Now that days are getting shorter and darker it can be more difficult to see colours, accessories and furnishings in your home which is why it important to get your house organised before the winter months set in. Forget spring cleaning, it is much nicer to have a clutter free home when you sit down in front of the cosy fire.

Shelve it

Get rid of excess visual clutter on the floor like books, magazines, hi-fi equipment etc by putting up some shelves. I like the glass shelves supported by two metal rods as they look light, sophisticated and work well with any type of interior décor. Most good DIY shops have a selection of shelves and your local kitchen or panelling centre can make you up ones to your own specifications.

Hide it

Now I know some of you have large amounts of shelving already in your rooms teaming with DVD’s, video’s and books, however this can also create a visual mess. A very simple way to overcome this problem is to hide it with a fabric cover or plain ready made blind which are also available from your local DIY shop.

Move it

Move around your furniture making sure not to put large objects like your sofa or arm chairs at angles. Try and keep the larger pieces back against the wall and straight, you won’t believe the difference.

Cover it

If you have a very patterned carpet in a small room which you really hate but have spent a little too much on to warrant replacing, buy an inexpensive plain rug. This will instantly give a cleaner and more spacious feel to your room without breaking the bank.

Bin it

Finally go through your home and have a close look at what you have on your mantel piece, shelves and widow sills then decide what really needs to go into the skip.

Be ruthless - you won’t be disappointed. Cleaning and de-cluttering can really make you feel better unless you just found out that vase you always hated but threw in the skip was in fact an original First Dynasty Ming and worth and awful lot of money! But I am sure this won’t happen!!

Good luck and happy de-cluttering!!