Spotlight on Local Styles: Organising Homes in (Dubai / UK) – What’s Different?
Decluttering and organising might feel like a universal task, belongings are belongings, no matter where you live. But in reality, the way we set up our homes is deeply shaped by culture, climate and lifestyle. Having worked with clients in both Dubai and the UK, I’ve seen first-hand how local factors influence the challenges people face, and the solutions that work best.
Climate and clothing
One of the biggest differences starts with the weather.
Dubai: With soaring summer temperatures, wardrobes often lean heavily towards lightweight fabrics, modest layering, and formal wear for work or events. Seasonal variation is minimal, so the challenge is more about volume, an abundance of clothing for different occasions rather than different temperatures. Long dresses, abayas, kanduras, and formal attire all require thoughtful storage solutions, often with more hanging space than in a typical UK home.
UK: Here, the climate demands true seasonal swaps. Thick coats, jumpers, boots and scarves compete with summer dresses and lighter layers. The key organisational challenge is storage rotation and finding space for the “off-season” half of the wardrobe. Loft spaces, under-bed containers, or dedicated wardrobes are often essential.
Space and housing styles
Dubai: Many properties, especially villas and newer apartments, are blessed with generous square footage and built-in wardrobes. This can feel like a luxury but bigger homes often mean more room to accumulate clutter. Garages and storerooms can quickly become catch-alls for items “just in case”.
UK: In contrast, space is often at a premium. Terraced houses, flats, and period homes come with smaller rooms, fewer built-in wardrobes, and quirky layouts. Creative storage such as under-stairs cupboards, multi-functional furniture and vertical shelving is vital. Every inch counts.
Lifestyle and social habits
Dubai: Life is fast-paced and socialising is frequent, with large family gatherings and events. This often translates to an abundance of dinnerware, serveware, and hospitality items. Organising kitchens and dining spaces means making space for entertaining often with entire cupboards dedicated to platters, tea sets, and cutlery.
UK: Social life tends to be smaller in scale, with cosy family dinners or casual entertaining. Kitchens are still busy, but the storage focus is more on day-to-day practicality than maintaining an extensive hosting collection.
Cultural keepsakes and sentiment
Dubai: Homes are often intergenerational, with belongings reflecting deep cultural and family traditions. Heirlooms, religious items, and gifts take pride of place. Finding ways to honour these while preventing overwhelm is a delicate but essential part of the organising process.
UK: While sentimental items are also important, there is often a greater cultural acceptance of donating or selling items once they no longer serve. Charity shops play a huge role here, making it easier to let go of belongings with the comfort that they’ll be reused.
Shopping and accumulation
Dubai: With large malls, year-round sales, and an emphasis on luxury brands, shopping can become both a pastime and a challenge for clutter. Homes can fill with excess clothing, accessories, and gadgets. Organising here often involves setting limits and creating systems to control inflow.
UK: While shopping culture is still strong, many households are also increasingly focused on sustainability, second-hand purchases, and “make do and mend”. Organising often centres on creating balance between new purchases and what’s already at home.
A universal truth
Despite these differences, the core of organising is the same wherever you are: creating systems that reflect your lifestyle and values. Whether it’s managing seasonal clothing in a London flat or curating event wear in a Dubai villa, the goal is to reduce clutter and make your home work for you.