Your home’s decor can feel off without you realizing why. Sometimes, the problem isn’t big pieces of furniture or the paint color—it’s the smaller things you hold onto every day.
Getting rid of items that clutter your space can instantly improve the look and feel of your home. It’s all about clearing out what no longer serves your style or purpose, so your space feels fresher and more inviting.
Expired or unused candles
You might be holding onto candles that are past their prime or barely used. These can take up space and make your decor feel cluttered.
Old candles often lose their scent and can even look lumpy or misshapen.
If you don’t plan to use them, consider repurposing the jars for storage or tossing the candles to keep things fresh.
Old magazines stacked everywhere
Having piles of old magazines around can quickly make your space feel cluttered. They take up a lot of room and usually go unread.
If you’re holding on to them “just in case,” consider tearing out pages with ideas you actually want to keep. Store those in a binder and recycle or toss the rest.
This small step frees up space and cuts down visual chaos. Your decor will instantly look cleaner and more intentional.
Tangled visible cords and chargers
You know those messy cords and chargers you leave out? They create clutter that pulls attention away from your room’s style. Keeping them visible can make your space feel chaotic and less inviting.
Try using cable management boxes or decorative clips to tuck those cords away. Installing outlets with built-in USB ports also helps reduce the number of cables strewn about. Hiding cords doesn’t have to be a hassle, and it instantly cleans up your look.
Mismatched throw pillows
You might think mixing throw pillows is fun, but too many clashing patterns or colors can make your space look chaotic. Try sticking to a consistent color scheme or theme instead.
If you want variety, choose pillows that share similar tones or textures. This way, your pillows will complement each other and actually enhance your decor instead of cluttering it.
Furniture too big for the room
If your furniture feels overwhelming, it might be because it’s too big for the space. Large sofas or oversized chairs can make the room feel cramped or empty at the same time.
Measure your room before buying new pieces. Choose furniture that fits the scale so you have enough walking space and the room feels balanced. Sometimes less is more. Keeping a few well-sized items creates a comfortable, inviting space without crowding it.
Overly busy wall art collections
You might think filling your walls with lots of art shows personality, but too much can feel cluttered. When pieces are crowded, they lose impact and make your space feel chaotic.
Try keeping about three inches between each piece. This small gap helps everything breathe and keeps your walls from looking overcrowded. Less can be more when it comes to wall art. Choose a few favorites and arrange them thoughtfully to create a balanced look.
Holiday decorations left out year-round
Keeping holiday decorations up all year can make your space feel cluttered and less intentional. It’s tempting, especially if you love the festive vibe, but it often overwhelms your overall decor.
Switching out holiday items seasonally helps keep your home fresh and more versatile. Try storing decorations properly after the season to avoid damage and stress later on. This way, your space stays clear and ready for whatever season comes next.
Cluttered entryway tables
Your entryway table is the first thing people see, but it can quickly become a catch-all for random stuff. Piles of mail, keys, and bags create visual noise that drags down your whole space.
Try using baskets or bins to keep things organized and out of sight. Clearing off the surface and using vertical space can make your entryway feel more open and welcoming.
Random knick-knacks with no theme
You might have a collection of random knick-knacks scattered around your space. These small items can make your decor feel cluttered and disconnected.
When pieces don’t share a style or color, they compete for attention instead of working together. It’s okay to keep some meaningful items, but try to group or limit them to avoid visual chaos.
Boxes piled in the corner
Boxes stacked in a corner might seem like a simple storage fix, but they can really clutter up your space. They make your room look unfinished and can block light or walkways.
If you’re holding onto boxes because you think you’ll need them later, consider recycling or folding them flat instead. Keeping just what you use and need will open up your room and boost your decor.
Furniture pushed up against all walls
Pushing all your furniture against the walls might seem like it opens up space, but it can actually make your room feel empty and disconnected. When couches and chairs hug the walls, it often kills the cozy, inviting vibe.
Try pulling pieces away from the walls to create a more welcoming and balanced layout. It encourages better flow and makes conversations easier since the seating feels more intentional and connected.
Unnecessary kitchen gadgets
You probably have a few kitchen gadgets taking up space that you hardly use. Things like specialized popcorn makers or cupcake machines often end up as dust collectors.
These items clutter your counters and cabinets without adding much value. Stick to tools that are versatile and that you use regularly to keep your kitchen looking clean and functional.
Outdated or broken electronics
You probably have old phones, cables, or gadgets lying around that don’t work anymore. Keeping them just adds clutter and makes your space feel messy.
Those devices don’t fit with a clean, modern look. Plus, they take up space you could use for things that actually matter. Consider recycling or donating what you don’t use. It helps clear your decor and is better for the environment too.
Excessive family photos everywhere
You might love your family photos, but having too many on display can clutter your space. It can make your rooms feel cramped or messy instead of cozy.
Try saving some photos for private spaces like bedrooms instead of common areas. You can always rotate a few favorites to keep things fresh.
If you have stacks of prints, consider organizing or storing them in albums. This keeps memories safe without overwhelming your decor.
Too many decorative cushions
You might think more pillows equal more comfort, but too many decorative cushions can quickly overwhelm your space. When your bed or couch starts to look like a pillow mountain, it can feel cluttered and less inviting.
It’s easy to lose track of how many you have, and soon your relaxing spot becomes a hassle to navigate. Stick to a few well-chosen cushions to keep things cozy without the chaos.
