Get the bin bags out and get your comfies on, because the decluttering is about to begin. Say hello to your newly decluttered surroundings and prepare to get familiar with the fuss-free F.U.L.L. method, thanks to Anna Newton.
Streamlining your home and editing your possessions is the final piece of the puzzle of an edited life. It’s the step that pulls everything together. If your home is clean and tidy and doesn’t look like it should be on an episode of How Clean Is Your House? then inviting friends over after work doesn’t have to include an hourlong “HIDE IT ALL!”/hoovering session before everyone turns up.
THE F.U.L.L METHOD…
Never heard of it before? That’s because I’ve made it up, but I’ve put it through the wringer, let me tell you, and it always leads to a logical decision when it comes to whether to give up an item or not. Here’s what you need to ask yourself before you tackle each room and the accompanying belongings that are behind the door…
- Is it functional? Have you got a use for it?
- Have you used it in the last year?
- Do you love it?
- Do you like the look of it?
If your answer is yes to just one of these questions, then you keep it. When it comes to applying the F.U.L.L. method to your home I’d recommend that even the most seasoned streamliners among us should start small and work up to the bigger tasks. I’d suggest going in this order:
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when you’re editing each room:
1. BATHROOM
I’d suggest ticking the easiest room off the list first, and for most I’m guessing that it’s the bathroom, as there isn’t going to be much to declutter in there.
- Only store items that are for hygiene and zen-inducing reasons.
- Keep everything tucked away in storage if possible, as it makes the area way quicker to clean.
- Stock all bathroom-related goods in there too.
GET THE LOOK
2. HALLWAY
The hallway is the entry point to your home and the first thing that you – and your guests – see when you walk through the door. It can also find itself doubling up as a storage bunker and home office, but you should keep this space to an absolute minimum.
- Make sure that it smells good – you want it to feel inviting and smell like home.
- Keep it clear to avoid a tripping hazard as you try to bring the weekly food shop in.
GET THE LOOK
3. LIVING AREA
Next, move on to your living area, which tends to be a bit different for everyone. Whatever your scenario there really doesn’t need to be that much material clutter in there. It’s a space we use for chilling out in the evenings, hanging out at the weekends and socialising in our spare time.
- Prioritise comfort with sprinklings of interior personality.
- Keep the space clear and clutter-free so there’s more room for you to stretch out
GET THE LOOK
4. KITCHEN
We need our kitchens to be the most fully functioning area of our homes. We need them to be clean. We need them to be tidy. We need them to be organised.
- Create a functional and clean space to store fresh goods.
- Find storage hacks for your pantry essentials to keep them well organised.
- Make sure that all kitchen untensils are easy to reach when you need them.
GET THE LOOK
5. BEDROOM
Your bedroom should be the top spot in your home that elicits feelings of rest and relaxation by the bucketload. A space for stress to take a back seat and for you to be able to recharge your batteries. Let’s find the balance between streamlining, storage and sleep…
- Reserve the room for sleeping antics only and avoid using it as a multi-functional space where possible.
- Store clothing in a way that’s neat and tidy and keeps it in good nick – in other words, not on your floor.
GET THE LOOK
6. STORAGE SPACES
Give it the F.U.L.L. once-over and then return what’s left into your storage area in a way that screams organisation and will hopefully stop it turning back into a overflowing volcano of stuff you need, but don’t actually need that often anytime soon.
- Get everything out – don’t hold back. No exceptions.
- Invest in storage solutions where needed in order to keep things packed in a way where it’s easy to find them and stops them from being damaged.
GET THE LOOK
Anna will be joining us for two book signings to discuss her book and answer audience questions. The dates are:
Westfield London, Saturday 16 February: 14 – 15:30
Brighton, Thursday 28 February: 17:00 – 18:30
GET YOUR TICKETS »Extracted from An Edited Life by Anna Newton (Quadrille, £16.99). Photography: Emma Croman.
