Declutter Your Life: A Mid-Year Reset for Home & Headspace

Trying to tidy your entire home in one weekend is how emotional breakdowns happen. Instead, try the “one category at a time” method, starting with something non-emotional like toiletries.

Check out Watsons or Guardian to refresh your daily line-up with trending K-beauty picks that actually deserve counter space. Want to pare things down without giving up the good stuff? Shiseido is your go-to for sleek, luxurious staples that do more with less. And if you’re ready to declutter and be kind to the planet, The Body Shop has refillable favourites that tick all the right boxes.

Every item needs a home that’s preferably not the corner of your dining table. If your living space is pulling double duty as a storage unit, it might be time for a tidy-up.

MUJI offers sleek, no-fuss storage solutions that make any space feel instantly calmer, with its range of stackable drawers, desk organisers, and linen boxes that actually look good out in the open. For larger storage furniture and clever home hacks, IKEA has you covered. Whether you’re reining in the shoe pile, finally conquering that junk drawer, or clearing out your pantry one expired can at a time, the right tools make all the difference.

A few airtight containers and stackable bins can take your kitchen shelves from chaos to content-worthy. Plus, you’ll actually know what’s in your freezer, and maybe stop buying yet another bag of frozen edamame just in case.

We all have those “someday” outfits: the jeans that almost fit, the jacket that looked cooler online, and the sparkly top you swore you’d wear to a party that never happened. Clearing them out might feel brutal at first, but trust us, future you (with a functional wardrobe) will be grateful.

Step into The Willow Label for timeless, well-tailored pieces that make everyday dressing feel effortless. Their clean lines and neutral tones make wardrobe coordination a breeze. For styles with a little more flair and personality, TheStageWalk offers contemporary looks that feel fresh but still wearable, perfect for building a closet full of outfits that work hard and spark joy.

Toys have a secret talent for taking over the house. One minute it’s a tidy play corner, the next it’s a full-blown plastic jungle. But getting kids to tidy up doesn’t have to be a battle. Turn it into a game, let them choose what to keep, and reward their effort with something new and meaningful.

Swing by Toys“R”Us for activity-based toys that won’t just sit in a pile. Check out options like puzzles, building kits, or STEM sets that encourage creativity without the clutter. If you’re after a toy that doubles as decor (and earns serious parent points), the LEGO Certified Store has sets that kids and adults will want to keep proudly displayed, preferably on a shelf and not the floor.

Decluttering has found its own little niche on TikTok, and it is oddly satisfying to watch strangers fold their socks into perfect little rolls. But beyond the aesthetics, there are a few surprisingly solid rules making the rounds.

Tip 1: Don’t organise clutter, remove it
The most common mistake? Thinking you just need better containers. But if you’re holding on to items you never use, no amount of organising will help. The real win is in letting things go.

Tip 2: Follow the 20/20 rule
If something costs under twenty dollars and takes less than twenty minutes to replace, it’s probably not worth keeping “just in case.” This simple guideline helps you make faster decisions without guilt.

Tip 3: Ask yourself - would I pack this in a move?
It’s a ruthless but effective test. If an item isn’t worth the effort of wrapping, boxing, and transporting to a new home, do you really need it hanging around?

Not sure where to begin? Start small. One drawer, one shelf, or one category per week. Put on a playlist, set a timer, and make it a vibe. When you’re done, take a little walk around Jem and reward yourself with something useful and intentional, not just another scented candle (unless it’s from MUJI, then okay, one won’t hurt.)

Because really, decluttering isn’t about becoming a minimalist monk or living in a Pinterest board. It’s about letting go of what weighs you down so you can make more room for what matters. Like snacks. And naps. And the joy of opening a drawer without fearing for your life.