Bin It Like Beckham: Beckham Documentary Inspired Organisation Tips

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out Beckham documentary inspired organisation tips as I look at a new years resolution to declutter and organise my life and my home!

Confession time: I am a clutter Queen. I have many treasures and memories that I adore, and my children have even more, but we don’t have a lot of house to store them in. It’s time to take action!

My New Year’s resolution isn’t a chiseled six-pack (though, wouldn’t that be nice?). This year, I’m tackling my chaotic clutter mountain. But I’m not just any messy soul drowning in forgotten Tupperware lids and misplaced sock mates. I’m embracing a decluttering approach with a surprising twist: inspired by the one and only David Beckham.

Yes, you read that right. While Becks might be known for his fancy footwork and fashion sense, the new documentary “David Beckham: For the Love of the Game” revealed another side of the Golden Boot: a champion of organization. Turns out, the man with a trophy cabinet overflowing with accolades also has a knack for keeping his spaces neat and tidy.

So, why Beckham? Well, beyond the sheer inspiration of a global icon tackling everyday tasks, his approach to decluttering resonates with me. It’s not about ruthless purging or sterile minimalism. It’s about creating a space that reflects your passions, supports your goals, and sparks joy. It’s about decluttering with heart, intention, and a touch of Beckham-esque finesse.

To help me out, selling your home experts, Martin & Co, installation manager at Heatable, Patrick Garner, and professional organiser at Tidylicious, Hester Van Hein, sent over their advice for how to organise like a Beckham, and explained why it will even add value to your property value!

Beckham Documentary Inspired Organisation Tips

Remove clutter

Clearing clutter is a free way to maximise a room’s potential and prevent it from appearing smaller.

Work on one room at a time, and work your way clockwise through the room. Divide all items into categories and put any unwanted items on a discard pile straight away.

Gamify the decluttering, turning it into a scavenger hunt, which might be the way to get your children involved. Another way is to play the Minimalism Game developed by The Minimalists – a 30-day challenge where you get rid of one thing on day one, two things on day two, and so on.

-Hester Van Hein

Start with a Spark:

• Visualize your oasis: Imagine the calm, organized space you crave. Is it a reading nook bathed in sunlight? A kitchen free from overflowing cabinets? Keep this vision in mind as your inspiration.
• Identify your clutter hotspots: Where does the chaos seem to congregate? Maybe it’s the entryway overflowing with shoes, or the kitchen counter doubling as a graveyard for appliances. Focus on these areas first.
• Choose your weapon: Decluttering comes in many flavors. From the KonMari “spark joy” method to the one-touch rule of sorting everything you touch, find an approach that resonates with you.

Conquer the Clutter Mountain:

• Embrace the purge: Gather your courage and sort with ruthlessness. Ask yourself: “Have I used this in the past year?” “Does it bring me joy?” “Would I repurchase this?”. If the answer is no, thank it for its service and let it go.
• Don’t fear the donate/sell/trash trinity: Donate items in good condition, sell anything valuable, and trash the rest. Remember, someone else’s treasure might be your clutter freedom.
• Embrace the power of categorization: Group similar items together. Use baskets, labels, and shelves to create a system that makes sense for you. A well-organized space is a joy to navigate.

Why It Adds Value To Your Property

Prospective buyers also need to see themselves living in your home, so show character and try to sell them a dream.

If you want to go for homely, but not too personal, try art on the walls, or displayed in picture frames, instead of photos of your family; plants and candles instead of holiday souvenirs, and displaying your books by colour. It can make the difference between a cluttered bookshelf and an attractive display.

-Hester Van Hein

Add storage spaces

Storage is something you can never have too much of.

First declutter, then organise. When you haven’t decluttered, you don’t know exactly what kind of storage you need. Many people hold onto items “just in case”, but in case of what? More often than not, the reason that follows doesn’t usually justify holding onto the item.

Now that hybrid working is here to stay for many of us, office furniture with a homely look with storage solutions have increased in popularity. Think folding or narrow desks with storage compartments.

Since the Beckham documentary, there have been some Beckham inspired storage solutions. In the kitchen, hang your pots and pans above an island. In your wardrobe, organise your hanging section by category, stand up your folded clothes, and coordinate everything by colour. This is also very much in line with Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method®.

-Hester Van Hein

For the Kitchen Connoisseur:

• Stackable Pantry Organizers: Say goodbye to cabinet avalanches! These sturdy, clear pantry organizers let you see and access your pantry staples with ease.
• Under-Sink Spice Racks: Maximize space and banish clutter with a sleek under-sink spice rack. Your spices will be neatly organized and readily available for culinary adventures.
• Magnetic Knife Strip: Keep your knives safe and readily accessible with a stylish magnetic strip. No more rummaging through drawers, just grab and go!

For the Wardrobe Warrior:

• Hanging Shoe Organizers: Free up floor space and banish shoe chaos with hanging shoe organizers. They come in various styles and sizes to accommodate your shoe collection.
• Vacuum Storage Bags: Pack away seasonal clothes with these space-saving vacuum bags. They’ll shrink your bulky garments down to a fraction of their size, giving you precious closet real estate.
• Closet Dividers and Shelving: Maximize your hanging space and organize your clothes by category with adjustable closet dividers and shelving. Create designated areas for shirts, pants, dresses, and more, making getting dressed a breeze.

For the Home Office Hero:

• Desktop Organizers: Tame desk clutter with stylish and functional organizers. Keep pens, paperclips, and other essentials within easy reach, but out of sight.
• Wall-Mounted File Organizers: Free up desk space and keep documents organized with wall-mounted file organizers. Choose from mesh, cork, or acrylic options to match your décor.
• Cable Management Boxes: Banish unsightly cords and cables with cable management boxes. Keep your electronics organized and your workspace clutter-free.

Keep your home clean

A dirty home decreases the desirability of the property. By staying on top of any spillages, mould or stains, you can promote a healthy environment which is attractive to prospective buyers. Cleaning windows is also an overlooked task, so make them shine.

In bathrooms and kitchens, ensure that any caulk or grout is clean and crack-free. It is a simple job which makes a huge difference to viewers as it shows the home is well-maintained.

Quick-Clean Strategies:

• Do “micro-cleaning” throughout the day: Put away laundry while waiting for coffee, wipe down counters while dinner simmers, etc. Taking care of small tasks as they arise prevents them from becoming a big mess.
• Tackle one room at a time: Focus on one room for 15-20 minutes each day. This makes cleaning feel less overwhelming and allows you to see progress quickly.
• Utilize multi-purpose products: Choose cleaning products that work on multiple surfaces like the Magic Sponge to save time and effort.
• Enlist the family: Make cleaning a family affair. Assign age-appropriate tasks to everyone and turn it into a fun game or competition.

Deep Cleaning Hacks:

• Schedule deep cleaning days: Set aside a specific day(s) each month for tackling tougher tasks like vacuuming carpets, cleaning windows, and scrubbing bathrooms.
• Use natural cleaning solutions: Opt for white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice for safe and effective cleaning.
• Utilize technology: Invest in a robot vacuum cleaner for effortless floor cleaning, or consider steamers for a deep clean without harsh chemicals.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If cleaning feels overwhelming, consider hiring a cleaning service or asking friends or family for help.

Increasing Property Value

As well as decluttering, Martin & Co, installation manager at Heatable, Patrick Garner, and professional organiser at Tidylicious, Hester Van Hein explained that homeowners may be pleasantly surprised to learn that other factors can significantly increase their property’s value.

While I’m a renter and not in the position to either buy or sell a property right now, these tips could be useful for you now or for me in the future!

Upgrade your boiler

Installing a new boiler could increase property value, according to property experts at Martin & Co. If your boiler is old, it may be worth upgrading to a newer model as an efficient boiler will significantly reduce your energy bills and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

The average cost a new boiler (including thermostatic radiator valves) in the UK is around £4,000, but in reality, the actual cost will depend on factors including the type of boiler e.g., combi vs system, the model/brand of boiler selected, as well as location in the UK, since labour costs vary from place to place.

Similarly, the average boiler service including VAT is around £130, but again, this will be influenced by location with places like London typically charging a premium.

-Patrick Garner from Heatable

If you live in England or Wales, the government has a Boiler Upgrade Scheme which provides you with a grant to cover a portion of the cost for specific types of boilers:

• £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
• £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
• £5,000 towards a biomass boiler

It is also good practice to check that your boiler works correctly and have it serviced minimum once a year to ensure your home is a warm and welcoming space.

Create ambient lighting

Lighting can alter a room’s perceived spaciousness and ambience. A well-lit space not only makes your home more inviting for viewings, but it offers assurance to prospective buyers that it is a comfortable and energy efficient living space.

Smart lighting lowers utility costs as they usually come with energy-saving features such as motion detectors, which can be a major selling point for environmentally conscious buyers. They also add a modern and sophisticated touch, increasing the value of the property.

Improve kerb appeal 

First impressions count, and how your home looks from the outside can say a lot about the rest of the property, especially your front door. Ensure it has been cleaned and looks presentable, making it look smarter than your neighbours’ will make your property stand out. 

A well-maintained exterior with a cared-for front garden, a fresh coat of paint, and tidy surroundings can instantly attract potential buyers. A new house number or name plaque can also go a long way.

Replace fence panels

A well-maintained garden enhances the property’s overall aesthetics, creating a positive first impression for potential buyers. Well-kept, attractive fencing can create an inviting and secure outdoor space which is highly desirable in today’s housing market.

If your current fence looks weathered, it is worth investing in new ones or adding a lick of paint to your existing panels, saving a job for the new owners.

Replace door handles and knobs

Handles and knobs of doors and cupboards are small details which can complete a look. Pairing their style with the theme of the room will transform the space. In bathrooms and kitchens, investing in new door handles and knobs can refresh the space and update its look. 

Consider redecorating

Redecorating is the most obvious home improvement that can add value. A lick of paint can be relatively inexpensive and make a massive difference to a room. 

Opting for subtle, neutral carpets and wall colours allows viewers to easily imagine themselves in the space as it is a blank canvas for them to personalise without too much effort required.

Poor interior design and unconventional colour choices can indeed have an impact on a property’s value, mainly because the new owner may need to completely redecorate it.

Enhance historical charm

Homes with distinctive architectural details or historical significance often increase your property’s worth, appealing to buyers with an eye for character. If your home stands out from the rest with unique features, capitalise on this at viewings. 

Where possible, enhance your home’s historics by adding finishing touches, such as vintage lighting fixtures or antique furniture, to maximise its charm.

If you want to get the most out of your property, understanding these unexpected factors and leveraging them to your advantage can help maximise your home’s value when it’s time to sell.

For more advice on how to add value to your home, take a look at Martin & Co’s home improvement tips. 

About Martin & Co

Martin & Co is the national network of independently owned property agents. Built on personal service, local knowledge and investment expertise, with 30 years’ experience delivering great customer service and innovation.

About The Experts

Patrick Garner is an installation manager from Heatable – the first online boiler installation company to be officially endorsed by Which? for boiler installation.

Hester Van Hien is a professional organiser from Tidylicious. She helps people to declutter and organise their spaces at home and in work, and is certified in the KonMari Method®, developed by Japanese tidying expert and bestselling author Marie Kondo.