Towards the end of last year, I visited the Home, Life & You Show (formerly the Clean & Tidy Home Show) at ExCeL London with my sisters. It’s become something of an annual tradition and, as always, I left feeling inspired, motivated and full of fresh decluttering energy.
With 2026 now underway, many of us are thinking about how we want our homes to support us over the year ahead. Alongside some brilliant talks on time management, reusing and recycling, there was plenty of practical advice on decluttering and organising. It was a timely reminder that creating a calmer, more functional home doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul, just a shift in mindset.
Here are some of the most common decluttering myths that can hold us back and the truths behind them.
❌ Myth: I need an uninterrupted whole day to declutter
👍 Truth: Even 5 minutes a day makes progress without risking burning out. Once you’ve build up momentum, you can tackle longer sessions.
❌ Myth: Decluttering means I’ll have to get rid of things I love
👍 Truth: Decluttering is about removing what you don’t love, so you can see and enjoy the things you do.
❌ Myth: I’ll buy some storage, and that will take care of all my clutter
👍 Truth: You probably already have perfectly suitable storage – just hidden under the clutter! Declutter first, then assess what needs storing.
❌ Myth: Decluttering means i’ll have to go minimalist
👍 Truth: Clutter is personal. Decluttering isn’t about removing all personality; it’s about creating a space that feels peaceful, functional and supportive to you.
❌ Myth: I’ll declutter once and for all
👍 Truth: Decluttering is an ongoing process. Tackling a space as a project is great, but without habits to maintain it, clutter can creep back in.
As we move through 2026, decluttering doesn’t have to be about perfection or pressure. It’s about making small, intentional choices that help your home work better for you, whether that’s creating space for family life, home working or simply a little more breathing room.
Next time one of these thoughts pops into your head, I hope this gives you a gentle nudge to keep going. Decluttering can be practical, achievable and surprisingly empowering, one small step at a time.
Francesca Harrison
Curchods Decluttering Expert
Your Tidy Space
