5 Things That Make Your Home Feel Cluttered (And Sustainable Solutions to Keep It Tidy!)
A cluttered home can feel overwhelming, but sometimes, it's our everyday habits that create the chaos. If you find yourself constantly battling piles of paper, overflowing countertops, and a sense of disorder, these five common habits may be the culprits. The good news? Small sustainable shifts can help you maintain an organized home without wasteful quick fixes.
1. Dropping Everything by the Front Door
It’s easy to toss bags, shoes, and coats right by the entrance, but over time, this turns your entryway into an obstacle course.
Sustainable Solution: Invest in a simple storage system that encourages organization. A thrifted bench with built-in cubbies, a repurposed basket for shoes, and sturdy wall hooks for bags and jackets can create a functional and tidy drop zone. Make it a habit to put things where they belong instead of creating a “clutter pile.”
2. Letting Mail & Paperwork Accumulate in Piles
Stacks of unopened mail, receipts, and random papers tend to grow into overwhelming mounds that feel impossible to tackle.
Sustainable Solution: Go paperless whenever possible! Opt out of junk mail, switch to electronic billing, and digitize important documents. For essential paper items, designate a specific folder or tray and schedule a weekly time to go through them. A simple "one-touch rule" (open, sort, and act on it immediately) prevents unnecessary buildup.
3. Using Flat Surfaces as Storage
Countertops, tables, and dressers often become dumping grounds for random objects—keys, sunglasses, laundry, and anything that doesn’t have a designated spot.
Sustainable Solution: Implement the “clear surface rule.” If it doesn’t belong there, find it a proper home. Utilize sustainable storage solutions, like upcycled containers or second-hand baskets, to keep small essentials organized. Consider a ‘one in, one out’ rule to prevent unnecessary accumulation.
4. Not Delegating Chores
If you're the only one keeping up with household tasks, clutter and mess will build up quickly. Sharing the workload ensures everyone contributes to a cleaner home.
Sustainable Solution: Create a simple chore chart and rotate responsibilities among family members. Make use of reusable checklists on a whiteboard or chalkboard to avoid waste. Teaching kids to tidy up from an early age fosters lifelong habits of responsibility and organization.
5. Organizing for the Home You Want vs. the Home You Have
Buying trendy storage bins and overhauling spaces without considering how your home actually functions can lead to frustration and even more clutter.
Sustainable Solution: Work with what you have before purchasing new organizing systems. Declutter first, then find sustainable storage solutions that fit your space and lifestyle. Repurpose items like glass jars, wooden crates, or thrifted furniture to create functional organization without waste.
The Bottom Line
Clutter isn’t just about having too much stuff—it’s about daily habits that create disorder. By making small, intentional changes, you can create a home that feels calm, organized, and sustainable. Which of these habits are you tackling first? Let me know in the comments!