Posted on Monday, 9th February 2026
New research has found that 87% of UK relationships have been affected by clutter in the home, and nearly a quarter (22%) admit their home environment would be better if they had proper storage at home.
To help couples reconnect this Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraging couples to tackle clutter together, and create a more calming home environment.
Data shows that in the UK there’s a divide between men and women, with a quarter (24%) of women feeling like they do more tidying than their partners, whereas only one in eight (12%) men agree.
The data also showed that out of all the major UK cities, Belfast has the most storage related relationship issues with 40% of couples regularly arguing about clutter. Belfasters aren’t alone either: 33% of Leeds residents also face the same relationship problem.
With these tips and hacks, you can help bring a sense of organisation to your home this Valentine’s and further in 2026.
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Clutter can make our homes feel like a stressful space that you’re unable to relax in, especially after a day of work. It’s important that our space helps bring a sense of calm - this is not only good for everyone at home, but it’s also important for your mental health.
Frustrations can arise when there’s clutter involved, so before this happens, sit down with your partner and devise a plan of action for decluttering.
Research shows that clutter in shared areas of the home is one of the biggest triggers for arguments. Living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms are used daily, so a buildup of belongings here is more noticeable and harder to ignore.
Starting with these spaces is a great way to help you see quick improvements and feel more in control of your environment. When you've picked a room, remove any clutter off the floor to begin with to instantly see the progress. Seeing a difference quickly can help keep you motivated.
Items kept for sentimental reasons or ‘just in case’ can be some of the hardest things for couples to agree on. One person may see value in keeping an item, while the other sees it as unnecessary clutter. Agreeing on simple rules together can make decisions easier and help avoid conflict further down the line.
For the 13% of couples who struggle to decide what to keep or throw away, try the 'six-month rule'. If you haven't used an item in six months and it doesn't hold deep sentimental value, it might be time to let it go. For things you're unsure about, place them in a 'maybe' box and revisit it in a few weeks.
This is a common issue, with 19% of couples admitting they disagree on what items should be kept where. Research found that frustration often comes from one partner feeling they are dealing with clutter more than the other. Decluttering together helps create a sense of fairness and teamwork, rather than placing the responsibility on one person.
If you both feel overwhelmed, divide and conquer based on strengths. If one partner is better at organising paperwork and the other excels at sorting clothes, play to those strengths.
When you've tackled the main areas of your home and if space still feels tight, you might want to consider external storage - especially for the items you won't be reaching for everyday but aren't yet ready to let go of.
Remember, decluttering as a couple doesn’t need to be stressful. Working together to organise your space can reduce tension, improve communication and help couples reconnect, especially during the month of love.
Organise your home quickly, with our hints and tips to help you stay clutter free in 2026.
A cluttered space can often feel overwhelming for you and your partner and can contribute to frustration between you. It oftens causes arguments because couples don’t address it until it starts to affect how they feel in their home.
Keeping your home clutter free creates a tidy environment, that’s not only good for you and your family, but good for the mind too.
With everyday life, it’s normal for clutter to sometimes take up certain areas of the home, but it’s important to task yourself with certain habits that you can do every day, that will help you keep on top of your space. Just before you go to bed, give yourself 10-15 minutes to reset your living room and kitchen, there’s nothing better than waking up in the morning starting the day fresh.
Not only does a clutter-free home help take away the stresses some couples face when it comes to household chores, but it’s also a great way to help your mental wellbeing. An untidy and cluttered space can add stress and chaos to your everyday life.
If you’re looking for external storage to help house those belongings that you’re not ready to part with, here’s how to prepare your items for a storage unit.
