Regional towns lead Australia in winter home decluttering push

New research from Howards Storage World has identified regional Australian towns as the most proactive in decluttering their homes ahead of winter.

According to the data, Victor Harbor in South Australia ranks highest for decluttering interest per capita, followed by Bathurst in New South Wales, Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, and Busselton, also in Western Australia.

The study used a combination of Google search volume for decluttering-related keywords and Google Maps business listings referencing decluttering services to construct a per-capita index.

Larger urban centres such as Wodonga, Perth, and the Gold Coast were found at the lower end of the decluttering index, indicating comparatively less interest in home organisation activities in these areas.

With winter approaching and more people expected to spend time indoors, the research suggests this season could be an appropriate period for many Australians to focus on decluttering.

Cathy Player, Howards Storage World's Expert Organiser, said: "Decluttering isn't just about aesthetics, it's about function, space and wellbeing. We've seen a strong national trend toward simplifying homes, especially in regional areas."

Player explained that several specific items are commonly found cluttering Australian homes, offering guidance on how to manage or dispose of them effectively.

Old cables and chargers often occupy drawers, with many households retaining cords for long-obsolete gadgets. "If you don't know what a cable connects to, or haven't used it in over a year, it's time to recycle it responsibly. Holding onto mystery cords only adds to digital-era chaos," Player advised. She recommended using a compact cable organiser or divided drawer insert to sort essential items and recycling the rest.

Incomplete containers, particularly in the kitchen, were also highlighted as contributors to household disorder. Player suggested: "If you're playing Tupperware tetris every time you reach for a container, it's worth streamlining your stash to just the most functional, complete sets." She recommended nesting containers with secure-fitting lids to maintain kitchen order.

Wardrobes reportedly accumulate out-of-season clothing, which can reduce accessibility to frequently worn items. "Whether it's winter coats in summer or formalwear you only wear occasionally, not every piece in your wardrobe needs to be at arm's reach year-round. Instead of overcrowding your closet, consider vacuum-packing out-of-season or rarely worn items and storing them under the bed or on a high shelf. This keeps your wardrobe streamlined and makes it easier to see, and wear, what you actually need day to day, while still preserving the pieces you love." She identified vacuum storage bags as a practical solution for conserving space.

Bathroom shelves can fill with expired toiletries, from used moisturisers to out-of-date cosmetics, which can pose hygiene concerns. Player said: "The bathroom is another key clutter zone. From half-used moisturisers to dried-out mascara, expired products can take up precious shelf space and even pose hygiene risks. A seasonal clean-out can make your morning routine far more enjoyable." She recommended bathroom drawer organisers and makeup organisers to separate necessities from items that should be discarded.

Unused kitchen gadgets also contribute to household clutter, with items such as toastie makers or novelty devices often left unused. Player asked: "If you've got a toastie maker or novelty kitchen device collecting dust, ask yourself: Have I used this in the last six months? If the answer is no, it might be time to donate or rehome. Less clutter equals more counter space and easier meal prep." She advised using over-door storage racks for frequently used kitchen items and keeping less-used gadgets in labelled multipurpose tubs.

The analysis by Howards Storage World points to a growing interest in decluttering in regional areas, suggesting that a focus on storage solutions and organised living may be increasingly valued in these communities.