Lesley Spellman, left, and Ingrid Jansen

Decluttering your home can feel overwhelming when you try to do it all at once.

The key to lasting results is breaking the process down into manageable steps throughout the year.

This 12-month guide offers a clear plan to help you stay on top of your home, one room or area at a time.

By tackling one area at a time you avoid burnout and create sustainable routines that can help to keep your home organised all year long.

March – Hallway

Your hallway sets the mood every time you step in or out of your home.

Begin with shoes and coats.

Keep only what’s in season in the hall and store the rest elsewhere to reduce volumes.

Recycle junk mail and old post that’s been lingering.

Containerise everyday essentials like keys, umbrellas, pet leads or school bits so they’re easy to grab on the way out.

Small tweaks here create huge efficiency and stop clutter travelling further into the home.

April – Living Room

As the days brighten, give the space you relax in a reset.

Streamline magazines, throws, DVDs and tech accessories.

Rehome items that settled here over winter and question whether your decorative pieces are really enhancing your room or are they just gathering dust?

Reduce the number of cushions and blankets to what you actually use.

A calm, curated living room supports better relaxation and makes spring cleaning feel much easier.

May – Wardrobes

May is the perfect time for a wardrobe refresh.

Take everything out, group by category, and be honest with yourself.

What fits?

What suits your lifestyle now? Let go of aspirational outfits, worn-out items, and pieces you always ignore.

Streamline shoes and handbags, then return items in a way that fits your life and your space.

A well-curated wardrobe makes mornings smoother and reduces decision fatigue.

June – Bathroom

With summer around the corner, keep bathrooms fresh and functional.

Check toiletries, medicines, and cosmetics for expiry dates.

Decant half-used bottles into one container where possible.

Tackle towels too.

Keep your best and send the threadbare ones for ragging.

Check cleaning products, make sure you have only what you use, and recycle the rest responsibly.

A streamlined bathroom makes getting ready feel calm rather than chaotic.

July – Garden & Shed

Take advantage of warmer days and tidy the outdoor spaces.

Sort tools, pots, and gardening supplies, discarding broken items and donating duplicates.

Streamline outdoor toys and sports equipment and create zones so everything has a home.

Wash garden furniture cushions and store rarely used items in weatherproof containers.

An organised shed and garden make summer living way more enjoyable.

August – Children’s Rooms

Perfect for a pre-term reset.

Involve the kids where possible so they learn decluttering and organising skills too.

Sort clothes first, then toys by category.

Donate puzzles, outgrown games, unread books, and crafts that have lost their appeal.

Create simple, low-maintenance storage.

Open baskets work brilliantly.

A tidy space helps children play better and makes school mornings smoother.

September – Home Office / Paperwork

September has a new year feel to it so seize the opportunity when your motivation is high to tackle paperwork.

Shred what’s no longer needed, file essentials, and digitise where possible.

Sort stationery, tech, and office supplies and be realistic about what you actually use.

Organise your desk so only daily essentials are visible.

A functional office boosts productivity and helps keep life admin under control.

October – Utility & Laundry Spaces

These hardworking areas deserve attention before the festive season ramps up.

Declutter cleaning products, duplicate detergents, odd socks, and broken pegs.

Review laundry baskets and streamline your routine.

Separate colours, delicates, and towels so washing feels less overwhelming.

A reset here makes home maintenance noticeably smoother.

November – Dining Area

Get ahead of Christmas by refreshing the dining area.

Check your table linens, serving dishes, glasses, and seasonal décor.

How many platters do you really use?

Keep your favourites and donate the rest.

Clear surfaces, polish furniture, and create space for festive hosting.

A simplified dining room makes entertaining far more enjoyable.

December – Quick Wins

This is the month of small wins rather than major projects.

Focus on quick declutters in cupboards, corners, and storage spaces as you come across them.

Expired decorations, broken lights, old gift bags, or anything that didn’t get used last season.

Create space before new items arrive and head into January with less to manage.

Save bigger projects for the new year when you have more headspace and motivation.

January – Kitchen

Start the year with the room that works hardest.

Check expiry dates, tackle aspirational gadgets, and streamline cupboards so everyday items are front and centre.

Be honest about duplicates and donate anything still usable.

Containerise wherever possible, decant if it helps you stay organised, and give shelves a good wipe before returning items.

A calmer kitchen instantly sets the tone for the year and makes daily routines feel lighter.

February – Bedroom

With winter still in full swing, rest is uppermost in our mind so let’s focus on the bedroom.

Clear bedside tables, donate unread books, and return clothes to where they belong.

Sort through pyjamas, underwear, and loungewear.

Keep only what you love and reach for.

Reassess jewellery boxes and sentimental drawers, which tend to become clutter magnets.

A peaceful bedroom is essential for good sleep and emotional wellbeing.

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.