I'd argue there are three types of people. Those happy to live among chaos and clutter, others who need clean surfaces to thrive. And people like me, who are naturally messy, addicted to stuff and sentimental about objects and clothing... but who like to think that a new, improved way of life is just a few trips to the skip away.
As a lifelong messy person, I thought I was resistant to being 'cleanfluenced'. My untidy house was part of a 'refusal to conform to traditional expectations of domesticity', I'd often tell my husband Will, as he cursed yet another Lego piece under his foot.
My clutter helped me preserve my past by holding on to memories of my late mum Diana, whose stuff is intermingled with mine. But truth be told, with four kids aged seven to 14, recently my mess has been looking less like a lifestyle choice and more like the mushroom fungus infestation in The Last of Us.
This story is from the January 27, 2025 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 27, 2025 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I'M A MIDLIFE BORE
Rachel Tompkins, 44, reveals her 70-year-old mum has a better social life than she does
'LINDA AND PAULINE HAVE BECOME MY FAMILY'
Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph on keeping fit at 79 and whether there'll be a reunion with the sitcom's leads
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on Bonnie Blue, cheating and Gen-Z DIYers
FOUND...AT LAST
With one of the UK's longest-running missing persons cases finally solved after 52 years, we explore other high-profile disappearances
MY BRAVE GIRL TAUGHT ME HOW TO LIVE
Chiara Birikorang, 48, was in awe of her daughter's resilience, right to the end
BARING ALL
Donna Smiley, 43, let it all hang out at a nudist festival
MY DAUGHTER IS 7 YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME!
While still in their 20s, Tasia and Drew Taylor became parents to two teenagers
HUMILIATED, ATTACKED AND DOUSED IN PETROL
Stephanie, 42, became her ex's punchbag, but things were about to get so much worse
CAN YOU HAVE FUNE FOR FREEP
Louisa Gregson, 52, spent a week enjoying herself, without spending a penny
HOW I TOOK BACK CONTROL OF MY LIFE
Sara's fear of contamination led to misery and isolation