EXTREME DECLUTTER! Tips for Overwhelm & Where to begin | MR CARRINGTON

Hi everyone! This week I'm back with a declutter video, helping my good friend Helen tackle some areas of her home - sharing tips along the way of where to begin if you feel overwhelmed, plus some practical advice for organisation and storage in rooms like the office and basement! Let us know in the comments what you keep on your mantle and if you would like to see a re-visit video. Hope you enjoy! :)
Helen's brilliant Memoir 'Not That I'm Bitter' is out now, available here: amzn.to/4cgMyAQ
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#MrCarrington #declutter #decluttering

[@binfacelardgod1906]

Mr Carrington you are a friend that doesn't judge. You are good for Helen. Understanding her needs.

[@christinabrooks5991]

I could feel the anxiety it was painful. You have got such a wonderful temperament Mr C, I would have been filling the dustbin bags from the😀get go. Sorry Helen. Xxxxxx

[@heathera3258]

This could be a tv show

[@donnawaldron3261]

Defo. Or each week or so a celebrity de clutter or win a deal clutter. Must be something in it for him though for all his hard work and effort even if it's just cooking him a lovely 😊 meal or take him to dinner in a nice restaurant or pub restaurant, where it could be filmed as well. It would be publicity for everyone, everyone a winner.

[@kooltom4]

Loved Helen's character in Ab Fab, so ditzy and absurd, she used her beautiful big eyes to such comic effect. To this day I say "some lovely chairs" when lost for words - no one gets it but it amuses me.

[@Simplycharlotte-s]

Loved watching. Your reaction to the wonky candle was hilarious. Please please bring us celebrity sort your life out, how interesting would that be 🙂. Enjoy your Sunday!

[@fionalitchfield100]

How very generous of Helen to allow you to film. So many practical tips and ideas for us all. Starting in one small area is so practical and doable.

[@lexbreal]

I wonder if the sort your life out cast would be up for doing this with you. Would be lots of fun to watch! You all get on so well! Whatever something they need sorted through etc… give em a carring’over to the organisation world😊❤️

[@1605tanya]

Awesome idea 💡

[@suekey1903]

I think Helen is very lucky to have you as a friend 😀

[@joyswindells4989]

Lovely to have a friend like Helen, she’ll definitely feel better when the clutter disappears

[@missmeakat]

I would watch a hundred episodes of this! Lovely to see a realistic declutter, short amounts of time and little wins rather than the whole house in 10 mins 😂

[@traceybradshaw]

Helen definitely needs some treasure boxes or albums to keep her Ephemeral items in so she can access and look at them easily. It might be time to go through her bookshelves and donate books she no longer needs/wants. Papers, photos and books are the hardest items for me to declutter - I’m very sentimental.

[@laurat4977]

I agree. She could put so many things in albums, boxes, frames, etc. She has an amazing collection that should be preserved and maintained. Of course, lots can go away without any doubt.

[@amandahugo1421]

Helen has all my love. I find it very difficult to part with sentimental things. I wish I had a friend like you Ewan . My dad used to sort me out and he has been gone for 10 years so imagine my pain. I also love books and design magazines.

[@vintageprue8728]

You are a very kind, understanding and tolerant man. Many “ helpers” lose patience and yell. It is hard to give up some items, even when we know we must.

[@jodieabbott7219]

I love how honest Helen is and that she is letting you put this up to help support your decluttering and help others. I love her even more now 😂. As always loving the videos xx

[@MrCarrington]

Yes I’m very thankful to Helen for letting me film, it’s a personal process but sharing will help others ❤️

[@terrioakley2250]

You were very respectful towards Helen . She will feel so much better when things are easier to get to.

[@vintageprue8728]

Helen is lovely and I just love her quirky but tasteful style. Thank you Mr Carrington.

[@Jane-dg3rr]

I hope we get a part 2 to this - loving it 🌸🌸

[@brigidkeogh416]

Helen needs to visit your decluttered home, to feel how relaxing a tidy home can be. You are so patient and kind.

[@idid138]

Yes, and she needs an invite card.

[@hazels27]

Oh gosh, you have some patience Mr Carrington! Watching this made me feel that my home was quite tidy! So thank you for that.

[@penelopebridges7305]

I absolutely love Helens canvas over her mantle.😊😊😊

[@artssygrl]

What a dynamic person Helen is, it's been a joy watching. She reminds me very much of a close friend who also has a bit of memorable clutter in her home.

[@idid138]

Same. She reminds me of an old friend I've lost contact with. Artistic, funny, and vain, while also being humble and real. Such a nice package for a friend.

[@julielozano1852]

One day at a time, even though it doesn’t seem like much I feel like Helen was relieved to get a start 👍🏻👍🏻

[@joane5777]

I just love when you have Helen on Iwan!! I remember when we were in her basement last. I definitely feel her pain with having trouble getting started. I'm getting better at it finally. It's hard getting rid of memories but she's so lucky to have a friend like you ❤ Have a good week!! Joan

[@bobbigaukel3860]

This was so good! As an American I’m sad to say I didn’t know Helen but I can see she is a treasure and genuinely needed your help. This video showed you in your element! Many of us would not have exhibited your patience 😊

[@pambetts7140]

My heart just breaks because you can see Helen really does want to fix things but it just is hard for her. Iwan you are the kindest person to help her. I love how mindful and intentional you are while assisting her! Loved this show. I wish we could get your show in the US.

[@MarionTindall]

Love the video so English and fun 🇬🇧❤️

[@lexbreal]

I loved watching Helen in the 80’s ; she is just cool! I’m gonna have to have a listen to memory lane…😊 Thx to Helen for showing us your home and all the cool bits along the way.❤

[@rachelmemory2759]

In an upside down and stressful world, you are a very kind and calm person. I enjoyed this episode and looking forward to part two! :)

[@TeriHargraveartist]

Helen's house reflects her creative mind for sure!

[@junehouse3258]

You should start a celebrity sort your life out!

[@mariabaker9201]

It's so much better and easier having someone to help you declutter. It's great to see you helping Helen.It's easy to deal with electrical items now. Currys will take them and they give you get a £5 voucher to spend as well. I use Alex TLC charity,as they will come and collect any donations, this makes it so much easier to declutter and all for a good cause too! Would love to see an update with Helen, see how she gets on. 😊

[@MrCarrington]

Those are great tips, thank you!

[@lyndamcdougal5335]

Such a lovely time watching you with Helen, you are such a nice person and this could be the beginning of Mr Carrington, helping with the Stars. I know how hard it is to just make that initial start, years of life. Thank you loved watching. Xx

[@JeannieMcSweeney]

This is brilliant, whilst I’m sure it must be fun doing all your travel vlogs and cruises etc this is you at your best… a kind non judgemental friend, doing the life stuff. We all want a pal like you coming round!,

[@kelliewithanienotay]

I loved this. ❤ please do more videos with Helen. I'd love to see her home clutter free for she. She's such a lovely person x

[@avacadman2155]

See? Helen is Hilarious! Grown up,people…”Relatives”! Hahahahaha! This is why I love her!! 💗💗💗💗💗

[@MrCarrington]

🤣🤣🙌

[@ginak921]

I hope Helen continues with the positively about the declutter as she has done well so far. It cant be easy to let go sometimes. I don't have a clutter issue myself but i do know a couple of people who do and find it overwhelming to even start and always say no to any help offered. Hang in there Helen.

[@vernafenlon1058]

Always a true non judgemental friendly approach to someone's home and lifestyles. Your professional attention to detail and knowledge is amazing. Hopefully, you will write your own book soon.

[@HonkyTonkSinger]

Your channel/this episode has been a great find! Assisting my family (and my own journey through clutter) has been very much like this-frustratingly slow going for small areas! While there are a few areas of large items, the big time suck and frustration of decluttering comes from the small items- cards, ornaments, photos, and fiddley bits that have made a life…things valuable to almost no one other than their owner, things that should go elsewhere or a ‘home’ needs to be created for them. It’s easy afterwards to collect like with like, putting in order to find again. But first it’s a trip down memory lane (remembering events, a life well lived, bad times as well) that the helper must patiently walk beside the one decluttering. You then have the unenviable task of finding a way to encourage a release of the thing without losing the memory or retaining the thing for sentimental purposes. That’s something that hit home! That office is going to take some time! I look forward to the next episode.

[@sharonbagnall4160]

Loved this so tactfully done. A beautiful wooden box for those smaller photos to keep and place back on the mantle. Helons can take them out and look through them as and when. A decorative card holder would be nice for the more precious invites. Definately photo frames for those precious letters xxx

[@Angie-cm4si]

I loved how supportive you were and as the declutter went along Helen was able to let stuff go. Note to self just focus on a small area every so often instead of trying to do the whole lot in one go...This was fun Iwan thanks for sharing ❤💜❤

[@karenupton2550]

I’ve really enjoyed this. Helen seems so lovely in person, she’s just so creative and talented. Great job Euan xx

[@jillep4668]

Everyone need a friend like you!! Your so kind.. and give such the best advise.. We all have those spaces we never get around too. Love your friendship together 🤗🙌

[@dulwich1233]

There is an American KZbinr who helps others deal with clutter, etc and her mantra is (and I am paraphrasing) "one hour better, not perfect" - doesn't need to be an hour but as you've suggested even 15 mins - won't make your space perfect, but it will be better, and doing this regularly over time will make a huge difference.

[@mindsjanne]

It Dana K White

[@abundantlyinspired]

The hardest part is to start and Helen has done that so bravo!!!!!🎉🎉❤

[@MrsL1211]

Excellent as always 😊 Helen is wonderful and you're a super friend to help her declutter and reorganise. I'd love to see that 'spooky painting' next time you visit!

[@MrCarrington]

Yes next time - we ran out of time! 👻❤

[@annbannister1118]

Wow look at you ,with the very lovely and Funny Helen,❤ what a treat ,❤

[@sandraholland5663]

Hi Mr Carrington. Lovely to see you helping your lovely friend Helen out by helping her to declutter. She’s such a funny lady. I loved warching this and you’ve inspired me to me to declutter so thank you both. I can’t wait to see you decluttering more of Helen’s house. Helen definitely needs a memory box. I wish I had a mr Carrington as a friend to help me. Have a lovely day ❤️

[@annh8921]

I always think a collection of photos of mantlepieces would make a great book. They are always fascinating and personal to see - a bit like an "altar" to someone's life.

[@rosemarymee]

Very well observed. I’m just looking at my own mantle😮

[@sarahholland2600]

Love Helen. But she wants to discuss every single item , bless her. Even pencils. You could be there years . 😂😂

[@MrCarrington]

I would usually categorise before making any decisions but happy to roll with Helen’s approach!

[@sarahholland2600]

@@MrCarrington Well theres content for decades at least. 😂

[@idid138]

Working within her comfort zone now, will speed up the process sooner. She's gotta build her decluttering muscles with small wins 1st.

[@suzannejohnston7212]

I enjoyed this video so much! Very nice of you guiding Helen through the process of decluttering. You were so patient and nonjudgmental.

[@poppysydney3564]

Well done Mr Carrington - you have a good energy for this task! I hope to see episode 2 and even 3 hopefully in the near future lol❤️ 👍👏

[@gavinnaylor1428]

Penpal with Charles OMW you are fantastic with Helen hope this will be an ongoing series and watch the transformation Mr C you are fantastic and your love for Pumpkin and Mittons shines through

[@findingaway5512]

Ooo i am excited about her memories and stories!!! Still at the beginning but I would be excited for a memory box for some of her stuff but I feel like she also would benefit from like a cool place to display her memories... And change them out. Like one of those coffee tables that has the glass but then like underneath it is like shadow boxes with sections and she could fill the sections with different time periods of her life or different sections of her life like maybe have some things from friends and one area and her shows in another area or just things that make her happy, ir things that inspire. I also feel like she could have specific boxes of memories to pull out like here's an inspiration box. I know she likes to see her things I am the same way but after a while all those little treasures end up a jumbled mess and you don't see the individual ones you just know that it's special stuff there. I also think she still should have things on display around but in a way that she can see things. Or swap things. Out easily. I also feel like having a bulletin board or a photo wall or something in her house would be nice but she can kind of put a bunch of stuff in one area but make it more visible for her to see instead of tucked up on the mantle like it was.

[@findingaway5512]

Memoir part two. 😊 With the found stuff.

[@marypark7907]

Definitely a revisit video. Loved this and I have ordered Helen's book!!!

[@Amarylis185]

Mr C you were so funny doing the decluttering with Helen!, You kept me amused! Very kind and understanding too. You have lots of good ideas too! 😅

[@findingaway5512]

I want to hang out with Helen!!! She is amazing! 😎

[@Steffie8110]

It's hard to look at anything else in a room with Helen in as her eyes are hypnotic. I love a good clear and clean. You are a sweetheart lwan ❤😂

[@lully381]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this! Thank you Iwan and thank you Helen! A useful tip I have always found when sorting through lots of clutter, is to have a box or a black sack on hand for donations, rubbish, etc.each time you find a book or something you know you want to get rid of, the pop it in the box or bag. Eventually after some time you will have a full box or bag to dispose of. I found it interesting as you sort things as I do myself, pull it all off and as you put it back thats when you decide what to throw, keep and dispose of. Keep up the good work guys x

[@carolbarnes7825]

You are so good with Helen , I was having palpitations looking around at all the items and the items mean so much to Helen . It’s going to take a long time but bless you for helping her x x

[@karengodfrey6183]

I live with someone who collects, I call it hoarding. I'm the opposite and declutter every time I can. I love a good declutter. Well done, Helen and Mr C.

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

I struggle with looking at clutter . 2 in my family are hoarding I don't know how people can look at it each day .

[@rosemarymee]

@@sunshine-bs2jxI think they don’t see it any more. It’s just as Helen says -“ a collection of shapes”. Mr C is wonderfully tactful. Every sentence I would utter would begin “ Oh ffs!

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

@rosemarymee omg me too id get so cross and impatient

[@LynsAlteredArts]

@@sunshine-bs2jx it’s called clutter blindness.

[@cazzaa5012]

I totally relate to Helen’s situation. This will be an interesting journey, hopefully you’re going to make it a series and keep us updated on Helen’s progress. Just a thought about the sentimental towels..if they’ve been in a black bag in the cellar she hasn’t used them for along while. So maybe get rid of most of them and keep one or two in her linen cupboard to use occasionally ? Believe it or not, I have a “special towel” that I bought on holiday years ago. Over the years my bathrooms changed several times so it doesn’t go with any of my other towels, but I’ve hung on to it. Every now and then I’ll use it and the memories come back of where and when I bought it xx

[@Linda-gw1kx]

Hey Ewan You need to encourage Helen to have a stall at your local car boot sale 😂🤣😂🤣 , to see you both as sellers would make a very good vlog !

[@digidol52]

Mr C! You and Helen have inspired me! It's a cool and gloomy day oop 'ere in North Yorkshire so I'm going to have a major de-clutter.

[@hannahg2672]

Your patience is amazing as I don’t have it when it comes to mess and clutter. Still too much on the mantelpiece. Either people feel comforted by the clutter and having lots of stuff and then there’s me who would feel stressed with everything unorganised. Unless you’re doing it with her I don’t think she will do anything when you’re not there.

[@hihi-vi7qs]

I’m a massive fan of Helen, this was a great video and I definitely would love to see a before and after. Amazing that she had letters from King Charles just knocking around. Absolutely fascinating. I have just downloaded her book for next time I’m sitting in the sun. I have also felt inspired to write a memoir for my children through watching this. Thanks guys ❤

[@RobynCoburn]

I had to go and look at my mantel. I tidied it and found…a thank you card for my husband from his students. It’s recent so I stood it up to be visible. He was so happy to get it. Our mantel is a mix of things from both of us.

[@tracypatil8841]

Loved Helen since the 80's, this was such a good idea!! Hope Helen finds it therapeutic 😊 Your kindness and non judgemental attitude always shine through. You show true respect for Helen which is lovely to see❤

[@bec.11]

Love Helen, but her office is giving me anxiety 😅 I love to declutter and organise and put things into some baskets and boxes for storage, the letters from the King I'd have in a massive frame 😊 what an amazing time to look at someone's career 🩷🇦🇺👋

[@katebettesworth2638]

Her mantle did my head in! 😂

[@clairephillips2025]

Hi mr Carrington. What an amazing video with Helen. I suffer with anxiety but in a different way to Helen. But I would just like to say how wonderful you were with Helen and my goodness …….perhaps this could be a series ! ….Just To help her declutter a little bit more. You are amazing. Also I just love Helen and her personality…. She makes me smile ❤

[@cketts8128]

Hi Mr C….on my mantle I have a clock, a small pair of silver pheasants, two large lead crystal obelisks and two glass candlesticks from the 1930s and a couple of small polished wooden boxes. Got to say I’ve never kept anything else on there….no cards or photos etc. I’m boring! 😂🧡💚. Helen is such an amazing person with so many memories she definitely needs some help consolidating all those memories!

[@Raquel_Tejera]

Hello Mr. Carrington! There is a word in Swedish that is about the ritual of decluttering when arriving at a certain age to make it easier for family members to get through the stuff once a person passes away. It's döstädning. There are quite a lot of books about the theme to help us declutter our stuff. You could make more videos of this kind every now and then. Also videos helping with cleaning tips. Have a great Sunday!

[@jasminebambury5841]

Helen is gorgeous♡

[@dawnyarrow3795]

I really enjoyed this video. You and Helen are so great together and you were so understanding during this process. Would love to see more of this declutter and organise.

[@brightonbonnie]

🩷 can’t tell you how much I love Helen xxx

[@flohough1870]

It's so easy for things to get out of hand, especially since we live in times where some have so much. Lots of good tips! I watched this just before I started a major declutter/organize/cleaning project in my living room. I have learned to throw things out and donate anything that isn't serving me, it used to be so hard. Good for both of you to share this process!

[@lisagriffiths1343]

I have candles a fav vase with flowers in it,a anniversary clock, a wooden rabbits head a charity shop ginger jar.Quite random.loved this vlog.

[@nicolelorente332]

Hello you are such a gentleman nice of you to help Helen she seems to be a lovely lady sending lots of love 😊❤❤❤

[@annalevermore7857]

You and Helen work well together as a team. It's hard to throw away things or declutter your home. One room at a time.

[@sootyginger4388]

Love Helen and her home is gorgeous. You are so lovely with your approach to the declutter having respect for her well loved treasure. I look forward to the finished result. 😊

[@nickybookz222]

On my mantelpiece I always have a group of three things on the left or right side and the rest is empty. I have an old French fireplace mirror above it and it's busy enough. In any case, whenever I put something decorative somewhere, it is always a variation of three things. There can be three plants in different heights and if the leaves of the plants are decorative, the pots are neutral; if the plants are not particularly special, the plant pots are very colorful and playful. But always everything in groups of 3 and the rest quiet and bare. Let a beautiful plank of wood or a beautiful cupboard do the talking. But you also won't see beautiful things if you cram everything full.

[@emilygilbert9892]

This is SO relatable, and Helen is awesome, we WANT MORE!!! I am at this stage and would love to see how to put photos cards etc into memory boxes, journals etc, this is something I am just thinking about doing but does not seem to be many videos online about it, only relating to travel journals etc, but I wanted to do one for life periods and also for paper memorabilia etc.

[@AlisonHardisty]

I love your relationship with Helen. She’s wonderful. Old school comic

[@Scattycatartwork]

I really enjoy your videos with Helen, looking forward to seeing the next stage :) You’re wonderful together 🥰

[@rumdo5617]

It’s always a pleasure to see you and Helen

[@tinymouse.travel]

A fab video. We need this to be a series so we can see the basement finished and all organised.

[@dianeprice5798]

Afternoon Mr Carrington, great vlog and lovely to see you both and helping with declutter it can be hard to throw certain items especially when you had them for a long time,it's looking amazing, take care 👍

[@cuteopiax1259]

My mantle has a colur theme of orange pink and cream. It has a mid-centuary orange bobble glass vase in the centre, a pom pom rainbow, an artist's doll rabbit, a handmade bird, 2 pink Buddha heads from Thailand, 2 angels, a tall elephant, lots of pink wooden mushroom and some paper flowers. It's been almost the same for 22 years and I love it. I wouldn't allow anything that isn't pink, orange or cream anywhere near it and if my vase ever broke I would cry for a week.

[@rosemarymee]

I would love to see a photo of your mantle piece.

[@laylamorgan4018]

Scan any sentimental paper items and take photos of other things then get rid of the physical items that are only going to be stuck in a box tucked away. Decluttering is hard to start with but keep on doing it and when you feel the benefits of less clutter then it gets much easier.

[@starperry1784]

Realy enjoying this helen was so beautiful in the old photos xxx

[@denisew.123]

I love a good decluttering video, especially cause you‘re always so real about it, very relatable! x

[@lindamercer1736]

OMG what an AMAZING VIDEO. Iowan you are such a lovely friend and person, and you are so thoughtful and respectful of Helen's feelings and you make the whole process fun. You will be such a great help to her, and I think she will feel so much better with all the chaos gone. I Hope you will be able to show us more of Helen's progress. Thank you xx

[@suzanneharper4877]

I have plants & a heart shaped ornament on my mantel piece. I have two mini cactus plants that used to be my Dad’s, which I Inherited when my Dad passed away. I’m amazed they’re still living, but they are doing really well..❤❤

[@beeutiffle]

It's easy to see how things have got a bit out of hand there. A very busy creative person, loads going on and writing a book must've churned up a lot of stuff, looking for photos and memories etc. Sometimes it's really hard to know where to take things like rebounder, old towels etc so a helpful friend is ideal to get the (exercise) ball rolling 😂. Well done and this was a very enjoyable video. You're a kind friend and it's obvious she enjoys your company.

[@gwenwade6059]

How I now declutter. I buy tools I need for fixing my husband's home. I gift them to him on his birthday. I then hire help and GO SOLIDLY AT IT for 8 hours. I provide food and drinks throughout. Today we cut virginia creeper, wisteria and petria off a wall. Relined and nailed a fascia board back. Washed with soapy water a solar panel and weed wacked two walls covered in helix hedera ivy. Tomorrow we lasher lopper trim cut all cuttings and bag and take to dump. Catering continues...❤❤❤ Hire a gardener to declutter, it will be uber efficient time wise!!!

[@loriwestley5654]

'Exactly where it was before' .... love it 😅

[@charlottebayford]

What an insight into a creative mind. Glad you could help Helen. Love her work. Met her a few times and she's lovely so glad she's getting help. Definitely need Celebrity SYLO ❤

[@galebecker3487]

Hi Iwan, this is what I need to do. So thank you for motivating me. Sometimes its difficult to. Know where to start. Take care Gale x

[@jacquiheywood3142]

When I first saw the title of this vlog, I was thinking of passing on it. But I am so glad I didn’t. What a great vlog. I love Helen and I have just downloaded her book from my library. I through she was very brave with the mantle piece so I am sure the rest will go well.

[@helendavenport7298]

Extreme ADHD here! So sympathetic…..the paralysis is real……..well done to both of you ❤

[@findingaway5512]

I have ADHD too and I am very sentimental and visual .... But I also need things simple and easy to function right. I also see that she has lots of meaning in things tied to ideas and people. I think ADHD makes us worried about forgetting things so having visual cues for memories it helps us access them. But also there is also fear of doing the wrong thing or being overwhelmed with the right way to dispose of things. I am planning on doing a yes no approach in my basement space because I know there is stuff down there that can go but I'd I get hung up on the what am I doing it with it all it is going to slow down my momentum. So I'm planning on making a no area and then dealing with say accordingly. Obvious trash can go. But those weird items that make me freeze I am hoping that helps.

[@PullupaPugh]

We are currently redecorating the living room, so just now the mantelpiece is draped in a large bin bag, (to protect the fire). The only thing currently on the mantelpiece is a tub of wall filler! The aesthetic leaves much to be desired, but hopefully, in due course, it will look beautiful!! 🤔🙄

[@irisviggiano7317]

My husband's space is greek statues on the mantle piece.love this flog .x

[@wendywilson858]

Very interesting. I dread to think what my sons flat is as he has a fobia of getting rid of things. 😅 xx

[@enlilw-l2]

Helen was brilliant in Ab Fab, love her !😊