Tidy at Heart

Tidy at Heart Tidy at Heart - Professional Home Organisation & Decluttering
Clear clutter and simplify your home I love decluttering. That’s where I come in.

I find nothing more satisfying than organising a space, removing unnecessary and unwanted clutter and being left with a space that feels calm, simple and relaxing. A home where I know that everything that’s left is something valuable whether that’s because it has a functional purpose or just because I find it beautiful and it makes me smile. When our homes are clutter free I believe that life is s

impler. This simplicity is incredibly beneficial for our mental well being - giving us more time, energy and space for the things that are truly important to us and worthy of our time. For many the thought of tackling clutter feels overwhelming and daunting. I work closely with clients encouraging and supporting them throughout the sometimes difficult task of removing unnecessary clutter from their homes. Decluttering isn't about getting rid of everything that doesn't have a function. Your home is your haven, the place you come home to at the end of the day and switch off from the world. It should incorporate the things that are useful, meaningful and bring joy to your life. These things will be different for everyone. Clutter means different things to different people. I won't judge or tell you something you own is clutter, that realisation will come from you. If you visited my home I'm sure you'd be surprised that my home isn't a minimalist haven - I have plenty of what others may determine as clutter, but to us is useful, beautiful and important in some way. What you would see is that my home is tidy, everything has a place, I know where everything is and rooms are organised so that they work. This is what I want for you. Your home doesn’t need to be perfect. As a busy mum of two teenagers and both myself and my husband working from home, life can sometimes be chaotic and therefore our home gets untidy and disorganised but by reducing clutter and having simple methods in place order can be quickly be restored leaving me free to do other more enjoyable things. I can help you to unleash your home's potential by only keeping things that you feel are useful, loved and bring pleasure to your life; to consider how you use spaces and organise them to suit your needs so that your home works for you - not against you.

Impulse buying is the spur of the moment urge to buy anything from food to electronics to clothing. Things, in all likel...
11/06/2026

Impulse buying is the spur of the moment urge to buy anything from food to electronics to clothing. Things, in all likelihood we don’t really need. But science shows our cluttered homes are causing increased levels of stress and anxiety as well as pushing us further into debt

Read on for some ways to try to resist the urge

Create a budget
Plan and pay all essential costs first. Know where your money is going so you are more aware of what you have left over

Allow yourself some spending
Set a small budget for extras and don’t exceed it. This way you allow yourself some treats with out the guilt or the need for impulse buys

Set a financial goal
Saving for something gives you focus to prioritise on something you really want rather than frittering money away

Limit access to your money
Move funds into saving pockets in your account so they are not automatically available and you need to move before you can spend, this delay will help combat the impulsiveness
Use cash so you can physically see money reduce rather than just pressing card against a machine without thought
Cancel or restrict access to credit cards. Place post it on it saying 'pause' or 'slow down' to discourage use
Remove saved card info on websites so extra step needed before completing purchase
Unsubscribe from favourite retailers to avoid tempting offers and promotions
Try a no spend challenge where you only pay for essentials

Delay purchases
Once in your basket give yourself a cooling off period. Allow 24 hours to take away the excitement and impulse
Do a mental checklist to assess if you really want or need it

Actively avoid temptation
Remove shopping apps, don’t browse websites, limit social media time, avoid shops or aisles that don’t have what you went in for

Do something else
Find alternative hobbies or activities to fill your time - go for a walk, make a coffee, meet a friend or read a book. The benefits outweigh any new purchase

Shop intentionally
Really consider purchases. Be mindful what you allow into your home
Ask yourself: Is it a need or a want?, Can you wait 24 hours? Can you afford it? Can you save for it? What would you have to sacrifice now to have it? How long would you have to work to pay for it? Why do you want it?
Use a list and stick to it
Have a shopping partner who is honest and will challenge you when making a purchase

Shop in the right frame of mind
Avoid shopping when you feel low, hungry or stressed. Try to be clear headed when making any purchase

Declutter
Simplifying your stuff changes your perspective on what you own and why
Decluttering makes you reassess what you bring into your home, items need to earn their place in your space
Clutter consumes time, energy, money and emotions - remove this and you reassess what really matters

Not all purchases are bad, a small occasional purchase can be a nice reward for your hard work, but impulse buying is a habit that once established can be hard to break. We overvalue possessions, they can overwhelm our home causing stress, anxiety and debt. The key to a decluttered and organised home is having less stuff

Be ruthless about what you allow into your home, make sure it earns its place. Your emotional well being, your home and your bank account will thank you

Impulse buying could be damaging your budget and filling your home with things you don’t need or love or maybe even forg...
09/06/2026

Impulse buying could be damaging your budget and filling your home with things you don’t need or love or maybe even forgotten you own

Impulse buying is that spur of the moment urge to buy anything from food to electronics to clothing. And it’s intoxicating. But science shows our cluttered homes are causing increased levels of stress and anxiety as well as pushing us further into debt

Why we do it

Advertising is clever
Exposure to advertising is intense and constant, it’s everywhere from pop ups on your phone to in store and window displays
There is established science behind the relentless push to sell us products, lifestyles and self esteem
Data collection is available to companies to target their audience digitally, reaching into your phone, your tv and radio, tempting you into an impulse purchase with the click of a button

We believe the item will make life better
We want to believe it will help us look and feel better, do something more easily or make us happy. We buy into product or sellers claims
The idea of better can be irresistible and we get sucked in to not giving careful consideration to the purchase. Every item takes money but also energy - cleaning, storing, organising, maintaining and moving but we don’t think about that

We love shopping
We want to buy something so we do. We love the dopamine rush as we find something we just have to have, buying and taking it instantly
That irresistible urge to buy something … anything. Right now. And it’s never been easier, we don’t even need to leave our home. 2 out of 3 impulse purchase are made in bed on a phone (PR Newswire 2021)
But the excitement can wear off quickly, so another purchase is sought to repeat the high and anticipation

Lack of self control
With so much to tempt us, it can hard to resist even if we don’t have the budget to afford it. We are accustomed to getting what we want when we want and decreased waiting times diminishes our ability to tolerate waiting
Credit cards and loans mean we don’t even have to have the funds available or the motivation to save for the things we want
Culture tells us we deserve it, social media creates FOMO - whether we can afford or not is glossed over

Are you an impulse buyer? The likelihood is you are, or at least have been at some point. For some it’s not a problem but for many this irresistible urge to buy things is impacting their life and their home

My next post will look at some ways we can try to resist the impulse

If you’ve had a declutter I’m sure you came across things you felt were too good to give away, so why not try a car boot...
04/06/2026

If you’ve had a declutter I’m sure you came across things you felt were too good to give away, so why not try a car boot sale?

Experienced booters need no convincing, but if you’re a newbie rest assured it’s a great fun - get the family involved, clear some space, sell your stuff and make some cash

Here are some tips I've learnt (please add your own to the comments)

Plan your visit. Check dates, arrival times entry fees and facilities, events are weather dependent so keep an eye out for last minute cancellations
Prepare. Boxes work well for packing and can be used to display
Pack the car the night before
Have plenty of change and somewhere safe to keep it

Consider display needs - table, blanket, upturned boxes, rail
Make browsing easy - books upright in a box / basket, spread things out, group clothes in age / size, don't make people stretch too far
Rotate / top up goods
Take extras such as hangers, carrier bags

Take refreshment especially if you dont want to spend your profits , and maybe a seat
Be weather ready - suncream, hat, brolly, jumper

Be prepared when you unload the car - people may try and rummage through it’s ok to ask people to wait until you’ve got it out, once things are on display be prepared to engage with buyers even if you are still unloading
Have an idea about prices. Be realistic and be prepared to haggle. Stick to your guns if you really want a set £, but if you want to come home with an emptier car then be prepared to sell lower
Keep an eye on the flow of buyers and sellers. Busyness will vary but you will notice a drop off and you may decide to depart early - make sure you can do so safely
Be prepared to come home with things - unlikely you will sell out so have a plan to deal with leftover goods - keep for another car boot or donate
Avoid wandering, purchasing and spending on refreshments as this will eat into your earnings
Smile, be friendly, chat with buyers and other sellers to make it a much more social and enjoyable experience

Check adverts, pages / websites for regular events and updates and keep eye out for smaller, local occasional events run, for example by Treetops Hospice
Have a back up plan if cancelled

So you've had the clear out and now got shed loads of stuff to get rid of?Why not do a car boot? Experienced booters nee...
03/06/2026

So you've had the clear out and now got shed loads of stuff to get rid of?

Why not do a car boot? Experienced booters need no convincing, but newbies I can assure you it’s a great way to spend a few hours on a Sunday morning - get the family involved, sell your stuff, clear some space, make a bit of cash and try not to spend your profits!

I've done a bit of the leg work for you but this by no means an exhaustive list. These are some of the established regular events but do check out small, local occasional events run, for example by the likes of Treetops Hospice in Risley

**Check individual pages / local news and pages / websites for updates**
Be warned events are usually weather dependent

Tansley Sunday market & car boot - From 6th / 7th June
Tansley Crossroads, DE4 5GF
07828602538
Sellers from £12, table hire available, no need to book turn up between 6-9.30am, refreshments, entertainment

Derby Arena Market & Car Boot from 7th June
Sundays throughout the Summer 9-5pm
Pride Park, DE24 8JB
07828 602538
Sellers £10, all vehicles welcome, toilets, refreshments, disabled parking

Ripley Giant Car Boot Sale - From 6th June Saturdays 7am - 2pm
B6013, DE5 3RH
07828602538
Sellers 7-9.30am, £10 per car / £12-£16 per van, no need to book

Smalley Car Boot Sale - Sundays 6am - 1pm
A609 crossroads, DE7 6FY. 07467 598968
Sellers from 6.30am, cars/small van £8 /large vans £12

Duffield Car Boot (Treasure Trove Fairs) - Every Thursday & BH’s 7am - 2pm,
B5023 DE56 4AQ. 07966 445452
Sellers £9 (all size vehicles), from 6am

Twin Oaks Car Boot (Treasure Trove Fairs) - Every Saturday from 10am
Junction 29 M1 S44 6UZ. 07966 445452
Sellers from £12

If you know of a great car boot share the details in the comments 🚙

Look out for tomorrows post for hints and tips on doing a car boot sale

Holiday season is here, maybe you've already had a trip or have one coming up, here are a few packing tips🏖 Plan outfits...
01/06/2026

Holiday season is here, maybe you've already had a trip or have one coming up, here are a few packing tips

🏖 Plan outfits that mix and match
Neutrals are easy to coordinate, include a flexible layer item for colder evenings
Lay outfits out, then reduce down
Consider underwear and accessories, choose items that go with everything
Consider duration, climate and activities
Second guessing an item? you likely don't need it
Choose shoes wisely, minimise, 3 pairs is ideal including the one you wear to travel

🏖 Check case dimensions and weight allowance
Use every inch of space - think Tetris
Share items ie toothpaste, straighteners
Use travel packs/cubes or use carrier bags to protect clothes and these will be handy for wet/dirty items
Prevent a smelly case with dryer sheets
Heaviest items on bottom makes easier to wheel around
Turn clothes inside out so if spills do happen then its on inside not outside
If a family pack clothes for each person in each bag. If you lose one you won’t be without everything
Rolling clothes means fewer creases and more compact
Fold structured garments with a hanger inside to help keep shape
Protect fragile items - bubble wrap or package well in amongst clothes (socks are great for this)
Secure bags with a padlock / coded lock and attach a distinctive strap to make it easy to identify on the conveyor
Take an empty water bottle (you can fill once through security and keep topped up while you're away)
Line a fabric case with a bin liner in case of a heavy downpour

🏖 Plan your travel outfit
Wear your bulkiest and heaviest items
If you need to remove items from a too heavy case put them on

🏖 Accessories
Thread necklaces through straws to stop them tangling
Use a pill box or similar (tic tac case) for storing earrings
Make your own jewellery roll with a scarf, t-shirt or wash cloth
Pack a hat upside down - pack round below the brim and pack into the hat so it keeps its shape
Keep collars neat by tucking a wound up belt inside
Store items inside shoes
Shower cap or grocery bags to cover shoe soles, also protect phones cameras during wet trips out
Use cotton bags for shoes
Take a foldable tote

🏖 Toiletries
Decent liquids into smaller bottles, or use travel size but beware these are generally more expensive
Contact lens case for storing small amount of make up ie foundation
Protect powder makeup by placing a cotton wool pad in the compact
Don’t forget regular medicines (only take what you need) and basic first aid
Plastic sealable bag for liquids - keeps together and prevents leakage
Swap liquids for solids
Wrap toiletries in clingfilm then replace lid
Keep accessible in case you need to pull out
Buy in the airport or resort and leave behind to save weight and space

🏖 Electrical
Ensure you have travel adapters or take an extension lead, sufficient chargers and cables, power banks
Pre charge items
Sunglass case for headphones, chargers. Use multiple and label for family member
Cork for wrapping headphones round
Use hairbands to keep cables in order
Keep a ziplock bag handy to protect in bad weather
Wrap straighteners in something soft to prevent damage

🏖 Documents
Planning is everything. Make sure you have all paperwork and know exactly what you need to do regarding return transfers, online check in etc.
Store key documents I.e. flight voucher, fast pass, hotel voucher digitally on your phone for quick, easy access
Print off documents and keep handy as well as a copy in your suitcase and with each adult travelling
Use an empty container to store cash
A tablet is best option for books but if you take an actual book, leave there for another traveller or swap

Happy Travelling 😎

Would love to hear your packing hacks and tips!

Got a lingering odour from your microwave or just need a freshen up, read on for natural, effective and quick cleaning t...
07/05/2026

Got a lingering odour from your microwave or just need a freshen up, read on for natural, effective and quick cleaning tips

❗️Take care removing hot liquid. Add a toothpick /wooden spoon in the bowl - bubbles will form along the wood preventing the water getting superheated and ‘exploding’ into a boil
❗️Never spray directly on/into the appliance, always spray on a cloth and apply
❗️Avoid water entering vents, use a non scratch pad

Using Bicarb
Add a few tbsp of baking soda (or dish soap) to a bowl of warm water, stir to dissolve
Place in microwave and run for 3-5 minute
Leave closed so steam can get to work
Wipe clean

Using Lemon (lime or orange work too)
Squeeze juice from 1 fruit into a microwave-safe bowl
Add fruit slices to the bowl
Place in the microwave, high power for several minutes
Leave it cool before opening, wipe clean with a sponge

Use a Magic Eraser
Wet the sponge slightly, clean using a circular motion
If not working its magic, soak in water and microwave on high for 5 mins, allow to cool, use the sponge to wipe away stubborn food and grime

Tackle Odours
Air the oven by leaving the door open, or place a bowl of baking soda inside with the door closed to absorb smells

Once you’ve treated the inside, remove and wash the turntable and plate

Clean the outside
Clean entire door, not forgetting seals with a damp sponge dipped in a little bicarb, wipe with a damp, clean cloth to rinse
Clean a greasy window with 50/50 mix of vinegar and water, rinse and wipe dry
Use diluted window cleaner and a microfibres cloth/kitchen paper for a sparkling streak free door
Heavy grease build up - wipe down with an all purpose grease cutting cleaner or a soapy mix of dish soap and water

Maintain your Microwave
Clean up spills immediately
Cover food when heating
Follow cooking times to avoid overheating and overflowing
Use microwave safe dishes
Clean and deodorise routinely monthly
Clean the filter every 6 months - check your manual, this can usually be done with hot soapy water
If the coating is actively flaking or paint is peeling anywhere inside the oven cavity, discontinue the use of the microwave and replace it
Leave door open to air after each use

Definitely one of the most hated chores - how long since you did it? Trouble is the longer you leave it the harder it is...
05/05/2026

Definitely one of the most hated chores - how long since you did it? Trouble is the longer you leave it the harder it is

Clean the shelves
Remove shelves. Wash in the dishwasher if they fit, or put in the bath (line with a towel) or use a large plastic box
Allow to soak for a few hours in a mixture of washing up detergent, white vinegar and warm water or soak in hot water with 250g soda crystals
Scrub away baked on food with scrunched up tin foil, rinse and allow to dry

Clean oven interior
Useful tools: non scratch sponges, scrubbing brush, toothbrush

Use a specialist oven cleaner. Always read instructions. Wear rubber gloves, goggles and work in a well ventilated room
*Often caustic, the fumes can be dangerous so restrict access. Can cause damage with prolonged use. If do you use always take the correct precautions

Natural solutions:
Biological wash detergent and warm water
Dishwasher powder dissolved with couple teaspoons of water in a refillable spray bottle
Equal parts bicarb and white vinegar
Mix salt and lemon juice and rub into any stubborn areas
Leave for few hours before wiping off

Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with few tblspoons of water to create spreadable paste. Wipe over surfaces, avoid heating elements. Leave 12 hrs / overnight wipe off with a sponge. Spray a little white vinegar on soda residue, the soda will gently foam. Give final wipe down until residue is gone

Clean the door
Remove food residue with metal spatula/ceramic hob scraper. Avoid putting too much weight on the door
Use a paste of bicarb of soda and water on the glass. Leave 15-20 mins then wipe off
Don't use a scourer on glass door as they introduce tiny scratches leaving glass vulnerable to shattering

Keeping the oven clean
Use liners or foil
Use roasting bags to avoid spills and splatters
Remove food to check rather than poking inside the oven
Clean immediately after use - place oven proof bowl of water inside heat at high temp for 20 mins to loosen grease and dirt. Once cool, wipe the interior

Use a professional oven cleaning service
Convenient, time saving and less hassle. Get recommendations, check if manufacturer recommends a particular service

**Always check your manual**

Following from yesterdays post, read on for tips on storage and organising your fridge🧀 What goes where?Upper shelves: F...
29/04/2026

Following from yesterdays post, read on for tips on storage and organising your fridge

🧀 What goes where?
Upper shelves: Foods that don't need cooking, leftovers, deli meats
Lower / middle: Dairy. Milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter
Bottom: Coldest part. Wrapped raw meat and fish
Drawers: Veg, salad, fruit, herbs - in original packaging
Door shelves: Warmest area. Foods with natural preservatives, condiments, jam, juice, beverages

🧀 Organise
Place shelves to optimise space
Invest in some fridge storage but don't overdo it - only what you need and have room for. Think clear, air tight containers to maximise visibility, stackable tubs to maximise space, stay fresh veg bags and bag clips, reusable, sealable food bags, net produce bags
Don’t overfill your fridge
Place newer produce behind older - always review when adding new shopping
Store bulky items in a second fridge if you have one
Line drawers with paper towel or liners, to make cleaning easier

🧀 Storage and Safety Tips
Keep raw and cooked separate, and always sealed
Cooked should always be higher than raw
Be vigilant with meat - the bacteria that causes food poisoning has no smell
Clean fridge regularly
Keep fresh foods i.e. herbs, away from back of the fridge and do not let them touch it as they are delicate and could freeze
Butter and soft cheese don’t need to be in coldest part so the middle shelf or door is okay
Keep certain fruits out of the fridge - banana, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes release a gas that can make other veg mature prematurely
Once opened jars should be kept in the fridge
Transfer left over canned goods into sealed tubs
Never put hot food in the fridge - allow it to cool first.
Open the door as infrequently as possible - only when you really need to and don’t leave open for prolonged periods

🧀 Some foods are better kept at room temperature (18-20 degrees). These items shouldn’t be kept in your fridge, so go ahead free up some space :
Bread
Cake (Unless it has a real cream or cream cheese filling)
Garlic
Tomatoes
Coffee
Eggs
Whole melon (Once cut, wrap in clingfilm and store in the fridge. The same goes for peppers and mangoes and avocado)
Onions
Honey

Cleaning your fridge can ensure you are storing food safely and hygienically, but also prolong its' life and make it mor...
28/04/2026

Cleaning your fridge can ensure you are storing food safely and hygienically, but also prolong its' life and make it more efficient

A deep clean is recommended every 3-6 months, with spot cleans as and when. Ideal to do this before your shopping when there is less food in it

🍅 Remove and audit food
Get rid of anything past its use by date. Freeze anything you can that may not get used. Check open jars, often have a 3 month recommended disposal after opening

Place items that should be kept refrigerated in cool bag to prevent bacteria building up (this happens quickly at room temperature)

🍅 Remove and wash all removable pieces
Refer to your manual if necessary
Wash throughly in hot water and washing up liquid. Allow glass pieces to reach room temperature before washing to avoid shattering
Remove shelf surrounds is possible or use a toothpick to remove any food residue

Rinse and allow to dry naturally or dry with a clean tea towel. Set aside

🍅 Clean the interior
Using warm, not hot, soapy water clean thoroughly, paying close attention to seals and shelf grooves
Clean the drip hole, a cotton bud works really well
Dry the inside of the fridge with a clean tea towel or paper towels

🍅 Clean outer surface
Wipe down the front of the fridge, pay close attention to handle and door surround. Use a stiff brush or vacuum crevice tool to remove crumbs in the folds of the door seal
Dry seals and folds with a tea towel or paper towels

🍅 Clean the condenser coils
Located at the back of the fridge these are often neglected but cleaning just once a year could save you up to £56 per year on your bill and prolong the life of your fridge.
Clean by turning off the fridge and vacuuming the coils to remove dust
Refer to your manual.

🍅 Replace shelves and removable items. Allow the fridge to cool to 5 degrees or lower before replacing your food

🍅 Banish odours by placing a small pot of bicarbonate of soda inside. This will last up to 3 months. Note the date on the pot as a reminder

🍅 When restocking, don't overload it. Your fridge needs air to circulate for it to work efficiently

Look out for my next post for tips on organising your fridge and storing food safely

Regularly cleaning your dishwasher can prevent the build of limescale, bacteria and odours, ensuring clean, hygienic dis...
24/04/2026

Regularly cleaning your dishwasher can prevent the build of limescale, bacteria and odours, ensuring clean, hygienic dishes as well as increasing the efficiency of your machine
(Always refer to your manual)

🍽 Daily
Remove food from well of dishwasher using a paper towel
Clean cutlery holder. Rinse under running water to dislodge trapped food

🍽 Weekly
Clean the filter. If you do nothing else do this! Unlock and remove as per manual instructions
Rinse under running water, use a toothbrush to scrub clean then rinse. Ensure locked back into place securely

Wipe around door
Using a damp cloth wipe round edges, interior surface, handle and controls. Clean rubber seals gently with a toothbrush, pay particular attention to the lower edge of the door as grime gathers here
Clean spray arms. Follow manufacturers instructions to remove arms, use a cocktail stick to poke out any blockages, rinse and replace

Clean exterior

🍽 Monthly
Deep clean the interior
Once all loose parts are returned and secured, running an empty hot cycle will help keep clean
You can also do an intensive clean using a commercial product, read and follow instructions carefully
Prefer a more natural method: place a dishwasher safe bowl filled with one cup distilled white vinegar on top rack run normal hot cycle without detergent or dishes
After running vinegar cycle could do an extra refresh buy sprinkling cup of baking soda in the bottom of empty machine and run a short hot cycle

Once cycle finished wipe round door and interior with a soft cloth

🍽 Use rinse aid and dishwasher salt to improve performance
Remove excess food but no need to pre rinse
Use a power spray for baked on dirt if required
Run a short rinse cycle if dishes will sit there for a while to avoid smells
Remove labels or stickers that may come off as they clog the filter
Don’t use bleach to clean your machine
Don’t pour cleaner into base of machine. Most machines start with a drain pump to clear residual liquid so it will just drain away

⭐️Always check your manual for advice on cleaning - some manufacturers advise against using vinegar⭐️

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