Dilly Carter, Declutter Dollies, Sort Your Life Out

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Thursday, 23 January 2025 - 6 minutes

·Over half of Gen X (55%) living in Milton Keynes are prioritising decluttering to simplify their lives, but 42% struggle to start due to nostalgia and emotional ties to possessions.

·Sentimental items like family heirlooms and meaningful gifts are the hardest to part with, especially for women, who are more likely to hold onto them than men.

·Many people in Milton Keynes identify their parents’ homes as the most cluttered, with 27% feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of clearing them out.

·Commonly hoarded items include old cables, magazines, and unmatched socks, highlighting the everyday struggle to balance practicality with emotional attachments.

·Organisational tips from Dilly Carter: Practical advice that helps with the overwhelming task of decluttering the home

How many cables are stashed in your drawers right now? What about old magazines you “might read later”? For thousands of Brits and those living in Milton Keynes, clearing clutter isn’t just a chore—it’s a battle between the need for simplicity and the pull of sentimentality.

For many aged 45 to 60, the desire to create a more organised, clutter-free home is stronger than ever. Recent research from cleaning and laundry expert, Dr. Beckmann shows over half of this age group feel a drive to declutter, seeing it as a way to feel more in control of their busy lives. However, nostalgia often holds them back, with more than four in ten admitting they haven’t yet tackled the task.

The emotional weight of decluttering can be significant. Sentimental items, such as family heirlooms and meaningful gifts, are particularly hard to part with. Women are more likely than men to struggle with these items, adding an extra layer of complexity to the process.

It’s not just personal spaces that need attention. Many in this age group say their parents’ homes are in even greater need of a clear-out. Tackling these spaces is often overwhelming, with the thought of sorting through decades of accumulated items adding to the stress.

This raises questions about how families can manage clutter collectively. Can these efforts bring families closer together, or will they deepen the struggle to let go of the past?

The research shines a light on the everyday items those living in Milton Keynes are holding onto. Topping the list are boxes of cables and chargers, old magazines, and mismatched socks. Childhood toys and broken remotes also make frequent appearances in cluttered cupboards and drawers.

With so many of us clinging to items we rarely, if ever, use, it’s clear the challenge isn’t just physical—it’s psychological too.

Creating a tidy home offers more than just extra space. Decluttering can improve mental well-being, reducing stress and helping people feel more in control. It can also make daily life more efficient by making it easier to find what you need when you need it.

However, the process can feel daunting, especially if the clutter has built up over years. For many, starting small is the key to success, tackling one area at a time rather than trying to clear an entire home in one go.

If clutter is weighing you down, here are some practical tips to help get started:

·Begin with Manageable Areas: Tackle a single drawer, cupboard, or shelf to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

·Ask the Right Questions: If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s worth asking if you really need to keep it.

·Sort Strategically: Create three piles—keep, sell, or donate—and stick to them.

·Avoid Stockpiling Duplicates: Keep only essential items. For example, limit cleaning products to versatile, multi-use solutions, like Dr. Beckmann’s Floor & Multi-Surface Cleaning Sheets

·Stick to the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, let go of one existing item to maintain balance.

So, what’s the first thing you’ll clear out?

 

DILLY CARTER’S TOP DECLUTTERING TIPS

1.     START WHERE YOU FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE

Begin with the areas that are troubling you the most or the space you feel ready to tackle. If the thought of a big project overwhelms you, start small and work your way up, even a single cupboard can make a difference. The key is taking those first (and sometimes scary) steps

2.     ASSESS THE USAGE OF EACH ITEM

Ask yourself when was the last time I used this? If the answer is a year or years and it’s gathering dust, this is your sign you may no longer need this item, or it no longer serves a purpose in your life. Being honest with yourself can allow you to make more practical choices

3.     PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR EMOTIONAL RESPONSE

Look at the item and think about how it makes you feel when you hold it or see it. This can help you assess whether the item brings you a feeling of joy, sadness or evoke no feelings at all. If it doesn’t spark happiness or hold a meaningful purpose, it might be time to let it go

4.     CREATE CLEAR SORTING PILES

When tackling a space like the cupboard under the stairs or a drawer, empty it completely onto a clear surface or area. Sort the items into three piles, keep, sell and donate. This method helps you visualise what you truly require and what can move on to a home that needs it

5.     LIMIT DUPLICATES OR MULTIPLES

Make a note of how many similar items you own, for example, how many cleaning products do you have for the toilet or how many mugs do you really need? Then, set realistic limits based on your lifestyle. Aim to keep a manageable number of essential items that you truly love or use daily. The cleaning cupboard is an easy area to overfill, so I’d recommend having five hero products and using compact items like Dr. Beckmann’s Laundry Detergent Sheets and their versatile Floor & Multi-Surface Cleaning Sheets - which combines several products into one space saving pack – as these are a great space saving solution

6.     EMPTY THE SPACE COMPLETELY

For larger decluttering tasks, take everything out of the room or area in question. Starting with a blank slate allows you to see the potential of the space. Decluttering doesn’t have to be done all at once, progress adds up over time

7.     SET A DECLUTTERING SCHEDULE

Break the task into a manageable session. Set aside a specific time each day or week to tackle each room or area which needs attention. Consistency helps avoid burnout and keeps you motivated

8.     ADAPT THE ‘ONE IN, ONE OUT’ RULE

To prevent clutter from building up again, make a habit of removing one item for every new item you bring into the home. This ensures you maintain balance and avoid over-accumulation. Avoid keeping items ‘just in case’. Be honest about whether you’ll use something in the future

9.     SET GOALS FOR EACH SPACE

Visualise how you want a space to feel and function before you start decluttering. Whether it’s a minimalist wardrobe or a clutter-free kitchen, have a clear goal

10.  ENLIST THE HELP WHEN NEEDED

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. A friend, family member or even a professional organiser can offer support, objective and motivation. You never know, decluttering with a loved one can bring back fond memories as you sift through sentimental items

DILLY CARTER BIO

Dilly Carter is one of the UK’s leading professional organisers and a passionate advocate for creating calm, functional spaces. With years of experience transforming homes and lives, Dilly has become a trusted voice in decluttering and organisation, helping people simplify their surroundings and regain control of their spaces.

As the founder of Declutter Dollies, Dilly has worked with individuals and families across the country, offering practical, judgement-free advice tailored to their unique needs. Her philosophy centres on the belief that a well-organised home can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and create a sense of harmony in daily life.

Dilly is also a regular media contributor, sharing her expertise on TV, radio, and in print. Known for her relatable approach and actionable tips, she empowers people to tackle clutter in manageable steps, focusing on what truly adds value to their lives.

In addition to her professional work, Dilly is an author and public speaker, inspiring audiences to embrace simplicity and make meaningful changes to their homes and routines. Her practical strategies and motivating presence have made her a sought-after expert in the field of home organisation.

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