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Sentimental Clutter: How to Let Go of Items Without Losing the Memories

By Kylie Harding18 April 20264 min read

Styled to Sell

Perfection is overrated – it’s not just something I tell myself and my clients; it’s something I truly believe.

Most of us don’t want to live in a display home devoid of personality – our homes should reflect who we are and show off things we love. Living in clutter, however, has been shown to affect our mental and physical health, so how do we find balance?

DECLUTTERED DOESN’T MEAN MINIMALIST.

Decluttering is not the same as stripping everything back to essentials.

It is removing unnecessary items from an untidy or overcrowded place, and only you can decide what is unnecessary.

DON’T MISTAKE CLUTTERED FOR COSY.

Hygge is the Scandinavian concept for cosy – time away from the rush, time to enjoy simple indulgent pleasures like candlelight and comfort food – it is more about slowing down and relaxing; cosy doesn’t involve surrounding yourself with ‘stuff.’

MY SELF-IMPOSED DECLUTTERING RULES.

As a stylist and a sentimental person, I am tempted by beautiful things every day… So I have strict rules I follow – rules my family loves reminding me about (often). I also call in the experts sometimes.

ONE THING IN, ONE THING OUT

No matter what it is – whether it’s a new dress or a vase, if I bring it into the house, something must leave.

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE.

Scissors in the kitchen drawer, passports in the filing cabinet – life is less stressful when you know where things are and saves you money by not buying multiples of one thing – sticky tape anyone?

If your rice cooker needs to live in the laundry, then it’s time to clear a space for it in the kitchen where it belongs.

If your house doesn’t have good storage there are beautiful baskets for children’s toys, vacuum bags for excess clothes, and beds with base storage – make storage your friend.

HORIZONTAL SURFACES ARE FOR DISPLAYING, NOT STORING.

Have a lovely console in your entrance? Display a bunch of flowers and bowl for keys – not every book you own or everyone’s hats and shoes. The same goes for dining tables, bedside tables and chairs in bedrooms – they are not wardrobes.

WE ALL HAVE EXCUSES NOT TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND GET STARTED. “I HAVE NO TIME”.

Set your timer and put on some music – start with 15 minutes and one area, like the dining table. I promise you the sight of a table set for a lovely meal with friends will put a smile on your face every time you walk past it.

Make sure you take before and after photos too – it’s good to be reminded of your progress.

“I’M TERRIBLE AT MAKING DECISIONS”.

You don’t always have to throw things out – sorting them and putting them into a box and then out of sight to make the final decision later is ok. 12 months later, if you haven’t missed anything it’s highly unlikely you want or need them.

– move them on.

“MY WARDROBE IS A MESS, AND I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START”.

Fantastic Finds and Fabulous Things personal stylist Meaghan Smith suggests taking time to think about what clothes represent who you are now – pieces that work for you and your lifestyle. Once you’ve identified this, letting go of things is easy.

“I HAVE SO MANY SENTIMENTAL THINGS; I WANT TO KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE”.

Mel McNamara from A Place to Call Home came across this situation so many times over the years in her role as a stylist – she created a company that takes professional photos and documents the stories of the people and the memories created in the home and compiles a beautiful coffee table book that honours the memories and can be passed onto future generations.

GIVE BACK

There are many local charities that will be grateful to receive your donations. Regularly decluttering my boys’ toy boxes was easier once I explained to them that there are many children in our society that would love to receive things they had duplicates of or had outgrown.

In my role volunteering for a charity that sets up havens for women and children displaced by family violence I have seen first-hand how your donations change lives.

SURRENDER AND ACCEPT.

For those of you who like to be surrounded by walls full of photos, get lost in a mountain of cushions on the sofa and have your entire library of books piled up around you – embrace it. It’s your space and it should feed your soul.

I’m off now to take a bag full of clothes to the local Salvos. Happy Styling!

Is Your Home Stressing You Out?

We spend plenty of time thinking about how our homes look. But what if we paid more attention to how they make us feel? That’s the thinking behind neuroarchitecture, an approach to design that considers how our brains and nervous systems respond to the spaces around us. Australian neuroarchitect Ozge Fettahlioglu says that while traditional architecture and interior design often begin with aesthetics and function, neuroarchitecture starts with a different question: what do we want this space to help us feel and do? It’s an approach she put to the test when renovating her own family beach house. “We fell in love with our beach house the moment we saw it: high ceilings, wood cladding, the nostalgic charm of a treehouse, a century-old Angophora on the block,” she says. But despite its beauty, the house lacked adequate natural light, airflow and good acoustics. Fettahlioglu decided to turn it into what she calls a “living laboratory”, applying the same evidence-based design principles she uses professionally. Central to the renovation was biophilic design – essentially, designing to strengthen our connection with nature. “You’ve already felt biophilic design working on you dozens of times without knowing its name,” Fettahlioglu says. “It’s nature’s Wi-Fi: invisible, but you feel its effects wherever you go.” And no, that doesn’t mean filling every room with pot plants. Natural light, views of greenery and sky, airflow and materials such as timber, stone and natural fibres can all influence how a space feels. “Natural light regulates our circadian rhythm, affecting sleep, mood and energy far more than most people realise,” she says. Layout matters, too. A home that funnels everyone into one noisy space can contribute to overstimulation, while creating distinct areas for rest, focus and connection can help us switch gears. Fettahlioglu says one mistake is blindly following interior-design rules without considering how we actually use a space. A sofa pushed against a wall, for example, might horrify some design purists – but Fettahlioglu says humans instinctively like to feel protected from behind. “Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a stage set where you are the vulnerable prop.” The good news is you don’t need a major renovation to apply these principles. Fettahlioglu recommends introducing what she calls “Vitamin N” – nature – through plants, landscape artwork or natural textures. Swap synthetic fabrics for linen, wool or cotton where possible and incorporate timber in places you’ll actually touch, such as a desk, stool or handrail. Her most important advice, however, comes before choosing paint colours, tiles or furniture. “Ask what each space needs to help you do: rest, focus, connect, recover – and let that guide the light, materials and layout,” she says. “A beautiful home that leaves you stressed, sleepless or drained isn’t doing its job.”

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First time renovating? The rules that can save you thousands

Renovations test both patience and creativity. But with planning, clear communication, emotional awareness and a few key renovation tips, the process can be much smoother and more enjoyable. By Glen James and Rachelle Kroon There are three main reasons you may choose to renovate: To add value. Increasing the valuation of your property gives you instant equity and allows you to utilise the equity you’ve built. You may use this to release a family or government guarantee, buy an investment property, or simply for peace of mind that your loan is now lower in comparison to the value of your property. To make it your own. Renovations allow you to create the space you want to live in and tailor the property to your lifestyle and preferences. To get into a better area. Fixing up a lower grade property in an area you’re happy with for now may give you the boost you need to move to the next property you want to live in longer term. Knowing your ‘why’ when you choose to renovate will help guide how you go about it and what you choose to improve. Understanding the costs Before starting any renovation, it’s crucial to understand the full costs involved. Factor in materials, approvals, labour, project management, time, bad weather and unexpected issues that may arise. Knowing the total cost upfront helps you avoid surprises and ensures your renovation adds value rather than becoming a financial burden. This is where planning is key! Financing a renovation Many property owners use the equity in their home to fund renovations. This allows you to access funds without needing to save the entire amount upfront. Consider the end value of the property after renovations: will the improvements give you enough equity or value increase to justify the cost? Add value in a way that actually adds value. How handy are you? If you’re handy and undertaking some work yourself, this can reduce costs. However, ensure you’re realistic about your skills and the time required. There’s nothing worse than burning out trying to save cash – sometimes it’s best just to pay a professional! Poor DIY work can also reduce the value added or create costly fixes later, so ensure your skills are up to the task. When do I need council approval? Some renovations require council approval, especially structural changes, extensions or alterations to the property’s exterior. Approval rules vary greatly by location, so it’s essential to check with your local council before starting any work. Even minor renovations can trigger requirements depending on zoning, heritage overlays or building codes. Always confirm early to avoid fines, delays or costly modifications. Planning and project management Good planning is key. Create a timeline, set a budget and consider hiring a project manager if the renovation is complex. Keep track of contractors, deliveries and permits to avoid delays and unexpected costs. The emotional side of renovations Renovating a home can be exciting, but it’s also stressful. Even small projects can uncover unexpected issues: unplanned wet weather days, structural surprises or trades that cost you more than you expected. It’s easy to get frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed when things don’t go perfectly according to plan. Practical tips to ease the emotional challenge include: Set realistic expectations. Prepare yourself mentally for delays, extra costs or minor hiccups. These are annoying, but normal. Anticipating bumps in the road helps reduce stress when they happen. Plan and budget carefully. Realistic budgets with buffers and timelines make surprises easier to handle. These also help you conceptualise what’s coming next. Include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Break the process into stages. Determine what steps come in what order. You don’t have to do everything at once and naturally there’ll be steps that have to come before others. Communicate clearly with your builder or contractor. Pick a builder you communicate well with and encourage regular updates to help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project on track. Keep your ‘why’ front of mind. Remember why you’re renovating, whether it’s for value, lifestyle or future flexibility. Focusing on the end goal helps you ride out temporary frustrations. Take breaks and step back. Go and do something fun every once in a while! Renovations can become all-consuming and it’s easy to lose perspective. Adding value Here are our top five value-add renovation ideas: Kitchens: Upgrading benchtops, cabinets, appliances and lighting gives the biggest bang for your buck and modernises the heart of the home. Bathrooms: Even small improvements like new taps, showers, vanities or tiles can significantly increase appeal and value. Fresh paint: Neutral colours throughout the home brighten the space and make it feel well maintained. Flooring: New carpets in bedrooms or modern timber/laminate floors in living areas lift the overall look and feel. Curb appeal and outdoor spaces: Tidy gardens, lawns and pathways, or adding a deck/patio, create a strong first impression and improve lifestyle appeal. Edited extract from ‘The quick-start guide to your first property’ by Glen James and Rachelle Kroon

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Moving House? Don’t Trust Your Treasures to Just Anyone

Moving house is stressful enough without watching someone casually balance your grandmother’s antique cabinet on the edge of a trolley. While price will always play a part when choosing a removalist, there’s a big difference between hiring someone who can move furniture and engaging professionals who understand how to protect, transport and deliver the things that matter to you. So, before you hand over the keys – and your treasured belongings – here’s what to look for. 1. They ask questions before moving day A professional removalist should want to understand exactly what they’re moving. Ideally, this includes an onsite consultation or detailed assessment of your home, access points, larger pieces and anything particularly valuable, fragile or difficult to transport. It allows the right vehicle, equipment, packing materials and number of people to be allocated to the job – and reduces unwelcome surprises on moving day. 2. Packing is taken seriously There’s a reason professional packing looks different from throwing everything into boxes and hoping for the best. Quality removalists use appropriate, heavy-duty packing materials and know how to protect furniture, artwork, televisions, mirrors and sentimental or valuable pieces. Companies such as SECURIER offer professional packing as part of their moving service, as well as unpacking and installation at the destination. If you’re packing yourself, ask how this may affect responsibility for damage and whether additional insurance is recommended. 3. They have experience with the difficult stuff Grand pianos, artwork, antiques, oversized furniture and delicate pieces require more than muscle. They need experience, specialised equipment and careful planning. Ask your removalist how they handle high-value or unusual items and what systems they use to protect them during loading and transport. 4. The quote is clear The cheapest hourly rate isn’t necessarily the cheapest move. Ask exactly what your quote includes: travel time, number of removalists, vehicle size, packing, dismantling and reassembly, stairs, tolls, storage and any potential additional charges. A professional operator should be comfortable explaining costs upfront rather than surprising you with extras later. 5. Ask about insurance Never assume your belongings are automatically covered if something goes wrong. Ask what insurance applies during the move, what isn’t covered and whether additional transport insurance is available. It’s also worth reading the company’s terms and conditions before booking – particularly when moving expensive or irreplaceable items. The real benefit? Peace of mind. SECURIER’s approach is a good example of what a premium moving service can look like: onsite consultation and inventory, professional packing, scheduled communication, secure transport, unpacking and installation, followed by removal of packaging and rubbish. Because ultimately, you’re not simply paying someone to carry boxes. You’re trusting them with pieces of your life – and that’s one move worth getting right.

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Forget Spring Cleaning: The Spring Reset Your Home Really Needs

Spring is a time to peel back the layers, feel the warmth of the sun on our faces and embrace the colour and freshness of a new season. For many of us, it’s also time to roll up our sleeves, throw back the curtains and start scrubbing. I have strong memories of my mum on a ladder, bucket of soapy water at hand, furiously washing the walls. But what if, instead of cleaning our homes from top to bottom, we used spring as an opportunity to reset them? Reset your space Look around your home and, rather than asking, ‘What needs cleaning?’, ask, ‘What’s no longer working?’ Is there an armchair in your bedroom that has become a dumping ground for clothes? Is the hallway permanently cluttered with shoes? Or perhaps you have a room whose only purpose seems to be displaying dusty books and old school trophies. You don’t need new furniture or a renovation. It’s about editing, rearranging and making more intentional choices about the way you use your space. Move that armchair from the bedroom and place it near a sunny window to create a reading corner. Clear a neglected surface. Give an underused area a new purpose. Tip: Choose one room and remove three things you no longer love. Then rearrange what remains before deciding whether you need to buy anything new. Reset your routines Our homes are shaped by our habits just as much as they are by our furniture. While routines can make life easier, a new season is a good opportunity to reconsider the ones that have started to feel more like ruts. Could mornings be calmer with a dedicated coffee station? Would evenings feel more relaxing if devices stayed outside the bedroom? Could a forgotten corner become a space for meditation, journaling or simply sitting quietly? A home should support the life you want to live, not just the one you’ve fallen into by habit. Sometimes changing how you use a room is more transformative than changing the room itself. Tip: Introduce one new ritual this spring – breakfast in the garden on weekends, fresh flowers every Friday or winding down with a book by lamplight each night. Reset your colours Spring naturally inspires us to lighten and refresh our homes. While a coat of paint can transform a room relatively quickly and economically, there are plenty of ways to embrace the new season without picking up a paintbrush. Pack away heavy winter throws and darker accessories and bring in lighter linens, soft greens, warm whites and gentle botanical tones. Fresh flowers, leafy branches or a bowl of colourful fruit can instantly breathe life into a space. Think of your home’s colour palette as something that can evolve with the seasons, rather than something fixed. Tip: Refresh one room using only what you already own. Swapping cushions, artwork and decorative pieces between rooms can create an entirely new look without spending a cent. Reset your outdoor living As the days grow longer and the weather warms, our living spaces naturally begin to extend outdoors. You don’t need a sprawling backyard to make the most of the season. A balcony, courtyard or even a sunny windowsill can become an inviting retreat. Wash down outdoor furniture, pot a few herbs, add some cushions or string lights, or simply create a comfortable spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Spring is the perfect reminder to make the most of Australia’s beautiful weather and reconnect with outdoor living. Tip: Create one outdoor destination – even if it’s simply a chair, a small table and a pot of herbs where you can enjoy your first coffee of the day. Reset your mindset Perhaps the most important reset has nothing to do with your home at all. For years, we’ve been told our homes should look a certain way: minimalist, perfectly styled and free from clutter. But a truly welcoming home isn’t about perfection. It’s about reflecting the people who live there. Rather than aiming for magazine-worthy rooms, focus on creating spaces that support your wellbeing, reflect your personality and make everyday life a little easier. Keep the artwork that makes you smile. Display the travel souvenirs that bring back memories. Let your home tell your story. Tip: Instead of asking, ‘What should I get rid of?’, ask yourself, ‘How do I want my home to feel this spring?’ Then let that answer guide the changes you make. Spring has always been associated with fresh starts, but perhaps the best refresh isn’t found in a bucket of soapy water and a scrubbing brush. It’s about creating a home that works for the life you’re living now. This season, forget striving for spotless perfection. Reset your space, your routines and your mindset – and you might find a few thoughtful changes make a much bigger difference than the deepest spring clean. Happy styling! About the author Kylie Harding Founder of Styled to Sell, Stylist and Contributor Kylie Harding is the founder of Styled to Sell, a property styling business she has run for more than 25 years. Instagram Website

By Kylie Harding