Many homes have things that quietly take up space without you even noticing. These items can clutter your rooms and make your living area feel smaller than it really is. Over time, they build up and make it harder to keep things neat and organized.
Understanding what usually takes up space can help you make your home feel more open and comfortable. When you know what to look for, it becomes easier to free up room and create a better flow in your living spaces. This article will help you spot those common space-takers in your home.
Old batteries
You probably have old batteries lying around your house. Even if they look dead, some may still work for low-power devices.
Storing batteries in warm places can make them lose power faster. It’s best to keep them cool and dry. When you’re done with batteries, recycle them. Tossing them in the trash can harm the environment because of the chemicals inside.
Clothes you don’t wear
You probably have clothes in your closet that you haven’t worn in months or even years. These clothes still take up space even if you don’t love or use them.
It helps to be honest and clear out items you don’t like or feel comfortable in. Holding on to stuff “just in case” usually just makes your space messier.
Try keeping only what you wear regularly or truly enjoy. This makes your closet easier to manage and your daily choices simpler.
Expired food
You probably have expired food hiding in your pantry or fridge. It takes up space and can be unsafe to eat.
Toss out old dairy, canned goods, and freezer items past their dates. If you want, recycle jars after cleaning them. Cleaning out expired food makes room for fresh groceries you will actually use. It helps keep your kitchen clean and safe.
Unused medications
You probably have some expired or leftover meds sitting around. They take up space and can cause confusion or mistakes.
Instead of just tossing them in the trash, look for a local medicine take-back program. If that’s not an option, use a puncture-proof container to safely dispose of them. This keeps your space tidy and your home safer.
Old paperwork and receipts
You probably have piles of old paperwork and receipts lying around. Most of these don’t need to be kept once you’ve checked them.
Try scanning important papers and saving them on your computer. Toss or shred what you don’t need. This will free up space and keep things tidy.
Empty water bottles
You probably have a bunch of empty water bottles lying around. They take up space and can clutter your home.
Instead of tossing them out, try pouring the leftover water into one bottle to save space. If you don’t want to keep them, consider using a water bottle organizer to keep things neat.
Throw pillows you never use
You probably have more throw pillows than you actually need. They look nice but often just end up tossed on the floor or shoved in a corner.
If you don’t use them, they just take up space. Consider storing them in a basket or bin at night to keep your space tidy. That way, your room stays clean without losing the style.
Specialty glassware
You might have a bunch of glassware that you only use once in a while. Things like wine glasses, champagne flutes, or old cocktail glasses often just sit in cabinets.
Keeping too many of these can take up a lot of space. Try to keep only the ones you actually use or really love. This helps clear room in your kitchen or pantry.
Greeting cards stored forever
You probably have a stash of greeting cards from birthdays, holidays, and special events. It’s easy to keep them because they hold memories.
But storing all of them can take up a lot of space. You can sort them by friends, family, or work to make things easier. If you want to keep some cards long term, store them in a box with dividers or an acid-free environment to protect them better.
Landline phones
You might still have a landline phone sitting in your kitchen or office. Many keep it around just in case of emergencies, like when your cell phone or power goes out.
These phones often take up counter or wall space but don’t get much use anymore. Sometimes they are wired into several rooms, making them a common but easy-to-forget item in your home.
Smoke infusers
You might have a smoke infuser tucked away somewhere. These handheld devices add smoky flavors to food and drinks without needing a big smoker.
They are small and easy to use, often battery-operated. Still, if you don’t use it often, it can just take up space and gather dust.
Deep fat fryers
You might have a deep fat fryer tucked away somewhere in your kitchen. They can take up a lot of space because of their size and basket.
Even if you don’t use it often, it still stays on the counter or in a cupboard. Plus, oil storage and clean-up add to the clutter. Many people find they use a pan instead, which takes less space.
Cable TV equipment
Your cable box, remote controls, and DVRs can take up a surprising amount of space. They often add to clutter, especially when you have extras you don’t use.
Try to keep only what you need and store cables neatly. Using cable ties or a small box can help keep things organized and out of sight.
Circular wooden cheese boards
You probably have a wooden cheese board hiding in your kitchen. They’re round and often made from solid wood like birch or acacia.
These boards are great for serving snacks or displaying cheeses. Sometimes they even come with little compartments for utensils or a spinning base to make sharing easier. Even if you don’t use it often, it takes up space on your counter or shelf.
Vintage wine crates
You might have some vintage wine crates lying around without even realizing it. These old wooden boxes were used to hold bottles but now often just take up space in basements or closets.
If you want, you can turn them into storage for toys, books, or small items. They add a rustic look and can be handy around the house, but many people keep them unused instead.
Decorative globes you don’t touch
You might have a globe sitting on a shelf or desk just because it looks nice. It’s a cool decoration, but how often do you actually spin it or check the places on it?
Many of these globes stay the same for years. They take up space more as art than something you use. If you’re not using it, it’s just an item gathering dust.