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35 Mistakes That You Don't Realize Make Your Home Look Messy

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by Sara Brown-Rigoli

If you feel like you’re constantly struggling to keep your house neat and tidy or are always cleaning, you’re not alone. We’ve all had those times where it feels like no matter what, the work to do around the house is never-ending. For the time and effort that gets put into maintaining order around our homes, the glory should last longer than a day or two. We want to enjoy and admire the fruits of our labor!

More often than not, making small adjustments in the way we do things can be the reason our cleaning lasts longer. Anyone else marathon-watch both seasons of The Home Edit? You get what I’m saying then. Many suggestions on the list compiled here let you implement systems to help maintain long-term organization around the house.

But more than that, there are also items that help you utilize areas of your home you maybe don’t think about on a regular basis. Need more storage space? There are ways to make that happen — utilize space under your bed with clever solutions. Not only that, but easily access it all with an under-bed storage cart on wheels. It’s all about maximizing the space you already have while helping turn your house into the orderly and well-kept home of your dreams.

1

Mistake: A Jumble Of Cords & Plugs Everywhere

Solution: A Cable Management Box That Conceals The Clutter

Keep that giant, messy pile of cables for all your electronics out of sight from yourself and house guests alike thanks to this sleek cable management box. The sides are outfitted with three slots on each side to easily feed your cables through, as long or as short as you need them to be. It comes with a simple lid to cover and elegantly contain everything that’s inside.

2

Mistake: Unsightly Cables Snaking Across Walls & Floors

Solution: This Set Of Paintable Cable Covers That Tidies & Camouflages Cords

Never again have to deal with bare cords and cables along baseboards and walls staring at you tauntingly — just tap the help of these wire hiders. You now have the ability to cover up to 153 inches of wires; that’s over 12 feet and more than enough to help you tackle any job on your plate. And don’t worry about the color not matching as these can be painted so they will blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.

3

Mistake: Rugs Curling At The Corners

Solution: A Set Of Durable Rug Grippers That Keeps Things In Place

The corners of your area rugs will always stay firmly in place when you use these anti-slip rug grippers. The set comes with four triangle pads that fit perfectly on the corners. All you need to do is peel off the back of the pad and stick it directly on the bottom of the rug. It works in tandem with any pads you place on the floor because of the sticky gel material that covers the surface.

4

Mistake: Cat Litter Getting Tracked Everywhere

Solution: This Big Mat That Traps Litter & Is Easy To Clean

Keep your floors and the bottom of your feet free from out-of-place cat litter with this litter-catching mat. The fact your feline companion has a tendency to scatter litter when dealing with their business isn’t out of the ordinary. But this mat does the work of keeping the area around the litter box tidy, so you don’t have to. Mesh fibers not only catch and collect excess litter spillage from the sides of the box, but also remove it from kitty paws as they’re walking away.

5

Mistake: Storage Items Spilling Out Of Closets

Solution: A Set Of Sturdy Bed Risers To Take Advantage Of Under-Bed Space

If you need a way to keep clothes and other personal items from overflowing in closets and spilling out of drawers, think about investing in some furniture risers to create that extra space you desperately need. These risers work excellently with beds, couches, and more to give yourself additional storage space that is also out of the way.

6

Mistake: Off-Season Items Taking Up Too Much Room

Solution: Storing Items In Space-Saving Vacuum Storage Bags

Whether your home doesn’t have a ton of storage options or your collections have happened to grow over the years, switching over to vacuum storage bags is a great way to reclaim some of the space in your house. By sucking the air out of these storage bags with a standard vacuum or the enclosed pump, you can reduce up to 80% of wasted storage space. These are also perfect for when you’re traveling — the pump is also lightweight and easily portable.

7

Mistake: Chaotic & Inefficient Under-Bed Storage

Solution: A Flat Rolling Rack That Makes It Easy To Store & Access Items Under The Bed

If you’ve already started using under your bed as storage, you might be ahead of the game in utilizing your space with maximum efficiency. You still could be looking for help in getting that area more organized and accessible for when you need to get things out. This rolling storage cart is the perfect tool to implement so you can easily bring things out or put them away in a single, gliding motion.

8

Mistake: Disorganized Silverware & Drawer Clutter

Solution: An Expandable Tray With Sections To Tidy Inside The Drawers

Never again want to look away when opening a messy and disorganized drawer — just slip in this expandable drawer organizer. The tray is designed with sectioned-off cubbies that are perfect for separating out silverware, as well as just keeping miscellaneous items organized in general. Let’s be honest, we all have that one junk drawer full of very random things. Now you can actually see what’s there thanks to it being neat and tidy.

9

Mistake: A Pantry Packed With Old, Unidentified Sundries

Solution: This Set Of Airtight Food Storage Containers Complete With Labels

Turn your pantry into an organized dreamscape with the help of these airtight food containers. Easily find what you’re looking for (and know how much you have) thanks to the containers being clear, paired with big reusable labels. Now you can arrange all your pantry staples for maximum efficiency when grabbing a snack or prepping for dinner each night.

10

Mistake: Water Bottles Rolling All Around The Cupboards

Solution: This Storage Bin Specifically Designed To Hold Bottles

You may think all is well, kitchen-ing without a way to organize your water bottles, but this two-tiered water bottle organizer rack will change your mind about that. On each tier, there are three curved slots perfect for holding roly-poly objects. Keep them all together, and stack and store them out of sight without worrying about a bottle avalanche each time the cabinet door is opened.

11

Mistake: Grease Getting All Over The Counter & Stove

Solution: An Oil Splatter Screen That Prevents Messes Before They Happen

dWho doesn’t love some hot and fresh fried foods? As delicious as they are to eat, the cooking process can be a real mess. Keep excess grease from landing all over your counter and stovetop by placing a simple splatter screen on top of your pots and pans while cooking your favorite fried treats to save yourself the cleanup.

12

Mistake: A Jumbled & Messy Spice Cabinet

Solution: These Glass Spice Jars With Labels To Keep Everything Chic & Tidy

If you’ve ever thought about tidying up and having all of your spices organized in a uniform, cooking-show ready fashion, now is the time to tackle that project. This set of airtight glass jars with screw-on lids lets you easily see what’s inside, and in the chance it looks similar to another spice, there are labels. And so you can get every last bit of your spices into the jar, a handly little funnel is also included.

13

Mistake: Things Shoved To The Back Of Cabinets & Counters

Solution: A Lazy Susan To Easily Grab What You Need, When You Need

You’ll love the space-saving feature having a lazy Susan brings to your pantry and countertops. One of the reasons these organizational tools are so popular is because they also have the ability to fully rotate in both directions. This one also comes with removable dividers in case you want to section it off for organizational purposes.

14

Mistake: Leaving Wet, Grimy Sponges Sitting In The Sink

Solution: A Small Ceramic Holder To Keep Sponges Neat & Dry

You’ll never again have to deal with (or smell) old, mildewy sponges at the kitchen sink thanks to this simple sponge holder. The sleek design will turn this tiny but effective object into one of your favorite kitchen knickknacks. It’s made out of sturdy ceramic, so you can get years’ worth of service out of this sponge holder.

15

Mistake: Resting Dirty Spoons On The Countertop

Solution: A Spoon Holder That Cradles Cooking Utensils While Keeping Counters Clean

Whenever you’re cooking, especially when it comes to sauces, gravies, soups and more, getting the countertop dirty seems like an inevitability. However, using a simple tool like this spoon rest instantly eliminates stains and smears from making appearances all over the place while you’re cooking. The best part about it is that after you’ve used it, you can toss it in the dishwasher to quickly and easily get it clean.

16

Mistake: Smudges & Fingerprints All Over Your Stainless Steel Surfaces

Solution: This Powerful, Plant-Based Cleaning Solution Designed To Make Stainless Sparkle

Your stainless steel appliances can always have a sparkling and shiny appearance when you use this unique stainless steel cleaner on them. Not only is this cleaning spray specifically formulated to deeply clean the stainless, but it also polishes for a beautiful sheen. It’s made from all plant-based ingredients and natural essential oils like lavender.

17

Mistake: Letting Trash & Garbage Pile Up On The Counter While You’re Cooking

Solution: This Mini Trash Can Perfect To Clean As You Go With Ease

Quickly and easily clean your countertops as you go about your cooking with this mini trash can. It only measures 4.7 inches in diameter and sits 6.5 inches high, so there’s enough space to discard your trash while you work without it taking up too much counter space. There is a swing top lid as well, so you don’t have to fuss with opening and closing it.

18

Mistake: Cutting Boards & Lids That Take Up Too Much Cabinet Space

Solution: A Metal Rack To Keep Loose Kitchen Items Organized While Saving Space

Figuring out what to do with your collection of cutting boards and baking sheets doesn’t have to continue to perplex you. Take a peek at this stainless steel cutting board rack. Designed with three slotted spaces, you can hold at minimum three cutting boards in it (depending on the thickness, you can easily double or triple up). You can also use this rack to store and organize the lids of your pots and pans.

19

Mistake: An Old, Dingy Bath Mat That Never Gets Washed

Solution: This Sleek, Modern Bamboo Bath Mat That Dries Quickly

There is a whole lot to love about this bamboo bath mat. Say goodbye to old, damp cloth mats that can end up smelling like mildew, as well as show age through daily wear and tear. This bamboo mat is water resistant for durability and longevity. It also has an anti-slip coating on the surface and grippers on the base so you don’t have to worry about slipping and falling from wet feet.

20

Mistake: Bathroom Necessities Sprawled Across The Vanity

Solution: These Glass Apothecary Jars To Hold All Your Sundries In An Orderly Fashion

Turn your vanity into an organized delight with a set of these apothecary jars. You get a set of four glass jars in each set, and each measures 2.7 inches in diameter by 4.5 inches high. They’re the perfect size for holding all your bathroom necessities, like cotton swabs, cotton balls, floss picks, and more. Each jar also has a chic little wooden lid.

21

Mistake: Cluttered Under Sink Areas With No Organization

Solution: This Handy Double-Tiered Shelf That Nestles Next To Pipes

Why is under-sink storage so often neglected? If the space under your sink is a cluttered mess (and don’t worry, you’re certainly not alone!) think about checking out this two-tiered shelving unit. There is enough space between the top and bottom shelf that taller items and products can easily be stored. The unit assembles without any tools in under two minutes.

22

Mistake: Shower Products Crowding The Tub Ledge

Solution: A Wall-Mounted Shower Caddy To Hold & Store Your Hygiene Products

You’ll love how neat and tidy this wall-mounted shower caddy makes your shower area. Not only is it helpful to get valuable tub space back, but the versatility you get from these three pieces is also a huge benefit. The two shelves have hooks on them, perfect for holding items like loofahs and washcloths, and there’s a separate shelf for soap.

23

Mistake: Toothbrushes & Toothpaste Taking Over The Sink

Solution: A Tidy Counter Caddy To Optimize Your Vanity Space

This multifunctional toothbrush holder is a must-have for the bathroom vanity. Keep the soap dispenser off the countertop so scum and residue is no longer an issue, and use the the six slots as a home for everyone’s toothbrushes. There’s also a section that’s ideal for your toothpaste, floss, or any other daily hygiene product you need.

24

Mistake: Old, Stained Grout In Your Kitchen & Bathroom

Solution: This Grout Pen To Quickly & Easily Fix Things Up To Look Brand New

If the grout in your bathroom or kitchen has seen its better days, save yourself time and money by using this grout pen for an instant refresh. You won’t have to spend hours, days, or weeks trying to remove old stains by hand. Use the cotton tip of the pen to trace over the grout between the tiles on your floors, showers, or backsplashes and they will look pearly white like new in no time.

25

Mistake: A Shower Curtain That Gets Moldy After Long-Term Use

Solution: This Protective Curtain Liner Made From A Mildew-Resistant Material

If ever a shower curtain could be referred to as luxurious, this one would be it. It’s designed to be mildew resistant, and as we have all undoubtedly experienced at one point or another, not all shower curtains can make that promise. There are 12 rust-proof grommets at the top that will fit on any shower hooks you like or already have.

26

Mistake: Dust That Continuously Builds Up In Hard-To-Reach Places

Solution: An Extendable Duster That Reaches Spots You Can’t Normally Get To

Thanks to this extendable feather duster, you no longer have any excuses to let dust continue to pile up in those out-of-the-way places. The pole is capable of expanding a full 110 inches (or just over nine feet) so getting those ceiling fan blades, hanging wall decor, and more is within your reach. The duster is made from microfiber, so it does an excellent job trapping dirt and dust.

27

Mistake: Excessive Amounts Of Pet Hair On The Furniture

Solution: A Reusable Roller That Is Incredibly Efficient At Picking Up Hair & Lint

Pet owners are rejoicing at the discovery of this eco-friendly lint roller. Quickly and efficiently clean hair off of furniture, blankets, upholstery, rugs, and other household items that are constantly accumulating fur. The lint roller is designed to scrape and trap the fur which can then be tossed, as opposed to using disposable sticky sheets you’re always throwing in the garbage.

28

Mistake: Brooms & Mops In A Messy Pile In The Closet Corner

Solution: A Wall-Mounted Organizational Tool That Holds Brooms, Mops, & Cleaning Tools

No matter where you happen to store your brooms, mops, rakes, and other similar cleaning tools, you’ll love how efficiently this wall-mounted holder organizes them for you. For one, they are off the floor, which means they are cleaner and out of your way. And two, the slotted holders secure the handles inside them, so you also won’t have to worry about them falling over.

29

Mistake: Windows With All Kinds Of Smudges & Dirt Smeared On Them

Solution: This Flexible & Extendable Squeegee So Windows Get Sparkly Clean

It’s now easier than ever to clean your windows by yourself with this professional window squeegee. It has an extendable pole that reaches up to 62 inches. The head is incredibly versatile; it is able to move directions to help you easily clean windows near or far. It also comes with microfiber heads that ensure no streaks are left behind afterwards.

30

Mistake: Having An Array Of Items Scattered On The Living Room Floor

Solution: A Set Of Chic Cloth Storage Bins To Store Things Out Of Sight

Not all storage bins have to be basic, plastic, or plain-looking; take these elegant, two-tone cloth storage bins, for instance. They’re made from textured fabric and have a minimalist look to them, making them a fitting storage option for any home as they mesh well with all decor styles. One nice extra feature of these bins is their contrasting handles, which look nice and make it easy to move them around as needed.

31

Mistake: Using Multiple Different Outlets & Spaces To Charge All Your Electronics

Solution: This Compact, Dedicated Charging Station With 6 USB Ports

You won’t even realize how nice and convenient it is to have a charging station in one spot of your home for all the electronics until you notice there aren’t random cords lying all over the place. This docking station has six slots that can charge phones, tablets, and more, holding them upright for max space efficiency. You also get six mini USB cords to attach that further tidy the station.

32

Mistake: Files & Paperwork All Over The Desk

Solution: An Over-The-Door Filing Cabinet That Organizes While Providing Convenient Access

It’s always a frustrating situation when you have files you need to access quickly and easily, and don’t want to rummage through a giant file cabinet. Solve your problem with this over-the-door file organizer. Each pocket is large enough to hold almost any size file you could need, up to 600 pages.

33

Mistake: Keys, Bags, & Mail Cluttering Up The Entry

Solution: This Wall-Mounted Entryway Station To Hold Your Most Used Everyday Items

Put all of your most used daily items right by the front door and stay organized with this wall-mounted entryway organizer. It’s got an area to hold mail, letters, and the like, as well as a shelf to set your sunglasses or wallet. There’s also a set of hooks on the bottom perfect for hanging purses, hats, backpacks, keys, and more for your convenience to grab on your way out the door.

34

Mistake: Letting Your Jewelry Become A Jumbled, Tangled Mess

Solution: A Jewelry Rack With Different Storage Elements To Hold Everything From Necklaces To Earrings

If you have been looking for a way to easily arrange your jewelry in an efficient (and attractive) manner, check out this jewelry organizer stand. There are hooks to hang necklaces and bracelets. There are rods to hang watches and rings. There is a studded bar to hang earrings. The tray at the bottom is a great catch-all for your leftover pieces.

35

Mistake: Makeup Products & Brushes Strewn Across The Vanity

Solution: A Rotating Makeup Rack That Holds Your Products & Brushes Neatly In Sight & In Reach

You’re going to love how this rotating makeup organizer simplifies your getting ready routine. There are enough compartments on the tray that favorite beauty products of different sizes and shapes will fit in it. Makeup brushes? Check. Facial toner and moisturizer? Check. Being able to spin the unit as needed means you will quickly find what you need, too.