So, you’ve decluttered—awesome! But before you pat yourself on the back, are you sure you got everything? It’s easy to clear out the obvious mess, but some clutter hides in plain sight (or gets stuffed in a drawer and forgotten). From that junk drawer full of mystery cords to the stash of reusable bags multiplying in your pantry, these sneaky spots tend to slip through the cracks. No worries, though! We’ve rounded up 25 commonly overlooked areas that could use a little decluttering. Tackle these, and your space will feel so much more organized—promise.
The Cluttered Car Spaces You Never Think About
The glove compartment often becomes a dumping ground for old receipts, expired insurance cards, and random clutter. Take everything out and only keep essentials like registration, insurance, and a small emergency kit. Remove unnecessary items such as broken sunglasses, outdated maps, or dried-out pens. Use a small folder or organizer to keep documents neat and accessible. Regularly decluttering this space ensures you can find important papers quickly. Keeping a clean glove compartment also frees up space for items you actually need. An organized car interior makes for a more pleasant driving experience.
The Pile of Travel Toiletries You Keep ‘Just in Case
It’s easy to accumulate travel-sized toiletries from hotels, gift sets, or past trips. Over time, these small bottles clutter bathroom cabinets and drawers. Sort through your collection and discard anything expired or unused. Keep a small, organized travel bag stocked with essentials for future trips. Donate unused items to shelters if they are still in good condition. Store the rest in a designated container to avoid unnecessary clutter. Keeping travel essentials minimal makes packing easier and more efficient.
The Chaos Inside Your Purses & Wallets
Purses and wallets often contain old receipts, expired coupons, and unnecessary loyalty cards. Over time, these small pieces of clutter accumulate and make it harder to find what you actually need. Empty out all compartments and remove anything you no longer use. Check for expired gift cards or membership cards that are no longer valid. Streamline your wallet by keeping only essential IDs, payment cards, and a few necessary loyalty cards. If you have multiple purses, declutter them by donating or selling ones you never use. Organizing these items makes daily outings more convenient and efficient.
The Endless Pile of Mismatched Socks
Socks are notorious for getting lost in the laundry, leading to an overflowing pile of mismatched pairs. Over time, these single socks take up unnecessary space in drawers. Set aside time to match up what you can and get rid of the rest. Repurpose lone socks as cleaning rags or donate them to animal shelters. Consider using a mesh laundry bag to keep pairs together during washes. Buying socks in similar colors or styles can also make pairing easier. Keeping your sock drawer tidy reduces frustration and saves time each morning.
The Pile of Old Manuals and Expired Warranties
Many people hold onto appliance manuals and warranty papers long after they are useful. These papers often take up space in drawers or filing cabinets, making them difficult to sort through. Check if manuals are available online and recycle the physical copies when possible. Store important warranty information in a clearly labeled folder for easy access. If a warranty has expired, discard the paperwork to free up space. Consider scanning and saving digital copies to reduce paper clutter. Keeping only essential documents makes finding information much easier when needed.
The Workout Gear You Swore You’d Use
Exercise equipment such as resistance bands, dumbbells, and yoga mats often take up space without being regularly used. Many people purchase workout gear with good intentions but rarely incorporate it into their routine. Assess what you actually use and donate or sell anything that has been sitting untouched for months. If you have large equipment like a treadmill or stationary bike collecting dust, consider whether it’s worth keeping. Organize remaining equipment in a dedicated workout space to encourage regular use. If you find yourself not using certain items, try incorporating them into a new routine before deciding to let them go. Keeping only what you use makes your fitness space more functional.
The Trunk That Doubles as a Storage Unit
Car trunks often accumulate unnecessary items, from old gym bags to forgotten shopping bags. Take everything out and assess what truly needs to stay in your vehicle. Keep an emergency kit, jumper cables, and basic tools, but remove seasonal or rarely used items. Organize essentials into storage bins or collapsible containers. If you frequently use your trunk for groceries, keep a few reusable bags neatly stored. Regularly decluttering prevents items from piling up over time. A clean trunk makes travel and errands more convenient.
The Overflowing Cleaning Supply Stash
Many people stockpile cleaning products without realizing how many they actually have. Expired or half-empty bottles clutter cabinets, making it harder to find the products you use most. Start by taking inventory and properly disposing of anything that is expired or no longer effective. Combine duplicate bottles when possible, and store them in an organized manner. Consider switching to multipurpose cleaners to reduce the number of products you need. Store frequently used items in an easy-to-reach spot, and keep extras in a separate area. A well-organized cleaning supply area makes tidying up much more efficient.
The Board Game & Puzzle Stack You Rarely Touch
Board games and puzzles can pile up over the years, often missing pieces or going unused. Check each game to ensure all parts are intact and donate any that your family has outgrown. If a game is missing key components, consider replacing them or repurposing the set for crafts. Organize games in a way that makes them easy to access and encourages regular use. Stack board games vertically on a shelf or store them in labeled bins for better visibility. Prioritizing favorite games and discarding the rest reduces clutter in entertainment spaces. Keeping your collection tidy makes game nights more enjoyable.
The Tool Chaos in the Garage
Garages often become a dumping ground for tools, hardware, and outdoor equipment. Over time, these items accumulate, making it difficult to find what you actually need. Go through your tool collection and donate or discard duplicates, broken tools, or unused items. Organize screws, nails, and small hardware in labeled containers. Install pegboards or shelves to keep frequently used tools easily accessible. Keep seasonal equipment, like snow shovels or gardening tools, in a designated area. A tidy garage makes home improvement projects more efficient and enjoyable.
The Infamous Junk Drawer
Most homes have at least one junk drawer that quickly fills with random, forgotten items. It often contains broken pens, tangled cords, old receipts, and other miscellaneous objects. Because it’s a catch-all space, it becomes cluttered faster than expected. Start by emptying the drawer completely and sorting items into keep, toss, and donate piles. Throw away anything broken, outdated, or no longer useful. Use small containers or dividers to categorize essentials like batteries, paper clips, and tape. Maintaining an organized junk drawer saves time and prevents frustration when searching for everyday items.
The Growing Mountain of Reusable Bags
Reusable shopping bags are great for the environment but can quickly pile up if not managed. Many people accumulate more bags than they actually use, leading to unnecessary clutter. Sort through your collection and keep only a reasonable number. Donate extra bags to food banks, thrift stores, or community organizations. Store them in a designated location, such as near the front door or in your car, for easy access. Regularly reassess your collection to prevent it from growing out of control. Keeping only what you need ensures they remain useful without taking up excess space.
The Kitchen Drawer That Won’t Close
The kitchen utensil drawer tends to accumulate duplicate tools, broken gadgets, and rarely used items. Over time, it becomes difficult to find what you actually need. Begin by taking everything out and sorting through the clutter. Donate or recycle any duplicate or unnecessary items, keeping only the essentials. Use dividers or organizers to keep frequently used tools easily accessible. Store specialty utensils separately to prevent daily clutter. Keeping this drawer tidy makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
The Pantry’s Hidden Expired Items
Pantries often become cluttered with expired food, forgotten ingredients, and duplicate purchases. It’s easy for items to get pushed to the back and go unused for years. Take everything out, check expiration dates, and group similar foods together. Donate non-perishable items that you won’t use before they expire. Use clear storage bins or labels to make everything easy to find. Implement a first-in, first-out system to prevent food waste. Keeping your pantry organized makes meal planning and grocery shopping more efficient.
The Linen Closet Full of Worn-Out Towels & Sheets
Linen closets often hold worn-out towels and sheets that are no longer in regular use. Sort through your collection and set aside anything that is frayed, stained, or no longer soft. Donate gently used linens to shelters or animal rescues and repurpose old towels as cleaning rags. Keep only a few sets of bedding and towels per household member to avoid unnecessary bulk. Store them neatly folded and in an accessible arrangement to maximize space. Use storage bins or dividers for smaller linens like washcloths. Keeping only the essentials helps maintain a more organized linen closet.
The Forgotten Pet Supply Stash
Pet owners often accumulate excess supplies like old toys, leashes, or expired treats without realizing it. Over time, these items take up unnecessary space and can even become unsafe for pets. Start by checking for worn-out or broken toys that could pose a choking hazard. Toss expired food, treats, or medications, as they may no longer be safe for consumption. Donate gently used collars, beds, or pet clothing to shelters that can put them to good use. Organize remaining supplies in labeled bins to make them easy to access. Keeping pet essentials tidy ensures your furry friends stay happy and safe.
The Messy Craft Supply Collection
Creative projects often result in leftover materials like dried-up glue, broken crayons, or scraps of fabric. Over time, these accumulate into an unmanageable mess that hinders creativity. Sort through your supplies and discard anything unusable or duplicated. Donate extra materials like yarn, paper, or markers to schools or community centers. Use clear storage containers or labeled drawers to keep everything organized and easy to find. Keeping only what you need allows for a more enjoyable crafting experience. Regularly decluttering ensures that your creative space remains functional and inspiring.
The Seasonal Decorations You No Longer Love
Holiday and seasonal decorations often get stored haphazardly and forgotten about until the next year. Many people accumulate broken ornaments, tangled lights, or decor they no longer use. Go through your decorations and discard anything that is damaged or no longer fits your style. Donate unwanted items to thrift stores so others can enjoy them. Use labeled bins to store decorations by season for easy retrieval. Wrap delicate items carefully to prevent damage. Keeping your holiday decor organized makes seasonal decorating a stress-free experience.
The Home Office Full of Random Supplies
Home offices tend to accumulate pens, notebooks, and other supplies that go unused. Sort through your collection and test pens to discard any that no longer work. Recycle old notebooks or paper clutter that isn’t needed. Organize supplies in drawers or desktop organizers to keep everything accessible. Donate excess office supplies to schools or local charities. Keep only the items you regularly use to maintain a tidy workspace. A well-organized office helps improve productivity and focus.
The Magazine & Newspaper Pile That Never Gets Read
Old magazines and newspapers tend to pile up quickly, taking up space on coffee tables, bookshelves, or in baskets. While it’s tempting to keep them for future reference, most people never revisit old issues. Go through your collection and recycle anything outdated or irrelevant. Keep only a few favorite editions with valuable content you’ll actually use. Consider switching to digital subscriptions to reduce paper clutter altogether. If you enjoy print magazines, set a limit on how many you keep at a time. A clutter-free reading area creates a more relaxing space.
The Mess of Hair Accessories & Styling Tools
Hair accessories like clips, scrunchies, and headbands tend to accumulate over time, creating a cluttered mess in drawers and bathroom cabinets. Many people also hold onto old or broken styling tools that they rarely use. Go through your collection and discard any worn-out or damaged items. Keep only the accessories and tools you actually use on a regular basis. Use small storage containers or drawer dividers to organize hair ties and clips neatly. Donate or recycle extra styling tools that are still in good condition. An organized haircare area simplifies your daily routine.
The Old Perfumes & Beauty Products You Never Use
Beauty products, perfumes, and cosmetics have expiration dates, but many people hold onto them for years. Over time, expired products can lose effectiveness or even become harmful to the skin. Go through your collection and toss anything that smells off, has changed texture, or is past its expiration date. Consider storing products in a way that makes them easy to see and use. Keep only your favorite, regularly used items, and resist the temptation to hoard samples. Donate unopened, unused products to shelters if they are still in good condition. A streamlined beauty routine keeps your space tidy and your skincare safer.
The Drawer Full of Expired Coupons & Unused Gift Cards
Many people hold onto expired coupons and unused gift cards, only to forget about them before they can be used. Take time to go through your wallet, purse, or designated coupon storage area and check expiration dates. Recycle any expired coupons and store valid ones in an organized manner. If you have gift cards with small balances left, use them up or combine them where possible. Consider using a mobile app to store and track digital coupons and gift cards. Keep only the ones you plan to use to prevent clutter. An organized system ensures you take advantage of savings before they expire.
The Pile of Stuffed Animals & Collectible Toys
Children’s stuffed animals and collectible toys often pile up over the years, taking up valuable space in bedrooms and storage bins. While some may hold sentimental value, many are rarely used or forgotten. Sort through the collection with your child and let them choose their favorites to keep. Donate or repurpose ones that are no longer wanted but still in good condition. Consider limiting the number of stuffed animals to a designated storage bin or shelf. Rotate toys periodically to keep things fresh and reduce clutter. A curated toy collection keeps play areas tidy and manageable.
The Sunglasses & Eyewear Graveyard
Sunglasses, reading glasses, and old prescription lenses often accumulate in drawers, purses, and cars. Over time, outdated or broken frames take up space without being used. Gather all your eyewear and sort through them, keeping only pairs that are in good condition and still needed. Donate old prescription glasses to charities that distribute them to those in need. Store everyday pairs in an accessible place and keep protective cases handy. If you have extra sunglasses, consider keeping one pair in your car for convenience. An organized eyewear collection prevents clutter and makes finding the right pair easy.