Decluttering sounds so simple but it never is. My mantra is “if it hasn’t been used in two years, it needs a new home”. When I start, I get as far as arranged piles but I’m actually very slow at taking them to the places they need to go, like the charity shops.

This year however, things are going to change. I don’t intend on being minimalist but I do hope to prevent the weekly stumble over boxes and bags for the charity shop; they need to go!
Some people find decluttering a stressful activity and it can be quite overwhelming if you have a lot of items with sentimental value. Take your time and move slowly working with one room at a time; working at a slower pace will enable you to start visualising your end result.
Place items into piles so you know exactly what you have and what you are getting rid of; then ask yourself these 10 questions.
If you discover items you didn’t remember having, was it really needed in the first place?
The item of clothing that you love, which is now too small for you, is it really going to fit you again?
Plan a day where it is solely removing items. Make a list of where you are dropping them off to or who is collecting them so you don’t get distracted.
If you have your own transport, move your items for donation into your car so you are not tempted to hang on to them or go through them again.

Organizing and decluttering relieves stress for many people by providing a sense of control and accomplishment. 61.7% of survey respondents said decluttering reduced their overall stress level. For others, getting rid of the junk frees up extra space in the home that wasn’t there before. Some may just need to purge their house of clutter before a move. Whatever your reason is for decluttering your home, and in turn your life, this ridiculously thorough guide will help walk you through the process.
Budget Dumpster
Others (like myself) tend to get fidgety when they have too much stuff and not enough room. This can result in rushing; jumping from room to room and getting rid of things that you actually need. Again a plan of action needs to be in place. Make a list of the items you want to reduce, clothing, crockery, books, electrical etc and decide if you are giving them away or selling them.
Local Reuse, recycling and charity Shops
We have some great local charitable services in Welwyn Hatfield which are always looking for donations.
Furniture Recycling
- Welwyn Garden City Reuse Shop – 01707 281420
- Recover – Upcycling Furniture & Lives T: 01707 322 103
- Forces Support – T: 07961 709866
- Keech Hospice Care Charity Shop, Welwyn Garden City Furniture T: 01707 376315
Charity Shops – Welwyn & W.G.C
- Friend Of Danesbury (Welwyn) – T: 01438 840769
- Isabel Hospice (Stonehills) – T: 01707 334638
- The Salvation Army Charity Shop – T: 01707 325025
- Sue Ryder – T: 01707 339336
- Cancer Research UK – T: 01707 322559
- British Heart Foundation – T: 01707 371441
- Scope – T: 01707 329003
- Oxfam – T: 01707 335271
- Oxfam Books & Music – T: 01707 330990
- Dogs Trust Welwyn Garden City Shop – T: 01707 320328
- Age UK Hertfordshire – T: 01707 323272
- The Children’s Society – T: 01707 394001
Electrical Devices
- Welwyn Hatfield Staying Connected – T: 01707 274861 (Laptops, Tablets & Smart Phones)
Charity Shops – Hatfield
- Willow Foundation – T: 01707 265818
- Isabel Hospice – T: 01707 258602
- Free Books Hatfield – E: fbh2016@outlook.com
- DEBRA UK – T: 01707 251296
- Barnardo’s – T: 01707 262233
- St. Elizabeth Charity Shop – T: 01707 709581
- Scope – T: 01707 264644
Decorators Paint
- Community RePaint Ware Recycling Centre & Reuse Shop – T: 01992 555820

Put calming or lifting music on to help you stay in the current state of mind and try and enjoy the process.
Always have the benefits of decluttering at the back of your mind. Think of how a clear space might make you feel and use this as part of your motivation.
Local help and advice
If you feel you aren’t able to cope with the amount of items you have in your home or you know of someone who may need some extra support due to hoarding, here are a few local services who are able to provide advice and assistance.

Herts Help are a network of community organisations in Hertfordshire working together.
They are here to listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information you need to get the most out of life.
T: 0300 123 4044 | E: info@hertshelp.net
We’re here:
- Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm
- Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm.

Care for Freedom Hoarding and decluttering service can help clients regain control of the home environment using both emotional and practical support, working to put clients back in control of both the home and their life.
Working in partnership with Herts Help and the Smash support movement to combat hoarding and self neglect issues.
The service uses kindness, positivity and care with a can do approach to almost any issue, working to bring light to the darkest corners across Hertfordshire.

Mind in Mid Herts has a collaborative, positive and holistic approach to promoting mental wellbeing. We support individuals who are suffering or who have suffered from mental and emotional distress. This is achieved by following the Recovery Model which enables individuals to make well informed life choices. This way of working underpins all aspects of work within the organisation.
T: 03303 208100 | E: admin@mindinmidherts.org.uk