If you’re opting for a Valentine’s Day at home this year, it’s a great opportunity to make your home feel welcoming and intimate.

Whether it’s for a long-term partner, or a first date, creating a cosy and romantic atmosphere starts with more than candles and cushions. 

Instead, think about creating a space that’s clear of unnecessary clutter and emotionally draining items. 

When your home feels calm and organised, it means you can focus on each other, rather than on the pile of washing in the corner.

Here are five practical, room-by-room decluttering strategies designed to help you create an inviting home for Valentine’s Day, focusing on the spaces you’ll use the most.

Keep your cool in the kitchen

This is where most of your prep will happen, so creating an efficient and stress-free environment is the aim.

Spend time clearing your work surfaces completely, keeping only essential items you use daily.

This might include your favourite knife block, a chopping board or a vase for fresh flowers.

Look for clutter hotspots such as unopened mail, random gadgets or duplicates of kitchen tools.

These tend to build up and take up space you need for cooking.

Be honest about what you really use. If you haven’t touched a tool in six months, it’s time to get rid of it.

Organise your fridge so ingredients are visible and easy to find for when you’re prepping your meal – it’ll be quicker and less frustrating.

Remove expired food or forgotten containers.

When your kitchen is decluttered and organised, it becomes easier to enjoy cooking – and that sets the tone for a relaxed meal.

Declutter your dining room

Your dining room should be the place you share meals and conversations.

Start by removing anything unrelated to dining – letters, keys, toys, laundry –  that have crept in. These distractions can stop you from setting the mood for Valentine’s Day.

Next, clear your dining table completely to create space for a romantic table setting.

If you have bulky centrepieces or decorative items that don’t add to the atmosphere, put them away for now.

Instead, bring in a simple table runner or cloth napkins to soften the look without feeling too styled. 

Think about how you want to feel in this room.

If your walls or shelves feel too cluttered with photos or knick-knacks, look to start rotating these items. A cleaner space makes it easier to focus on each other during your meal.

Create a laid-back living room

The living room should be a place where you can connect without distractions.

Start by clearing surfaces such as coffee tables and sideboards of anything that doesn’t belong or add to your goal of relaxation time.

Throw away or recycle excess magazines, paperwork or decor that no longer fits your style.

Edit your soft furnishings – keep the cushions and throws that invite comfort, and remove those that feel worn or mismatched.

Add a few well-chosen candles or a fresh flower arrangement to create a subtle romantic atmosphere.

Make sure furniture is arranged to promote easy movement and conversation.

Your aim is to create a space to allow for you and your partner to slow down and enjoy the time together.

Creating boutique bedroom vibes

It’s not uncommon for Valentine’s Day to shift the focus to your bedroom, so if you want to avoid awkward moments like tripping over shoes or finding yourself buried under a pile of laundry, make an effort to tidy up.

Start by clearing your bedside tables and dressers – so, no old takeaway menus, mismatched socks or tangled charger wires on display.

If your wardrobe is bulging at the scenes, spend a weekend decluttering it – removing the items you haven’t worn for a year or more, so that everything fits nicely (and treat yourself to velvet hangers too).

For Feb 14, fresh, crisp bedding and soft lighting are key to creating a romantic atmosphere that’s calm and inviting.

Plus, fewer distractions mean fewer chances of accidentally knocking over that glass of wine mid-moment!

Making an entrance!

The hallway is the first space your guest will see, so keeping it clear sets the tone for the rest of the home.

Remove piles of shoes, discarded coats that haven’t been worn for months, bags that have been on the same hook for weeks, and the letters that tend to pile up.

It’s always worth investing in storage such as a bench with compartments or a shoe rack.

Keep surface clutter to a minimum, opt for a small bowl for keys or seasonal flowers. 

While you won’t be in the hallway for long, it’s the first impression of your home, so make sure it’s perfect to set the scene for a cosy Valentine’s Day date.

Decluttering for Valentine’s Day isn’t about quick fixes or creating an atmosphere for a night.

These are strategies you can implement to allow you to be more connected to your home, and how you want it to work for you.

It also offers an opportunity to gently let go of items that no longer fit your life or bring you joy, creating space for not just physically but emotionally.

By approaching decluttering with care and depth, you open the door to new beginnings, and that’s the real goal.

Ingrid Jansen and Lesley Spellman are the UK’s leading authority on decluttering and organising your home as The Declutter Hub, which boasts a top one percent podcast. They’re also the authors behind the bestselling Bloomsbury book Reset Your Home, Unpack Your Emotions And Your Clutter, Step By Step.