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Keeping your home clutter-free can be a constant battle, but sometimes the problem lies in our own decorating habits. These habits, though often well-intentioned, can sneakily lead to a cluttered and overwhelming space. Here are 12 decorating habits that might be adding to the mess and some friendly tips on how to break them. By making small changes, you can create a more organized and inviting home.
1. Not Rotating Out Seasonal Decor
Seasonal decor can add a festive and cozy touch to your home, but if it stays out all year, it loses its charm and creates unnecessary clutter. When you keep out-of-season decorations on display, they start to blend into the background and lose their special appeal. Plus, they take up space that could be used for more current items. To avoid this, designate specific storage for each season and make it a habit to rotate decor items in and out. This will keep your home feeling fresh and your decorations meaningful.
2. Over-Accessorizing Shelves and Surfaces
It’s easy to fill shelves and surfaces with trinkets, keepsakes, and souvenirs, but overdoing it can make your home look cluttered and overwhelming. When every available surface is covered, individual items lose their impact, and the space can feel visually chaotic. Instead, choose a few special pieces that tell a story or bring you joy. Embrace negative space—leaving some empty areas will help the items you do display stand out and give your home a more organized look.
3. Hoarding Throw Pillows and Blankets
Throw pillows and blankets are great for adding comfort and style, but too many can overwhelm your space and make seating areas look messy. If your couch or bed is covered in pillows, it can be hard to use the furniture. To avoid this, select a few versatile pillows and blankets that work well across multiple seasons. Donate or store the extras to keep your seating areas functional and cozy without being overcrowded.
4. Holding on to Sentimental Items That Don’t Fit the Space
Sentimental items can be the hardest to part with, but keeping too many of them—especially those that don’t fit your space—can add to the clutter. It’s important to recognize that you don’t have to display every sentimental piece to honor its memory. Instead, curate a few meaningful items that fit your decor and display them proudly. For the rest, consider creating a memory box or taking photos to keep the memories without overwhelming your space.
5. Avoiding Decluttering Routines
When decluttering isn’t part of your regular routine, things can easily accumulate and take over your home. Without consistent effort, clutter tends to build up in unexpected places, leading to a sense of disorganization. To break this habit, schedule a monthly decluttering session. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on a specific area. Small, consistent efforts like this can make a big difference in keeping your home tidy and organized.
6. Adding Too Many Trinkets After Vacations or Events
Souvenirs are great for capturing memories, but bringing home too many trinkets from vacations or events can quickly lead to cluttered shelves and surfaces. Rather than collecting multiple items from every trip, choose one or two meaningful pieces that represent the experience. For additional memories, consider keeping a photo album or travel journal. This way, you can remember your adventures without overwhelming your space with too many items.
7. Overstuffing Bookshelves
A full bookshelf can create a cozy atmosphere, but overstuffing it with too many books and knick-knacks can make it look chaotic. When shelves are packed to the brim, it’s hard for any individual book or decorative piece to stand out. To create a more organized look, be selective about the books you display. Keep your favorites on the shelves and consider donating or storing the rest. Leave some open space to add balance and allow decorative items to shine.
8. Not Using Hidden Storage Solutions
Visible storage is convenient, but too much of it can make your space look cluttered and disorganized. When everyday items are always in view, they can contribute to visual clutter and make it hard to relax. To keep things tidy, invest in hidden storage solutions like ottomans, baskets, or furniture with built-in compartments. These options keep your essentials easily accessible but out of sight, giving your home a more streamlined look.
9. Keeping Outgrown or Unused Decor
It’s easy to hold onto decor items even after they’ve outlived their usefulness, but keeping pieces that no longer fit your style can clutter your space. If an item doesn’t bring you joy or fit in with your current decor, it’s time to let it go. Regularly assess your decor items and ask yourself if they still serve a purpose. If not, consider donating or selling them. This way, you can make room for items that truly enhance your space.
10. Ignoring Scale and Proportion in Decor
Using decor pieces that are too large or too small for your space can make a room feel cluttered or off-balance. Ignoring scale and proportion often results in a disjointed, visually unappealing look. To avoid this, consider the size of your furniture and the room itself when choosing decor. Items should complement the space without overwhelming it. Keeping things in proportion will make your home feel more balanced and harmonious.
11. Overfilling Countertops and Tabletops
Countertops and tabletops can easily become dumping grounds for decor items and daily essentials, making your home feel cluttered. When surfaces are overloaded, it’s hard to use them for their intended purpose, and the clutter can make even clean spaces feel messy. Limit the decor on each surface to one or two pieces and store everyday essentials in drawers or trays. Keeping countertops clear will help your space feel more open and functional.
12. Adding Without Editing
Adding new decor pieces without removing old ones is a quick way to end up with a cluttered home. When you keep adding without editing, your space can become overfilled, making it hard for any individual piece to shine. To prevent this, follow a one-in-one-out rule: whenever you bring something new into your home, remove something old. This helps keep your decor intentional and ensures that your space stays fresh and uncluttered.
A Clutter-Free Home Is Within Reach
Creating a clutter-free home starts with breaking these common decorating habits. By making small changes, like rotating seasonal decor or embracing hidden storage solutions, you can transform your space into a more organized and welcoming environment. Remember, decluttering is not about getting rid of everything you love—it’s about making room for the things that truly enhance your home and your life. Take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll have a space that feels comfortable, functional, and free of unnecessary clutter.
