We all love the feeling of walking into a well-organized, beautifully decorated space. It gives us a sense of calm and comfort. However, sometimes, our love for home accessories and décor can lead to unexpected clutter. We buy items that we think will enhance our homes, but often, they just end up filling our spaces without adding any real value or function. Here are 12 home accessories that, in my experience, tend to clutter more than they help. Let’s dive in and see if any of these sound familiar to you!
1. Overly Large Decorative Items
Overly large decorative items can take up a lot of space without providing any real benefit. While a giant Buddha statue or a life-sized giraffe sculpture might seem like a fun and unique addition to your living room, they often just end up crowding the space and making it feel smaller. Instead, consider smaller pieces that can fit comfortably on shelves or tables, or wall art that adds interest without taking up floor space.
2. Unnecessary Kitchen Gadgets
Who doesn’t love the idea of a specialized kitchen gadget that promises to make cooking easier or more fun? Unfortunately, many of these items end up collecting dust in a drawer or cupboard. For example, you might have a gadget for slicing avocados, another for coring apples, and yet another for de-veining shrimp. But in reality, a good knife set can perform all of these tasks and more, without taking up nearly as much space. Here are some more examples of unnecessary kitchen gadgets that might be cluttering your space.
3. Excessive Throw Pillows and Blankets
It’s easy to get carried away with throw pillows and blankets. They’re soft, comfy, and available in an endless array of colors and patterns. But when your couch or bed is overflowing with these items, it can feel cluttered and disorganized. Plus, constantly moving them out of the way to sit or sleep can be a hassle. Try to stick to just a few favorite pieces that add comfort and style without overwhelming the space.
4. Unused Exercise Equipment
We’ve all been there: you buy a piece of exercise equipment with the best of intentions, but it quickly becomes a clothes hanger or dust collector. If you’re not using that treadmill or exercise bike, it’s just taking up space. Consider selling or donating it, and instead focus on workouts that don’t require large equipment, like yoga, weight training with small dumbbells, or simple cardio exercises.
5. Too Many Picture Frames
While it’s wonderful to display photos of your loved ones and favorite memories, too many picture frames can create a cluttered look. Instead of having dozens of frames scattered around your home, consider creating a dedicated photo wall or using digital picture frames that can display multiple photos in a rotating slideshow. This can help keep your space looking tidy and organized while still showcasing your favorite images.
6. Overflowing Jewelry Boxes
If your jewelry box is overflowing with items you never wear, it’s time to declutter. Not only will this free up space, but it will also make it easier to find and enjoy your favorite pieces. Consider donating or selling items you no longer love, and invest in a jewelry organizer that makes it easy to see what you have. You might be surprised at how much you love your collection once it’s streamlined and organized!
7. Unused or Broken Electronics
We all have that drawer full of old cell phones, chargers, and other electronics that we don’t use anymore. But holding onto these items just creates clutter and doesn’t serve any purpose. Many electronics retailers and community organizations offer recycling programs for old electronics, so you can dispose of these items in an environmentally friendly way. Here’s a great discussion about decluttering electronics that might inspire you to clean out that drawer.
8. Excessive Indoor Plants
While indoor plants can add life and beauty to your space, too many can make your home feel like a jungle. If you’re constantly tripping over pots or struggling to find a sunny spot for all your plants, it might be time to scale back. Consider keeping a few favorite plants and gifting, selling, or donating the rest. Your home (and your remaining plants) will thank you!
9. Multiple Bookshelves
If you’re a book lover like me, it can be hard to part with your beloved tomes. But having multiple bookshelves overflowing with books can make your space feel cluttered. Consider donating books you’ve already read and aren’t likely to read again, or ones that you simply didn’t enjoy. You might also consider switching to e-books or audio books, which don’t take up any physical space at all. Here’s a great book about decluttering that might inspire you.
10. Unnecessary Bathroom Accessories
Bathroom accessories like decorative soap dispensers, trinket trays, and towel racks can add style to your bathroom, but they can also create clutter. If your bathroom counters are overflowing with accessories, it might be time to scale back. Keep only the items that you use regularly and that truly add value to your space.
11. Excessive Candle and Fragrance Diffusers
Candles and fragrance diffusers can add a lovely scent to your home, but too many can be overwhelming and create clutter. If you have a collection of half-used candles or a drawer full of diffuser oils, consider using up what you have before buying more. And remember, sometimes fresh air is the best scent of all!
12. Unused DIY Craft Supplies
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you likely have a stash of craft supplies. But if you’re not regularly using these items, they’re just taking up space. Consider donating your unused supplies to a local school or community center, or sell them to fellow crafters. Not only will this free up space in your home, but it will also give your supplies a new life where they’ll be put to good use.
In the end, decluttering is all about making your home a space where you feel comfortable and at peace. So if an item doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, don’t be afraid to let it go. Happy decluttering!
