Declutter Like a Pro: Expert Tips from the Ideal Home Show’s Professional Organisers

Ready to take control of your clutter? Here’s how the experts do it! 

We all dream of a home that feels calm, clear, and well-organised — but getting there (and staying there) can feel like a full-time job. That’s why at this year’s Ideal Home Show, we invited four brilliant professional organisers to share their secrets for simplifying life at home.

Sian Pelleschi, Heather Dhillon, Esme Fisher, and Lyn Lapworth brought a treasure trove of tried-and-tested methods, from smart systems and mindful habits to eco-friendly decluttering and creative storage. Whether you were in the audience or tuning in from home, their session was packed with ideas you can put into practice straight away.

Missed the session or want to watch it again? Catch up here now 

 

Start small and build momentum

Feeling overwhelmed? The experts agree: start where you are. Pick a small area — a single drawer, a kitchen cupboard, or even the dreaded ‘junk corner’ — and tackle it with purpose. Heather Dhillon suggests using the “chaos corner” method: designate a contained space where clutter can live temporarily, giving you control without guilt.

Once you’ve tackled a few small wins, it becomes easier to build momentum. Esme Fisher recommends setting a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and seeing how much you can get through. It’s amazing what you can achieve in a focused burst.

Try the body doubling method

One of the most eye-opening tips? Body doubling — a simple but powerful strategy for getting things done. As Sian Pelleschi explained, this technique involves working alongside someone else (in person or virtually) to stay focused. It’s particularly helpful for those who struggle with decision-making or motivation when decluttering alone.

Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional organiser, just having someone there can keep you accountable and on task.

Embrace the one-in, one-out rule

When it comes to keeping clutter at bay, Lyn Lapworth swears by the one-in, one-out policy. It’s as straightforward as it sounds: every time something new comes into the house — whether it’s a pair of shoes, a kitchen gadget or a toy — something else has to go.

It’s a brilliant way to maintain balance, and it encourages more mindful purchases too. Bonus: it’s especially helpful in homes with kids or limited storage space.

Declutter the eco-conscious way

Sustainability was a key theme in the session, with plenty of practical advice on how to declutter without sending everything to landfill.

The panel highlighted resources like Recycle Now for responsible recycling, Olio and Trash Nothing for giving away items locally, and Vinted for selling good-quality clothes. By rehoming your things instead of binning them, you’re not only reducing waste — you’re also extending the life of the stuff you once loved.

Make organising a family affair

Keeping your home organised isn’t a solo mission. Involving the whole household is essential for lasting success. That might mean creating clear zones for each family member, labelling shelves and baskets so everyone knows where things go, or setting up age-appropriate systems for kids to tidy up their own spaces.

The key is to build habits, not just have a one-off clear-out. Regular resets — whether weekly or monthly — help keep the chaos under control and stop clutter creeping back in.

Feeling inspired? There’s more where that came from

This expert talk was just one of many thought-provoking sessions at the Ideal Home Show, where we bring together the best minds in interiors, sustainability, and modern living. Whether you're tackling clutter, refreshing your décor, or simply craving a calmer space, there's something for everyone.