When your home is full of clutter, bulky furniture, and other overlooked nuisances, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your home isn’t spacious enough. In most cases, though, this is probably because you’re not using your space efficiently, wasting it in ways that can be easily avoided. There’s no doubt all sorts of things that you can do to optimize space, so here are some things you’re probably doing that are wasting space in your home.
Keeping Expired or Unused Pantry Items
Within your pantry, it’s really easy to overlook those cans of soup or spices that expired years ago. However, they’re taking up valuable pantry space, so consider having a clear out of old or seldom-used items, and you’ll find that you’re able to open up your shelves. You might even discover some extra space for new ingredients that make cooking feel fresh and exciting once again!
Holding on to Outgrown or Unused Clothes
Closets can quickly become crowded with clothes you haven’t worn in ages; old jeans that don’t fit or shirts you’ve fallen out of love with can be donated, making way for a wardrobe you actually enjoy. Best of all, a well-organized closet doesn’t just save space; it helps you find what you need without digging through piles of unused items.
Overloading Your Walls with Artwork or Decorations
It’s all too common for people to live within walls that are covered in art or decor in an attempt to create a cozy and personalized vibe. In reality, though, too many pieces can make a space feel chaotic and smaller than it is. Instead, try to selectively display your favorites and rotate them occasionally, and you’ll let each piece breathe and create an airy, uncluttered feel throughout your home.
Hanging on to Old Magazines and Newspapers
One of the more bizarre yet common ways that people waste space in their homes is by hoarding stacks of magazines and newspapers. This might seem harmless, and you’ll no doubt claim that you’re going to read through them all someday, but they can take up a surprising amount of space. Instead of letting them pile up, consider keeping only a few favorite issues and recycling the rest.
Using Large, Bulky Furniture in Small Rooms
As we mentioned in the introduction, furniture that’s too big for the room can overwhelm your space, making it feel cramped. While it might be costly, the solution is simple: replace oversized items with sleeker, space-saving pieces. We have no doubt that doing this will open up your rooms and give you the functionality you need without sacrificing style.
Saving Boxes and Packaging ‘Just in Case’
Similar to old newspapers and magazines, many people hold onto boxes, thinking they might need them someday. In reality, these quickly pile up in closets or storage areas, almost never being used. So, consider taking a moment to let go of unnecessary packaging, and your shelves and storage spaces will be so much less cluttered.
Storing Holiday Decorations All Year Round
We can all agree that holiday decorations are lovely, but keeping them easily accessible year-round is pointless. They eat up space pointless, so instead, pack them away in a labeled bin and store them out of the way in an attic or basement.
Hoarding Excessive Kitchen Gadgets
Everyone is guilty of buying kitchen gadgets, envisioning them to be absolute game-changers for their culinary world. In reality, though, many of them rarely get used, taking up counter or cabinet space despite only being used a couple of times. If this sounds like something you’ve dealt with, why not part with devices you rarely use and keep only the essentials handy?
Filling Storage Areas with Broken or Unused Electronics
Not only is storing old phones, outdated tablets, and defunct chargers kind of pointless, but they also tend to gather dust in drawers and take up a lot of space. Trust us–you’re never going to use them again, so instead of letting them pile up, recycle or responsibly dispose of electronics you no longer need.
Keeping Books You’re Unlikely to Read Again
Are your bookshelves filled with volumes you’ve already read or lost interest in? If so, you’re probably keeping hold of them for decorative purposes or “just in case,” but this isn’t really the best excuse–they’re no doubt crowding your space. So, bite the bullet and make a list of old books that you can donate or sell. Another benefit of this is that you’ll end up with a curated shelf of favorites or unread gems, so your reading material will be much more inviting.
Using a Dining Table as a Catch-All
Most people are guilty of dumping their papers, keys, and bags on their dining table, and while this might seem like no big deal at the moment, it tends to pile up pretty quickly. Eventually, your dining table will turn into a catch-all rather than a place to gather and eat, making it a double-edged sword. So, bring back family dinners to your household and clear out that dining table–you’ll never go back to how messy it was before!
Holding on to Outdated or Broken Appliances
For some strange reason, a lot of people hold onto broken blenders and old toasters, shoving these awkwardly shaped applianced into their “miscellaneous” cupboard. What’s the point of that?! They’re just taking up room for items you actually use, so clear out this junk, and you’ll surely be surprised at how much space you’ll reclaim.
Storing Unused Exercise Equipment
Many of us have bought treadmills, stationary bikes, or weights with grand plans to get ripped and lean, only for this exercise equipment to turn into a clothing rack. Sound familiar? If so, it might be time to reconsider its place in your home, reclaiming the space by donating or selling unused equipment. Ultimately, you’ll be left with a more open area and can focus on activities that actually bring you joy–such as going for a jog!
Using Your Bedroom for Overflow Storage
It’s a frustrating fact of life that we never really grow out of our childhood habits of using our bedrooms as dumping grounds. You might justify this by keeping your bed clean and tidy, but in reality, being surrounded by clutter makes it hard to relax. Have a clearout of overflow items and keep only what you need for restful sleep, and you’ll be able to make your bedroom feel more serene and spacious.
Cluttering Surfaces with Trinkets and Keepsakes
There’s no denying that it’s tempting to display every souvenir or memento that you receive, but too many small items can make surfaces feel badly cluttered. Ask yourself–do you really need that Hawaii magnet that your second-cousin bought you from 15 years ago? Do this for each trinket and keepsake, and curate your collection, giving the genuinely important pieces space to shine.
Hanging on to Sentimental Items Without a Purpose
Another thing you’re likely doing that is wasting space in your home is hanging on to any item that you consider to be “sentimental.” We understand, but if they’re stored without purpose, they’re wasting space. Sure, if you can find a way to display or repurpose them in a coherent way, keep hold of them, but you probably don’t need to keep hold of that old shopping list from the ‘90s.
Using Cabinets and Closets as Storage Dumps
Just like with bedrooms, cabinets and closets can quickly become a mess, as it’s really easy to just throw stuff in them when you’re “tidying” your bedroom. Therefore, the first step to genuinely cleaning up your bedroom is to take time to organize and remove unnecessary items from your closet. You might think it’s going to take forever, but in reality, it will probably only take you an hour, and you’ll feel so much better for it.
Overfilling Your Bathroom with Expired Toiletries
Bathrooms are often filled with half-used shampoo bottles, lotions, and expired makeup, all of which make your bathroom feel cramped. You simply do not need all of this stuff, and the reason they’re getting left behind is that you’ve no doubt bought new products and moved on. Seriously–throw out all of that old stuff because it’s probably not great for your body by this point, and it’s cluttering up your bathroom.
Storing Shoes That You Never Wear
The final way that you’re wasting space in your home is by clinging to countless pairs of shoes that you rarely wear. They might seem small, but shoes take up a surprising amount of closet and entryway space, especially when they come in the dozens. Just let go of old pairs and only keep hold of the shoes that you regularly use. Trust us–you’re not going to miss the rejects when they’re gone!