Overlooked Areas in Your Home to Declutter

The Clutter You Forgot to Declutter

When we think about decluttering, we usually think of closets, garages, or overflowing pantries. But some of the most clutter-prone areas in a home are the ones we rarely see—which means they’re easy to forget and quick to get out of control.  These hidden spaces collect dust, expired items, tangled cords, and things we no longer need. Giving them a little attention to these overlooked areas in your home to declutter can instantly make your home feel cleaner, calmer, and more functional.

Check out these other organizing posts:

• 3 Tips to Prepare Your House To Sell
• 5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Closets
• 5 Tips for an Organized Pantry

Under Cabinets: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Under-sink cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms are prime clutter zones. Between cleaning supplies, extra toiletries, and random items tossed in for “later,” these spaces can become chaotic fast.

Decluttering tips:

• Pull everything out and wipe down the cabinet—dust and residue build up quickly here.

• Toss expired cleaners, old sponges, empty bottles, and anything you haven’t used in years.

• Check for duplicates you don’t need.

Why clear containers help:
Clear bins make it easy to see what you have at a glance, so items don’t get forgotten or overbought. Group similar items together—cleaning supplies, backups, personal care—and label if needed. Bonus: clear containers make spills easier to spot and clean.  I love these clear drawer containers.  They work great for under cabinets.

Drawers That Become “Catch-Alls”

Junk drawers aren’t just limited to the kitchen. Bathroom drawers, office drawers, and even nightstand drawers often become dumping grounds and are an overlooked areas in your home to declutter.

What to look for:

• Expired medications or beauty products

• Old chargers, cords, or electronics that no longer work

• Instruction manuals for things you don’t own anymore

Take a few minutes to wipe out the dust and crumbs (you’ll be surprised what’s in there), then reset the space with drawer dividers or small clear containers to give everything a designated home.

Cords, Chargers & Old Electronics

Cords are one of the most frustrating types of clutter because they tangle easily and multiply without us realizing it.

Organizing tips:

• Test electronics and chargers—if they don’t work or you don’t know what they’re for, recycle them.

• Use cord wraps, zip ties, or small labeled pouches to keep cables neat.

• Store only what you actually use and need.

Many towns have electronic recycling programs, making it easy to responsibly get rid of outdated tech.

Expired & Unused Items

Hidden drawers and cabinets often house expired medications, old sunscreen, makeup, batteries, and household products.

Make it a habit to:

• Check expiration dates

• Safely discard expired or unused items

• Keep only what you realistically use

This not only reduces clutter but also keeps your home safer and more efficient.

Why These Small Spaces Matter

The beginning of the year is always a great time to tackle the overlooked areas in your home to declutter.  Decluttering under cabinets and drawers might seem minor, but these areas affect how smoothly your home functions day to day. Clean, organized spaces save time, reduce stress, and make your home feel more intentional.  Also well-organized storage areas make a home feel more spacious and cared for.  You don’t need to declutter your entire house in one weekend.  Usually I start small and have to complete the project before I move onto another project.  Also I like to make different piles–giveaway, toss, reuse.  I also like to buy new organizing supplies.  It always make it easier to keep a cabinet or drawer organized and clean when there is something to keep it in place.

I’m sharing a few of my favorite organizing items below:

Updated 2/23/26