Money hacks How to declutter your home before Christmas

The kitchen might not be the first place that springs to mind, but as Vicky Silverthorn, a professional declutterer, says, it's where you're most likely to need a bit of space in the next few weeks.

Where to start?

"Start with food cupboards," says Silverthorn, who runs home-organising business You Need a Vicky.

"Find things that have been sitting there for a while and start making things to use them up - that's the best form of decluttering you can do."

You might even find festive uses for them.

Dried fruit and nuts, and the dregs from the drinks cupboard could be turned into mincemeat, while biscuits or cakes that came back from holidays could be used in desserts, and tinned fruit made into a compote or crumble. Use the Guardian's Feast app, or search for recipes online.

"Food banks are crying out for donations, so if you have things that are in date, you could give them away," says Silverthorn.

The next place to tackle is the spare room, or wherever any guests will stay over the break. "For a lot of people, it is a dumping ground," says Silverthorn. "Clear out the 'regifting' cupboard if you have one in there, so no guests get offended!"

Get kids involved

If you have children, you are probably keen to clear some room for new things. This may be done most easily while they're out of the way, but Silverthorn recommends involving them.