A deep dive into clutter and use of storage space

According to the latest ONS Living Costs and Food Survey (LCF) data, average weekly household expenditure was £567.70 in the financial year ending 2023. Amongst the categories included in this figure were clothing and footwear, household goods, recreation items (such as books), and other miscellaneous goods (such as toiletries or other personal effects)… However, all these items need to be kept somewhere, so we commissioned a survey* of the British public to discover the items that Brits own, and how they may be subsequently wasting or misusing storage space in their homes.

According to our survey, millions of us admit that we need to sort out our belongings, with 88% admitting that they need to declutter items in their home. Looking at location breakdowns, it was those living in Belfast (93%), Leeds (93%) and London (92%) are most likely to need to declutter, whereas residents in Bristol (77%), Cardiff (77%) and Norwich (83%) are least likely to.

The research also emphasized that clothing (47%), documents/paperwork (33%) and kitchenware (26%) were the top three categories most likely to need sorting, and that spare bedrooms (38%), garages (21%), utility rooms (19%) and lofts (19%) were most likely to become ‘dumping grounds’ for surplus items and clutter. 

With this in mind, we delved into some of the specific survey findings further (including those related to misusing storage space and decluttering), collaborating with experts in relative fields to add some further context in to the findings, and offer advice on how to maximise storage space. Read on to find out more…

-          CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR & ACCESSORIES

Is your wardrobe bursting at the seams? Our survey found that clothing (47%) was the top category most likely to need sorting, and that shoes (25%) and accessories (18%) also needed decluttering.

Organising consultant Hester Van Hien also shared that if someone has an issue with overconsumption, it’s likely to spot some of the following in their home: clothes with the price tags still on, items in their original packaging, a pile of online orders that needs to be returned, and duplicate items, or items that are very similar to each other or have almost the same purpose as another item.

Stylist Shabrina Jivraj-Kara recommends keeping “between 75 to 90 pieces” in your wardrobe – broken down as roughly 15-25 tops, 10-15 bottoms, 5-10 outerwear pieces, 5-10 dresses and jumpsuits, 5-8 pairs of shoes, 5-10 activewear pieces, 5-7 loungewear and sleepwear pieces, and 5-10 key accessories.

Shabrina also shared that organising your wardrobe for visibility, sorting by category (keep tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear grouped together) and organising by colour (seeing your wardrobe arranged by shade makes styling effortless).

When decluttering, personal stylist Ali Lees suggests getting rid of anything you haven’t worn for 6 months, items that don’t fit well, and clothes that don’t make you feel good. You should also pay attention to duplicates. A good rule of thumb is “1-in-1-out” – look to remove an item from your wardrobe every time you buy something new.

Cleaning expert Georgina Shepherd added that the easiest way to declutter clothing is to get everything out of your wardrobe and sort it into 3 piles – ‘keep’, ‘sell/donate’, and ‘throw away’.

When it comes to choosing the right bedroom furniture and storage solutions, Ali shared that different materials and clothing items need to be stored in specific ways. For example, trousers, dresses, blouses or shirts, blazers, and ties should be hung, whereas jumpers, T-shirts, shorts, nightwear, and swimwear should be folded. Anything made from natural fibres (like wool that could attract moths and the like) and boots (during summer months) should be stored in a cool dry place, and items with delicate prints and coloured items that you don’t want to fade should be stored away from direct sunlight.

Garment bags can be great for storing coats that are out of season, occasionwear, or anything else worn less frequently to keep the dust off, and bulky items (like padded coats, chunky knitted sweaters, scarves/gloves/hats when out of season) can be kept in vacuum bags. Plastic storage containers can be used for footwear, although you may find some ventilation is beneficial.

-          DOCUMENTS AND PAPERWORK

Documents/paperwork (33%) was the second most common category most likely to need sorting.

Georgina Shepherd added that sorting through paperwork can quickly become overwhelming, so the key is to break it down into manageable chunks. The best way to sort through paperwork is to divide it into 3 main piles – ‘file away’, ‘shred’ and ‘recycle/bin’. Once everything is sorted through, you should file everything away into an organised system that works well for you… A labelled folder or a filing cabinet works well for this.

Ex-police officer Bill Barna warned that your personal documents are a goldmine of information for criminals aiming to commit identity theft, fraud, or execute various scams. Your best defence against identify theft is prevention, by shredding or properly securing your personal identity data.

-          KITCHENWARE AND FOOD

Kitchenware (26%) was the third most common category most likely to be in need of sorting. Georgina Shepherd advised that the best way to store pots and pans is to pop them inside each other (from largest to smallest) to save space and keeps them neatly stacked. Lids of pots and pans should be stored separately

She also suggests investing in some draw organisers, so your utensils and cutlery are stored away neatly. This will save you rummaging through a messy drawer every time you need something. Using hooks or wall-mounted racks is another great way to free up cabinet space in smaller kitchens.

16% of the British public admit they need to declutter expired food items from their cupboards and fridge, and 10% say they would like to reduce the quantity of long shelf-life items (e.g. cans, tins, jars) taking up storage space.

Environmental health officer Jenna Brown shared that it is important to make sure you are storing the food items correctly and safely. Bread and chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place – such as a cupboard or kitchen larder. Whereas eggs, cheese, butter, milk, and meat should be stored in the fridge (note: saw meat should always be stored on the bottom shelf in a refrigerator to avoid the risk of cross-contamination).

Wine and condiments (such as chutneys, jams and sauces) can be stored in a cupboard upon purchase but should be moved to a fridge after opening, and storage advice varies for fruits and vegetables… For example, storing most fruit in the fridge will prolong shelf life, but bananas are best left at room temperature in an open fruit bowl on the countertop. For vegetables, salad is best kept in the ‘crisper’ drawer in the fridge, whereas onions and garlic are better stored in a cool dark place, whereas storing tomatoes at room temperature extends their shelf life.

She added that you should always refer to the back of the pack for expiration dates, and once opened focus on adhering to ‘use by’ dates, which are there for your safety and shouldn’t be ignored. The most important thing to be aware of here is the difference between ‘Use by’ and ‘Best Before’ – essentially, ‘Use by’ dates are about safety, whereas ‘Best Before’ dates are about quality”.

-          COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES

More than one in ten (12%) of the people we surveyed say they need to declutter cosmetics and toiletries.

Dermatologist Dr Sweta Rai revealed that beauty products which have been left open or exposed to moisture or heat can have bacterial infection risk, and therefore these should be avoided. Many toiletries and beauty products which have expired may have an altered colour, smell, consistency and less effectiveness on the skin. As well as expired beauty products being less efficacious, certain active ingredients when broken down can product an irritant effect on the skin.

Many high strength active ingredients may also be affected by direct heat, moisture, and light – moisture and heat can cause bacterial growth and deactivation of the strength of the product, or formation harmful by products when many actives are mixed together respectively, so the advice is to keep beauty products in a cool, dry area of your home.

-          TECHNOLOGY

Our research found that almost a quarter (23%) say they need to declutter technology and cables. Tech expert Matthias Woggon shared that electronics-from smartphones to computers to flat-panel displays-are often composed of toxic products such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. Thus, when they're disposed of wrongly, they threaten not just health but the environment as well. For this reason, such devices must be deposited at accredited e-waste recycling centres.

Danielle Holmes, a director whose office is a drop off and collection point for used and unwanted tech hardware, also highlighted the importance of data security when disposing of old tech – she shared that with many devices having data storage properties now, securely erasing all personal information off the device before recycling is important to keep your data secure from those looking to steal your sensitive data.

-          LIFESTYLE

The research highlighted that other lifestyle aspects also impacted our clutter. For example, surplus children’s items (13%) and pet items (6%) also featured as categories that needed to be decluttered from our homes. Surplus homeware accessories (such as ornaments and candles) or books/games were also highlighted by 19% of those surveyed, and 11% noted that seasonal decorations or reusable shopping bags were taking up previous space in our homes.

Other categories that Brits admitted needed decluttering included DIY/home improvement items, such as paint and tools (13%), gardening items (8%), leisure equipment for hobbies (5%) and sports equipment (5%).

-          HEALTH IMPACT OF CLUTTER

Our research highlighted that millions of people are dealing with inconvenient clutter taking over their homes. However, clutter isn’t just a nuisance – it can have real consequences for your health. Those piles of belongings collecting dust aren’t harmless; they’re a breeding ground for allergens.

Dr Babak Ashrafi shared that allergens (such as pet dander and dust mites) can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and even asthma attacks. But it’s not just dust you need to worry about. Cluttered areas, especially in damp rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, can harbour mould, which releases spores into the air. Breathing in these spores can aggravate respiratory conditions, causing persistent coughing, wheezing, and even lung infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Even bacteria thrive in cluttered spaces. When surfaces are covered in old papers, laundry, or forgotten objects, they’re less likely to be wiped down or disinfected, allowing germs to linger. This is particularly concerning in the kitchen, where cross-contamination from neglected surfaces can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

And it’s not just your physical health that suffers—living in a chaotic, messy space can take a toll on your mental well-being. Studies suggest that clutter can increase stress and anxiety, making it harder to concentrate, relax, and even sleep. A tidy home isn’t just about appearances; it’s about creating a healthier, calmer, and more comfortable environment.

Psychotherapist Georgina Sturmer corroborated this, sharing that sometimes this accumulation of belongings becomes overwhelming. It can make our space feel restricted and as if we have less opportunities to breathe and relax. The physical clutter can add to the mental load that we are carrying, leaving us feeling stressed or anxious.

Hester added that research has shown that when we’re surrounded by a lot of things, our brains can find it difficult to focus on the present moment. It can make it harder for us to focus, and this can impact our productivity. Psychologist Dr Venetia Leonidaki revealed that in a recent research study, office clutter also predicted emotional exhaustion and stress. 12% of those we surveyed said their home office was a space regularly filled with clutter, highlighting that millions could be impacted during their working days.

Plus, Gemma Sturmer also revealed the potential link between clutter and hoarding – she shared that hoarding is a compulsion (a drive to hang onto these items and the fear of throwing things away) that can have an enormous impact on our everyday life. When our space has become cluttered, we often feel as if we are out of control, so when we begin the process of decluttering, it marks that first positive step in taking control of our environment.

-          OTHER DECLUTTERING TIPS

9% of those we surveyed said their hallways were being overtaken by clutter. Whether its coats, keys, dog leads or shoes, clutter can easily accumulate in the hallway – however, Dr Babak Ashrafi shared a warning that your shoes and outdoor clothes as hitchhikers for germs. Every time you walk through the front door in the same shoes you’ve worn outside, you could be tracking in harmful bacteria like E. coli and Clostridium difficile (C. diff), both of which can cause nasty stomach upsets and infections.

And it’s not just bacteria—your shoes can also carry in pesticides, pollutants, and allergens like pollen and pet dander, which can settle on floors, carpets, and furniture. This should be a particular concern if you are living with young children who crawl and play on the floor, exposing them to whatever your shoes have picked up. A simple fix? Leave your shoes at the door and change into indoor clothing when you get home. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in keeping your home cleaner and your family healthier.

A shoe cupboard is a simple way to keep footwear neat and tidy. A hallway sideboard or cupboard can also help to manage any clutter, and a storage bench provides a handy home for shoes as well as a convenient place to perch whilst you put them on. Our blog on making the most of your hallway shares tips on how planning your storage carefully can make the most of the space to keep all the odds and ends at bay.

Sheds (16%), living rooms (15%), and gardens (3%) were also amongst the rooms mentioned for housing surplus items, so consider specific storage solutions for these spaces, such as designated garden storage, to keep their belongings organised!

* Survey polled 1,003 UK respondents, nationally representative – commissioned with The Leadership Factor in February 2024. Percentages rounded to one decimal place.

With thanks to the third-party experts who contributed comments, insights, and advice on the topic, including:

-          Ali Lees, personal stylist and wardrobe declutterer at Inspired Styling

-          Bill Barna, ex-police officer and founder of Bolo Stick (a door barricade device)

-          Charlotte Bailey, BABCP Accredited CBT therapist and trauma-informed psychotherapist, at Charlotte Bailey Therapies

-          Danielle Holmes, director of Black Nova Designs

-          Dr Babak Ashrafi from Superdrug Online Doctor

-          Dr Sweta Rai, a Doctify rated dermatologist

-          Dr Venetia Leonidaki, a Doctify rated psychologist

-          Georgina Shepherd, cleaning expert at Housekeep

-          Georgina Sturmer, psychotherapist MBACP

-          Hester Van Hien, home decluttering and organising consultant at Tidylicious

-          Jenna Brown, an Environmental Health Officer, otherwise known as the Food Safety Mum

-          Matthias Woggon, tech expert and CEO and co-Founder at eyefactive GmbH

-          Shabrina Jivraj-Kara, stylist and founder of Style with Kara