The return of minimalism: Does it spark joy?

Since Netflix released Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Australia has been swept by a wave of decluttering.

"Does it ‘spark joy" – is a piece of advice Australians have really taken to heart 

Neat, uncluttered spaces are undeniably calming and easy on the eye. Piles of mess all over your living space cause stress and anxiety, and in extreme cases, can be a safety hazard.

We've compiled the best pieces of advice we could find on how and why you should declutter your home for a stress-free lifestyle.

1. For every new item you bring into your home, throw another away.
2. Say no to unnecessary merchandise and gifts with purchase. These free sources of clutter can also come in the form of hand-me-downs, unwanted presents, and inherited items.
3. Allocate space for frequently used items and consciously stick to this system of categorising. For example, keep your keys on a hook or in a bowl near your door.
4. Sort through mail and papers as soon as you get them. File what you need, and throw away what you don’t
5. Avoid purchasing items in bulk, particularly if you have a small house with limited storage.
6. Adopt a trial-period mentality, where items are stored in a designated place and sold or donated it if they haven’t been used by the end of a set time period.
7. Adopt healthy shopping habits – always create a list to help you stay focused in-store.
8. Invest in furniture with built-in storage solutions, like beds, sofas and ottomans, so you can hide mess in plain sight.
9. Before you buy something, ask yourself the following questions: Do you already own something similar? Will you realistically have time to use or maintain the item? Where will it be stored? Why do you want to buy the item, really?