Spring was definitely in the air when a Scholar Green business hosted a women's networking event near Alsager.

Members of the 'Creative Connecting in Cheshire' were treated to a talk by the 'queen' of decluttering, Sian Pelleschi, at Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors.

Sian is president of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO) and was guest speaker at the 'spring clean coffee' event today (Friday) in the Old Kent Green Methodist Chapel.

The event was hosted by Emma Semper Hopkins from Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors who is a member of Creative Connecting in Cheshire.

Members of Creative Connecting Cheshire at today's event

Having run a successful events business, Sian founded her decluttering and organising business, Sorted, in 2016 following the birth of her first child.

She started off life helping small businesses become more organised and then discovered more people wanted her to look at their homes and how they could be improved.

The home of Sempter Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors in Cinderhill Lane where the event took place.

"It's about looking at processes and how people live and finding a way of getting order into place."

Sian revealed how 73 per cent of homeowners admit that half of their home has clutter and research has shown that one in four rooms is full of clutter.

Spending the time and effort to 'declutter' our lives and homes pays of many benefits says Sian.

"There's a significant decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol, you will have better mental health and physical health, more time, more money and a happier life," she said.

Wardrobes and clothes are often customers' nightmare areas says Sian. "Most people only use 20 per cent of clothing in their wardrobe because they can't see what's in there."

But it's not just clothing which often needs a 'spring clean' – possession do too such as books, CDs and records and other items.

"Take a look at the array of apps out there to sell things, By selling things you aren't just making money you're also freeing up valuable space in your home."

Further details about Sian's work and business are available on her website: https://all-sorted.co.uk/home/about-sorted/

Creative Connecting Cheshire is a group set up by entrepreneur, Sue France for networking business women and has gone from strength to strength since it was launched in 2014.