Declutter Your Life: Georgina Burnett on Letting Go, Upcycling and Living with Less

It’s easy to accumulate ‘stuff’. But knowing what to keep, what to let go, and how to give things a second life? That’s where the magic happens. In an uplifting live session at the Ideal Home Show, Georgina Burnett—aka The Home Genie—takes us on an honest and inspiring journey through the emotional world of decluttering.

Inspired by Good Housekeeping’s much-loved podcast My Life in a Biscuit Tin, this chat isn’t just about bin bags and tidy cupboards. It’s about making space for joy, connection, and creativity. Whether you're tackling a toy-strewn lounge or struggling to part with old keepsakes, Georgina offers practical advice, emotional support, and clever tricks to help you reclaim your home—and your peace of mind.

Watch the full talk now on the Ideal Home Show website, and if it sparks something in you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more inspiring home content.

 

Why Decluttering Is About More Than Just ‘Stuff’

For Georgina, decluttering is deeply personal. “We attach stories to objects,” she explains. “Letting go can feel like letting go of a memory—but it doesn’t have to be.” By reframing the process as an act of love rather than loss, we begin to see our homes not as storage spaces, but as reflections of how we live and feel today.

She encourages viewers to ask: Is this item serving me now? If not, it might be time to release it—with gratitude.

Sentimental Items: Keep the Memory, Not the Clutter

From children’s artwork to heirloom china, sentimental clutter is often the hardest to handle. Georgina suggests setting boundaries—like a ‘memory box’ for each family member—and choosing one or two meaningful pieces to display. Photographing sentimental items before letting them go can also preserve the memory without the mess.

“The memory lives in you, not the object,” she says, reassuringly.

Decluttering with Kids: A Lesson in Mindful Living

If you’ve ever tried to tidy up with toddlers in tow, you’ll know the chaos well. But Georgina sees decluttering as an opportunity to teach children about value, generosity and gratitude. Involving them in sorting toys or donating unused items can spark meaningful conversations about need versus want—and even reduce the Christmas morning overwhelm.

Top tip? Turn it into a game. A timer, a box and a prize can work wonders.

The Joy of Upcycling: Refresh Your Home with Purpose

Rather than simply discarding old furniture or décor, Georgina champions upcycling—the art of turning the tired into the treasured. Think a dated chest of drawers reborn with a coat of paint, or old fabric turned into cushions. Not only is it budget-friendly and eco-conscious, but it also adds a personal touch to your space.

Plus, she says, “There’s a special kind of pride in creating something unique from what you already have.”

Start Small, Feel the Shift

Overwhelmed? Georgina advises starting small—a single drawer, a corner of the room, even just your handbag. As the clutter clears, you’ll feel lighter, more focused, and energised to continue. “Decluttering,” she says, “isn’t about having a perfect home. It’s about creating a space that supports your best life.”

Final Takeaway
Whether you’re a sentimental soul or a reluctant minimalist, Georgina Burnett’s live session is packed with wisdom, warmth and truly doable advice. It’s a timely reminder that decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about space, energy, and joy.