If you hate throwing things away, chances are you’ve built up years of “stuff”: drawers full of odds and ends, overstuffed wardrobes, and cluttered surfaces.
It creeps up slowly: a receipt here, a “might need this later” there, until suddenly it feels out of control. It’s a job that can feel so overwhelming; it’s tempting to dive straight back under the duvet and leave it for another day.
I’ve spoken with two organisation experts — Heather Dhillon, owner and founder of The Calm Home Company, and Esme Fisher, owner and founder of Tidy Coaching. They’ve shared practical, judgement-free advice on creating a calmer, more organised home.
Their message is simple: you don’t need a complete life overhaul. Small, realistic changes can make a big difference. And if their tips work for me, they can work for you, too.
Start with the space you already have
One of the most common frustrations people have is feeling like their home simply isn’t big enough for everything.
But according to the experts, the issue is rarely just space; it’s how that space is being used.
“We all have a finite amount of storage, and the best way to avoid overflow is to declutter regularly and make sure everything has a home.”
When items start living permanently on floors or surfaces, rooms quickly begin to feel chaotic. Creating designated places for everyday belongings helps maintain order and prevents clutter from building up.
It’s also worth looking at whether your storage is working hard enough. Cube units can be brilliant for toys, while shelving and bookcases can dramatically increase storage without sacrificing floor space. Using vertical areas, walls, alcoves and unused corners is one of the easiest ways to maximise what you already have.
Small habits can make the biggest difference
For many of us, the idea of becoming more organised feels like a huge project. But the reality is that lasting organisation usually comes down to small daily habits.
“Little and often is the key,” was something that both Heather and Esme were in agreement on.
Spending just 10 to 30 minutes each evening resetting your home, putting things back where they belong, clearing surfaces, tidying up everyday clutter can stop mess from building up.
At the end of a busy day, it’s tempting to leave everything until tomorrow. But even a quick 10-minute tidy can prevent small messes from becoming overwhelming.
When you do have more time, perhaps on weekends, focus on one manageable area at a time. A single drawer, shelf or cupboard is enough. Completing small tasks regularly is far more effective than waiting for the perfect moment to tackle everything at once.
Learning to let things go
Decluttering is often the hardest part of becoming more organised. Many of us hold onto items out of guilt, sentiment or a vague sense that we might need them one day.
A helpful way to decide what stays and what goes is to ask a few simple questions:
- When did I last use this?
- Would I buy it again today?
- Does it make me feel good?
If you haven’t used something in the past year and it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, it may be time to let it go.
Valuable items can always be sold or donated to charity, but the experts point out an important truth: the more possessions you have, the more you have to manage.
“If you want more space,” they say, “you ultimately need fewer things.”
Many people find the process surprisingly liberating once they get started.
Make storage work smarter
When storage is limited, thoughtful organisation becomes even more important.
The key is to store items based on how frequently they’re used. Everyday essentials, cosmetics, hairbrushes or favourite clothes should be easily accessible at the front of drawers and cupboards.
Items used less often, such as occasional wear or seasonal accessories, can be stored further back.
Rotating wardrobes seasonally can also free up valuable space. Keeping only your current season’s clothing accessible while storing the rest under beds, in the attic or in storage boxes makes wardrobes far easier to manage.
Garment bags, storage boxes, and vacuum-pack bags are particularly useful for this and ideal for storing clothes that will eventually be passed down to younger siblings.
Tackling the “floor-drobe”
If your bedroom floor has slowly turned into a secondary wardrobe, you’re not alone.
“The ‘floor-drobe’ is more common than you think,” the experts say.
A few simple systems can make a big difference. Rail dividers help organise hanging clothes, making it easier to find what you need, while slim velvet hangers take up far less space than traditional ones.
Inside drawers, expandable dividers or small boxes can separate items into categories. Folding clothes upright rather than stacking them is another effective trick, allowing you to see everything at a glance.
Regular wardrobe edits are equally important. Removing items that no longer fit or make you feel good instantly frees up space. Many people find that doing this once a season works well.
Creating a calmer home workspace
For those working from home, clutter can quickly become a distraction.
Keeping your desk surface clear is one of the easiest ways to improve focus. Desks with drawers allow you to quickly tidy away everyday items, creating a more calming work environment.
Within drawers, small organisers help keep stationery under control. Cable clips, ties and cable boxes can also reduce the visual clutter that often builds up around computers and chargers.
Paperwork is another common source of stress. A simple in-tray system with sections for “to action” and “to file” can help you manage incoming documents. When time allows, these can then be transferred into a labelled filing system using folders, binders or a filing cabinet.
The truth about messy drawers
Many households have a “messy drawer”, and that’s perfectly normal.
The problem arises when one messy drawer quietly multiplies into five or six.
Multiple cluttered drawers usually signal a lack of systems for small items or an excess of “just in case” objects. Start by designating one official messy drawer in a convenient location, often the kitchen or hallway. Then create simple categories within it using small trays or baskets.
Be strict about quantities. Two or three working pens are enough; you don’t need a dozen dried-up ones. The same goes for spare batteries and miscellaneous items.
Maintaining a simple “one in, one out” rule will help keep things under control.
Making the most of tiny utility rooms
When it comes to small utility spaces, the experts have one golden rule: go vertical.
If your utility room barely fits a washer-dryer, wall space becomes invaluable. Floating shelves above appliances provide storage for detergents and cleaning supplies without cluttering surfaces.
Matching containers can also help reduce visual noise and make the space feel calmer.
The back of the door is another useful storage opportunity. Over-the-door organisers are ideal for small items such as spray bottles, cloths, and gloves.
For bulkier equipment such as brooms or mops, wall hooks are a simple but effective solution. Hanging items rather than leaning them against the corners instantly makes a compact space feel larger.
If this hasn’t inspired you enough, Heather and Esme will also be appearing at the Ideal Home Show on the Spring Clean Stage on Monday, 13th and Tuesday, 14th April at 11:15 am, where they’ll be discussing all things home organisation. Do pop along if you can!
Tickets can be booked online in advance, and we have an exclusive discount for Elysium readers: use code HEATHERD10 or ESMEF0 for £10 entry on any day of the show.
Credits
The Ideal Home Show returns to Olympia, London, from 10–19 April 2026 for its 118th year, unveiling new and evolved features, including The Bark Yard, The Edible Garden, DIY Live, The Smart Home, The BBQ Academy, and The Design Studio. Tickets from £14 at idealhomeshow.co.uk
Heather Dhillon,
Owner & Founder of The Calm Home Company
www.thecalmhomecompany.com
Instagram: @thecalmhomecompany
Esme Fisher,
Owner & Founder of Tidy Coaching
www.tidycoaching.com
Instagram: @tidycoaching.esme
