A DECLUTTERING expert has revealed the six items you should start with if having a big clear out feels overwhelming.
Cher Casey, founder of The Mindful Organiser , insists that focusing on functional items that don’t require emotional decisions can give you “easy wins” when it comes to decluttering your home.
Cher Casey says six items can give you an ‘easy win’ when it comes to decluttering Credit: Cher Casey
Binning old cleaning products can clear space in your home Credit: Alamy
She said: “If you want your home to feel instantly bigger before summer, focus on creating quick wins first.
“The easiest place to start is with items that have no sentimental value attached to them, those that require simple yes-or-no decisions.
“The functional items that build up over time and take up valuable space without adding anything useful to daily life.”
The York-based decluttering pro added: “Decluttering doesn’t have to start with heavy emotional decisions.
“In fact, the most effective approach is often the path of least resistance.
“Begin with the obvious, practical items you already know you don’t need. Those small wins build momentum quickly and can completely change how your home feels.”
Here, Cher reveals the easy items you should clear out now as part of her home decluttering guide with Jackson Woodtuners .
Expired food items
Cher says expired food items are one of the easiest places to start when decluttering because they’re “no longer useful and require little to no decision making”.
She adds: “Clearing them out instantly creates space, improves organisation, and helps make kitchens feel cleaner and more manageable.”
Out of date medicines
Out of date medicines can quickly build up unnoticed and may no longer be safe or effective to use.
Cher says: “Clearing expired medications out of your cabinets, not only frees up space but also helps create a safer environment.”
Unused and out of date toiletries
The decluttering pro revealed that bathroom cupboards and vanity units are often overlooked.
She adds: “However, often, people will have unused and expired products which can be decluttered.
“Products get pushed to the back and forgotten about, especially half-used toiletries and old skincare samples.
“Suncream is a big culprit too, many don’t realise that it has an expiration date and keep old bottles ‘just in case’. Not only does clearing these out free up space, but it ensures genuine health benefits.”
Old cleaning products
“I often see clients with multiple bottles of cleaning products under the kitchen or bathroom sink, many of which aren’t being used anymore”, Cher says.
She adds: “Whether it’s buying more, forgetting that they already have some, or switching to a preferred brand – these unused products are a quick and easy item to get rid of, clearing space in your home.
“Instead of binning them, unopened or even lightly used products may be accepted by some food banks or community charities. This feel-good declutter can reduce waste and support the local community.”
Mismatched or “orphan” socks
Mismatched and orphan socks are something many people hold onto in the hope that the missing half will eventually turn up.
But Cher insists “after a while, it’s worth letting them go”.
She adds: “While clearing them out may not save a huge amount of space, it’s a quick, easy and low-stress way to start getting organised”
Tupperware without lids
Finally, Cher points out that tupperware containers without matching lids are one of the most common sources of kitchen clutter.
She says: “If a container can no longer be properly sealed or used for storage, it’s often better to recycle, repurpose or bin it rather than letting it take up valuable cupboard space. This helps make room for storing other more practical items.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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