Why I use the words of William Morris for decluttering my home

piles of boxes, belongings, furniture and bags in a room
Knowing how to declutter your home well will bring a sense of lightness to you and your home (Image credit: Kumacore/Getty Images)

Knowing how to declutter your home has turned into big business. There are a vast array of decluttering experts, reels on social media dedicated to the practise, TV programmes about it and countless new decluttering trends – all claiming to be the next best solution for organising your excess belongings.

But, the reality is, most of them stem back to the basic principles of 'need' and 'love'. Or, as William Morris said in 1880, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

headshot of female with long blond hair wearing green top
Lena Gierasinska

Lena is Head of Product & Displays at Barker and Stonehouse and understands the value of a well curated and organised interior. She has worked at the business for over 8 years and has more than 13 years’ industry experience working with brands in the interiors and retail sector.

Sarah Harley
Assistant Editor

Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.