Meet Zoë Berry, founder of LIFE / EDIT, Scotland’s leading decluttering and home organisation company. Founded in 2018, LIFE / EDIT has transformed hundreds of homes, supporting clients with diverse needs, including those seeking a calmer home environment and those facing life transitions such as the arrival of a new baby or staging a property for sale.
Recognising that letting go of cherished possessions can be challenging, Zoë has developed a supportive process, guiding clients towards sustainable solutions like donating to reputable charities. Beginning in 2025, LIFE / EDIT is partnering with Edinburgh Furniture Initiative by Four Square to ensure that quality furniture and homeware find new homes while supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh.
Tell us about LIFE / EDIT. What made you start the business?
I started the business after having my three boys and being a stay-at-home mum. Having a house full of kids and associated plastic toys really brought it home to me that I needed a sense of calm and order at the end of the day. When I started speaking to other people, they said the same thing. I started by practising on my friends, and it got very busy very quickly! We are still busy all these years later, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
Why do you believe decluttering is important?
I believe a calm house is vital for us in these busy times. We need our homes to be a sanctuary and not another cause of stress. We can also own too much and it can feel like it’s weighing us down. A regular declutter is a great thing!
How do you take your first steps to decluttering?
Often, we would suggest starting with something that isn’t highly emotional for the client so that they can get into the flow easily. More difficult items can be worked up to. Start small, perhaps a drawer. Or start where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. If the porch is doing your head in, let’s start there, so next time you put the key in the lock you don’t feel a sense of dread, as you know you’re going to be greeted with a calm, organised and ordered space.
How do you help people who find it hard to part with certain items?
People can find it hard to part with things due to a sense of guilt if the item has been gifted to them or if it has a perceived value.
We work closely and gently with people to talk about how you don’t have to hold on to things that aren’t serving you. Passing them on can be an act of kindness and someone else might love them!
Another issue is people feeling that they don’t want to throw things away. We make sure items are donated to charities and good causes and we are passionate about recycling, donating and reusing.
A big thanks to Zoë Berry for sharing her top tips with us! We also appreciate LIFE / EDIT partnering with Four Square to donate quality items their clients are ready to part with, safe in the knowledge that it will help us support people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh.
Ready to follow these top tips and do some decluttering yourself? We are ready and waiting to help you rehome any quality home items and furniture!
