Beyond the Closet: Decluttering the Hidden Spaces You’re Forgetting
When most of us think about decluttering, we picture our wardrobes or that messy corner of the living room. But clutter has a sneaky way of hiding in less obvious places — the “out of sight, out of mind” zones that quietly build up. Tackling these spaces not only clears your environment, it lightens your mental load too.
1. Drawers and cupboards
The junk drawer is legendary for a reason. Pens without ink, expired batteries, loose screws, they all accumulate until the drawer barely closes. Tackle it by emptying everything out, discarding what no longer works, and grouping like with like. A small organiser tray or dividers can help keep things neat in future. Apply the same process to kitchen cupboards and bedside tables: remove what doesn’t serve you.
2. Under the bed and on top of wardrobes
These “stash spots” are prime real estate for things we’d rather not think about: old bedding, outgrown clothes, dusty boxes of random keepsakes. Pull everything out, sort through, and decide what genuinely needs to stay. If storage under the bed is essential, use clear, labelled containers so you can actually see what’s there.
3. Paper piles and filing systems
Bills, statements, takeaway menus, leaflets, paper clutter is relentless. Go through your stacks and shred what you don’t need. Keep important documents together in one dedicated folder or digital file. For incoming post, set up a tray or system so you can process it immediately instead of letting it mount.
4. Bathroom shelves and products
That half-used moisturiser you haven’t touched in months? Expired medicines? Old hair accessories gathering dust? Clear them out. A bathroom should feel fresh and functional, not chaotic. Group items by category, check expiry dates, and only keep products you actually use.
5. Digital clutter
Hidden clutter isn’t just physical. Our phones and computers can be just as overloaded — think thousands of photos, unused apps, and disorganised downloads. Take time to delete duplicates, back up what matters, and create simple folders for easy navigation. Even ten minutes a week can keep your digital life lighter.
6. The car and the handbag
Often overlooked, these spaces can become mobile clutter zones. Empty out your car boot and glove compartment; recycle old receipts, bottles, and random objects. Do the same with your handbag or work bag — you’ll likely find pens, snacks, or paperwork that don’t belong there.
The ripple effect
Decluttering hidden spaces brings surprising relief. You’ll move through daily routines with less frustration and more ease, because those small irritations like rummaging for a pen, tripping over a box, searching for a file are gone. By extending your decluttering beyond the closet, you’re creating a home that supports you fully, in every corner.