How to declutter your home after weeks of summer chaos – and even make some money

YOU don’t have to wait until spring to clean and declutter your home – but you might feel like putting it off until then. If, after weeks of summer chaos, it all feels too much, the advice is to tackle it room by room. But if that is still overwhelming, manage the mess an hour at a time — and even make some money. Here’s how . . . SIXTY-MINUTE MOVE: Max Wilson, co-founder of Pocket Storage, suggests setting aside just an hour. In that time, aim to tackle just one room. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! “An hour is long enough to make a noticeable difference while keeping you focused on the clutter that matters most,” he says. Stop after 60 minutes, even if the room isn’t perfect. If you adopt Max’s method, set a 60-minute timer and work through the room in four 15-minute stages. First, grab a bin bag to get rid of obvious rubbish and recycling. Next, collect anything that belongs elsewhere, to return it to its rightful place, but don’t go elsewhere until the hour is up so you don’t get distracted. Then sort items to donate, sell or store. Finally, organise what is left, making sure the items you use most are now easily accessible. Max says: “A room that’s 80 per cent better after an hour is far more useful than waiting six months for the free weekend when you’re finally going to make it 100 per cent perfect.” Most read in Money CASH FOR CLUTTER: Deal with your donation pile next so it doesn’t sit around gathering dust. Take it to a charity shop or your nearest clothing and recycling sites. Then turn to the pile of things to sell. Try Vinted for clothing, eBay for valuable or specialist items, and Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree for bulky items and local collection. To get the best price, clean everything, photograph it in strong light and include descriptions with brand, size, condition and measurements. Bundling cheaper items together, rather than listing individually, can earn you more. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day Holden three-drawer chest of drawers are half-price at Dunelm Credit: Dunelm MAKE space for the Holden three-drawer chest of drawers, down to half-price, from £349 to £174.50 at Dunelm. SAVE: £174.50 Cheap treat Autumn string LED lights from Lidl, £2.99 Credit: Lidl GET switched on to cosy season with the autumn string LED lights from Lidl, £2.99. What's new? TUCK into a tasty deal at Prezzo Italian tomorrow with some pasta and pizza mains available for 99p. You need to pre-book a table, buy a drink and claim the deal through the Club Prezzo app. Top swap Smeg kettle, £134.99, from Debenhams Credit: Smeg Salter Retro kettle, £29.99 at freemans.com Credit: Freemans IF pink is your colour, the Smeg kettle, £134.99, from Debenhams, looks gorgeous, but the Salter Retro kettle, £29.99 at freemans.com has a pretty price tag. SAVE: £105 Little helper PUT a domestic date night in your diary with Tesco’s Finest meal deal – a main course, side dish, dessert and bottle of wine for two, £15 with a Clubcard. PLAY NOW TO WIN £100 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning! Comment now