Expert Series: Decluttering to Create Space Before Renovation Begins

Before any renovation begins — before layouts, finishes or building works — there’s one step I often encourage clients to consider first: creating space through decluttering.

Over the years, I’ve worked alongside professional declutterers on several renovation projects, and I’ve seen first-hand how powerful this stage can be. Decluttering before renovation helps clients feel calmer, more focused, and far better prepared for the decisions that come with change.

To explore this further, I recently spoke with Gill Ritchie of Declutter Dahling, a professional declutterer I’ve worked with on previous projects. Below, Gill shares her insights on how organisation supports wellbeing — and where to begin when a home feels overwhelming.

How an organised home supports rest and wellbeing

According to Gill, an organised home has a direct impact on both mental and physical wellbeing.

Clutter and disorganisation can create a constant sense of overstimulation and a feeling of unfinished tasks. When our surroundings feel ordered and intentional, the mind can relax more easily, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Gill explains that organised spaces also support:

• improved focus and mental clarity by reducing visual distractions

• better sleep, particularly when bedrooms are calm and clutter-free

• positive emotions such as pride, comfort and ease

• time and energy savings by removing the frustration of searching for everyday items

• physical wellbeing through cleaner, safer environments with fewer allergens

In short, an organised home creates a peaceful foundation that supports calm, clarity and rest — all essential when preparing your home for renovation.

Small organising changes that make a big difference

Gill is particularly mindful of clients living with fatigue, chronic pain, or neurodivergence. She emphasises that decluttering and organisation should reduce effort, not add pressure.

Some of the small but impactful changes she often recommends include:

• simplifying possessions so there is less to manage and decide about

• creating clear, accessible storage zones, especially for frequently used items

• using visual cues such as labels, colour-coding or transparent containers

• keeping systems consistent so items always return to the same place

• designating rest-friendly spaces free from clutter and overstimulation

“These systems don’t need to be perfect,” Gill notes. “They simply need to support how someone actually lives.”

Where to start decluttering when your home feels overwhelming

When everything feels overwhelming, Gill suggests starting with the bedroom.

As the space where we begin and end each day, a calm, organised bedroom can:

• support better sleep

• improve mood and emotional regulation

• offer a peaceful retreat, even when the rest of the home feels busy

Simple steps — such as clearing surfaces, keeping décor restful, and ensuring clothes and personal items have designated homes — can make an immediate difference.

From there, Gill advises choosing the next room based on what causes the most stress or matters most day to day, whether that’s a kitchen, bathroom or sitting room.

Decluttering and emotional attachment to belongings

Decluttering is rarely just practical. Gill works gently with clients who feel emotionally attached to belongings, recognising that items can hold memories, identity, comfort or grief.

Her approach focuses on:

• compassion and patience

• progress rather than perfection

• keeping what truly adds value to a client’s current life

• offering alternatives such as photographs or memory boxes

Letting go, she explains, doesn’t mean losing the memory — it simply means making space for calm and clarity.

Simple habits for maintaining a calm, organised home

To maintain an organised, restful home day to day, Gill recommends small, consistent habits:

• short daily resets (5–10 minutes)

• giving everything a clear “home”

• keeping key surfaces clear

• using baskets or trays to contain everyday items

• curating what’s on display rather than displaying everything

These gentle routines help prevent clutter from building back up and support a lasting sense of ease.

Why decluttering before renovation leads to better design decisions

From my perspective as an interior designer, I see a clear pattern: clients who declutter before renovating tend to make calmer, more confident decisions. Storage requirements become clearer, layouts are more intentional, and the renovation process feels far less overwhelming.

It’s not about perfection — it’s about creating the right emotional and practical foundations before change begins.

Professional note

I’ve worked alongside Gill Ritchie of Declutter Dahling on a number of projects to help clients create calm, functional foundations ahead of renovation works. If you’re considering a renovation and would like support preparing your home beforehand, Gill’s approach is both thoughtful and supportive.

If you’re planning a home renovation and would like guidance on how to prepare your space, you’re very welcome to get in touch at noordinaryhouse@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you.

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