Stop hoarding junk you don’t need you 19 per cent of people who have a whole room you can’t use

Decluttering is currently a Big Thing with mums in the UK swearing by the Marie Kondo method.

And according to research by RIAS, it’s a much needed DIY therapy. A staggering 79 per cent of us are hoarding items we no longer need just because of sentimental reasons.

In fact, it’s so bad for some that 19 per cent have an entire room in their home full of stuff they don’t use or really need.

Dr Elizabeth Forrester said: “People seem to struggle to let go of material things, often citing emotional attachment or sentimental reasons for holding onto unnecessary items.

“It seems to be a subconscious decision to simply hold onto things even though it’s known there’s no need or use for them any more. Items are kept out of sight and never used, but hold comfort simply in the knowledge they are there. For many people this “comfort” extends from a kitchen drawer to occupying an entire room.”

For anyone who has had the misfortune of paying storage fees during a house move, don’t be one of the 55 per cent of people who box up all their junk and to take to a new hoarding cupboard.

If you want to start clearing out the junk from your life, Dr Liz Forrester has some useful advice at: http://www.rias.co.uk/rias-and-you/living-and-lifestyle/getting-on-top-of-your-clutter/