It occurred on a grey Thursday evening. I had spent hours cleaning my home for an evening dinner with my friends, vacuuming until my carpet was left with perfect lines, then polishing the table until it sparkled and lighting candles to create warm, welcoming light. But the moment my guests came into my house and looked around, they squirmed like something was… different.
One of them smiled kindly and told him, “Your place has such a lived-in feel.” The tone was nice; however, my inner critic understood it immediately: It’s messy.
After everyone left, I sat down in my living room and looked around at the room — not as a one who lives there, however, as someone who had seen this for the first time. I noticed the stack of mail that was unopened on the doorstep, the wires running over the floors, and the refrigerator covered in magnets that were not in sync. My house wasn’t filthy; however, it was visually loud.
The realization was both humbling and even liberating. I realized that the difference between “tidy” and “messy-looking” often does not have to do with dirt or dust. It’s the subtle accumulation of everyday objects that trick the eye into thinking there is clutter when there’s none.
Since that night, I’ve kept a detailed checklist of these culpritsand figuring out how to control them has changed not only my home, but also my overall peace at home. Here are the 12 daily things I found that caused my home to appear more cluttered than it really was, and the best way you can tackle the mess.
Unopened mail piles
Nothing can ruin a space quicker than a swarm of envelopes on a table in the hall. In the past, I thought just stacking them neatly was enough. This wasn’t the case. I now read mail instantly and separate it intothe action tray or shred it right there on the spot.
Footwear Ignored at the Door
I’ve once counted the number of pairs all lined up in front of my door, with the majority mine. Guests shouldn’t have to go through an obstacle course for shoes. In the present, I store one pair of shoes per person in a small bag and put everything else in a locked cabinet.
An excessive number of cushions
They are comfortable. However, a lot of them could make your sofa look like it’s in a clearance sale. I’ve learned to keep to a couple of cushions on each sofa, mixing the textures and colors to achieve an elegant and uncluttered look.
Cables and Wires
I wasn’t aware of the amount of visual noise created by cords that were tangled with TV cables until I put them away. Cable organizers, trunking, or even baskets with a decorative design can make a huge impact.
Overwhelming Open Shelves
When I first put up floating shelves for my kitchen, I believed I was going to be stylish. A few years later, they appeared like a swarm of pantry shelves. I’ve since organized them using the “one-third space” rule to ensure that the design is consistent.
Expired Newspapers and Magazines
For me, as a writer am a fan of print media; however, the piles of magazines have become a jumble. I always keep the latest issue in my collection and reuse the remainder. Sentimental pages get scanned and stored digitally.
Excess Countertop Appliances
I once believed that every appliance was worthy of a spot on the counter -for example, the toaster, blender, coffee maker, and air fryer, all competing for attention. Nowadays, I keep only the things I use regularly, and the rest is in the cupboards.
Ornamental Pieces Without a Concept
Unusual ornaments can make your home appear scattered. I have learned to categorize items according to colour or material, which creates peace in place of chaos.
Laundry baskets that are overflowing
Even clean clothes appear dirty when they’re spilling out of a bin. I purchased bins with lids, which conceal clutter and create an airy atmosphere.
Unsupervised Playthings
The toys of my Labrador used to be scattered throughout the living room, like an area for toddlers to play. Today, they’re in a basket which is stylish enough to stay within reach.
An excess of refrigerator magnets
The fridge’s doors adorned with notes and magnets could make your kitchen appear messy. I have a few important magnets on the corkboards to keep other reminders.
Visible Cleaning Materials
A bucket and mop in the corner can be a sign of cleanliness; however, it can also signal chaos. I found a compact cabinet to store the tools for cleaning, hidden but easily accessible.
The Takeaway
The most surprising aspect of my trip was how little the cost was to alter my house’s look. Most of the changes were changing the way I live rather than redesigning my home. Indeed, your home doesn’t have to be perfect – it’s just important to feel taken care of.
If you’re like me and have had the experience of feeling that your home appears “off” despite your best efforts, it may not be due to a need to clean, and more importantly, taking notice of the tiny, daily items that create visual clutter. When you take them off the table, you’ll notice that your home will breathe easier and so will you.
