Nationally representative research commissioned with The Leadership Factor in February 2025 by Roseland Furniture surveyed 1,003 UK respondents to discover the items Brits are storing in their homes, including aspects related to surplus items and clutter, as well as misusing storage space.
The survey found that the large majority of people need to declutter items in their home, equating to an estimated 18.8 million based on ONS figures of 21.4 million UK households. When it comes to specific items people needed to declutter, clothing (47%), documents/paperwork (33%), and kitchenware (26%) were the top three categories most likely to need sorting.
Overall, Brits need to declutter the following items (ordered from most to least):
- Clothing – 47%
- Documents/paperwork – 33%
- Kitchenware (e.g. crockery, cutlery, cookware, glassware) – 26%
- Shoes – 25%
- Technology/cables – 23%
- Homeware accessories (e.g. ornaments, candles) – 19%
- Books/games – 19%
- Accessories – 18%
- Expired food items – 16%
- DIY/home improvement items (e.g. paint, tools) – 13%
- Children’s items (e.g. toys) – 13%
- N/A – I don’t need to declutter anything – 12%
- Cosmetics/toiletries – 12%
- Decorations (e.g. Christmas, Halloween, etc.) – 11%
- Reusable shopping bags – 11%
- Long shelf-life food items (e.g. cans, tins, jars) – 10%
- Gardening items (e.g. tools) – 8%
- Pet items (e.g. toys) – 6%
- Leisure equipment (e.g. hobbies, camping, etc.) – 5%
- Sports equipment (e.g. gym, skiing, etc.) – 5%
- Other – 1%
Clutter increases stress and anxiety
Living in a chaotic, messy space can take a toll on your mental well-being… Studies suggest that clutter can increase stress and anxiety, making it harder to concentrate, relax, and even sleep. A tidy home isn’t just about appearances; it’s about creating a healthier, calmer, and more comfortable environment. Psychotherapist Georgina Sturmer corroborated this, sharing that sometimes this accumulation of belongings becomes overwhelming – “it can make our space feel restricted and as if we have fewer opportunities to breathe and relax. The physical clutter can add to the mental load that we are carrying, leaving us feeling stressed or anxious”.
The research by Roseland Furniture also found that 12% said their home office was a space regularly filled with clutter, highlighting that millions could be impacted during their working days. Dr. Venetia Leonidakiv, a Doctify-rated psychologist, shared that the “accumulation of clutter at home can negatively impact our psychological sense of home, which is our attachment to a safe and secure place linked to our self-identity”. Dr. Leonidakiv also shared that in a recent research study, office clutter also predicted emotional exhaustion and stress.
Clutter impacts focus and productivity
Hester Van Hien, home decluttering and organising consultant at Tidylicious, added that “research has shown that when we’re surrounded by a lot of things, our brains can find it difficult to focus on the present moment. It can make it harder for us to focus, and this can impact our productivity”.
Tristan Lynch, CEO at Roseland Furniture, commented: “Our research highlighted that millions of people are dealing with inconvenient clutter taking over their homes. However, clutter isn’t just a nuisance – it can have real consequences for your day-to-day life, including your health.
“Whether you are a homeowner or renting, it is important to consider specific storage solutions for each room to keep your belongings organised and out of the way. For example, choosing the right wardrobes, bedroom furniture, and other storage solutions will help keep your bedroom clutter-free. Likewise, kitchen larders, sideboards, and cupboards can help keep items from spilling onto countertops or surfaces.
“If you find your hallway is becoming jumbled with clutter, a hallway sideboard or cupboard can also help to manage any clutter. A shoe cupboard is a simple way to keep footwear neat and tidy, or a storage bench provides a handy home for shoes as well as a convenient place to perch whilst you put them on.
“Now we are into Spring, you might also consider sheds or garden storage for certain items taking up precious storage space inside your home, such as paint, sports equipment, or tools”.
This article was written for WHN by Natalie Richardson, a freelance digital PR Consultant on behalf of Roseland Furniture, a homegrown business that takes great pride in providing affordable products that inspire and help you create your own space.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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