I arrived at this job in an unusual way. I used to work in international fashion wholesale. Being organised was a natural part of my character, and that only grew as I had children and left my job to stay home with them. While I was looking for a new career, a friend who worked in decluttering said: “You’d be amazing at this.” I’d never heard of it as a job, but I started helping people around me and it grew from there.
Decluttering has become very trendy. I’ve never worked with a hoarder, my clients are just people who are overwhelmed with life. A lot are time poor, so hiring a decluttering expert has become another time-management service.
People sometimes say to me: “I’ve stopped inviting people over because I’m so embarrassed about the state of my house.” That is the massive red flag. Or when people say: “I spend three hours in front of my cupboard in the morning, not knowing what to wear.”
There’s always the danger of the more space you have, the more you fill it. Nobody will ever tell you: “I moved to a bigger flat and I’ve left it empty.” It’s part of the society we live in to always want more.
When I arrive at someone’s house, they think I’m going to make them throw everything away. But I’m not a minimalist, even in my own home.
My biggest rule is to make your life simpler. Decluttering is only a part of it. Deciding how to organise what you’re getting rid of, and what to do with your cupboard space afterwards can be overwhelming. My main goal is to guide clients through this process.
Decluttering is about reframing your thinking. Some people get really emotional and become stressed about letting go of stuff. You shouldn’t ask: “What do you not want to keep?” Rather: “How about we take everything out and put back the bits you really love?” Then it isn’t about getting rid of things, it’s about surrounding yourself with the things you really love. And by listing it on Vinted the extra space comes along with extra cash in your pocket.
It can be an emotional process. Everybody has that thing they don’t want to throw away. It could be something that belonged to their parents. It could be family photos. It’s fine to keep them as long as they don’t invade your everyday space. That’s when it becomes a problem.
The mental benefits of decluttering can be enormous. In an organised space you have the chance to feel more in control. You don’t lose things, and you don’t spend money replacing things because everything is to hand. It’s good for your head, too. There’s a saying that a full loft weighs on your head. It’s true. Decluttering gives you brain space.
You have to be non-judgmental. One client’s mum had a massive makeup addiction, with cupboards full of expensive stuff. At another client’s father’s house, we found a wallet full of cash. It’s a strange job because you are going through people’s cupboards. It’s really personal, so you have to make them feel comfortable.
My top tips? Learn what people want. That old stack of magazines in the loft might feel like junk, but to a collector, it’s worth its weight in gold. Likewise, that single cup or odd saucer could end up in the bin. But for someone who’s looking for exactly that design to replace one that’s broken, they’re a treasure. Spending time on Vinted can help you appreciate what people are hungry for, and how to make the most out of your items. And you can put that extra cash in your pocket towards something nice for yourself – whether it’s a family treat or weekend away.
Top tips for decluttering
Vinted’s new decluttering series, Live Better For Less, sees families across Europe learning to part with their stuff and use the money raised to do something they’ve always dreamed about. On hand to help are celebrity hosts who love a good clear out. Here are the presenters’ top tips:
Lodovica Comello (Italy) says ‘put it in a box’
“Got something in your home that you’re not sure you want to keep? Put it in a box and leave it there for 90 days. If after three months you haven’t used it, haven’t looked for it, or you’ve completely forgotten what’s even in the box, you probably don’t need it.”
Chimène van Oosterhout (the Netherlands) says ‘timing is everything’
“Sell with the seasons. List things when people are actually looking for them – coats before winter, cookware before the holidays, dresses before summer.”
Alexandre Cressiot (France) says ‘one in, one out’
“Before buying a new toy, decide as a family which one has to go. If you can’t bear to part with anything, chances are you don’t really need something new. And my personal rule: The bigger the item you want, the more things need to leave the house.”
Declutter with Vinted
Clear the decks by giving your preloved items a second life – and make a bit of extra cash while you’re at it. Start selling at vinted.co.uk
