The Hidden Clutter We All Ignore (and How to Tackle It)
We all know the obvious clutter—the overflowing wardrobe, the chaotic kitchen drawers, or the kids’ toys taking over the house. But what about the hidden clutter? The stuff we don’t even notice building up until one day, it suddenly feels overwhelming?
Hidden clutter is the kind that lurks in the background, quietly adding to the mental load. It doesn’t scream for attention like a pile of laundry or a messy playroom, but it still takes up space—both physically and mentally. The good news? Once you know where to look, tackling it is easier than you think. Here’s where to start.
1. Digital Clutter: The Chaos You Can’t See
Our homes may look tidy, but what about our digital spaces? Unread emails, thousands of phone photos, apps you never use, and random files cluttering your desktop—all of it adds to the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Inbox Overload: Unsubscribe from emails you never read and delete anything unnecessary.
Photo Declutter: Set aside 10 minutes a day to delete duplicates and blurry photos.
App Audit: If you haven’t used an app in months, it’s time to delete it.
Desktop Detox: Organise your computer files into clear folders and clear out downloads you no longer need.
2. The ‘Just in Case’ Drawer (aka The Junk Drawer)
Every home has one. It’s the place where random batteries, takeaway menus, half-used candles, and mystery keys go to live. It starts as a useful space but can quickly become an abyss of ‘stuff’ that serves no purpose.
Empty it completely and group similar items together.
Only keep what’s actually useful.
Use drawer dividers or small boxes to give everything a proper home.
Set a reminder to check it every few months—junk drawers fill up fast!
3. Under-the-Sink Chaos
It’s easy to shove cleaning products, old sponges, and random bottles under the sink and forget about them. Before you know it, you’ve got five half-empty bottles of the same spray and sponges you haven’t used in years.
Pull everything out and check expiry dates (yes, cleaning products expire!).
Consolidate duplicates into one bottle where possible.
Use clear bins to organise by category—one for cloths, one for sprays, etc.
If you haven't used a product in the last six months, you probably won’t.
4. The ‘To Be Donated’ Pile
That bag of clothes you meant to drop off at the charity shop? The stack of books waiting to be passed on? These well-intentioned piles often sit around for months, taking up valuable space.
Pick a deadline to actually take them where they need to go.
Keep donation bags in the boot of your car so you can drop them off when you’re out.
If something has been ‘waiting to be donated’ for more than three months, consider listing it on a local giveaway group instead.
5. Old Paperwork & Receipts
We all have a drawer, folder, or pile of papers that we plan to ‘go through one day.’ Bank statements, receipts, old school letters—before you know it, they take over.
Shred anything you don’t need (old bills, expired warranties, etc.).
Digitise important documents where possible.
Use a simple filing system—one for important documents, one for everyday paperwork.
6. Forgotten Beauty Products & Expired Toiletries
That half-used bottle of shampoo, the perfume you never wear, and the stack of free skincare samples—you’d be surprised how much space unused beauty products take up.
Check expiry dates—most makeup and skincare have a shelf life.
If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably never will.
Consider repurposing—unused hand cream can be kept by the sink, and travel-sized toiletries can be packed for trips.
7. Bags for Life (That Just Keep Multiplying)
We all have them—tucked under the sink, in the boot of the car, or stuffed in a cupboard. The problem? We forget to take them when we actually need them!
Keep a few in the car so you always have one when shopping.
Fold and store them neatly in a single bag to prevent them from taking over.
If you have way too many, donate them to a food bank or charity shop—they often need bags!
Decluttering Beyond the Visible
Hidden clutter may not be obvious, but tackling it can make a huge difference in how your home (and your mind) feels. Start with just one category, and you’ll be surprised how much lighter and more organised your space becomes.
If you’d love some help making sense of your hidden clutter, I’d love to chat! Sometimes, having an extra pair of hands (and a fresh perspective) makes all the difference.
Chrissie x