A professional home organiser and self-proclaimed 'practical minimalist' has issued a stark warning about the household clutter most Brits are needlessly holding onto. Gulnaz Abdrakhmanova, 49, who shares advice with her followers on Instagram under the handle @practical.minimalist, has listed the ten types of items she believes everyone should throw away immediately to achieve a more peaceful and manageable living space.
The Top Ten Clutter Culprits to Eliminate
Abdrakhmanova's philosophy is brutally simple: if you don't use it daily, it's likely hindering your life. She advocates for a significant purge of non-essential belongings, starting with a firm rule against 'just in case' items. "If it hasn't been used in years, it's not helping your real life," she asserts. This means strictly limiting possessions like bed sheets to just two sets per bed and keeping only enough dishes for the family.
She also takes a hard line against duplicates, broken items, and trendy decor. "One good item is better than five average ones," she explains, adding that less stuff directly translates to less cleaning and management. Broken or half-working objects are dismissed as 'mental clutter,' while she chooses timeless, calming decor over fleeting trends that create 'visual noise.'
Beyond the Bin: The Problem with Mindless Storage
For those who think storage bins are the solution to clutter, Abdrakhmanova offers a counterintuitive perspective. She warns that storage without intention just hides the problem. Her mantra is clear: "Decluttering comes first." This principle extends to clothes that no longer fit, unnecessary paperwork, and even an excess of children's toys. "Fewer toys mean calmer kids and easier cleanup," the mother-of-three notes from experience.
The Five-Question Rule for Smarter Shopping
To prevent clutter from creeping back in, Abdrakhmanova employs a rigorous five-question filter before any purchase. She first asks if she genuinely needs the item and how often it will be used. She then considers if it will tangibly improve her life and if she can truly afford it without relying on credit. "If it only fits on a credit card… it probably doesn't fit in your budget," she cautions.
Her final questions focus on quality and long-term commitment. She advises buying fewer, but higher-quality items, viewing each purchase as an investment with potential resale value. Lastly, she assesses whether she has the capacity—in terms of space, time, and effort—to properly care for the item. To combat impulse buys, she recommends a mandatory one-to-two day cooling-off period, noting that "most impulses fade."
By combining ruthless decluttering with mindful consumption, Abdrakhmanova's approach promises a home that serves who you are today, not a future 'someday' self laden with unused possessions.
