CUPBOARDS overflowing?

Hallway a dumping ground for bikes? Kids' toys everywhere? It is time to keep that clutter under control.

A good de-clutter does wonders for the soul. Not only will the house look tidier, you'll be able to enjoy a more relaxing, stress-free home that seems orderly and light when you look around. You don't need to be exceptionally ruthless but it does help if you can detach yourself from things and be honest about what you do and don't need.

Having recently decluttered my daughter's room, I can confirm that the whole family benefited from the relief and satisfaction that followed. The bad news is that it took the best part of two days. though we did tackle every single shelf, drawer and surface to give her a room that is now easier to keep tidy.

Where do I start?

Choose one room at a time and have some bin bags, recycling and charity bags at the ready along with a storage box. First, throw out all the obvious things to go. If you are sentimental like me there will be items that don't need to be out on display but which you are not willing to discard completely. Limit yourself to one storage box per room and store those items away. When you next revisit the box it will be easier to throw away items that have been out of sight for months.

Have a place for everything, and change habitual storage spaces that aren't working then educate the whole family on where objects are now placed. I gave my husband and daughter a 10-minute tour of the new tidied room and explained clearly where everything was now stored - down to separate food bags for pens, coloured pencils, crayons etc. It may sound over-the-top but to have a system that works, everyone needs to get involved and it will prevent the loss of all those easily-misplaced items such as lego pieces, and make it easier for the family to find things.

Be ruthless

If items are broken, set a deadline to get them fixed. If you don't meet it, throw them away or pass them on to somebody else.

Create separate files for the family, letters and school information so you can locate documents quickly when you need them. Store toys in wicker baskets or storage boxes with lids. A lid means you can put everything away at the end of the night. If the lid won't fit, it's time to clear out a few toys.

Recycle any clothes you've outgrown and organise drawers and wardrobes so you can find everything more easily. This makes putting clothes away after ironing so much easier. Organise your clothes seasonally to create more space and put summer or winter clothes away in vacuum storage bags

Buy a shoe rack and encourage the family to put their shoes there when they come home. Not only will they be able to find them again in the morning, it will also prevent them hanging around in different rooms and being kicked under beds where you can't find them.

Paintings, calendars, photographs and art can add a personal "lived in" touch to a home but over-do it, and that feeling of clutter becomes difficult to avoid. Make a tour of your house and take down things where necessary.

Box clever

Make the most of your existing storage facilities. Is there an outdoor space that could be used more efficiently? Use the inside of cupboard doors for space-saving racks, hooks etc and consider using drawer dividers. Under-bed storage provides a lot of easily accessible space.

If lack of built in storage means that you need to have items on display - be quirky and inventive. There are lots of amazing storage solutions out there that can become features in themselves.

Simple shelving units can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Put all the messy stuff in nice files and boxes on the shelves and mix with objects, photos and artwork to create an interesting feature in the room.

Organise surfaces with modern acrylic boxes and mini wooden shelving units for an eclectic mix.

If you have any shelves on the wall think about using not only the top surface but attach hooks below for hanging space too.

A Place For Everything' has a really versatile Elfa system which can turn small spaces into great usable spaces for storage and hobby areas. As it is so simple, it can be used in any room and is an alternative way to meet those practical needs.

Recyle, recycle, recycle

Recycling and upcycling are easy and sustainable ways to get rid of unwanted items - not only will they be given a new lease of life in a brand new home but you'll also be preventing them from going to landfill.

Spend a few hours packing up clothes, toys, books etc and hand them in to the charity shop on the way to a rewarding walk in the park or coffee and cake in your favourite café. It is a good feeling to clear out and get rid all at once, and you need to treat yourself to make this a more pleasant experience. It is worth phoning in advance to check what items the shop accepts.

If your items are in good condition try selling online. Sites such as Gumtree and eBay are popular however also look to local sites for selling and swapping unwanted items, these can be particularly good for clothes and children's toys.

Car boot sale If you have space to store the boxes of discarded items a car boot sale can be a fun day out for all the family and will encourage the kids to clear out some more when they have earned a few pounds selling their old toys. I would suggest you visit a few before deciding which to go to as some are much better attended than others.

Lisa McLaughlin, Ollaberry, 146 Busby Road, Clarkston, G76 8BH.www.ollaberry.com