The BBC’s ‘Sort Your Life Out’ has issued a blunt verdict on the nation’s messiest habits, identifying four common cluttering mistakes as a surge in decluttering fuels a modest but welcome boost to local economies across Britain.
The show, which helps families transform chaotic homes into organised spaces, has become a unlikely driver of consumer spending on storage solutions, charity donations, and second-hand goods. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the decluttering trend has increased demand for home storage units by 12% in the past year, while charity shops report a 9% rise in donated goods.
Presenter Stacey Solomon and her team point to four key errors: holding onto items “just in case”, failing to categorise belongings, buying storage before sorting, and keeping sentimental clutter. “People think they need more shelves, but they actually need to let go of things they haven’t touched in years,” Solomon said in an interview.
For families on squeezed budgets, decluttering offers a way to turn unused possessions into cash. Online marketplaces like eBay and Vinted have seen a 20% increase in listings of household items since the show’s launch, according to industry data. One Manchester mum, who asked not to be named, said she made £450 selling old toys and clothes. “It felt like a weight lifted off the house and the bank account,” she said.
The trend is also supporting the circular economy, with more items being recycled or resold rather than sent to landfill. Environmental groups have praised the shift, though they warn against impulsive “declutter and buy” cycles that merely replace old stuff with new.
Small businesses have capitalised on the craze. Organising specialists, skip hire firms, and cleaning services report increased demand. In Leeds, a local decluttering service saw bookings rise 30% after the show aired. “It’s not just about tidying up, it’s about making money from what you already own,” said owner Sarah Thompson.
However, critics argue that the trend risks deepening inequalities. “For those who can afford to hire organisers or buy new storage, it’s a boon. But low-income families may struggle to find the time or money to participate,” said Dr. Rachel Turner, an economist at the University of Sheffield. She noted that the average cost of hiring a professional declutterer is £250 per room, a sum beyond many households.
Despite this, the Bank of England’s recent regional labour market report highlighted a 4% increase in part-time roles in home-organisation services, mostly taken by women in areas with traditionally high unemployment. “It’s not going to solve the productivity puzzle, but it’s helping some families put food on the table,” said a spokesperson.
The show’s website has crashed several times due to demand for its downloadable checklist. “People are desperate for a feeling of control,” Solomon said. “And if that control can also save you money, even better.”
With the cost of living still biting, the decluttering boom offers a rare ray of light for household finances. Whether it’s selling a dusty treadmill or donating old coats to a shelter, the message is clear: a tidy home can mean a healthier bank balance.
