Over the years, our homes fill up. The things that we loved and treasured 10 years ago often end up pushed towards the back of a cupboard or wardrobe. They’re no longer wanted or needed, and usually we’ve forgotten we even have them. 

As years go by, the problem gets worse, if it’s not tackled. Sliderobes designers frequently come across people who have let their clutter problem get completely out of hand. They’ve got lots of serviceable clothes, but they’re out of style, too small, or they’re seldom worn because nothing else matches.

Those clothes may come back into fashion, but how long will that take, and by then won’t we be sick of the sight of them? Even if they do come back into fashion, will they still fit? And those unmatched socks – what are the chances of finding their partner if you haven’t seen it in a year?

Sliderobes designers say that the 80/20 rule applies to our wardrobes. That means that most people use 20% of their clothing just 80% of the time. Much of the rest is probably unnecessary. Professional “de-clutterers” like Sliderobes designers believe that as much as 50% of the contents of the wardrobe can be disposed of without any real impact on our lives.

As experts in their field, Sliderobes designers help thousands of people every year to make the most of the space they have available. Here they offer 10 tips on how to de-clutter even the most challenging bedroom:

1. Make a plan to tackle the job and don’t expect that you will be able to achieve everything overnight. If you have spent years accumulating this stuff, it’s unlikely that you will manage to de-clutter in just an hour or two.
2. Be ruthless. If you haven’t worn it in a year, then get rid of it! One idea is to turn all the hangers the reverse way round. If at the end of a season you haven’t worn the item, then it can go! Another option is the “halfway house”. If you’re really not sure about whether to dispose of something, put it away for a few months, and see if you actually miss it!
3. Be critical about what is in your wardrobe and your bedroom. Does it add anything to your life? Are those old shoes simply gathering dust in your wardrobe, and do you really intend wearing them again? If you’re not sure, ask your friends and family for an honest appraisal!
4. Be realistic about what you really need. Will you ever have enough formal events to go to, that you can justify wearing 10 different hats and 25 ballgowns?
5. Don’t take on everybody else’s clutter. You don’t have to fill up your house with furnishings that you inherited. If they’re worth something, then sell them. If not, then go straight to the rubbish tip!
6. Sort discarded clothing into piles. One lot will go straight into the skip or dustbin. The others may still have a use. Think about a charity or selling at a car boot sale. Or try an on-line auction site or your local newspaper. (But remember, what doesn’t sell, leaves your house permanently at the end of a month! No arguments!)
7. De-cluttering isn’t just for now; it’s the way forward for you. In future, whenever you buy a new item of clothing, you’re going to get rid of something that you already own.
8. Once you’ve completed the process, make sure that everyone else is on board with keeping the clutter at bay!
9. Time to treat yourself! Invest in good storage units to help you stay organized. Sliderobes offer a wide range of individually-designed craftsman-built fitted wardrobes that can help you make the most of space in your bedroom, whatever its shape and size.
10. Once you’ve decided on your Sliderobe, then go the whole way with a brand new look for your room. Fresh paint, bright new curtains, bedding and flooring can all give you the incentive that you need to keep that new-look bedroom looking good.

But a Stepford Wives scene of domesticity is not something that many, if any, of us would aspire to these days! That’s not to say of course, that it wouldn’t be handy if you could just wiggle your nose or click your fingers and have everything fall into place…

And, frankly, who wouldn’t welcome a few quick cheats that would make life a bit less Bridget Jones, and a bit more Nigella Lawson!

Happily, the helpful folk at Sliderobes are close at hand to make your own version of domestic bliss a bit more attainable… With a stunning fitted bedroom, you can close away the clutter at the end of a long day and focus on something more important, and fun!

Just drop into the showroom on xx to view the range of finishes on offer – from dark to light woods, cloudy coloured glasses, glossy metallics, and mirror effects, or a combination of these – there is something to whet everyone’s appetite. Their friendly staff are on-hand to talk you through the options that you can choose from, and answer your every query!

The gently gliding doors can help to can hide a multitude of sins. There is be plenty of space for storing your clothes, shoes and accessories (increasing your chances of starting the day crease-free, and with plenty of room left over just in case).

With the help of your Sliderobes designer, you can choose from an array of shelving, hanging space, drawers, shelves, and shoe racks. They will use a home visit to assess the space that you have available. Then, using their clever CAD software, they show you the options that you can choose from, so you can see exactly what the Sliderobe will look like when finished.

Even having your Sliderobe fitted requires a minimum of effort! You can schedule for the fitters to arrive whenever suits you, and they will be finished within the day… They even tidy up after themselves, leaving things perfect!

Unfortunately it falls to you to actually put things in the Sliderobe, but it’s a nicer, and easier job when there is space for everything. Once that’s done, the hard work is over, and you can concentrate on doing the things that matter to you.

True, it’s unlikely to transform you into a terrifying domestic goddess, but it’s a little tiny step in the right direction!