Is your home starting to feel more like a cluttered storage room? Do you have to tiptoe over piles of stuff just to get to the couch? If so, it might be time for a clutter-clearing intervention. Read on because we’ve got some simple tips that can help you reclaim your space and make your home feel less cluttered.
1. Declutter the Hotspots
We all have these hotspots—areas in our homes that collect stuff like magnets: the ‘clothes chair’ that houses an ever-growing pile of clothes, the coffee table that accumulates books, snack wrappers, and remote controls, and the kitchen counter that becomes a catch-all for mail, keys, and random odds and ends.
It’s tempting to leave things there. But before you know it, these innocent spots can transform into a big, unruly mess that’s too much to clean up. So, make a habit of decluttering these hotspots regularly. A clear surface instantly makes the entire room feel more spacious and inviting.
2. Rent a Storage Unit
It’s difficult to part ways with things you own—it’s basic human nature to become attached to our belongings. So, if that sentimental attachment has been keeping you from achieving a clutter-free home, it might be time to consider a practical solution: renting a storage unit.
Everything that doesn’t serve a purpose in your home goes in there. The extra armchair. The books you know you’re never going to pick up again. The horde of appliance boxes tucked away in the storeroom for resale value.
So, if you’ve been caught between holding on and letting go, a storage unit from the renowned company All Purpose Storage can be the perfect solution for you.
3. Adopt the 30-Second Rule
If a task takes less than thirty seconds to complete, don’t put it off. Do it right then and there. It’s as straightforward as that. Some examples include:
- Throwing snack wrappers in the bin
- Putting the book back on the shelf
- Tucking your shoes away
- Hanging up the keys
- Emptying the wastebin
- Stashing away your coat
These actions might appear trivial on their own. But collectively, they make a huge difference in keeping clutter at bay.
4. Move the Furniture Away From the Walls
“Never push your furniture against walls. It’s the most criminal thing in the decorating book, no matter how small the space is,” says the world-renowned designer, Abigail Ahern. It may sound counterintuitive, but stepping away from the norm and moving your furniture just a few inches away from the walls can be a game-changer.
When we push our furniture flush against the walls, we inadvertently create a sense of confinement – the room’s boundaries seem to close in. When furniture is positioned 2 to 3 inches from the walls, the room gains a sense of depth that tricks the eye into perceiving a larger area. It feels as if the walls are farther away than they actually are. Suddenly, what used to feel cramped can now breathe freely.
5. Take Artwork Down
Having a focal point in a room is undoubtedly appealing, but there’s a delicate balance to strike. Too many pieces of art covering the walls can create visual chaos, making your space feel small and overwhelming.
Instead of letting every square inch of wall space be an exhibition, use the power of negative space. Open spots on the walls create an illusion of more space. If you can’t decide what to take down and leave up, try displaying them in rotation. This way, you can enjoy your art collection while maintaining the airy, uncluttered atmosphere of open wall space.
6. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture
Suppose your home is too small to fit all the essential furniture. In that case, investing in multifunctional furniture is the way to go. These clever pieces are designed to transform and adapt, offering the convenience of two-in-one usability without compromising style or comfort.
Take sleeper sofas, for example. By day, they offer a comfortable seating spot for lounging or entertaining guests. By night, they transform into a cozy bed for a restful sleep. There is no need for a separate guest room when your living room can seamlessly accommodate visitors.
Then, there are study tables that can elongate into a full dining table. Beds with underneath shelves. Bedside seating benches that double as storage solutions. But perhaps the most innovative of these is Studio Dror’s Pick Chair. This magical creation begins as exquisite wall art that you can take down and transform into comfortable seating.
Whether you want to make the most of a small apartment or simply revel in the joy of exceptional design, multifunctional furniture has your back.
7. Use Decent Lighting
Dark corners and looming shadows can make any room feel smaller and more cluttered than it actually is. First, replace your heavy curtains with sheers. Also, consider hanging large mirrors in rooms that feel cramped. Light bouncing off a mirror can create an illusion of added space. And if you have a dark-painted room, repainting it with lighter neutral tones can also make it appear larger.
As for artificial lighting, opt for wall lights to emphasize corners and free up valuable floor and table space. And instead of relying on a single, downward-facing light, try a layered lighting approach. Mix and match ceiling lights, wall lights, and lamps to create a harmonious symphony of illumination. This approach brightens the room from various angles and adds depth and dimension.
8. Organize Your Cables
In this modern age, where even our toothbrushes need to be charged, it’s no surprise that our living spaces are brimming with wires and cables plugged into outlets. You swear you haven’t touched them, yet they transform into an unruly wire spaghetti monster by some unknown force of nature.
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to fasten bundles of cables together using zip ties. To further streamline your efforts, you can use cable clips. These clips adhere to walls, keeping your wires off the floor and neatly in place.
There are a ton of more innovative cable management accessories available online. You can find cable sleeves that conceal multiple cords, making your space look cleaner. And for those who appreciate a touch of personalization, you can even find cable management solutions that blend seamlessly with your décor.
Conclusion
Remember, decluttering isn’t about throwing away everything you own. It’s about creating a living environment that supports your well-being and reflects your personality. By following these tips, you can transform your home into a clutter-free haven where you can truly relax and enjoy the space around you.
