What is biophilic decluttering?

As agents who have seen inside literally thousands of homes, we know what impresses potential purchasers and what puts them off. Messy rooms and fussy interior designs don’t photograph well and fail to impress in the flesh, so that’s why we were intrigued by – and interested in - biophilic decluttering. 

Biophilic decluttering is an approach to property presentation that could improve your selling prospects. Never heard of it? Let’s break it down into its component parts

Decluttering explained

You have to have clutter to declutter! Clutter is to cover or fill something with an untidy collection of things and to leave items about in a disorderly way. Decluttering is removing those unwanted items, throwing out rubbish that’s been left around and using storage solutions to find a neat home for everything. It’s a ‘less is more’ approach to living. 

The definition of biophilic 

Biophilia (that’s Greek for ‘love of life’) recognises humans have an inherent tendency to connect with nature. Anything biophilic encourages natural elements and natural-looking design features to be included into built environments.

Improve appearances and selling prospects

When you combine the two, you get a new way of enriching your living space. Anyone can embrace biophilic decluttering but its principles sit well with the art of selling a property.

The process of biophilic decluttering will help sellers sort their possessions, reduce unwanted items and improve the interior aesthetic of their home before they come to market.

Interior experts and professional home organisers also believe biophilic decluttering - when your home is filled with natural warmth and texture – makes it easier to keep a clutter free property. Anything that helps sellers keep their home tidy is a winner!

Like the idea of biophilic decluttering? Here’s how to get started:

Plastic is not fantastic

Integral to achieving the best outcome is identifying items made of synthetic materials, such as plastic and polyurethane, and replacing them with natural alternatives. Some of the most common synthetic home items include:

• Storages boxes

• Waste paper bins

• Trinket trays

• Coasters and placemats

• Office filing solutions

• Cosmetic and toiletry storage

• Shoe racks

• Laundry and storage baskets

• Indoor plant pots

• Bathroom jars

More favourable materials

Good news! The latest interior décor fashions embrace natural materials. Wood tops the list – even better if it has FSC® certification. Also look out for other sources from nature, which include:

• Wicker

• Rattan

• Seagrass

• Bamboo

• Water hyacinth

Textiles

You can take biophilic decluttering up a notch by examining the textiles in your home and seeing if they can be swapped out for something more natural (you’ll be surprised just how many home fabrics contain synthetic fibres or microplastics). When replacing rugs, carpets, curtains, cushions, blinds and blankets, consider these options instead:

• Organic cotton

• Linen

• Jute

• Sisal 

• Hessian

• Woven pineapple fibres

Plant power

Biophilic decluttering is more about shifting your home’s environment by looking at an item’s composition, replacing synthetics with natural materials. If removing possessions based on these guidelines leaves a gap or a bare corner, the ultimate biophilic solution is to add a real houseplant. Use a woven seagrass pot or a macramé hanging planter and you’ll achieve biophilic decluttering bliss. 

We’d love to represent your property if you decide to sell. Our team is ready with information on presentation, asking prices and local market demand. Book a free valuation today.