Tidy house, tidy mind. Less is more. The secret to a beautiful home is simple – banish the clutter, we’re constantly told. But in a move that will spark joy in the hearts of the disorganised, Jo Whiley has had a public change of heart. A visit to Dame Judi Dench’s home convinced her to put her messy memories back on display, she says. And the science supports it.

In a recent interview, the Radio 2 presenter explained that a rapidly emptying nest had inspired her to embark on a decluttering spree. Until, that is, she visited Dame Judi’s home to record an episode of her RHS Roots podcast. ‘It was packed with family photographs, children’s drawings and memories everywhere. It made me realise that’s what a home should feel like,’ she said. ‘Seeing Judi’s reminded me that lived-in spaces are often the most beautiful because they reflect a lifetime of love, family and shared experiences… I suddenly thought, “Why am I putting all these things away?” As soon as I got home, I immediately put all the family photographs back out.’

It’s the best news we’ve had in years: clutter needn’t be a sign of slobbiness but can be an intentional styling device instead. But there’s more to it. Solid scientific research suggests that some specific forms of clutter can play an important role in our memories and even mental health. So should we all be ‘reverse decluttering’ this autumn?

Why sentimental possessions matter

A review published in the journal Current Opinion In Psychology examined this relationship between possessions and memory. Objects such as souvenirs can help preserve, embody and bring to mind personally significant memories, it concluded.

Another study of older adults found that possessions containing memories of past events – photos, for example – could evoke pride and a sense of continuity, while objects associated with family members and pets could create a feeling of connection with people who weren’t physically present.

Heirlooms could have a deeper impact, too, and not for financial reasons. Research into the ‘family archive’ (a term researchers use to describe collections of photographs, heirlooms, scrapbooks, recipes and other family possessions) found that these everyday objects can preserve family stories and contribute to a sense of family identity.

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So that slightly blurry family photo gathering dust on the mantelpiece may be doing more than taking up space. It can act as a cue for what’s known as autobiographical memory – bringing a particular person, place or moment back to mind.

The difference between clutter and meaningful possessions

There is, however, a catch. Sadly, the science doesn’t give us permission to keep absolutely everything.

Yet another study suggests that while meaningful objects helped older adults connect with their past selves and cope with periods of change, other possessions could disrupt a person’s sense of self, attachment to place and daily life. In other words, there’s an important distinction between clutter that overwhelms us and possessions that nourish us. And that distinction is not, as William Morris suggested, found in whether the object is useful or beautiful. Instead, it’s about whether it’s meaningful to you.

How to make your home feel more like you

The good news is that Judi’s approach doesn’t require a shopping trip, a renovation or a weekend spent reorganising your cupboards.

Instead, it involves walking into a room and asking yourself one simple question: which things make me remember someone, somewhere or something I love?

Anything could qualify – family photographs, children’s drawings, a holiday souvenir, an inherited piece of furniture or even something that looks completely ordinary to everyone else but has a story attached to it.

Those are the things worth bringing out. So instead of relegating precious photographs to an album in a drawer, frame a few of your favourites and hang them on the wall. Put the slightly creepy ornament made from holiday shells on a shelf. Let your children’s scribbles live on the fridge for a little longer.

Your home doesn’t have to look like a showroom to be beautiful. It needn’t be perfect to be perfectly you.