How to work out what to keep?

[Absolutemess]

I appreciate this is ridiculous, but I feel like I can't say this to anyone I know

My house is really cluttered. I need to decorate but I don't have the time or skill to do it, but I'm so worried about having someone in and seeing the mess.

I really struggle to work out what to throw away - things like my child's crafts. There's so much if it, and I don't know what to keep.

Old clothes, I feel so guilty if I don't sell it, or get it to the right place (fabric bank, charity shop) but I work about 50 hours a week and I just end up driving stuff around in the back of my car.

Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to start? I just feel like I'm letting everyone down and feel so guilty

Start small and unsentimental and if you can carve out say 1-2 hours twice a week (maybe when you’re listening to a podcast). Little and often will stop you feeling overwhelmed - even doing one cupboard is an achievement and progress.

For crockery and clothes I have a ‘would I be happy with this being shown / worn if a TV camera crew burst into my house’ sort of mindset. I also have a number of guilty pleasure things I keep too (don’t we all!) but the majority is determined by this rule.

For old clothes I’d suggest taking it all to the tip fabric bank as they sort through it. the exception is good coats and jackets which go to shelters. Towels and bedding go to pet rescues.

For your kids crafts - maybe get a couple of those thicker frames from ikea (sannahed) and spend a lovely afternoon with them creating a best collage - the rest can be photographed then binned? Stuff like ceramics can be either woven into normal household rotation (varnish then soap dish, car key tray, pen cup, plant pot) - if it’s not pretty or useful then might be time to bin.

Also it’s a marathon not a sprint: you’re not letting anyone down, you’re doing your best and that’s all anyone can ask. Good luck

With the crafts: stick it all in a box with a date 3 months from now written on. If child hasn't asked for any of it - bin. Take photos if you're feeling soppy!

Rest of it: do a drawer, a cupboard or a room at a time. Get rid of the stuff ASAP (so you need to think about where it's going first).

Local Freecycle/Freegle groups can be good.

Hipposkips do flat pack containers small to full skip size including a collection which you book when ready.