please don’t ask me whether The Luminaries is a good read; I can only comment on the first five pages / a money tree because I figure that a token of abundance is a good omen to wake up to / a lamp that dims – ideal for mothers of babies.

Granted, this may be erring on the side of too-personal, but consider the one clothing drawer that is guaranteed to be opened every day. Regardless of where you’re going and what you’re doing, you need your smalls.

But, if you’re anything like me, your underwear drawer is a shambles. Up until yesterday, there was a part of me that clung to the hope that my bottom would return to its perky, pre-baby, 8-years-ago self, hence I had underwear in a range of sizes, shapes and styles – from far too long ago.

Yesterday I decided to get rid of the small smalls and with them, I let go of false hope. There’s something quite relieving and freeing about embracing a changed body shape; it’s acceptance of where you’ve been and where you are.

Once the emotional contents had been dealt with, it was quite easy to clear out the unwanted and make space for the practical. Thanks to some woven ikea baskets everything has a place; undies, bras, socks, singlets, pjs and swimmers.

It was, I found, one of the easier decluttering practises, because attachment to underwear is minimal. It also made me reconsider every drawer/cupboard/surface that I use on a daily basis. We’ve already paid attention to the cutlery drawer, the bathroom cabinet and the pantry, but what about the bedside table – the piece of furniture you wake up to every morning, the surface that begs for calm. It deserves your attention because you deserve a clutter free, sleep-inducing space beside your bed. It will only take 10 minutes of your time – why not revive it now?