Autumn makes us want to reset. The cool air and soft light create a calm atmosphere. As winter gets closer, many of us desire a comfortable and peaceful home. However, decluttering can feel overwhelming.

A recent survey found that 56% of adults in the UK have parts of their homes they can’t use due to clutter. This shows how big the issue is and highlights why autumn is a great time to declutter and create more space before winter.

A messy home can make it hard to think clearly, while a tidy home helps you focus and feel relaxed.

At People Max, we help you create calm and purposeful spaces by sharing the latest trends, personal stories, food, travel, and more. This includes helpful guides to refresh your home with less stress.

If you want to get organised before winter, here are some easy methods to tidy up your home.

Steps to Refresh Your Home This Autumn

Here are some steps to refresh your home this autumn:

Step 1: Start Small and Choose One Space

Many people struggle with decluttering because they try to outperform at once. To make it easier, start with small steps. Pick one room, a cabinet, or just a single drawer. When you see progress, it will motivate you to keep going.

You can also focus on one room weekly. For example, clean the kitchen this weekend, the hallway next week, and the bedroom after that. Small successes build momentum, and soon you’ll be halfway done with your home.

Setting a timer can help. Work in a focused burst of 30 to 45 minutes, then take a break. You might be surprised by how much brighter a room looks after just one concentrated session.

Step 2: Create a Calm Sorting System

To declutter effectively, create a plan for organising your items. Sort everything into four categories:

• Keep: Things you use often or truly love.
• Donate: Items in good condition that someone else might enjoy.
• Recycle: Things that can be recycled or reused.
• Dispose: Items that are broken, outdated, or cannot be fixed.

Use boxes, bins, or labelled bags for each group to keep your sorting organised. Clutter can increase stress and reduce focus because our brains get overwhelmed by too much visual detail. Giving everything a specific place clears mental clutter and creates space for both physical and emotional relief.

Play soft music or an audiobook while you declutter. This keeps the mood relaxed and makes the task feel less overwhelming.

Step 3: Donate or Rehome with Intention

Getting rid of clutter doesn’t mean you have to throw everything away. Many items can have new life with dissimilar owners. Community shops and local charities are always looking for clothing, books, and furniture.

If you’re unsure where to donate, check the Charity Retail Association directory. It lists donation centres across the UK that accept many items, like home goods and clothes.

It feels great to know that your used items can help someone else. This makes your decluttering a kind act instead of just a waste.

For sentimental items that are hard to part with, take pictures before you let them go. In this way, you can keep the memories without the clutter.

Step 4: Plan for Bulky Waste Early

Heavy items often make people put off the mess. Aisles or garages can instantly fill up with many personal things. It’s crucial to plan how to get rid of these large items before you start cleaning.

For larger items like old furniture, carpets, or boxes that have been tucked away for years, it helps to plan disposal ahead of time. Hiring a skip from Proskips can save multiple trips to the tip and make your clear-out feel quicker and far less stressful.

Visit local recycling centers, as many take small appliances and household materials. A plan for big items helps the rest of the cleanup go faster and prevents frustrating delays.

Step 5: Refresh and Restyle for Autumn Comfort

After cleaning up, your home deserves a little treat. Now is the time to focus on making it warm and cosy for the months ahead.

• Add Soft Layers: Think about adding knitted blankets, pillows, and soft carpets.
• Bring Autumnal Colours: Use rich greens, bright oranges, and earthy browns to create warmth.
• Light Up the Evenings: Replace harsh bulbs with soft, warm lights or candles.

As designer Kelly Hoppen says, “Lighting is key everywhere in the house. I like low level and ambient lighting in bedrooms with good reading lights. Lighting is everything.”

Even small changes, like new cushions or a neatly arranged blanket, can transform how a space feels. When your surroundings are calm and inviting, you also feel more at ease.

Step 6: Keep It Going with a Clear-Out Routine

A clean house is not just luck. To keep it that way, make decluttering a regular habit instead of doing it once a year.

Set a monthly reminder for a fast cleanup. You could tidy up your coffee table, organise one drawer, or donate clothes you no longer wear. By handling small amounts of clutter regularly, you can avoid the stress of a big cleanup later.

Keep a “donation box” in an easy-to-reach spot. When you find something you don’t need, put it in the box. Once it’s full, please take it to a local charity.

This regular tidying helps keep your home feeling light and calm all year long.

To conquer your clutter and make your living simple, take a look at this practical guide for best outcomes.

Conclusion

Clearing clutter helps organise your space and creates room for what actually matters: peace, comfort, and quality time.

Cleaning out your home this autumn refreshes both your living space and your mind. It prepares you for cosy evenings and calm mornings as the days get shorter.

Tackle one area at a time, enjoy the process, and allow your home to breathe again.