Top 7 Biggest Sources of Household Clutter (and how to fix them!)

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Household clutter can make our lives feel cramped and chaotic. It can come in many forms, however there are a few types of clutter that are more common than others. Identifying these common sources of clutter is important. Not only will it help clear them out but also prevent them from accumulating in the first place. This post delves into 7 of the most common sources of household clutter.

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Books to help you tackle household clutter:

The 7 Biggest Sources of Clutter In The Home top 7 biggest clutter sources in your home (and how to tackle them)

Unused and unworn clothing

Arguably the most common source of clutter is unused and unworn clothing. Many of us have wardrobes full of items that are the wrong size. Some of these items are not to our style. Others we’ve simply forgotten about. Sometimes we cling to them, hoping to one day fit back into them or find the confidence/occasion to wear them.

The hard truth is, many of them never see the light of day. They just end up occupying unnecessary room in our closet. It’s worth having a clothing clear-out at least once every year. Any unwanted clothes can then be donated or sold. To avoid this clutter building up, be realistic about what you’re going to wear. Consider working on a capsule wardrobe or renting items for special occasions. You can also rotate seasonal items.

Forgotten and inherited possessions

It’s common for clutter to be inherited from relatives after they die. Such clutter can completely take over our house if we’re not intentional about what to keep or not.

When clearing out a deceased relative’s house, it’s important to not let sentimentality get the better of you. While there are likely to be some keepsakes worth cherishing, it may be better to take photos of bulky items. You may not have the space or need for these items. This allows you to preserve memories so it’s easier to let things go. Having friends and family help you sift through these items could be helpful.

miscellaneous merchandise with glasses and figurines Top 7 Biggest Sources of Household Clutter (and how to fix them!)

Collectibles

There’s a fine line between being a collector and a hoarder. While some collectibles like stamps and coins take up little space, others like vintage toys and books can quickly take over rooms if you’re not careful.

Be realistic about what’s worthwhile to collect and what’s not. If the items you’re collecting are of little value, they may need to be stripped back. They shouldn’t be taking up entire rooms.

For serious clutter build-ups, it could be worth looking into a professional junk removal service like https://www.junkluggers.com/gainesville-va/nova-junk-removal/. In other cases, you may be able to pick out individual items to sell and donate.

Old hobbies and unfinished projects

Many of us have old obsessions or past projects that have since been abandoned. This could include hobbies like scrapbooking, knitting, or woodworking. You could also have include musical instruments or sports equipment gathering dust.

Be honest with yourself. Are you going to take up these hobbies again? Or is it best to donate or sell some of your equipment? Organize items in plastic totes if you plan on using them again.

To prevent issues with future hobbies, avoid investing too much. Don’t spend money on interests you aren’t yet truly passionate about.

green and white press drill on table Top 7 Biggest Sources of Household Clutter (and how to fix them!)

Paper piles and documentation

Paper clutter such as bills, receipts, letters and cards can quickly pile up if you let it. While certain documents could be worth keeping, you should consider if it can be digitized. Many old documents may be thrown away. You generally don’t need to keep onto bills or bank statements that are over 5 years old. Store important documents in file folder boxes for easy access.

Excess gadgets, tools and utensils

Many of us are guilty of hoarding gadgets, tools, and utensils. The kitchen is the most common place for this clutter. We have excess mugs, cutlery, and plates in our cupboards. We also have countertop appliances like toasters and blenders that we rarely use. DIY tools, cords, and old electronic devices can also pile up.

Take the time to periodically tackle these types of clutter. Invest in kitchen drawer dividers or roll-out cabinet shelving to improve organization.

yellow green and pink sticky notes on silver laptop Top 7 Biggest Sources of Household Clutter (and how to fix them!)

Digital clutter

Digital clutter refers to the excess files and apps on our computers and smartphones. While this clutter may not be physical or visible to others, it can still become a problem. It can slow down our devices and lead to us paying for extra storage.

Dedicate a day to organizing your photos, documents, notes, and apps. Get rid of any files you don’t need. This post offers a more comprehensive guide on how to digitally declutter https://lifebydeanna.com/how-to-totally-declutter-your-digital-spaces/.

By tackling these major sources of clutter, you can start living a cleaner and more organized life once again. It is never too late to declutter!