12 Decluttering Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

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Decluttering your home can be a refreshing endeavor, but it often comes with its challenges. Many homeowners embark on this journey with the best intentions, only to find that they inadvertently make common mistakes that lead to a messy appearance. Understanding these pitfalls is key to achieving a clean and organized space.

You’ll find twelve decluttering mistakes in the following slides that can hinder your progress.

Overstuffing Shelves and Drawers

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When trying to declutter, it can be tempting to cram as many items into a shelf or drawer as possible. However, this strategy will only lead to more clutter in the long run. When your shelves and drawers are full, finding what you need and adequately putting items away becomes difficult. Instead, avoid filling space beyond 80% to allow easier access and prevent overcrowding.

Saving Paper Clutter

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Paper can accumulate quickly and become a major source of clutter in your home. Old receipts, bills, and junk mail can soon pile up on countertops or drawers. To avoid this mistake, handle paper immediately when it enters your home. Have a designated spot for incoming mail and set aside time each week to sort through it and toss anything you don’t need.

Ignoring Vertical Storage Space

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Many people focus on decluttering surfaces and overlook the potential of vertical storage space. To use wall space and keep items off countertops and floors, utilize shelves, hooks, and hanging organizers. This approach creates a clutter-free look and maximizes storage capacity in your home.

Not Having a Plan

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Decluttering without a plan can quickly become overwhelming and lead to unfinished projects. Take time to create a plan of action, like starting in one room and working your way systematically through the rest of the house. Set achievable goals for each decluttering session and stick to them.

Keeping Duplicates and Spares

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We often hold onto duplicates or spares, thinking we may need them someday. But keeping unnecessary items only adds to the clutter in your home. Take inventory of your belongings and donate or toss any duplicates not being used regularly.

Buying More Storage Than You Need

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It’s easy to go overboard when buying storage solutions. Before purchasing, evaluate whether you truly need the item and whether it will serve its purpose in organizing your space. Avoid buying too many storage solutions; instead, focus on decluttering and only purchasing what is necessary.

Overlooking Small Items

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Small items can easily go unnoticed but quickly add up and create clutter. Items such as pens, hair accessories, or loose change should have designated homes and be put away when unused. Ensure you declutter these small items regularly to avoid build-up.

Incorrect Storage Use of Closet

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When you don’t hang your clothes correctly or use incorrect storage solutions in your closet, it can look messy and cluttered. Invest in proper hangers, shelves, and organizers to maximize space and keep your clothes easily accessible.

Not Having a Decluttering Schedule

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The key to maintaining a decluttered home is consistency. Create a schedule for decluttering tasks, such as organizing one room each week or setting aside time every day to tackle small projects. This approach will keep clutter from accumulating and make it easier to maintain a tidy home.

Ignoring Digital Clutter

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With the rise of technology, digital clutter has become a significant issue in many homes. Declutter your digital devices regularly, delete unused files, and organize documents into folders. This practice will free up space on your devices and make it easier to find what you need.

Shopping Without a Plan

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Mindful shopping is essential to prevent unnecessary clutter from entering your home. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item serves a purpose and where it will go in your home. This practice can help you avoid buying items that add to existing clutter.

Failing to Involve Family Members

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Decluttering should be a family effort. Involving your family members in the process teaches them essential skills, allows for their input, and helps keep the space organized long-term. Make decluttering a fun activity by setting goals, playing music, and rewarding yourselves afterward.

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