Flat surfaces in your home often become magnets for clutter, making rooms feel messy and harder to keep clean. You might find yourself constantly clearing off tables, counters, and shelves, only to see them fill back up quickly with various items.
Knowing what not to put on these surfaces can help you maintain a tidier, more organized space with less effort. By being mindful of what you place on flat surfaces, you can reduce clutter and create a more calming environment in your home.
Mail and unopened letters
You might be tempted to drop unopened mail on any empty flat surface. But letting it pile up there can create clutter and make it harder to find important items later.
Try to designate a specific spot for your mail, like a basket or tray. This keeps your surfaces clear and helps you stay organized.
Handling unopened letters promptly helps you avoid missing bills or important notices. It also prevents that buildup that can make your space look messy.
Keys and loose change
You might find yourself dropping keys and loose change on flat surfaces without thinking. These small items can quickly create clutter and make spaces look messy.
Keeping keys and coins in a designated bowl or drawer helps keep surfaces clear. It also makes it easier to find them when you need them.
Try setting a habit of putting keys and loose change away as soon as you come home. This simple step can keep your surfaces tidy and reduce daily clutter.
Old receipts and coupons
You might find it easy to drop old receipts and expired coupons on your flat surfaces. But these papers quickly add up and create unnecessary clutter.
Keep only the receipts you actually need, such as for recent purchases or important warranties. Toss or recycle the rest to free up space.
Coupons lose value after their expiration dates. Regularly go through your coupons and remove any that have expired. This simple habit helps keep your surfaces clear and your mind less cluttered.
Unwashed dishes or cups
Leaving unwashed dishes or cups on flat surfaces can quickly create clutter. It also invites bacteria and unpleasant odors into your space.
When you let dirty dishes sit out, it becomes harder to keep your kitchen clean. Plus, pests like ants or fruit flies may be attracted.
Try to rinse and load your dishes into the dishwasher or wash them by hand as soon as possible. This small habit helps keep your surfaces clear and your kitchen more hygienic.
Random snacks or food wrappers
Leaving snacks or food wrappers on flat surfaces can quickly create a messy and sticky environment. It’s easy to forget and leave crumbs behind, which can attract pests or create stains.
Try keeping a small trash bin or designated spot nearby to toss wrappers right away. This habit helps keep your space clean and prevents clutter from building up unnoticed.
Plus, putting these items away immediately makes your surfaces look neat and welcoming, perfect for work or relaxation.
Used tissues or napkins
Used tissues or napkins are easy to toss onto a table, but they can quickly make your space look messy. They also carry germs, which you probably don’t want lingering around.
Instead, try to throw them away right after using them. Keep a small trash bin nearby to make it easy to dispose of them without cluttering your surfaces.
If you’re eating, consider using a napkin holder so clean napkins are accessible but don’t pile up. This habit helps keep your surfaces clear and your space feeling fresh.