6 Types of Clutter Making Your House Look Messy (And How to Fix It)

Ever walk into your house, take one look around, and feel totally overwhelmed? It’s not just you — many of us deal with different types of clutter that make our homes feel messy and chaotic. Whether it’s piles of things you haven’t put away or items you’re holding onto ‘just in case,’ clutter can easily take over. 

In this post, we’ll break down six common clutter types that might be filling up your space, along with practical declutter tips to help you take control. By the end, you should have plenty of decluttering inspiration and actionable tips to get started on creating a peaceful, organized home that feels manageable again.

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1. ‘Just For Now’ Clutter

We’ve all been there: You get home from a busy day, toss the mail on the counter, drape a jacket over a chair, and glance through your children’s school papers (that somehow land near the mail in another pile). You tell yourself, ‘I’ll deal with this later.’

Then, you switch out the laundry, only to realize the baskets are too full to hold another load out of the dryer. But there’s no time to fold them right now, so you dump a couple of baskets on the couch, promising yourself that you’ll take care of them ‘later’ when you sit down to watch television. 

But let’s be honest — ‘later’ rarely seems to come. The random papers keep stacking up and you avoid sitting on the couch because that pile of clean laundry seems like a mountain. Before you know it, there are piles of stuff everywhere that were supposed to sit out ‘just for a day or two,’ but have turned into a mess that makes your house look like a clutter magnet.

What types of items fall into the ‘just for now’ category?

• Books or magazines left on the coffee table
• Half-empty water bottles scattered around
• Sunglasses or keys dropped on random surfaces
• A rack of clean dishes waiting to be put away
• Piles of mail on the kitchen counter (or anywhere)
• Jackets draped over chairs
• Shoes left in random places
• Purchases you’ve brought home but haven’t decided where to store
• Laundry waiting to be folded

Tips to fix it:

• Create designated spaces: One of the best ways to tackle ‘just for now’ clutter is to give every item in your home a specific place where it belongs. Whether it’s a vertical file box for mail and other papers, hooks for bags, or bins for shoes, having a home for everything can help prevent clutter from piling up.
• Adopt the ‘one-touch rule’: This simple rule can be a game-changer. Instead of putting items down temporarily and planning to deal with them later, try to touch each item only once. That means putting things away immediately rather than dropping them wherever it’s convenient.
• Do a 10-minute tidy: I know, you’re busy and tired, but getting into the habit of quickly putting your house in order each evening can make a huge difference. It really helps keep things from piling up into overwhelming mountains. Set an alarm on your phone or practice habit stacking to help you remember to do this every day. This is something everyone in the house can do.
• Stay consistent: Actually USING your clutter solutions every.single.time is the only way they’re going to work. Don’t buy mail organizers or shoe shelves and then just toss everything somewhere else. Be intentional and consistent.

Don’t let ‘just for now’ become forever! A little organization now will save you from big messes later.

Related post: 4 Fast + Simple Habits to Keep a Clean and Tidy Home

2. ‘Just in Case’ Clutter

We all have that drawer, shelving unit, or entire basement filled with things we keep ‘just in case’ we might need them someday. Maybe it’s extra kitchen gadgets or clothes you haven’t worn in years because they don’t actually fit. 

While it can feel comforting to hold on to things for the future, this kind of clutter can quickly make your home feel — and look — overcrowded. Plus, I’ve found that even when I kept all.the.things, I never could find them or even remember I had them on the rare occasion they could have been useful.

What types of items fall into the ‘just in case’ category?

• Extra blankets or pillows stored for guests you never have
• Leftover pieces of fabric, ribbon, or craft supplies you *think* you might use one day
• Duplicate kitchenware like storage containers
• Travel-size toiletries saved for a future trip you haven’t planned
• Old electronics, phone cases, chargers or cables, or accessories from devices you no longer own
• Extra kitchen gadgets you never use (waffle maker, juicer, etc.)
• Clothes you haven’t worn in years (or ever!)
• Pantry items that you don’t even like (and are probably expired), but you tell yourself you ‘might’ need
• Unidentified items or parts that ‘seem’ like they might come in handy or ‘probably’ go with an appliance or something you already own (If you don’t know, it needs to go.)

Tips to fix it:

• Use the one year rule: If you haven’t used an item in the past year and don’t foresee using it in the next year, it’s time to consider letting it go. Most of the time, the ‘just in case’ moment never arrives — and you’re left storing things you don’t really need.
• Find decluttering inspiration: Remind yourself that living with less means more space for the things you love and actually use. Think about how freeing it will feel to reclaim your space from unused items.
• Donate or recycle: There’s a good chance someone else could benefit from those things you’re holding on to. Donating items you don’t need ensures they’ll find a new home where they’ll be used — and that’s much better than letting them gather dust in your closet!

Letting go of ‘just in case’ items can feel tough, but the result is a home that feels lighter and more intentional.

Related post: 4 Mindset Shifts to Help Clear Your Cluttered House

3. Sentimental or Guilt Clutter

Ah, sentimental clutter. This type of clutter can be one of the hardest to deal with because it’s tied to memories or emotions. Whether it’s gifts, family heirlooms, or old photos, sentimental items can accumulate fast — especially if you feel guilty about getting rid of them. 

It’s easy to hold onto things because they remind us of special people or times, but when those things are taking up our living space and causing stress, it’s time to reassess.

What types of items fall into the ‘sentimental clutter’ category?

• Old wedding invitations or programs from events long past
• Souvenirs from vacations that are just collecting dust
• Childhood toys you’ve kept but no longer display or use
• Hand-me-down furniture you don’t like but feel obligated to keep
• Items that belonged to a late relative that don’t fit your style
• Gifts from friends or family that you don’t use but feel guilty about discarding
• Trophies, medals, or old school projects from childhood
• Family heirlooms or hand-me-downs you don’t actually like
• Greeting cards or holiday letters that you’ve saved over the years
• Clothes or accessories from special events that you never wear anymore

Tips to begin decluttering sentimental items:

• Take photos of sentimental items: If you’re attached to an item because of the memories it holds, take a picture of it! You’ll still have the memory, but you won’t need to keep the physical object. This works especially well for items like your child’s artwork or gifts you’ve received over the years but don’t use or love.
• Repurpose items: Some sentimental items can be given new life. For example, if you have old t-shirts from events or vacations, turn them into a quilt. This way, you keep the memories but in a form that’s functional.
• Release the guilt: This one’s tough, but it’s important. Just because someone gave you a gift doesn’t mean you’re obligated to keep it forever. If it’s not something you love or use, it’s okay to let it go. Remember, you’re decluttering your life to create space for what truly matters.

It’s perfectly okay to cherish memories without keeping every physical item tied to them.

Related post: Stop Being a Victim of Clutter [Mindset Transformation]

4. Forgotten Clutter or Trash

Sometimes the clutter in our homes isn’t even stuff we care about — it’s just trash or things we’ve forgotten about. I’m talking about expired coupons, old receipts, broken things you meant to fix but never did, or random papers you forgot to toss. 

It’s easy for this kind of clutter to accumulate and go unnoticed for a while. Our brains just kind of skim over things after they’ve been there for a while and we don’t ‘see’ them… until we do! And due to the nature of this clutter, it REALLY makes our homes look messy and uncared-for, even if the surrounding spaces are clean.

What types of items fall into the ‘forgotten clutter or trash’ category?

• Old batteries or light bulbs that should have been disposed of
• Expired medications or vitamins
• Random appliance manuals or outdated warranties
• Crumpled up to-do lists or shopping lists from weeks ago
• Broken items that you’ve been meaning to fix but never do
• Empty packaging, like product boxes or bags (often left out to ‘remind’ yourself to buy them again)

Tips to fix it:

• Do a weekly sweep: Set aside 10 minutes once a week to go through the common areas of your house and throw away anything that’s clearly trash or no longer useful. This is especially helpful for areas like your junk drawer, entryway, or countertops where random things tend to pile up. Even better, make this part of your daily 10-minute tidy.
• Take a picture: You would be surprised at what you notice in a photograph that you don’t ‘see’ when you live in a space every.single.day. Snapping a photo will often instantly prompt me to declutter a space. You can also take pictures of those things you need to re-buy instead of keeping the packaging.

With forgotten trash, the trick is consistency. Keep up with it, and you’ll notice your home staying tidy more effortlessly.

5. Organized, But Still Clutter

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘organized clutter.’ It’s when things look neat because they’re stored in bins or baskets, but in reality, it’s still clutter — just better-hidden… or what we might *think* is organized or well-hidden.

If you’re a fan of organizing, it’s easy to fall into this trap. You might have labeled bins, beautiful baskets, and drawers full of neatly arranged items. But if those items aren’t useful, it’s still clutter!

What types of items fall into the ‘organized clutter’ category?

• A drawer full of neatly rolled scarves or belts you never wear
• Storage boxes of seasonal decor or craft supplies you never use
• Neatly organized multitudes of DVDs or CDs even though you stream everything now
• Well-arranged but unused kitchen gadgets or food supplies in a pantry
• Bins or boxes filled with random items you never use but keep neatly stored
• Neatly labeled bins in your closet full of clothes you no longer wear
• Shelves or display cabinets full of decor or knick-knacks that you don’t actually love

Tips to fix it:

• Evaluate necessity: Ask yourself if you’re keeping things simply because you found a place to store them. Just because something is neatly tucked away doesn’t mean it belongs in your home. If you haven’t used it in a long time or don’t need it, it’s time to let it go.
• Follow the one-in, two-out rule: This rule is simple but effective. For every new item you bring into your home, commit to getting rid of two similar items. This helps prevent the gradual accumulation of things over time and keeps your home clutter-free.
• Reassess storage: Organization is a great tool, but decluttering should always come first. Before you buy any storage solutions, take the time to go through your belongings and see what you can let go of. You might find that you don’t need as much storage as you thought!

Remember, true organization starts with less stuff, not just better storage solutions.

Related post: 6 Signs You Might Be An Organized Hoarder {And What To Do About It}

6. OPC — Other People’s Clutter

Oh, this one is tough! If you live with family, roommates, or a partner, you’ve probably experienced OPC: Other People’s Clutter. This is the stuff that other people leave around the house, and it can drive you crazy. 

While it’s frustrating to deal with, it’s important to approach this type of clutter with patience and a plan.

What types of items fall into the ‘other people’s clutter’ category?

• Your partner’s ‘collections’ overtaking the garage, basement, or other spaces
• Overflowing school projects or artwork from your kids on the dining table
• Your teenager’s half-empty snack wrappers left on the counter
• A roommate’s pet toys, leashes, or grooming supplies all over the apartment
• Your partner’s shoes or gym bag left in random places
• Toys, books, or school supplies scattered around by your kids
• Piles of magazines or papers left out by a family member
• A roommate’s dishes left scattered around the house
• Sports equipment or hobby supplies left in shared spaces

Tips to fix it:

• Lead by example: When you focus on decluttering and keeping your own space tidy, it often inspires others to do the same. You can’t control other people’s habits, but you can create a positive example by showing how great a clutter-free home feels.
• Create shared space solutions: One of the best ways to handle OPC is to create designated spaces for shared items. For example, have a basket by the door for shoes, a hook for keys, or a vertical file holder for mail and other papers. This gives everyone a place to put their things without cluttering up the whole house.
• Set boundaries and expectations: It can be helpful to have an open conversation about household clutter and set expectations for how things should be maintained. Clear communication helps prevent resentment and ensures everyone is on the same page.

OPC is a challenge, but with patience and good communication, it’s often possible to manage it without driving yourself crazy.

Related post: 8 Strategies To Use When Your Partner Refuses to Declutter

Where to Begin: How to Tackle the Clutter When You Don’t Know What to Do

If you’re dealing with all six types of clutter and feel completely overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Facing a messy house full of ‘just for now’ piles, ‘just in case’ items, and other people’s clutter can make you want to give up before you even begin. 

Let me try to encourage you by emphasizing that you can handle it. The key is to break it down and take things slowly. Here are some ideas for how to get started when you feel paralyzed by clutter. Choose one or two that feel like they’ll work for you, and see what you can accomplish!

1. Start with the Easy Stuff

The fastest way to build momentum is by tackling the easiest clutter first. This usually means going for the low-hanging fruit — like forgotten trash or ‘just for now’ clutter. These types are typically the least emotionally loaded and can give you quick, satisfying results. 

Spend 10-15 minutes tossing out expired coupons, broken items, and junk mail. For the final few moments, put away the random items lying around. You’ll immediately start to see a difference, which can give you the motivation to keep going.

2. Set a Timer for 10 Minutes

When your house feels out of control, decluttering can seem like an impossible task. Instead of trying to do everything at once, set a timer for 10 minutes. 

Pick one small area, like a countertop or a drawer, and declutter just that space. It’s amazing how much progress you can make in a short burst of focused effort. Plus, you’re less likely to get overwhelmed if you know there’s a clear stopping point.

3. Focus on One Category at a Time

Instead of trying to tackle all of the clutter at once, focus on one type of clutter at a time. Start with the category that you feel would make the biggest difference to the way your home functions. This method helps you stay focused and make real progress in specific areas.

4. Use a ‘One Box’ Method for Sentimental Clutter

Sentimental clutter can be the hardest to deal with. Rather than feeling like you have to make decisions on everything at once, try the ‘one box’ method. 

Designate a single box for sentimental items. If an item is meaningful, but you’re not sure whether to keep it, place it in the box. Later, when you’ve made more progress in other areas, you can come back to this box with a clearer mindset.

5. Declutter a Little Every Day

You don’t have to clear all the clutter in one weekend. In fact, that’s a surefire way to burn out. Instead, focus on making decluttering a daily habit. Spend 10 minutes each day tackling small areas — one drawer, one shelf, or one corner of the room. I call this slow decluttering, and it’s exactly how I decluttered my home. Over time, these small efforts really will add up, and you’ll start to notice significant improvements in your space.

More Decluttering Inspiration and Help

How To Declutter In Layers: An Easy Decluttering Method To Tackle The Mess

Think Like A Minimalist: How To Simplify Without Extreme Minimalism

How To Succeed In Balancing Practicality And Idealism When Decluttering Your Home

Having been through this process myself, I know that tackling these six types of clutter will help you create a more peaceful, organized home. Remember, decluttering doesn’t have to happen all at once — start small, build habits, stay consistent. 

As you make progress, you’ll feel more in control and less stressed. And (almost) before you know it, you’ll have a clutter-free space that brings you joy.

You’ve got this!

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