As part of our Clutter-Free February Campaign, we’re excited to partner with Nicola Masterson, the founder of Toronto-based home organizing service Space in the City, to share her top 5 decluttering tips. We also sat down with Nicola to highlight the benefits of decluttering—not just for a tidy home, but for an uplifted spirit and a positive impact on the community.
Nicola's Top 5 Decluttering Tips
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter but don’t know where to start? A bit of inspiration and a few practical strategies can make all the difference.
Interview with Nicola
In this special feature, Nicola shares her inspiring story and how to transform your home—and your life—through the power of decluttering.
1. Start Small, Gain Momentum
Decluttering can feel daunting, but you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Begin with a single drawer, one shelf, or even just one category of items like books or shoes. Starting small builds confidence and motivation, and you’ll be surprised how a small win can snowball into bigger changes.
2. Look at Your Room/Space through the Eyes of a Guest
Take a photo of a room or space and study it as if you were a guest seeing it for the first time. This simple trick often reveals clutter that your eyes have become accustomed to. It’s a fresh perspective that helps you identify areas in need of attention.
3. Keep Countertops and Floors Clear
Countertops and floors often turn into clutter magnets, collecting keys, handbags, groceries, and more as things get dropped and never properly put away. Prioritize these areas daily for an instant feeling of calm and order.
4. Turn Tidying into a Fun Routine
When Nicola and her brother were kids, they found a creative way to help their mom feel happy by keeping their home tidy. Since their family loved tea, they came up with a game: they’d boil the kettle and see how much cleaning they could do before the tea was ready. This “Tea & Tidy” ritual not only kept the house in order but also became a fun bonding experience. Think about how you can incorporate small, enjoyable rituals into your routine to make tidying more manageable and even enjoyable.
5. The Donation Bin System
We’ve all been there: you find an item you no longer need, but driving to donate a single thing feels impractical, so it ends up back in the closet. Place a donation bin in a central, easily accessible spot where everyone can add items they’re ready to part with. Once the bin is full, simply take it to your nearest Salvation Army Thrift Store for donation. This simple habit ensures clutter doesn’t accumulate while making a positive impact to your local community.
By combining these top 5 decluttering tips with a sprinkle of personal connection, decluttering becomes not only manageable but meaningful. Happy organizing!
Transforming Homes and Hearts: Nicola Masterson on the Power of Decluttering
Q. You moved from Ireland to Canada around 12 years ago. Can you share more about that journey and how you founded Space in the City?
A. Absolutely! The story has many layers, but I’ll highlight the key moments. Growing up in Ireland, my journey toward becoming a professional organizer began in my childhood. When I was six years old, my mom was diagnosed with cancer, starting a 30+ year battle. Alongside that, we were a special needs foster family, caring for children with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
To help my mom—who loved a tidy home but was often overwhelmed—I took on the role of organizing. It brought peace to our otherwise chaotic lives. After moving to Toronto 12 years ago, I launched Space in the City. My first client coincided with a tough personal moment: my mom’s terminal diagnosis. I went home to care for her, and during that time, I had a realization. One day, I organized my sock drawer and ran to show her. She admired it, saying, “Look at those beautiful flowers.” That simple moment reminded me how a well-organized space can spark joy and calm.
Returning to Canada, I carried that realization into my work, helping others transform their homes into spaces that feel like “beautiful flowers” to them.
Q. What is your ultimate purpose with Space in the City?
A. My purpose is to help kids spend more time with their parents or caregivers. Growing up, my mom’s stress over a messy house often prevented her from being present with us. She couldn’t relax or fully enjoy activities until things were tidy. By creating organized spaces for my clients, I hope to give parents peace of mind, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with their kids.
Q. How does decluttering impact your clients' lives beyond just having a tidy home? Can you give an example of a memorable transformation?
A. Clients definitely feel the benefits. The before and after photos I take show a dramatic difference in their space, but my clients’ feedback is a testament to how decluttering goes far beyond just having a tidy home. One memorable story is about a lovely lady who downsized after a divorce. Her condo was cluttered with boxes from her old house, making it hard for her and her daughter to settle in. We went through all the boxes together. She was open to the process and finally found peace, letting go of what she didn’t need and keeping what was important. A few days later, she texted me to share that her daughter had friends over for a pizza night for the first time in years. It was so heartwarming to hear her testimonial. It wasn’t just about decluttering, but creating a space where they could make new, joyful memories.
Q. Why is partnering with The Salvation Army Thrift Store a natural fit for you and your mission and values?
A. The Salvation Army’s mission and values are all about hope and giving back to the community, and I think that aligns perfectly with the Space in the City. For me, it’s really about giving kids more time to spend with their parents or caregivers, bringing them joy and hope for their future. It’s about providing them with the confidence and nurturing they need so they can grow, thrive, and spread their love into the world and their communities. Additionally, The Salvation Army Thrift Store has always been my go-to place for donations, knowing that they will make a meaningful impact on our local communities.
Learn why donations matter
Feel good about putting these top 5 decluttering tips into action! As a non-profit organization, donations help us keep usable items out of landfills, provide affordable shopping options for all ages and sizes, and support local Salvation Army programs and services across Canada.
Get thrifting
Ready to find your new-to-you favourite thing? Find the Thrift Store nearest you.
Don’t forget to drop off a donation to get a donor coupon for 20% off your next purchase.