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Interiors

Survey reveals one in five Brits hate how cluttered their homes are
Psychology Today

Between winter hoarding and Christmas gifts needing a proper place, the sight and feel of a cluttered home can be overwhelming at this time of year. 

According to a recent survey conducted by specialist home insurer Homeprotect, 19 percent of Brits think the most depressing thing about their home during the winter is that there’s clutter everywhere but no time to organise. Females felt this more acutely than males, with 21 percent of women naming clutter as their top concern compared to 17 percent of men. 

A whopping 33 percent plan to declutter their homes through January and February, with over a third of Brits aged 45-54 prioritising this task.

So, why are people so desperate to declutter, what’s the best way to tackle it and are there other benefits of having a clear-out?

David Joyson, Chief Customer Officer at Homeprotect reveals which cities seem most concerned about clutter. He also shares his top tips for restoring order in your home and the added benefits beyond a tidy space.

Southampton tops the list of cities most determined to declutter, with 41 percent of respondents from the port city on a mission to rid their homes of excess stuff. In close second is the Scottish capital of Edinburgh with 39 percent, and Manchester in third with 37 percent.

According to another survey, 78 percent of Brits say their homes lack storage, which is one of the key things for keeping your home tidy and organised.

The other benefits of decluttering

Prepping for home renovations and moving
Our survey found that planning a home revamp in 2025 is a priority for some, with 15 percent of respondents admitting they planned to buy new furniture/homeware in the January sales and 12 percent getting ready to embark on a large renovation job, such as refitting their bathroom or kitchen.

Taking some time to declutter the house to make way for new things or major renovation changes is crucial, especially if you feel the house is overloaded to begin with.

Spring is also the most popular season for buying and selling a home, so if a move is on the cards for you this year, now is a great time to declutter and make your home more appealing to prospective buyers. Plus, it will make packing up much easier.

Boosting your funds

Whether you’re saving for a big investment or a smaller treat, boosting your bank balance by selling unwanted items on second hand marketplaces such as Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace can make a difference and free you of clutter. This can range from unwanted clothing to household items and outdoor gear.

Remember, there are also options for donating or giving away items too, such as Freecycle or Gumtree.

Protecting your wellbeing in winter

During winter, we spend more time indoors, and piles of belongings and miscellaneous items without a home can quickly become a trip or safety hazard.

Clogged hallways and doorways can also restrict your ability to leave your home quickly in an emergency, and overcrowded spaces near radiators or overloaded electrical outlets can increase the fire risk. 

Plus, clutter can become more than just a visual annoyance – it can have a significant impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Living in a cluttered space has been linked to increased stress, anxiety and depression, so tidying up and clearing out your space is a good way to look after your wellbeing.

How to tackle clutter

Adobe

Decluttering can seem like a daunting task, but it’s manageable with the right attitude and steps:

#1 Set realistic goals

First and foremost, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to declutter your home in one day, so break it down into more manageable tasks. You can decide to go room by room or you can work in categories to make the process feel more achievable. Just tackling one drawer is a realistic way to get started without it becoming overwhelming.

#2 Create a system

Aimlessly sorting through your belongings without creating a system will only land you in a bigger mess. An easy way to manage this is to create four piles or boxes  labelled ‘keep,’ ‘sell,’ ‘give to charity’ and ‘throw away.’ 

Once you’ve sorted everything, it’ll be much easier to get unwanted items out of the house before you start putting things away.

#3 Avoid unnecessary sentimentality

There’s nothing wrong with keeping items that have sentimental value, but if they have no purpose or take up space, are they worth keeping?

Ask yourself key questions like, do I need or use it? Will I forget I have it? Can the memory attached to it be preserved in another way?

If it will only sit in an attic, garage or box in the corner, it probably needs to go.

#4 Focus on seasonality

Having just had Christmas now is the perfect time to go through and get rid of any unwanted or broken decorations and seasonal clothing.

If you avoided certain decorations or an ugly Christmas jumper, you may need to ask yourself if you’ll really need them again next Christmas.

Decluttering and home insurance

Any high-value items should be included in your contents insurance to keep them protected, and in the lucky event you come across something highly valuable, it may be worth investing in specialist insurance. Remember if you sell any high value items that were listed as specified items on your policy, you’ll want to update your home insurer.

If you find any items you think could be valuable, always do your research before you decide to throw them away or donate them. You never know when you may come across a hidden treasure.

While organising your space, any important paperwork should be documented by taking photos or scanning them to make digital copies. Some documents can be irreplaceable in the event of a fire, damage or loss. 

And if you are thinking of selling your property this spring, it’s worth planning ahead to make sure your home insurance needs are covered – if the sale ends up being delayed, or the house you’re selling (or buying) is empty for a period of time, you’ll likely need unoccupied home insurance to ensure you’re covered.

David Joyson, Chief Customer Officer
©2025.English Living.All Rights Reserved.
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