When in doubt, ask yourself: if I was moving house tomorrow, would I pack this? It’s a ruthless tactic, yes, but it’s quite practical for those who get caught up in sentimentality and indecision. And you know what, I think that’s all of us from time to time. If we have held onto something, even if it has made its way to the back of the cupboard, we have some kind of affinity to it. Letting go of affinity is both a challenge and a relief.

There are two drawers in my kitchen that are affectionately referred to as ‘junk drawers’, although I do prefer the term ‘miscellany’. Miscellany, in some cases, is required, but when the drawers are so full that opening and closing them creates slight panic, you know it’s time for a cull. This week I tackled the miscellany – sticky tape, birthday candles, thumbtacks, incense holders, notepads, measuring taps, spare shoelaces etc. And I was ruthless. There was so much stuff that had been placed in there only because dealing with it required more effort at the time. As you can probably guess, said stuff is now out of the house.

I then moved onto the medicine cabinet (as a result I’m writing a post on 10 natural remedies that every family needs) and from there I swept through the kitchen – pots and pans, teacups and glasses, plates and bowls. I completely emptied the cupboards, wiped down the shelves, sorted the unwanted from the needed and stood back to admire my work (and then took a nap).

On one particularly energetic morning I gave myself 20minutes to sort through and clean the bathroom cabinet. And I got it done – I’m picking up speed!

I have made a place for everything in my kitchen and bathroom and now everything is in its place.

“One drawer at a time” is really working for me (although the bedrooms are next and they’re quite daunting!).