Take Back Your Home: Main Signs Of Clutter And How To Address Them

We’ve all been there – you open a closet or cupboard and find yourself staring at a mountain of stuff that seems to have magically multiplied overnight. Excess clutter and overflowing storage spaces can be overwhelming and stressful, but there are ways to tackle this common issue.

Signs of clutter in your home

Whether it’s piles of paper on every surface, clothes spilling out of your wardrobe, or a collection of knick-knacks taking over your shelves, there are some common signs that indicate you may have a clutter problem in your home. Let’s look at some typical examples and how you can help declutter your home.

1. Difficulty finding items

It almost seems like whenever you need something, it’s impossible to find it among the chaos of clutter in your home. This could be that other shoe that’s always missing, or a wallet or purse buried beneath items that are out of place.

If you’re in a rush and constantly searching for things, it may be a sign that you have too much mess in your living space. So what’s the solution?

Start by decluttering and organising your belongings so that everything has a specific place or area. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. For example, if you have kids and their toys are always scattered around the house, make sure you have a storage bin for them to easily put them away when they’re done playing.

2. Cluttered surfaces

The dining table, coffee table, kitchen countertop are all victims of unnecessary mess. If there’s no space to eat a meal, prepare food, or even sit down and relax without having to move things out of the way, it’s time to address the clutter. If you spend more time clearing surfaces than actually using them, then the clutter is clearly taking over.

To fix this issue, start by clearing off surfaces and only keeping essential items out. Or invest in storage, like baskets, to gather smaller items and keep surfaces tidy. For example, rather than leave your TV or game controllers on the coffee table, put them in a draw or on a stand when they’re not in use. So not only do you have more space, you can easily access them once you need them.

Our keys are the biggest wanderers, so having a designated spot for them can prevent them from piling on surfaces. Leave these areas clear for their intended use – and not for taking up space. If you haven’t done so already, a key hook is a game-changer.

3. Lack of storage space

Depending on your living situation, you may have limited storage space in your home. Some of us may have extra space, such as an attic, basement, or garage, that could be utilised for storage. But for others with much limited space, it can become a major issue.

If you find yourself constantly struggling to find places to put things or if every available space is already filled with items, it’s a clear sign that clutter has taken over. Wardrobes, drawers, and other areas can be a hotspot for clutter.

One suggestion is to sort your items. If you no longer need them, throw them away, sell them or donate them to a charity shop. This will free up space and make it easier to organise your belongings.

Investing in a self storage unit can also be a helpful solution if you have limited storage space in your home. This can provide a temporary or long-term solution for organising your home and storing items. Handy for things you only need for certain times of the year, like Christmas decorations or garden furniture.

4. You feel overwhelmed

If the sight of your cluttered spaces makes you feel anxious or stressed, it’s better to face the problem head-on. Clutter can have a negative impact on your mental health and overall well-being, so it’s important to address it before things get too much.

Start by taking small steps to tidy your home. Set aside time each day to tackle a specific area or room, and work towards creating a more organised living space. Enlist the help of family members or friends if you need a helping hand.

Breaking down the task into smaller, manageable steps can make the process less overwhelming. For example: start with bathrooms and move onto the kitchen, bedrooms, living rooms, and other parts of your home.

5. You have trouble cleaning

Even if you clean your home regularly, it’ll never be spotless if clutter is taking over. Just because it looks tidy on the surface doesn’t mean there isn’t hidden dirt and dust lurking underneath all the debris. Perhaps you have space furniture or items that are difficult to clean around, or maybe you simply can’t access certain areas because they’re filled with clutter.

To make cleaning easier and more efficient, start by decluttering and organising your belongings. The longer you leave it, the more choked your home could be later down the line. For example, if you have old pots and pans in your kitchen, now could be the right time to upgrade to new ones. You could even donate old items if you no longer use them.

Just by giving your home a good sort out can make it feel like a whole new space. Try to incorporate some of these tips and see just what a difference it can make in your living environment.