CANDIS LIVING
Clear the clutter Overwhelmed by clutter? Why not get set for autumn with a fresh start, says Louise Baty Do you find you can’t move for books, old clothes and random charging cables in your home but can’t seem to sort through your junk? Then you’re not alone. According to research, the average UK adult hasn’t decluttered their home in two-and-a-half years. A staggering 67 per cent of 2,000 people surveyed confessed to clinging on to items just in case they were needed one day in the future, while 14 per cent felt that they didn’t have time to declutter. Clutter is an issue for many of us, but don’t wait for spring to get cleaning. Autumn is an ideal time to sort out your home. As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, it makes sense to get your house in order for the cosy season. 28
SEPTEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK
Kitchen
You probably use the same few pots, pans, utensils and crockery daily but have cupboards of unused ‘just in case’ china and gadgets. Face facts – if you haven’t used something in the last year, you probably never will. List kitchen items on local Facebook selling groups or give away on Freecycle… that unused saucepan set could be ideal for a teenager heading off to university. For items worth keeping but only used occasionally, such as at Christmas, store in the loft. You’ll clear space for everyday items and leave worktops free for cooking and preparing food. Anything broken or damaged should go, along with out-of-date food. Donate anything unwanted but edible and within its use by date to the local food bank. Organise cupboards so that frequent-use ingredients (oil, salt and pepper) are within easy reach and heavy things are in lower cupboards.