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Professional organiser shares 7 expert tips for stress-free home and hallway organisation
Cher Casey PhD shares timeless organisation hacks to help keep this high-traffic space clutter-free
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Spring is the perfect time to reorganise the home, but it can feel a little overwhelming. Especially in rooms like the hallway, where practicality and function are just as important as design aesthetics.
For those who don't quite know where to start, Jackson Woodturners, stairpart specialists, have teamed up with Cher Casey, PhD, professional organiser and decluttering expert at The Mindful Organiser - creating a guide to different decluttering methods. From those that are currently trending, to more timeless and traditional decluttering approaches.
Cher Casey, PhD, professional organiser and decluttering expert at The Mindful Organiser told Jackson Woodtuners,
“Hallways and entryways are the first thing you see when you get home, and the last thing you see when you leave. As such, they are spaces that can instantly boost or drain you. Giving them a bit of TLC can have a tremendous impact on how you feel in your home, starting from when you step in the door. Ideally, items in this space should be kept to a minimum, and only things that are required and logical should be housed here.
“These are high-traffic areas, and so are natural catch-all areas that can quickly become cluttered. Especially for families where the bottom of the stairs can become a dumping ground. Many things accumulate in entryways that don't belong there, but instead are collections of random things that have been dropped and not put away.”
Cher’s 7 decluttering tips for stress-free hallway organisation
1. Break up your project
“Don't take on the entire space at once. Breaking up your project into small, manageable tasks and scheduling your time, will turn decluttering from a daunting project into a manageable routine.
“Break the task down into categories such as clothing, accessories, shoes, and work through just one category before starting on the next. By tackling one drawer, cupboard, or corner at a time in short bursts, you build momentum while keeping decision-making simple.
“If you tackle the entire space, there's a high risk of getting overwhelmed, distracted, or otherwise stalling the project. This can cause a bigger mess and more resistance to returning to your decluttering project.”
2. Ask yourself 3 questions
“Only keep what is logical and essential for the space, and remove everything else. Ask yourself three questions: What do I need to use in this space? What makes sense to have here? Is there somewhere else this could live?
“There aren't hard and fast rules, but things like keys, outdoor wear, shoes, bags, and some accessories make sense to keep in an entryway.”
3. Try seasonal rotations
“Much of what we store in entryways is seasonal, so rotating what you have based on what you're using for the season can be a game-changer. When the weather starts to change in late spring, you can remove bulky coats, scarves, woolly hats, gloves, and other seasonal items. Likewise, when cold weather returns, you can rotate flip flops, sun hats, and other summer wear to make room for your winter gear.
Left: Cher Casey PhD
4. Focus on quick wins and celebrate progress
“Decluttering is like muscle, and the more you practice, the easier it gets. It’s best to begin with functional items and micro-projects that can be completed in 10-15 minutes. This will build up your confidence to make clear decisions. Start with practical items that only require a simple yes or no decision. Think pen pot, sock drawer, promotional mail, and expired food or medicine. Starting and finishing a small project will also build momentum and allow you to move on to more time-consuming projects and sentimental categories. This approach also celebrates progress over perfection and it builds endurance for your decluttering journey.
5. Add vertical storage
“It's really helpful to have designated hangers and containers for items. Giving clear and logical homes to each item makes it easier to tidy up. It removes the decision-making from the task and you’re not wondering ‘Where does this go?'. If you're struggling with space, consider vertical storage (using wall space) for hangers, shelves, or under-bench containers.
“l always advise clients to declutter before they consider storage solutions. It’s tempting to jump straight to products, but you run the likely risk of organising clutter and/or buying for what you have instead of what you need to store. Let the storage solutions be your reward after you edit your belongings.
6. Make time for micro-resets
“If you're one to drop things in your entryway, then you might want to actively try to break that habit. Having designated homes for items will make it much easier to quickly put things away. Because entryways are such high-traffic areas, it's likely that things will accumulate, so building in micro-resets (little and often tidying) will ensure the space stays as clutter-free as possible.
For those living alongside partners, children, housemates or other family members, Cher adds: “hallways and entryways are communal spaces, so it's important to get everyone in the house on board with what lives where so everyone can contribute to maintaining the space.”
7. Mindfully edit belongings to reflect your current lifestyle.
“Much of what we have in our homes reflects past chapters of our lives because we don’t often edit our belongings. Taking the time to consider if items align with who you are today and what you want to move towards can be a powerful act of self-care. Instead of rushing the process, this part of the process encourages reflection on why you’ve kept things, if they still add value to your life, celebrating those treasures, and releasing what no longer serves you.”
“This stage of decluttering is an intentional act rather than rushing for results, which can be stressful and overwhelming. By treating it as a gradual, purposeful process, it helps you curate your home alongside your life, and so creates spaces that truly support your lifestyle and your well-being.
For more hallway organisation tips and storage solutions, visit the Jackson Woodturners
