According to Good Housekeeping's 2025 survey, as many as 25% of us feel embarrassed by the amount of clutter in our homes. For a lot of us, it’s not for lack of trying – up to 95% engage in some form of decluttering. Yet somehow, time tumbles on and before long, it’s time for another clear-out.
The Style Sisters Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington are no strangers to this – but the difference is, the Essex-based duo have years of professional experience under their belts, decluttering the homes of celebrities including Michelle Keegan, Amanda Holden and Rita Ora.
While many of us approach a large-scale clear-out with fearful trepidation, they calmly explained to us that they consider this process to be a form of self-care. Toting the importance of making your home a cosy haven of calm, this pair of expert home organisers has seen enough decluttering action to know exactly what to do – and what not to do – when you’re taking on this task.
Five ‘don’ts’ of decluttering
1. Don't: Jump straight in without a plan
‘Decluttering can be overwhelming!’ the duo admits. Though it may seem like something you just need to crack on with as soon as the motivation hits, this can actually lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, making you more likely to give up halfway. Gemma and Charlotte’s advice for their clients? ‘Write yourself a step-by-step list, unique to each room, before cracking on.’
2. Don't: Make space for things you don't want
We all want a clean, tidy home where everything has its rightful place – but it’s important to make sure that you’re not making space for items you don’t ever actually use, and will end up getting rid of anyway. ‘The most common mistake we see with clients is that they forget to detox first. There’s no point in starting to make space for something you don’t even want to keep. Give yourself a day or two to thoroughly sort through your things before jumping into storage solutions and hacks.’
3. Don't: Hold onto things for the sake of sentimentality
When Gemma and Charlotte’s A-list clients come to them for advice on deciding what to keep and what to get rid of during a clear-out, they offer up their tried and tested ‘three-year rule’. ‘If it’s been three years since you’ve worn or used something, it’s time to let it go. It doesn’t need to be wasteful – you can donate or upcycle things you own – but don’t let your belongings collect dust out of guilt.’
4. Don't: Forget to look up
Sometimes you need to get creative when it comes to storage solutions. If you’re working with small spaces or tight nooks and crannies, it may be useful to think vertically, explains the expert pair. ‘There are lots of ways to make space. Tiered shelves and stackable jars help you to store things vertically, and create extra space in the pantry or even bathroom cupboards. By building upward, you free up valuable surface area for other essentials, while keeping everything visible and easy to reach.’
5. Don't: Lose sight of your end goal
It’s normal to feel stressed when undertaking a household clear-out, and many of us feel under pressure to get it done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Gemma and Charlotte encourage their clients to take it slow and steady, and not to forget their reasons for decluttering in the first place. ‘Your home should bring you joy and pride; decluttering old items and freshening up your space is a form of self-care. Enjoy it, take your time and decide on a treat that you’ll get yourself when you’ve finished it.’
Five ‘dos’ of decluttering
1. Do: Keep your kitchen cupboards clear and tidy
The best way to declutter like a pro is to reduce the amount of clutter that builds up in the first place. One tip that Gemma and Charlotte always recommend to their clients is to keep their kitchen cupboards neatly organised. This ensures they always know exactly what they’ve got, and never end up buying an excess of things that take up valuable space (and, if they’re perishable, could end up being wasted).
‘So many people have a cluttered kitchen because they don’t actually know what food they have in their cupboards. Pantry essentials like rice and pasta get pushed to the back, and before you know it, there are three bags of penne that you’ll never see again. Clear storage jars are your best friend to declutter the kitchen, and these £5 Online Home Shop jars are our favourite.’
2. Do: Make an inventory
An important first step to decluttering, Gemma and Charlotte explain, is taking stock of what you’ve got. Orderly storage strategies and deliberate, thoughtful organisation of your cupboards can help streamline this process. ‘Whilst you’re clearing out your cupboards, make a spice and herb inventory. They can often get knocked and spill in cupboards, making them feel cluttered and dirty. Investing in a spice rack not only helps you keep tabs on how much you have left, but also prevents them from falling over in the cupboard. This £12 three-tiered spice rack can fit into the aesthetic of your kitchen, too.’
3. Do: Incorporate storage solutions in your decor
When looking at spotless, decluttered celebrity homes, it’s easy to believe that they’ve exercised inhuman restraint and forgone the need for any of the boring yet essential items that clutter our own homes. Gemma and Charlotte explain that this couldn’t be further from the truth – it’s all about clever storage solutions. ‘When it comes to the bedroom and living room, one of the main pieces of advice we give to our clients is adding storage solutions to their decorative plan. Storage doesn’t need to be an eyesore – it can add to the room. This £28 foldable storage ottoman is perfectly on-trend, with a soft boucle finish. Put your blankets, games or cookbooks inside, and top with a coffee tray or coffee table book.’
4. Do: Keep cosiness in mind
The expert duo emphasises that as the evenings grow colder and darker, it’s essential to keep your home clear while also prioritising comfort and staying snug. ‘We’re now reaching autumn, so resetting your home for the cosy season should be fun. Leaning into seasonal colours can make your space feel cosier. Remember how much time you spend in your home – you need to make it somewhere that brings you joy.’
5. Do: Opt for timeless designs
Microtrends are a trap that many of us fall into, but as trend cycles grow shorter and shorter, they have become one of the main culprits for unwanted clutter that gets thrown out and replaced needlessly. ‘Following microtrends can lead to more clutter in the long run. We love monostripes because they never go out of style. A statement piece like this £10 throw, or this £12 bolster cushion, will add a striking pop to your space.’
What it's all about
The Style Sisters’ golden rules prove that decluttering isn’t about achieving perfection or minimalist, monastic living – it’s about creating the most joyful and comfortable space possible. With just a few smart tweaks, anyone can transform their home into a clutter-free space which, in turn, allows for a clutter-free mind.
