Avoid Clutter in These 5 Key Areas of Your Home
You do not need to tidy everything. Focus on key areas that affect your daily routine the most. This guide shows you where to declutter first and how to keep things tidy.
By:
The Good Home Daily
Posted on February 20, 2025
We all have a little clutter somewhere, right? When life gets busy, things can pile up quickly. The good news is that you do not need a spotless home to enjoy the benefits of an organized space. By focusing on certain critical areas to declutter, you can make a meaningful impact on your daily life.
You may not realize it, but some spaces have a bigger influence on your routines and overall well-being, so keeping them clutter-free is essential. Identifying these key areas is the first step toward creating a more functional and peaceful home.
That is where we come in. In this guide, we will highlight the 5 critical areas in your home that need decluttering right now. We will also share simple organization tips to help you get started.
1. Bedroom
Clutter can negatively affect our brains. And the clutter in the bedroom can lead to sleep problems. A 2015 study found that individuals with cluttered bedrooms reported significant sleep complaints. This is particularly concerning as poor sleep can worsen existing vulnerabilities to cognitive dysfunction, depression, and stress.
So, pay attention to what’s accumulating in your sleeping space. Clear your bedside table, under your bed, and in your closet. Make your bedroom a true space for relaxation. Remember, better sleep starts with a clutter-free bedroom.
2. Entryway
It’s so tempting to just drop everything in the entryway the moment we walk in the door. After a long day, all we want is to relax. We get it! However, this habit quickly leads to clutter, and that’s not the welcome home we deserve.
Imagine opening your door and being greeted by a pile of shoes, coats, and bags. Not exactly the best feeling after a tiring day, right?
That’s why decluttering your entryway is so important. To avoid a messy entryway, we recommend creating designated spots for everything. Instead of throwing things down haphazardly, make a conscious effort to create a system for keeping this space organized.
3. Vanity Area
Our vanity areas look different for everyone—a bathroom sink, a chic table, or even a whole room. But one thing’s often the same: they can become a clutter zone.
Let’s be honest, keeping your vanity organized is tough. Between skincare, makeup, fragrances, and tools, there’s a lot to manage. Plus, it’s usually the last stop before heading out the door, so we’re often rushing and leaving things a mess.
That’s exactly why your vanity is a critical area to declutter. Getting ready takes time as it is, and a cluttered vanity only makes it longer. Imagine running late for some beach event but couldn’t find your sunscreen. Now, that’s a choice between being late or getting sunburned!
4. Center Table
The center table or coffee table is also a must-declutter spot in our home. Though it occupies a small space, it plays a big role in the living room’s look and feel. It’s where we gather for snacks, drinks, and relaxation, so keeping it clutter-free is essential.
It’s hard to unwind when your coffee table is overflowing. Keep only the must-haves—remotes, a coaster or two, and maybe a candle. Everything else should have a designated home. A few well-chosen books or magazines can add a touch of style, but keep it minimal.
5. Kitchen Drawers
Drawers are typically the main storage unit in the kitchen. It is important to declutter and organize this space to make it functional.
When your drawers are organized, you can quickly find the tools you need. No more rummaging through a jumble of utensils. This saves you time and reduces frustration, especially when you’re cooking under pressure.
Overstuffed drawers can be dangerous too. Sharp objects like knives or graters can get caught on other items, leading to accidental cuts. To avoid this situation, use dividers to organize your kitchen drawers.
6. Home Office
Ever feel like you just can’t seem to finish anything on your to-do list? Like you’re always procrastinating, struggling to focus, and just generally feeling overwhelmed? Your cluttered home office might be playing a bigger role than you realize.
Decluttering your home office isn’t just about aesthetics (though a minimalist, organized space is Instagram-worthy, let’s be honest). Your brain craves order, and when it’s bombarded with visual chaos, it struggles to function at its best. Multiple studies back this up.
For instance, in 2011, neuroscience research using fMRI and other physiological measurements found that clutter increases cognitive overload and can reduce our working memory. The research has also demonstrated that clearing clutter leads to improved focus, enhanced information processing, and a significant boost in productivity.
So, before and after you start your day, make it a habit to declutter and clean your desk.
Why is it critical to avoid clutter in these areas of the home?
Some areas in our homes act like clutter magnets. The bedroom, entryway, vanity area, center table, and kitchen drawers are good examples of these areas.
The thing is, these spaces aren’t just random spots. They attract clutter due to their function and the daily activities that take place there. These areas are often where we start and end our days, or where we spend most of our time.
That’s why, when decluttering our home, you may need to prioritize these key zones. Decluttering these spaces can make your life a little easier and help you feel more relaxed. They provide a feeling of order and calm when clean.
So, which of these areas will you tackle first? Start small and enjoy the positive changes a decluttered home brings.
