In a city that never slows down, keeping your living space calm and clutter-free can feel like an impossible task. Clutter can quickly creep in, stealing away your calm without you even realising it. However, with a clear guide and vision for getting started on your cleaning routine, your spring cleaning can be transformed from a dreaded chore into a purposeful reset.
According to Shelina Jokhiya, Founder of DeCluttr Me, and affectionately known as the 'Queen of Decluttering' in the UAE, the secret is simple. Start small, stay consistent, and never underestimate the power of a good reset.
Rebecca Lavallee, Founder of Sort It Out, suggests that you always come back to the 'why' question. Having clarity on why you are doing it will keep you moving forward.
Both experts provide some excellent tips and suggestions to help you through this process. Here’s your essential guide to tackling spring cleaning the smart way, without the stress.
Getting Started
Wondering if there is a perfect time to get started on cleaning, like the spring? While the spring season can act as an inspiration to get your things sorted, there really is no uniquely perfect time to clean. It's always a perfect time. However, how do you know if it's high time that you get started? Shelina Jokhiya from DeCluttr Me says, "If you feel things are getting out of hand or can’t find things easily, that’s your cue. Living in Dubai, life is so fast-paced that it’s easy for clutter to pile up without us even noticing, which can create stress. I always recommend booking a mini-declutter into your diary, just 15 to 30 minutes at a time. Treat it like you would a meeting or a workout session. You don’t have to spend hours. Start small, focus on one drawer or shelf, and build from there".
Rebecca Lavallee from Sort It Out adds, “Your home should be both your launchpad and your sanctuary, a place to fuel up and decompress. That’s exactly why it’s worth carving out time to declutter and organise. A common problem with Dubai homes, both apartments and villas, is a lack of storage spaces for luggage, sports equipment and even linens. This calls for keeping the unnecessary down to a minimum as well as coming up with creative and efficient storage solutions".
Some Common Mistakes
According to both experts, the biggest mistake people make is tackling too much at once and not having a clear plan. "People pull everything out, thinking they’ll organise it all beautifully in one afternoon, and then get overwhelmed halfway through and give up. I never recommend taking everything out. It’s far too much. Also, you need to be clear on what area you’re working on and what you want to achieve before you start. And finally, a lot of people get stuck because they don’t have enough boxes or donation bags ready. Always have bags ready for items to toss, donate or relocate elsewhere", says Shelina Jokhiya from DeCluttr Me.
Rebecca Lavallee from Sort It Out shares another bonus tip to keep in mind. "Resist the urge to buy storage boxes before you’ve done the sorting. You might not even need them".
Getting Started: Cleaning One Space At A Time
If just thinking about cleaning makes you want to hide under the covers, experts suggest starting small and simple. Also, if you want to do a thorough cleaning, make sure you start with visible areas so that you stay motivated with the results throughout.
Shelina Jokhiya from DeCluttr Me notes, "If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start somewhere small and simple. I always suggest a handbag, a makeup drawer or even just one shelf in the fridge. Somewhere you can see a clear difference after a few minutes. That quick win will boost your motivation to keep going. Also, remember that you don’t have to do it all in one day. Just ticking off one small space at a time is a huge step forward".
Also, prepare a plan for tackling specific rooms and spaces before you start big. Preparation is the difference between chaos and calm.
Rebecca Lavallee from Sort It Out recommends identifying your 'main pain point', or what’s bothering you the most, and starting there. When getting started, she recommends following the four C's of organisation:
- Categorise what you have
- Consolidate like items together
- Curate the best and let go of the rest
- Contain items in functional and appealing ways
This approach breaks down the process into manageable steps, reducing the chances of becoming overwhelmed.
So, if you want to start with bedrooms, what things should you keep in mind?
"Always start with the surfaces you see first, bedside tables, tops of chests of drawers and the floor. Clear these spaces before tackling wardrobes and drawers. In bedrooms, common clutter culprits are piles of clothes, both clean and dirty, random chargers and tech gadgets, and skincare products gathering dust on surfaces. I also find that under-bed spaces can become black holes of forgotten clutter. If you’re storing things under your bed, make sure they’re properly organised in labelled containers", Shelina Jokhiya from DeCluttr Me suggests.
Moving on to kitchens, they are typically the spaces that accumulate the most clutter over time. Shelina Jokhiya from DeCluttr Me says, "Focus on one zone at a time. I usually recommend starting with the pantry or dry food cupboards because expired items are easy to spot and toss. It gives you quick wins straight away. Next, tackle drawers, especially the dreaded 'miscellaneous' drawer, by grouping like with like. For example, put batteries together, pens together and so on. Use containers, labels and drawer dividers to make it easier to see what you have. If you can’t see it, you won’t use it. Don’t get clear containers if you don’t want to see the visual clutter inside them, especially for crisps and snacks. Don’t buy new organising products until you’ve decluttered, otherwise you’re just organising clutter".
The Mindset Shift
While engaging in spring cleaning, it is important to realise that your mind could become your biggest enemy or your best friend. Without clarity, you could feel lost and confused while cleaning. Shelina Jokhiya from DeCluttr Me, encourages you to ask a simple but powerful question when sorting through items. "Ask yourself: do I use it regularly, or does it genuinely make me happy? If the answer is no, it’s time to let go. Don’t keep things out of guilt. Your space should be filled with things that make your life easier or more joyful, not things you feel obligated to keep".
Rebecca Lavallee from Sort It Out echoes the suggestion and also adds, "Designate a special box for memorabilia. For families with children who may one day leave the UAE, it’s especially meaningful to preserve tangible reminders of their time here. These memory boxes can help children reconnect with this chapter of their lives when they look back one day. But even with sentimental items, be mindful. Sometimes, holding on to too much of the past can quietly hold us back from stepping into the next season of life. Give yourself permission to let go. Especially in a fast-paced city like Dubai, your home should be a calm, energising space, not one that adds stress to your day".
Both experts also urge us to realise that decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s a form of self-care. An organised space boosts productivity by saving you time and mental energy. "When you have less visual noise around you, your brain doesn’t have to work so hard. You feel calmer, less stressed, and more in control. It also saves time and mental energy. If you know exactly where your keys, documents or favourite pair of jeans are, you’re not wasting time searching or getting frustrated. Organising your space means you can find what you need in five seconds, and that frees you up to focus on what actually matters", Shelina Jokhiya from DeCluttr Me notes.
Staying Clutter-Free For Good
Once a space has been cleaned and decluttered, how do you keep it that way, especially if you live in a house filled with children and adults who are not particularly keen on maintaining cleanliness? Shelina says, "The key is maintenance and having a simple system that everyone can follow. Make sure everything has a proper home. Labels can help, especially in shared spaces like kitchens and playrooms. Involve everyone in tidying up, even young children. Also, schedule mini-decluttering sessions every month, just 15 minutes to reset things before it gets out of hand again. Finally, keep a 'one in, two out' rule whenever you can. If something new comes in, something old should go out. It helps keep clutter at bay without feeling restrictive".
Finally, remember that decluttering isn’t a one-time project. It’s a lifestyle shift.