Buzz
Photo: Follow The Flow/Getty ImagesIt's easy to identify some of the usual suspects when it comes to a cluttered home—like scattered kids' toys or the collection of kitchen gadgets taking up your counter space. But even after clearing out all the obvious items, your home might still feel a bit cluttered, thanks to some unexpected offenders.
If you're looking to create a more peaceful environment, read on to discover what experts say could be making your space feel chaotic—and the simple fixes you can implement to bring tranquility to your home.
1. Your Entryway is Cluttered
Your entryway is the first impression you get when entering your home, setting the tone for everything that follows. "Having too many shoes near the door draws attention to footwear rather than highlighting the beauty of your home," explains Katrina Teeple, professional organizer and founder of Operation Organization.
Your fix: Since the entryway often acts as a major drop zone, it's important to stay proactive about decluttering, says Teeple. "Set aside 10 minutes twice a week for 'Tidy Time'—grab a laundry basket and clear out excess items from your entryway." This includes storing jackets in the closet, moving out-of-season items to another place, and reducing the shoe collection at the door. For a more peaceful entryway, Teeple recommends investing in a shoe cabinet or a bench with storage underneath to keep shoes out of sight.
2. You're a Fan of Maximalist Decor
Maximalism is a style we all admire, but if you're aiming for a more peaceful, less cluttered atmosphere, a sprawling gallery wall and an excessive number of pillows might not help. "Decorating walls with items that lack purpose or cohesion only adds to the feeling of clutter," says Becky Rapinchuk, creator of Clean Mama. "Don't just fill a space for the sake of it."
Your fix: Here's a chance to embrace the Marie Kondo method and reduce your decor to only those pieces that truly bring you joy. "Make sure each item makes you happy and fits the space perfectly," advises Rapinchuk.
3. Your Fridge Is Overstuffed
Your fridge might need a serious declutter—and we’re not just talking about the food inside. "It could be time to let go of novelty fridge magnets, grocery list notepads, and dare I say, your children's artwork from the fridge," suggests Teeple.
Your fix: Transfer your essential items from the fridge to the inside of a cupboard door. "That way, when you reach for your favorite mug for morning coffee, you’ll also see sticky note reminders and your child’s latest dinosaur drawing," Teeple recommends.
4. You're Overloaded with Items on Your Surfaces
Clearing your counters and tabletops is key to creating a more peaceful atmosphere in your home. "It’s crucial to keep surfaces uncluttered," says Rapinchuk. "This promotes a sense of calm throughout your space."
Your fix: Begin with a really clean slate, recommends Rapinchuk. "To try this, completely clear off a surface and live with it empty for at least 24 hours. See how it feels, and then gradually reintroduce items until the space feels just right."
5. You Don't Have Enough Seating
Having too little of something might seem like an odd cause for a cluttered feel, but when guests have no place to sit, it can leave a negative impression. "When there’s no obvious seating for guests, it always feels cluttered to me," says Cian Ballentine, professional cleaner and founder of Cannonball Cleaners.
Your fix: You may need to rearrange your furniture—or even add unexpected seating options like storage ottomans under a console table to ensure easy seating when friends drop by.
6. You're Drowning in Doom Piles
Creating piles or baskets filled with things you don’t have the time or energy to sort through might temporarily make your home feel less cluttered. However, unless addressed, these piles can quickly begin to weigh down the overall feeling of your space.
Your fix: Use doom piles only as a temporary fix—like when you need to quickly stash clutter in a basket before unexpected guests arrive. But make sure to set aside time to deal with them and make them vanish for good.
7. You Don't Have Enough Storage
Even the most thorough decluttering won't be effective if you don't have the proper places to store the items you want to keep. If your home lacks adequate storage space—whether due to small closets or insufficient cupboards—you'll need to get creative about finding alternative spots to store your belongings.
Your fix: Find clever ways to add more storage to your home. Consider storage ottomans, closed baskets or boxes on bookshelves for small items, or even sneaky storage ideas like stashing out-of-season clothes or bedding in suitcases.
"Incorporate storage furniture that serves a practical purpose while seamlessly blending into your home’s style—like an affordable cubby shelving unit with decorative baskets tucked behind a couch," suggests Teeple. This provides a convenient space to store your kids' toys, keeping them within reach yet out of view.
