10 of the biggest mistakes people make when they're decluttering

Autumn is often an ideal period for a bout of clearing out clutter.

Firstly, we're spending more time at home, which means that that heap of old shoes and the stack of books you haven't got round to reading yet, and the clothes you liked last season but aren't into this year are right in front of you... and bothering you.

And if you've got little ones, Christmas is fast approaching, which means tons of new toys and gadgets are heading your way - it's time to clear some room for it.

But if your living space requires a renovation beyond a good clean and fresh bedding, then please carry on reading.

The podcast, held at London's ExCel Centre from October 19-20, is all about living life to the full with a streamlined approach.

Next weekend's event promises thought-provoking talks from specialists such as Marie Kondo, alongside demonstrations of the latest storage and organisation systems which are redesigning the way people approach - and sometimes successfully conceal - their home clutter.

"Pressure To Do Too Much In One Go

'Finding the energy to clear out your whole house in one session can be overwhelming and draining. It's generally more sensible to deal with one room, or even a part of a room, at a time.'

2. Lacking a clear direction.

Without a plan in place, it's simple to get side-tracked or lose interest. Having clear objectives, a set deadline and a clear plan for the items you're getting rid of can help you stay on track and maintain motivation.

4. Failing to have a strategy for dealing with waste.

Considering what to do with unwanted items (such as donating, selling, or recycling) beforehand can prevent clutter from building up and reduce frustration during the decluttering process.

4. Making sure you have the necessary containers before clearing out clutter
Some people are preferring to purchase units storage first and then consider decluttering as they believe it will be convenient to store things as they go along.

'Buying storage items like bins, boxes, or shelves before figuring out exactly what you need is unlikely to lead to efficient use of space and budget. Instead, initiate the decuttering process followed by selecting the storage solutions required.'

5. Acquiring uneasy feelings about disposing of presents
Would you like to talk about feeling uncomfortable about getting rid of the things people have given you? For instance, a gift that you received recently which you dislike but are uncertain of which is to be done with it.

'Retaining items solely because they were gifted can result in accumulation of unwanted clutter. It's perfectly acceptable to dispose of gifts that fail to contribute positively to your life.'

6. Incomplete tasks

Beginning a decluttering project but allowing it to stall can result in increased chaos and disorganisation. Finishing each task thoroughly before advancing to the next step guarantees consistent progress.

7. "Beating the craving for flawless performance"
Focusing excessively on achieving perfection can cause undue pressure and anxiety, which may lead to underperformance.

'Striving for flawlessness can lead to delay or disappointment. Focus on making progress and continuously bettering yourself, rather than striving for something that is impractically ideal.'

8. Failing to Plan for the Time Required

'Decluttering can be a lengthy process, especially if it's been a while since you last tackled it. Be honest with yourself about how long it will take and make sure you've got enough time to devote to doing it thoroughly.'

9. Not receiving assistance at the moment it is required

'Getting rid of clutter can be a daunting task, and it's perfectly acceptable to seek assistance if needed, whether that's from friends and family or professional organisers. Having a supporting hand on deck can certainly make the process more manageable and enjoyable.'

10. Failing to keep newly tidied areas free of clutter

After clearing out clutter, it's crucial to establish routines and systems to maintain your space's tidiness. Frequent checks and tidy-ups will help stop clutter from building up again.

More about decluttering...

• This is what the clutter in your home reveals about your personality
• 6 Quick Decluttering Sprints You Can Complete in Half an Hour
• Can getting rid of clutter have a positive impact on a person's romantic relationships and intimacy?

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