Have you ever looked at your space and realized it looks like it just survived a hurricane? According to psychologists, chaos in our living spaces can lead to stress. Some clutter is easy to identify, such as the stack of unread mail on your kitchen counter. At other times, your space may feel “off,” leaving you unsure about what to rearrange or remove.
Juggling everything in our busy lives can make tidying feel like a never-ending battle. The best life hack is identifying the top culprits behind your home’s cluttered look.
Check out these 14 sneaky items that can make even the most well-intentioned spaces look forgotten. We rounded up all the best insights on clutter from psychologists and home organization experts to help you understand what might be affecting your mental health and home aesthetic more than you realize.
1. Unused Furniture
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Furniture is supposed to serve a purpose, but what happens when it doesn’t? Unused furniture can quickly become a magnet for junk—whether it’s a chair piled high with clothes or a table collecting dust and knick-knacks. If it’s not serving a use, it might be time to consider parting ways.
Every piece of furniture should earn its keep as it was intended. If it’s not doing its job, it’s just taking up valuable real estate. Passing it on to someone who needs it or donating it can be surprisingly liberating, freeing up space and reducing visual clutter.
2. Excessive Decor
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We all love a good knick-knack or travel memento, but too many can turn your home into a gallery of chaos. Those extra vases, figurines, and candles might seem charming, but they can quickly overwhelm your space.
Consider rotating decor items seasonally or limiting each room to a few standout pieces that truly bring you joy. This not only reduces clutter but makes each piece more special and noticeable.
3. Unsorted Mail
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The mail arrives daily, and before you know it, you’re drowning in a sea of paper. Bills, advertisements, and random letters can pile up quickly, creating instant desktop or countertop confusion.
Developing a habit of sorting mail and paying bills as soon as they arrive can be a game-changer. Have a designated spot for important papers and recycle the rest immediately.
4. Things on the Kitchen Counter
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Kitchen countertops often become a dumping ground for everything from coffee makers to cereal boxes and spices. While it’s tempting to keep essentials within arm’s reach, too much clutter can make your kitchen feel cramped and messy.
Try storing seldom-used appliances in cabinets or on shelves to clear your counters. Aim for a minimalist look—your future self will thank you when it’s time to cook dinner or when guests pop by unexpectedly.
5. Too Many Photos
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Photos are a wonderful way to share memories, but too many frames can clutter your walls and surfaces. When every available inch is covered, it can be hard to appreciate any single moment. It’s like hosting a party, and everyone is talking at once—overwhelming.
Choose a few favorite photos to display at a time. Consider creating a rotating gallery that changes every few months to keep things fresh and exciting without the clutter. You can also create some photo books for when you do want to take a trip down memory lane.
6. Overflowing Bookshelves
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It’s great to have a bookshelf that has books that people actually read, but when your bookshelves start to overflow, it can create an overwhelming appearance. Double-stacked shelves or piles of books on the floor can make even the largest libraries feel cramped.
Take time to declutter by donating books you’ve already read or no longer plan to read. Keep only the ones that truly matter to you.
7. Refrigerator Magnets
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The fridge is another hotspot for clutter, especially with magnets. Pictures, notes, and magnets can quickly cover the entire fridge, making it look like a bulletin board gone wild.
Give your fridge a breather by paring down to a few favorite magnets and pictures. Clearing this space can be refreshing, and your important notes will be easier to find.
8. Undone or Unfolded Laundry
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We know folding laundry can take several business days, and dirty clothes outside a laundry basket are a hot mess. Sometimes your room looks too small and disorganized, but all you need to do is put the clothes where they should be.
Set up regular folding times to tackle laundry before it becomes a mountain. Doing a little each day can keep things manageable and your home looking neat.
9. Cords
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Forget robots; cords and cables are the things taking over the world. When left untamed, they become eyesores and trip hazards, slithering all over floors and tables. They also become hazardous chew toys for babies and dogs.
Invest in cord organizers or labels to keep things neat and tidy. Wrangling cords clears clutter and keeps your gadgets functioning smoothly.
10. Unemptied Trash
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It sounds simple, but unemptied trash can quickly contribute to a cluttered feel. An overflowing bin is not only unsightly but also a magnet for unwanted smells and pests.
Make it a habit to take out the trash regularly. It’s a small task with a big impact, making your space feel fresher and more inviting.
11. Toys Everywhere
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Parents cannot survive without toys; they are our beloved sidekicks. They’re also among the greatest contributors of clutter, mainly because the main users don’t have “decluttering” in their vocabulary yet.
Living rooms soon become playrooms, with floors made of Lego. To regain control, consider designating specific areas for toys and encourage your little ones to put things back after playtime.
12. Shoes Not on The Rack
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They come in pairs, so their clutter is double. The front door can easily turn into a disorderly shoe museum, with boots, sneakers, and sandals strewn about, creating not only a mess but also a tripping hazard.
To keep your entryway neat and inviting, establish a designated spot for shoes. A stylish shoe rack or some storage bins can work wonders for organization. Encourage family members to adopt a “no shoes indoors” policy, or at least require them to put their shoes away after use.
13. Throw Pillows
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Throw pillows are one of those decor elements that add comfort and style to our living spaces, but there’s a fine line between cozy and cluttered. It’s all too easy to find yourself with a mountain of cushions, each vying for attention and taking over your couch or bed.
When every available cushion is plumped up, seating becomes a game of dodgeball. Limit yourself to a few key pieces that complement your decor instead of overwhelming it.
14. Unmade Beds
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There’s one rule in life for everyone: make your bed. A tidy bed instantly uplifts the room. When you pull back those covers and fluff those pillows, you’re not just making your bed—you’re setting a positive tone for your day.
It takes just a few minutes, but it can be the difference between order and productivity and disorganization. Climbing into a neatly made bed at night is always a comforting reward.