How to Get Help with Decluttering Your House (UK)

Decluttering a house can seem like a dreadful task, and it’s usually one that you really don’t want to complete alone!

Not to mention that the decluttering process is usually a pretty hectic chore that can be very tiring and emotionally draining. So, a little help here and there is essential.

But where do you find this help? Keep on reading and I’ll tell you how to get help with decluttering your house. 

Where to Find Help with Decluttering a House

Although you may think that you must face this mammoth task alone, you’re actually very wrong because there are so many people ready and waiting to help you out. 

1. Watch YouTube videos and read up on decluttering

Decluttering a whole house is a huge, and often overwhelming, task that can take a few weeks to complete. So, instead of diving in head first and rushing to start, do your research on the topic to help yourself out.

You don’t actually need to do hours and hours’ worth of research to start decluttering, but finding out the best ways to start off, and what tactics to use, will be incredibly valuable for you.

Plus, there are so many great channels, forums and articles to read, you won’t feel so alone because you know others have, or are, going through the same process. It’s almost like having a little support group right at your fingertips!

If you still feel overwhelmed by the decluttering process after doing your research, you can check out our guide on how to start decluttering when you feel overwhelmed. In that article you’ll get a step-by-step guide to help you conquer your overwhelming feelings, and you’ll be able to start the decluttering process with ease!

2. Family 

The next place you should look for help is with your family.

If you’re decluttering your house, you should try and get everyone living in the house involved in the process. Try not to make the decluttering process out to be a boring task, but rather as something fun. You could even make a game out of it.

At the end of the day, decluttering is going to be a busy, and sometimes noisy task, so if your family joins in the commotion and mess won’t hinder them so much.

A small amount of support from your family can go a long way. Plus, if there are a few of you living under the same roof you may be able to get the job done faster, and you can reminisce as you declutter.

3. Friends and neighbours

If the above isn’t possible, you should get your friends and neighbours to help you out.

Decluttering can be a very stressful process, so if you have the support of your friends around you, the camaraderie they bring may keep you in good spirits and motivated.

If you feel embarrassed about asking them for help you should keep in mind that everyone, at one point or another, goes through a decluttering period. So, don’t worry too much.

Of course, if this is still of great concern to you, then you could call up a decluttering service for help.

4. Decluttering services

Decluttering services are there to help people who need to declutter their home. They typically offer a range of services for a fee and usually remain impartial throughout the process.

This is a good option for those who need their homes decluttered to a professional level, for those who want the job done quickly, and for people who feel embarrassed about asking family and friends for help.

What can you expect from a decluttering service?

Decluttering services typically chat to you over a video call and discuss what work you’d like done. They then discuss what packages are available and come out to do the work.

Decluttering packages differ from one company to another but generally a package consists of:

• • A set period of working time (for example, a three-hour session)
  • Decluttering a particular space/room (for example, getting a wardrobe decluttered or the whole house)
  • Taking unwanted goods to a charity shop
  • Providing advice and guidance
  • Discussing storage solutions

How much do decluttering services cost in the UK?

Decluttering services in the UK vary in price because it depends on where you live, what work you want done, what optional extras you choose to throw in, and when the work is completed.

Some companies charge £35 an hour for work, and others charge up to £65 an hour for work. On the flip side, a standard package in some companies costs £50 for 3 hours of work, whereas in other organisations it can cost as much as £960 for 24 hours of work.

For a more detailed explanation, you can read our ‘How much do decluttering services cost in the UK?’ article here. In this article you’ll get a better understanding of what might affect the price of a decluttering service in the UK.

If a decluttering service is out of the question, what should you do?

5. Alternative routes

Cluttered houses can sometimes be quite dangerous to live in, particularly if the clutter in question is leaning more towards a hoarding behaviour.

In cases like this, and where the above options are out of the question, people need to think about other alternatives to help them solve their clutter problems.

Here are some ideas to aid you with the decluttering process:

• Contact the APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers and Organizers) for support on the matter. They may be able to singpost you to people and services that are of interest.
• Contact the local council to check if they have decluttering/cleaning services that may be of use to you.
• Contact organisations like Age UK for advice on the matter.

 

Getting Support to Deal with the Emotional Side of Decluttering 

It’s easy to think of decluttering as just getting rid of things you don’t need. But the truth is, decluttering to some people is part of a grieving process, it’s a deep and emotional time, where true sadness may be felt.

It’s during these sensitive times that not only do you have to deal with the physical act of decluttering, but it’s also when you have to accept the emotional turmoil that goes along with it. And this can be psychologically draining and completely overwhelming.

This is why it is crucial to find the right support to help you throughout the decluttering process.

Where can you find this help?

Family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues, forums, specialised organisations and groups can all help you during this time.

Typically, organisations, like a decluttering service or the council, will have members of staff that are trained to deal with such events, and can coach you throughout the process. Similarly, if you declutter alongside your family members you can empathise with each other, and can look at the positives of the past together.

It’s important to find the right support during these times because it’s such a delicate act. You need to work with someone who understands the pain you’re going through, and can help you to see the decluttering process in a positive light.