Let me guess, you clean the house, fluff the pillows, and light that overpriced candle you bought during a moment of weakness… and still, your place somehow looks like a mild tornado rolled through.
Been there. And FYI, you’re definitely not alone.
Sometimes it’s not about dirt or mess; it’s about the sneaky little things making your space feel chaotic even when it’s technically clean.
So let’s chat, friend-to-friend, about all those things that make your home look cluttered and more importantly, how to kick ’em to the curb.
1. Too Much Decor (a.k.a. “Why Do I Own 47 Vases?”)
Let’s start with the obvious: too much of a good thing is still too much.
I’m not judging your aesthetic (hey, I love a good ceramic owl as much as the next person), but when every surface looks like it belongs in a gift shop, we’ve got a problem.
Why This Happens:
- You’re emotionally attached to everything.
- You confuse decorated with overdone.
- You think empty space = boring (spoiler: it doesn’t).
What To Do:
- Pick 1-2 standout pieces per surface.
- Group smaller items into odd-numbered clusters (3’s and 5’s work magic).
- Let your decor breathe. Yes, white space is a vibe.
2. Excess Furniture (Do You Really Need That Ottoman Army?)
I know furniture is supposed to be functional, but cramming in too much turns your home into an obstacle course. Ever stubbed your toe on a random side table? Yeah, me too.
The Signs:
- You can’t pull out a chair without knocking into something.
- You own more chairs than people you know.
- There’s furniture blocking other furniture. Why tho?
Fix It:
- Keep only multi-functional or frequently used pieces.
- Float furniture off the walls when possible.
- Try a room reset: take everything out and only put back what actually makes sense.
3. Open Shelves Gone Wild
Open shelving looks amazing in magazines. In real life? It often ends up looking like a yard sale exploded.
The Problem:
- Too many miscellaneous items.
- Lack of visual balance.
- You keep adding stuff because there’s space. Rookie mistake.
The Solution:
- Stick to neutral tones and similar color palettes.
- Mix in closed storage baskets.
- Rotate what’s displayed seasonally. Keeps things fresh.
4. Paper, Paper Everywhere
Receipts, flyers, takeout menus from three cities ago… Paper clutter is the silent killer of clean vibes.
Common Culprits:
- Mail piles
- Random notes or lists
- Instruction manuals for things you no longer own (??? why do we do this???)
Pro Tips:
- Create a drop zone for incoming mail.
- Go digital where you can (apps like Evernote or Google Keep are your BFFs).
- Shred it, scan it, or recycle it. No mercy.
5. Unruly Cords and Chargers
Nothing says chaos like a tangled mess of cords hanging out behind the TV. And don’t get me started on that drawer full of mystery chargers.
Why It Looks Bad:
- It’s visually noisy.
- It makes your setup look temporary or unfinished.
Clean It Up:
- Use cord concealers or raceways.
- Label your chargers (trust me, you’ll thank yourself).
- Go wireless where possible. We’re living in 2025, after all.
6. Bathroom Product Overload
Alright, confession time: I once had 5 half-used shampoos in my shower. Why? No clue. Just know I’ve reformed my ways, and you can too 🙂
Signs of a Cluttered Bathroom:
- Toiletries on every flat surface.
- Overflowing makeup bags or drawers.
- That one shelf collapsing under the weight of 37 lotions.
Quick Fixes:
- Keep daily essentials in reach, stash the rest.
- Use drawer dividers and cabinet bins.
- Get rid of expired stuff. Seriously.
7. Too Many Throw Pillows
I love a good throw pillow moment. But there’s a fine line between cozy and “where am I supposed to sit?”
The Red Flags:
- You have to move 6 pillows to sit on the couch.
- Your bed looks more like a hotel showroom.
- They always end up on the floor anyway.
Dial It Back:
- Stick to 2-3 pillows per seating area.
- Mix textures, not just patterns.
- Store seasonal ones instead of piling them all on.
8. Unused or Outdated Tech
Old printers, broken remotes, or that DVD player you haven’t touched since Blockbuster died. Yep, those gotta go.
How Tech Clutters Your Space:
- It takes up space without adding value.
- It collects dust and wires like it’s trying to start a museum.
What To Do:
- Sell or donate working items.
- Recycle electronics responsibly.
- Streamline to only what you use.
9. Kids’ Stuff Explosion
If you have kids, you already know. Toys. Everywhere. All the time. And if you don’t tame it, your living room turns into a daycare.
Common Issues:
- Toys without homes.
- Multiples of the same thing.
- Random kid art taped to every surface.
Pro Parent Hacks:
- Use labeled bins and toy rotation.
- Designate a “kid zone”.
- Keep sentimental art, but digitize the rest. Your fridge is not an art gallery (IMO).
10. Entryway Chaos
The entryway should say “Welcome!” not “Warning: trip hazard ahead.”
Clutter Magnets:
- Shoes (so. many. shoes.)
- Mail and keys everywhere
- Random bags and umbrellas
Tidy Up:
- Install hooks or a pegboard.
- Use a tray or bowl for keys.
- Limit shoes to 1-2 pairs per person by the door.
11. Overflowing Closets
Just because you can close the door doesn’t mean it’s not cluttered. Sorry to break it to you :/
Closet Clues:
- Clothes fall out when you open it.
- You can’t find anything you actually want to wear.
- You’ve got stuff from 2009 in there. Be honest.
Clean Closet Vibes:
- Follow the “one in, one out” rule.
- Donate what you haven’t worn in 12 months.
- Invest in matching hangers (they seriously elevate the look).
12. The “Junk Drawer” That Ate The Kitchen
Ah yes, the infamous junk drawer. Or should I say, junk drawers. Plural.
What’s In There:
- Batteries (dead and alive)
- Random keys, mystery screws, expired coupons
- That one pen you hate but still keep
Tame It:
- Use small containers to divide and conquer.
- Declutter monthly.
- Set a limit: 1 drawer per household. That’s it.
Final Thoughts: Clutter Happens, But You’re In Control
Look, no one’s home is Pinterest-perfect 24/7 (and if they say it is, they’re lying or have a live-in housekeeper). The trick is knowing what makes a space feel cluttered and what makes you feel good in your space.
Start small. Pick one room, one shelf, one drawer. Make it work for your real life, not just for the ‘Gram. And hey, next time you’re tempted to buy that sixth throw pillow with a quote on it? Maybe walk away. Or don’t. You do you. Just know I’ll be here, cheering you on and decluttering my own mess right alongside you. ☺