A home is a sanctuary, a place where we unwind after a long day and create beautiful memories with our loved ones. However, sometimes our homes can feel cluttered and messy, which can lead to feelings of stress and discomfort. The good news is that with a bit of awareness and some simple changes, you can transform your home into a neat, organized space that you love to spend time in.
Here, we list 18 things that could be making your home feel messy and provide some tips on how to address them.
1. Cluttered Countertops
One of the biggest culprits of a messy home is cluttered countertops. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or home office, countertops filled with papers, dishes, or random items can instantly make a space feel messy and chaotic.
An easy solution to this problem is to designate specific places for everything and committing to putting things back where they belong after use. For instance, you could use decorative trays or baskets to organize items. Remember, the goal is to keep your countertops as clear as possible.
2. Overloaded Bookshelves
Bookshelves can easily become a dumping ground for not just books, but also knick-knacks, photos, and miscellaneous items. An overloaded bookshelf can make a room feel cluttered and disorganized, detracting from the overall aesthetic of your space.
Consider decluttering your bookshelves regularly. Keep only the books that you love or plan to read in the future, and donate or sell the rest. Use the freed up space to display some carefully chosen decorative items that add to the overall aesthetic of your room.
3. Unorganized Cables
Cables from TVs, computers, and other electronic devices can quickly become a tangled mess, making a room feel cluttered and disorganized. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be a safety hazard.
Fortunately, there are many products available that can help keep your cables neatly organized. Cable management boxes, cord clips, and cable ties can all help you keep your cables under control. Alternatively, you could consider going wireless wherever possible to eliminate the need for cables.
4. Too Much Furniture
Sometimes, the problem isn’t clutter, but simply having too much furniture. Overloading a room with furniture can make it feel cramped and untidy, not to mention making it difficult to move around.
Consider the function of each piece of furniture and whether it’s necessary. If you have furniture that’s rarely used, consider selling or donating it. Remember, less is often more when it comes to creating a tidy, peaceful space.
5. Unmade Beds
Your bed is typically the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom, and leaving it unmade can instantly make the whole room look messy. Making your bed every morning can make a big difference in how tidy your room feels.
Making your bed doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Simply straighten the sheets and fluff the pillows, and you’ll be amazed at how much neater your room looks. Plus, it’s a great way to start your day on a positive note.
6. Too Many Decorative Items
While decorative items can add personality and charm to a room, having too many can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming.
Try to strike a balance between having enough decorative items to make your space feel homely, but not so many that it feels cluttered. Remember, each item in your room should serve a purpose, whether it’s functional or purely decorative.
7. Dirty Dishes in the Sink
A sink full of dirty dishes can instantly make your kitchen feel messy and uninviting. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
Try to get into the habit of washing dishes immediately after use, or at least rinsing them and placing them in the dishwasher. If you have a dishwasher, run it regularly to avoid dishes piling up.
8. Unsorted Laundry
Clothes strewn around the room, whether they’re clean or dirty, can make your space feel untidy. It can also lead to confusion about what’s clean and what’s not, leading to unnecessary washing.
Invest in a good laundry basket and make it a habit to put dirty clothes in it immediately after removing them. Sort and fold clean clothes as soon as they’re dry to avoid them piling up.
9. Unattended Pet Areas
Pet areas that are not regularly cleaned can contribute to a messy home. This includes pet beds, feeding areas, and litter boxes.
Make it a habit to clean your pet’s areas regularly. This includes washing pet beds, cleaning feeding areas, and scooping litter boxes daily. Not only will this make your home feel cleaner, but it’s also better for your pet’s health.
10. Dusty Surfaces
Dusty surfaces can make a room feel neglected and untidy. This includes furniture, electronics, and decorative items.
Make it a habit to dust your home regularly. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove dust from surfaces. Don’t forget about less obvious places like ceiling fans and light fixtures.
11. Unsorted Mail
A pile of unsorted mail can quickly contribute to a cluttered home. This includes letters, bills, and junk mail.
Designate a specific place for your mail and sort through it regularly. Recycle junk mail immediately and file important documents in an organized manner.
12. Overfilled Trash Bins
Overflowing trash bins can make your home feel dirty and untidy. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also create unpleasant odors.
Make it a habit to take out the trash regularly. Consider using a smaller bin to encourage more frequent emptying.
13. Unwiped Mirrors and Windows
Streaky mirrors and windows can make your home feel less clean than it actually is. This includes bathroom mirrors, bedroom mirrors, and windows throughout your home.
Clean your mirrors and windows regularly with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. This will not only make them look cleaner, but it will also allow more natural light into your home, making it feel brighter and more inviting.
14. Cluttered Entryways
A cluttered entryway can make your entire home feel messy. This includes shoes, coats, bags, and other items.
Consider investing in a shoe rack, coat rack, or other storage solutions to keep your entryway neat and organized. Remember, the entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home, so keeping it tidy can make a big impact on the overall feel of your home.
15. Dirty Floors
Dirty floors can make your home feel less clean than it actually is. This includes dust, dirt, and pet hair.
Vacuum and mop your floors regularly to keep them clean. Consider investing in a robot vacuum to help maintain clean floors in between deeper cleanings.
16. Unsorted Toys
Toys scattered around the room can make your home feel messy, especially if you have young children.
Consider investing in storage solutions for toys, such as bins or shelves. Encourage your children to put their toys away after they’re done playing with them.
17. Unorganized Pantry
An unorganized pantry can make your kitchen feel messy and make it difficult to find what you need.
Organize your pantry by grouping similar items together. Consider using clear containers so you can easily see what you have. Remember to regularly go through your pantry to get rid of expired items.
18. Neglected Outdoor Spaces
Neglected outdoor spaces can contribute to a messy home. This includes overgrown gardens, cluttered patios, and dirty outdoor furniture.
Regularly maintain your outdoor spaces by mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, and cleaning outdoor furniture. Consider investing in outdoor storage solutions to keep your outdoor items organized.