Professional organiser Dilly Carter (@declutterdollies) on how to pack for a holiday and her rules on self-gifting

Dilly, how did you first realise you had a gift for decluttering?

It goes back to childhood, I would help my friends and family and they realised how much it could help, and loved it.

Is there anything in your home you’re guilty of letting build up before it needs a good sort out?

Trainers. I hate parting with them! But I don’t store more than I have space for.

How is decluttering linked to good mental health?

When you are in control of your home and your space you instantly feel more in control of your life. It’s amazing how quickly things can spiral when you overbuy and never clear the clutter. As soon as things start feeling heavy in your home, your shoulders feel heavier, and your home is not enjoyable anymore.

What do you rely on for smart summer holiday packing?

My non-negotiables are packing cubes and mini beauty products all stored in a lightweight suitcase.

Why do we overpack in the first place, and how do we avoid it?

Overpacking happens because we don’t plan what we need for the trip ahead. Planning is key. Don’t leave things till the last minute!

If you’re going on a girls weekend with your Sort Your Life Out co-star Stacey Solomon – where are you going and why?

We are definitely going for a spa day (and hopefully night)! We never sit still so this forces us to be present – no phones, catch up and just relax and be pampered. We need to book that soon…

What are your must-have beauty products for a holiday?

I love Lancaster suncream, it smells incredible. Korean brand LANEIGE skincare is so hydrating, and Philip Kingsley mini hair shampoo and conditioners. A leave-in conditioner and hair oil by OUAI is also a must for the pool.

What are your top tips for avoiding panic buying?

As soon as I know a trip is booked I write a list of what I need to take, and what I don’t need to take.

What’s one item you never fail to pack for a holiday?

A travel steamer – I hate creases in my clothes and I can’t always trust the hotel to have a good iron.

What's your top tip for packing for your family?

My daughter Nelly is mini me, she doesn’t need any help packing . She uses packing cubes and is as organised as me! Meanwhile my husband Charley will get everything out and I pack it beautifully for him. I’m much better at folding!

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

My child feels like a gift – she’s the most precious thing in my life, especially as I can’t have more children. No physical items matter to me, only Nelly, my husband Charley and our dog Buddy.

And the best gift you’ve ever given someone else?

The gift of time. My love language is helping people. Helping friends and family move house, unpack, or organise if something has happened in their life. Your time is the best gift you can give someone.

Are you a fan of self-gifting?

Of course! Self care is so important and I love treating myself to things. I invest a lot in my wardrobe and myself because I get a lot of joy from clothes, shoes, bags and jewellery. But I buy very carefully, and I am strict – I follow a one in one out rule. I love new things but I’m great at letting go.

Your favourite thing about John Lewis is…

It’s been one of my life-long favourite shops since I was a kid, because of the quality products – and that’s what I love and believe in. It’s brilliant that everything you need is under one roof.