You’ve done all the things – donated bags of stuff, organized your shelves, maybe even bought a few cute storage bins. But somehow, your home still feels cluttered. What gives?
The truth is, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things. It’s about how you store, arrange, and maintain your space. Sometimes, a home still feels chaotic because of a few small habits (or design choices) that make it visually or mentally overwhelming.
If your space still feels off, here are 10 reasons why your home might still feel cluttered – and how to fix them.
1. You Have Too Many “Just in Case” Items
Let’s be real – most of us hold onto things just in case we might need them someday. That stack of random cords, the extra set of mismatched dishes, the old clothes you’re totally going to wear again (but haven’t in years).
Fix it: Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used it in the last year, chances are you won’t. Donate, sell, or toss anything that’s just taking up space.
2. Your Flat Surfaces Are Magnetically Attracting Stuff
Counters, tables, dressers – if a surface is empty, clutter magically appears on it. Bills, keys, coffee mugs, random trinkets…it all piles up.
Fix it: Set a rule – every flat surface should have intentional decor or storage. Use trays to corral everyday items and commit to clearing surfaces daily.
3. Your Storage Bins Are Full of Things You Don’t Actually Need
Baskets and bins make clutter look organized, but if they’re stuffed with random junk, you’ve just relocated the mess instead of solving it.
Fix it: Go through your storage bins and make sure they contain useful or meaningful items. If it’s just a prettier version of a junk drawer, it’s time to declutter again.
4. You Keep Bringing New Things In (Without Letting Anything Go)
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event – it’s an ongoing process. If you’re constantly bringing new things into your home without removing anything, the clutter comes right back.
Fix it: Try the one in, one out rule – every time you buy something new, donate or toss something old.
5. Your Home Lacks Closed Storage (So Everything is Always Visible)
Open shelving looks beautiful on Pinterest, but in real life? It can make a space feel visually cluttered, especially if everything is out in the open.
Fix it: Use cabinets, baskets with lids, and closed storage furniture to keep things looking neat.
6. Your Furniture Is Too Big for Your Space
If your furniture is oversized, your space can feel cramped and cluttered – even if you don’t have a lot of “stuff.”
Fix it: Opt for multi-functional, space-saving furniture. Floating shelves, nesting tables, and leggy furniture create a lighter, airier feel.
7. You’re Holding Onto “Aspirational Clutter”
Aspirational clutter is the stuff we wish we used – craft supplies for a hobby we never started, workout equipment collecting dust, stacks of books we plan to read “someday.”
Fix it: Be honest with yourself. If an item isn’t serving current you, let it go.
8. You Don’t Have a System for Paper Clutter
Mail, receipts, school papers – paper clutter sneaks up fast. If it doesn’t have a designated home, it will take over your kitchen counter.
Fix it: Create a system. Have one inbox for incoming mail, a shredder for junk, and digital storage for important documents.
9. You Have Too Many Small Decor Items
Lots of little decorations can make a space feel busier than it actually is. A bunch of small trinkets scattered everywhere = visual chaos.
Fix it: Swap small knick-knacks for a few larger statement pieces to make your space feel more intentional and less cluttered.
10. You’re Not Maintaining the Decluttered Space
Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done deal. Without regular upkeep, even the most organized home can slide back into chaos.
Fix it: Create small, daily habits – spend 10 minutes tidying up each evening, do a quick weekend reset, and be mindful of what you bring into your home.
Final Thoughts
If your home still feels cluttered, don’t stress – it’s usually just a few small tweaks that make all the difference. Start with one or two of these fixes, and you’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more peaceful your space feels.
Which one of these clutter culprits is the biggest issue for you? Let me know!
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