It’s a frustrating paradox: you declutter your home, getting rid of clothes you don’t wear and knick-knacks you don’t need, but somehow the overall feeling is still of clutter.
Part of the problem may be that your home isn’t set up in a way that encourages organization.
If there isn’t a place for everything, it’s easy for things to end up in piles on surfaces or crammed into drawers.
Your home is your refuge from the outside world, and you should be able to relax in it without being constantly reminded of the clutter that surrounds you.
Here are 15 common causes of cluttered homes, along with some simple solutions that will help you get your home back in order!
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01 | PET SUPPLIES
As any pet owner knows, keeping your furry friend happy and healthy requires more than just food and water. Pets also need toys to play with, a comfortable place to sleep, and bowls for their food and water.
Fortunately, there are now many pet supplies that are designed to blend in with your home decor. From modern feeders and water bowls to sleek beds and stylish toys, it’s easy to find products that will fit right in with your existing decor.
And because these products are specifically designed for pets, you can be sure that they will be safe and comfortable for your animal companion.
So whether you’re looking for a stylish new bed for your dog or a matching set of food and water bowls for your cat, there are now many options to choose from. With a little bit of looking, you can easily find pet supplies that will help your home look its best.
02 | YOUR DOORMAT
Your doormat is one of the first things that guests see when they come to your home, so you want to make sure that it makes a good impression.
Even if you don’t have guests very often, it’s still important to keep your doormat in good condition. A new doormat can also provide extra traction in wet or icy conditions, making it a worthwhile investment for safety as well as style.
So if it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your doormat, it’s time to start shopping for a new one. You’ll be glad you did.
03| PERSONAL HYGIENE BOTTLES
There’s something deeply satisfying about decluttering your personal space and making it look nice. One way to do this is by discarding old personal hygiene bottles and replacing them with matching aesthetically pleasing ones.
This gives you a sense of control and order in your environment while also freeing up much-needed surface space.
Plus, it looks great! It’s a win-win all around. Of course, this isn’t to say that you need to go out and buy all new bottles. If you have some that are still in good condition, you can always recycle them or donate them to someone in need.
But if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to spruce up your personal space, this is definitely the way to go!
04 | THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR FRIDGE
If your kitchen is cluttered, it can be tough to find what you need and to keep the space clean. One way to declutter your kitchen is to start with the outside and top of your fridge.
These are usually areas where we store things that we don’t use very often, so it’s a good place to start when you’re trying to declutter your kitchen.
Take everything off the top of your fridge and sort through it. Keep the things that you use regularly and donate or recycle the rest. Then, declutter the outside of your fridge.
If you have magnets or pictures on the door, only keep the ones that you love or replace them with a matching set for uniformity. Let go of anything that’s no longer serving you, and enjoy a clutter-free kitchen!
05 | AN ODD COLLECTION OF CONTAINERS
Over time, we purchase bins and containers that don’t match and they can make your home look messy instead of organized.
One solution to this problem is to buy only one type of bin or container and use it throughout your home.
Another solution is to buy different types of containers that all coordinate with each other. This will give your home a more pulled-together look.
Lastly, you can always paint or decorate your bins and containers so that they all match. This is a great solution if you already have a bunch of mismatched containers.
By painting them all the same color or decanting them with the same patterned fabric, you can turn a hodgepodge of containers into a coordinated system.
No matter what solution you choose, taking the time to create matching bins and containers will make a big difference in the overall look of your home.
06 | DECORATIVE PILLOWS
Too many decorative pillows can quickly turn a room from chic to cluttered. If your home is starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by pillows, try reducing the number and sticking to more neutral designs.
A few strategically placed pillows can still add style and comfort to a room without making it feel cramped or messy.
Plus, neutral pillows are much more versatile and can be easily swapped out with the seasons or as your taste changes.
So if you’re looking to simplify your space, start by decluttering your pillow collection.
07 | THINGS THAT SHOULDN’T BE ON THE FLOOR
One of the biggest challenges in keeping a tidy home is dealing with items that end up on the floor. Whether it’s toys, shoes, backpacks, or clothes, it can be difficult to know how to keep things off the floor and organized.
One solution is to create designated storage areas for each type of item.
For example, you could have a toy box for toys, a shoe rack for shoes, and hooks or shelves for backpacks and clothing.
Another solution is to establish some ground rules about where certain items should go. For instance, you could have a rule that all toys must be put away in the toy box before bedtime and that all shoes must be put away in the closet when you come home from school or work.
By having specific rules about where items should go, you can help to keep your home more organized and tidy.
Related Read
The Big List of 100 Things to Declutter
08 | PLANT CONTAINERS
Plant containers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. While it can be tempting to mix and match different styles, this can often result in an overall aesthetic that is less than pleasing.
One way to avoid this problem is to stick with a single style or material for all of your plant containers. This creates a more unified look that can be both stylish and sophisticated.
In addition, it is important to make sure that the plant containers you choose are appropriate for the plants you are trying to grow. For example, succulents require well-draining soil, so it is important to choose a container that has drainage holes.
By taking the time to select the right plant containers, you can create an environment that is both beautiful and functional.
09 | DECORATIVE ITEMS
Anytime you walk into a space, your eye is naturally drawn to the area with the most visual interest. When a room is cluttered with too many small objects, it can become visually overwhelming and difficult to focus on any one thing.
If you want to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment in your home, it’s important to declutter your decor items.
By choosing a few larger pieces that have impactful colors or shapes, you can achieve a look that is both stylish and uncluttered.
In addition, editing your decor items can help you to save money and time when it comes to dusting and cleaning. Decluttering your home decor items can help you to create a haven that is both beautiful and relaxing.
10 | BATHROOM TOILETRIES
One of the biggest challenges in keeping a bathroom clean and tidy is managing all of the toiletries. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, razor, shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels…the list goes on and on.
However, there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your bathroom organized and functional.
First, invest in some good storage solutions. A nice cabinet with shelves or drawers can go a long way in keeping things tidy.
Secondly, make sure to put everything away after using it. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to let things pile up when you’re in a rush.
Finally, don’t be afraid to declutter from time to time. If you find that you’re not using something, get rid of it. A little bit of effort can go a long way in keeping your bathroom organized and clutter-free.
11 | LINENS
Having a lot of linens can make your home look cluttered, but there are ways to minimize and control the problem.
One way to reduce the number of linens you have is to use them more efficiently.
For example, use a tablecloth on your dining room table, but also use it as a picnic blanket or beach towel. Kitchen towels can be used for more than just drying dishes; they can also be used as dust cloths or for cleaning up messes.
Another way to reduce the amount of linens you have is to get rid of ones that you don’t use. Give away unwanted items to charity or sell them at a yard sale.
You can also declutter your home by storing linens in bins or baskets instead of leaving them out in the open. By taking these steps, you can keep your home looking neat and tidy without getting rid of all your beloved linens.
12 | PAPER CLUTTER
One of the challenges of modern life is dealing with the constant influx of paper. Between bills, magazines, and junk mail, it can be easy for your home to become overrun with paper clutter.
However, there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep the paper clutter under control.
First, make a list of the types of paper you regularly receive, and determine which ones you actually need to keep. For example, you may want to keep bills and bank statements, but you can probably get rid of most junk mail.
Next, set up a system for dealing with each type of paper. For example, you may want to set up a filing system for bills and important documents, or recycle unwanted mail immediately.
Finally, be sure to stick to your system on a regular basis. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep the paper clutter under control and enjoy a more organized home.
13 | CORDS
One of the most frustrating things about having electronics in any space is trying to keep cords hidden and tidy.
It seems like no matter how diligent you are about tucking them away, they always find a way to come out and create a cluttered look.
Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks that can help you keep cords under control.
First, make sure to use cord covers or wraps whenever possible. These can be easily installed and will help to conceal cords while also preventing them from being tangled.
Another option is to use Velcro strips to secure cords along the back of furniture or against baseboards. By taking a few extra steps, you can ensure that your space always looks neat and tidy.
14 | PHONE CHARGERS
In our increasingly digital world, our phones have become an essential part of our daily lives. However, the ubiquitous presence of phone chargers can make any space feel cluttered and uninviting.
One way to combat this problem is to create hidden phone charging stations.
By tucking chargers away in drawers or cabinets, you can eliminate unsightly cords from your countertops and surfaces.
In addition, hidden phone chargers can help to prevent accidental damage to your devices. By keeping your chargers out of sight, you can avoid tripping over them or knocking them off of tables.
15 | REMOTES
Remote controls and game controllers can quickly become a cluttered mess. But with a few simple organization solutions, you can keep them tidy and easily accessible.
One option is to use a small basket or tray. This can be placed on a coffee table or shelf and used to store all of your remote controls.
Another way to keep all of the controllers together is by using a shoebox or small cardboard box. Cut a hole in the top of the box, big enough to fit all of the controllers snugly inside. Then, use some decorative paper or wrapping paper to cover the box. This will give it a nice finished look and keep the controllers dust-free.
With these simple solutions, you can keep your remote controls organized and within easy reach.
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When your home starts to feel cluttered and you don’t know why take a look at those 15 things we often miss when decluttering!
The smallest changes in your home can make a world of difference.
Happy Decluttering!
