I’m back at my desk today following a fantastic weekend at the Ideal Home Show Scotland in Glasgow. I was delighted to have been invited by the show as one of the experts in the new Renovation Advice Hub, where I spent two days talking to people about their organising goals and challenges. Along with other colleagues from APDO, the Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers, we certainly made sure that simplifying and organising was top of the agenda at the show!

It was so lovely to meet so many people all sharing the same aims – to get decluttered and organised. Some were planning renovations, some had just moved house, two were in the middle of extensions… whilst others just wanted to live more simply in their homes without making any expensive changes. I was also delighted to meet some of my More Organised followers who wanted to come and say hello. It was so lovely to meet followers in person and to chat through their organising successes and plans. Thank you so much to everyone that came by – it was lovely to meet you all and I can’t wait to do it all again next year!

We had some insightful, candid conversations, celebrated successes and explored solutions together. After two days of solid talking, not only did I have a warm, fuzzy glow from helping people, a renewed love for what I do and a very sore throat(!), I had a fresh insight into Scotland’s organising challenges. So to wrap up a fantastic weekend of organising, here are the top 5 most frequently asked questions from my weekend at the Ideal Home Show. And my answers!

The 5 most asked organising questions

Number 5: What to do when two people have different ideas about decluttering?

Most of my visitors at the weekend were couples. Sometimes on the same page about decluttering and organising, but sometimes not. Some specifically asked for my advice about it, and with others I could feel the tension in the conversation. But it breaks down to the same things, as most things in a partnership do – respect and compromise.

Someone’s possessions are obviously very personal – what may be excess to one could mean security to another. What looks like clutter to one, could be precious memories to another. So it’s important to talk through any frustrations, recognise your partner’s view of possessions, and find some common ground. Focusing on a common goal can often help. For example: decluttering recipe books so you can focus on the favourites and enjoy cooking together, or organising outdoor equipment so that the sunroom becomes a place to relax and be together in the evenings.

Number 4: What is the best way to store the family’s shoes in the entryway of the home?

I enjoyed hearing about families’ extensions and renovations at the show, but I was surprised at how rarely any consideration had been given to shoes and coats. Pouring through plans with one family, I noticed that their new open plan design left no room for storage downstairs. With another, their existing wall was being knocked down, along with their coat hooks and shoe rack.

My first suggestion is always to keep shoes and outerwear at a minimum. I don’t mean go minimal and get rid of most of them (although if you want to, don’t let me stop you!) Instead, think about which shoes and coats really need to be by the front door at all times, and keep the rest in wardrobes until needed. Then think about the best use of space:

• Two rows of coat hooks, one high and one low, will take up less wall space and make sure that little ones can reach their own coats.
• A small bench in the hallway can double up as shoe storage.
• Purpose-built slimline shoe cabinets can fit in most hallways without taking up too much space. I like the “Hemnes” one from IKEA.
• Consider a basket for each child to keep their own shoes in – when it is full, some need to be put away in the wardrobe.
• Teach the little ones to put their shoes and coats away as soon as they get home.

Number 3: What to do with your stuff when you are building an extension?

First of all, this is a fantastic time to have a good clear out! You don’t want to fill up your beautiful new extension by bringing all the clutter back in. Think about what style your new space will have, and what will fit back in.

Then look at what you need whilst the project is ongoing. Keep these items in labelled boxes so that you can easily find what you are looking for. Then pack up everything you don’t need and store it. If you are lucky enough to have room in your home, away from the dust of the building works, then you can keep things on-site. Or consider self-storage as a temporary solution until your new home is ready.

Some of the couples I spoke to at the weekend were as stressed about packing up their belongings as they were about the extension build itself. If it all seems like too much work, remember that a professional organiser can help you to assess your belongings and available storage space, then pack it all up for you in logical, accessible way. And thenhelp you with the unpacking into your beautiful new space!

Number 2: Where do I donate my unwanted items after decluttering?

There are so many places to donate unwanted items – from charity shops to schools, care homes to furniture collection companies. If you have items to donate and you don’t have a charity in mind, ask around or post in your community’s Facebook group. Many charity shops have collection services, especially for larger items and furniture. Depending on your location, you might wish to consider donating items to the following:

• My personal favourite is Massive Outpouring of Love, Dumfries & Galloway’s refugee action charity that helps people in the local community as well as refugees.
• The British Heart Foundation collect furniture for their specialist furniture showrooms, as well as clothes and smaller items for the high street charity shops.
• I spoke to the manager of Glasgow’s legendary Dumbarton Road Salvation Army charity shop at the Ideal Home Show – she explained how they run the shop as a business, accepting a diverse range of items to satisfy growing demand. They also hold vintage and designer sales.
• You can’t beat Shelter charity shops for beautifully presented and cared for clothing.

And at number 1, the question I was most frequently asked at the Ideal Home Show was…

Number 1: How do you find the time to organise?

Finding the time to organise is the same as finding the time to do anything… prioritise. If you really want to organise your home, you need to put it at the top of your to-do list. And then allocate time to actually do it. That means putting it in your diary if you have to! Even 15 minutes per day will start to make progress towards your goals. With focus, you will soon start to see success.

If these answers have inspired you to start your decluttering journey, get in touch to make the first step. Book your free-of-charge, no obligation consultation to ask your own questions – and start living in a lighter, more organised space!