the under-the-sink cupboard to get the cleaning product you’re after. This will prevent bottles from tipping over as you reach, and allow you to keep everything in its organised place.

2. Stackable baskets or boxes

If you don’t want to add integrated organisers into your under-the-sink cupboard in your kitchen - perhaps because it’s just really not tall enough - another option is to use stackable baskets and boxes to store your under-sink items.

Of course, you don’t have to stack them if you don’t have too many items in there, but opting for boxes with lids is perfect if your under-the-sink cupboard is overflowing. This way, they can sit neatly on top of each other, making the whole space feel so much tidier and more organised.

I’d also suggest opting for clear baskets or boxes, as you can easily see what’s in them without having to take them all out of the cupboard. But if clear boxes aren’t quite your style, it’s well worth using a label maker like this Dymo Omega Label Maker Hand Embosser (£20 at Argos) so you can still clearly distinguish between your box of dishwasher tablets and your oven cleaning tools.

3. Tension rods

I’ve been pretty vocal about my love of using tension rods to create extra space in a small home, and this is actually something I’ve already implemented into my under-the-sink cupboard - and I can’t recommend it enough. After all, tension rods instantly double the storage space you have, without getting in the way.

The beauty of tension rods is that they can be used in any space, small or large. All you need to do is adjust them to fit your under-the-sink cupboard, and watch as they provide hanging space in an area that typically doesn’t have it. Then, you can hang everything from your cleaning bottles to your cleaning cloths on there. You could even hang them there to dry.

If you’re going to do the latter, though, I’d suggest adding a non-electric moisture absorber like this Minky Moisture Absorber (£25 at Argos) to the cupboard to keep musty smells and mould at bay, as under-the-sink cupboards are already at risk of leaky pipes and damp.

4. Door storage

One of the biggest under-sink storage mistakes you can make is not using the door as extra storage space. And when you think about it, it makes total sense - especially as the doors offer rare vertical space that’s not hindered by the under-sink pipework.

Thankfully, there are so many under-the-sink door storage options out there, from self-adhesive hooks and over-the-door baskets suitable for renters to drill-in options for homeowners. And you can chop and change them to suit whatever you’d like to store.

Personally, I think this door-mounted storage is ideal for smaller items such as rubber gloves, cleaning sponges, cloths, and brushes. This means that they won’t get lost at the back of the cupboard, either, as I’m very guilty of buying new ones when I think I’ve lost them forever (but they’re just hiding behind big bottles).

5. A lazy Susan

A lazy Susan is one of the things that people with tidy kitchen cupboards always have, and it’s something that I’ve utilised to organise my food packets with ease. But what failed to realise is that the under-the-sink cupboard is a kitchen cupboard too - so why not use a lazy Susan in there, too?

This is something Heather has added to her under-sink cupboard, and she’s found the circular, spinning storage option to be a game-changer for her bottled cleaning products, as they fit perfectly and are easy to reach. It’s also a great way to check what you need to stock up on, too.

Personally, this is one of the under-the-sink storage options I love most, but I’ve decided that I’m going to pair mine with an absorbent mat like this URMONA Waterproof Silicone Under Sink Mat (£16.99 at Amazon) to keep things as dry as possible. Just in case!

Curb the under-sink clutter in no time!

I live in a small home with minimal built-in storage, but I do have a very handy (and surprisingly large) under-the-stairs cupboard. However, as it’s one of the only places to store coats, shoes, bags, cleaning products, and just about anything else that doesn’t have a proper home, it’s also the certified ‘dumping ground’ in my house. And I know I’m not alone in that.

Sure, I may dream of streamlined, organised under-the-stairs storage ideas, but the reality is that this area quickly becomes the go-to for all of the practical junk that I need to keep but don’t want on show. Because of this, I hide it all behind a door and hope that it doesn’t all come spilling out the next time I open it.

But as I’ve recently been inspired by the things people with a tidy hallway always have, I’ve decided to move on to the next logical area and tackle my chaotic under-the-stairs cupboard. So, I’ve asked my tidiest colleagues, friends and family members how they keep this dumping ground a clutter-free, organised storage area - and this is what they suggested I add.

1. A shoe rack

I may only live with one other human (and my dog), but shoe storage is a real issue in my home thanks to my husband’s obsession with trainers. And while I swear by this £17 shoe storage solution for my hallway, I always need more - and everyone says an under-the-stairs shoe rack is the way to go.

There are so many different shoe rack options out there, from smaller shoe racks to narrow shoe storage cabinets, wall-mounted shoe racks and even modular boxes that you can configure to your own specifications. And as under-the-stairs cabinets can vary in size and awkward shapes, it’s easy enough to find one that’ll suit your space.

Shoe racks can even work if you’ve converted your under-the-stairs cupboard into a downstairs loo, as proven by our Editor-in-Chief, Heather. Without any floor space, she’s utilised her toilet door as her designated shoe storage with an over-the-door shoe rack that’s perfect for her family home.

2. Wall or door-mounted hooks

The under-the-stairs cupboard is the perfect place to store coats, jackets, backpacks, and all of the other essentials you need to grab before leaving the house. And from talking to my organised friends about the things people with a tidy under-the-stairs cupboard always have, hooks are a must-have.

Over-the-door hooks and racks are always a safe bet if you don’t want to permanently drill hooks into your walls or doors, and they also allow you to hang heavy coats and bags without the worry that they’ll fall down if you opt for self-adhesive hooks.

However, I’ve previously used these pickpiff 6-Pack Stick on Hooks (10.99 at Amazon) to hang items in my home office, and I can vouch for how seriously heavy-duty they are. So, I’m going to buy some more and streamline my under-the-stairs space even more.

3. Storage baskets

One of the biggest struggles I face in my under-the-stairs cupboard is that a few shelves are way too high and awkwardly placed, making them hard to reach. Because of this, they become a dumping ground for a lot of random objects that I might need eventually, but don’t use very often.

Of course, I know that decluttering my under-the-stairs cupboard is the first step to calming the chaos on these shelves, but another way to curb the clutter is to use storage baskets. This way, I can separate the remaining items into categories - for example, all of my cleaning products in my basket and spare batteries/cables in another. Then, I can easily pull down each basket when I need it.

The beauty of storage baskets is that there are so many different options out there, and you can even buy baskets designed to hang from hooks - so you keep them on the wall or door if you don’t have any designated shelf space.

4. Cleaning tool organiser

As Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, I have a lot of cleaning products and tools in my house - and I struggle to find space for them. So, most of them are dumped in my under-the-stairs cupboard, making the whole thing feel cluttered and unorganised. But I know many other people have a similar issue.

This is where a cleaning tool organiser can help, as these wall or door-mounted accessories can hold everything from your broom to your dustpan and brush and even your dusters and spare tea towels. They keep everything in place, without the risk of them falling over or falling onto your head when you open the door. You could even buy a vacuum stand holder if you have a cordless model.

Luckily, I already have the Joseph Joseph CleanTech Set (and the matching tool organiser that you can buy separately for £20 at Amazon), but there are so many other options out there that you can customise to the space - and the cleaning products - that you’re working with.

5. Modular storage

Under-the-stairs cupboards aren’t like spare rooms, where you have lots of 90-degree angles to work with. Some are big, some are small, and all of them are built around the shape of your staircase - which means traditional storage cabinets probably won’t work.

One thing I’ve noticed people with tidy under-the-stairs cupboards have, though, is modular storage that can be chopped and changed depending on what you need and the size of your cupboard. In most cases, these are modular storage cubes that can be stacked on top of each other and clicked together to create a fully unique unit.

Adding this extra storage to an under-the-stairs cupboard allows you to keep everything from shoes to cleaning products to important paperwork and more. You could even turn it into an extra pantry if your kitchen is bursting at the seams. And this is something I’m definitely adding to my basket…

Well, excuse me while I add these to my basket and turn my dumping ground into a tidy and organised dream space.

As Ideal Home’s Editor for all things storage and organisation, I’d like to think that I’ve mastered the art of keeping *most* of my home neat and tidy - but my clothes storage is a different story. My ‘floordrobe’ has taken over my sleeping space; it takes approximately six million years to find what I want to wear in the morning, and my wardrobes and drawers are bursting at the seams.

And while I’ve always dreamed of amazing wardrobe ideas and perfectly folded drawers, the reality is that I have a small home with limited storage that just isn't equipped to handle the many (many) clothes I own. But after taking note of the things people with tidy bedrooms always have, I’ve made it my mission to curb the clutter and finally take action.

So, I asked my most organised friends, family, and colleagues for their tips on the things people with tidy clothes always have in their drawers and wardrobes, and to see if there were any game-changing gadgets or gizmos that would transform them into a perfectly curated, chaos-free option for clothes storage. And I thought I’d share them with you, too.

1. Space-saving hangers

One of the biggest problems I have in my small bedroom is that my wardrobe space is very small, and for some reason (I thought they looked better than metal hangers, so sue me!), I opted for chunky wooden hangers to hold my clothes. Apparently, this is the worst thing I could do.

When you’re working with a small wardrobe but a large collection of clothes, you can triple your wardrobe space with space-saving hangers designed with vertical (not horizontal) space in mind. These are generally more slimline - often made from metal and velvet - and often come in different forms for different items of clothing.

For example, you can buy specific space-saving hangers for your trousers, hanging skirts, T-shirts, shirts and more. And as I have all of these in my wardrobe, I’m going to mix and match a few of them to organise my wardrobe as efficiently as possible - while freeing up space in the process.