5 overlooked spots you're forgetting to declutter – prioritize these now or face difficulties later, experts warn

While decluttering frequently focuses around common household areas, there are plenty of overlooked spots you're likely forgetting to declutter.

But, whether it's under the bathroom sink or on top of the fridge, these areas are just as important as those oft-remembered places, and neglecting them can lead to difficult cutting clutter long-term, warn pros.

Here, they share exactly where to prioritize applying your favorite decluttering methods as soon as possible.

5 overlooked spots you're forgetting to declutter

1. Under the bathroom sink

When was the last time you organized under your bathroom sink? As Amber Kamat, professional organizer and founder of It's Not Complicated Organizing, warns, 'It's hidden, and we rarely see the full extent of the clutter.'

To tackle this forgotten area on your bathroom decluttering checklist, begin by pulling everything out and checking expiration dates, advises Amber. 'Toss out old products and empty containers,' she says. 'Use bins or stackable drawers to keep items grouped and easy to reach. The like-it Modular Drawer available at The Container Store is the perfect product to organize your items under the bathroom sink. They come in two colors and six different sizes.'

We also recommend the Under Bathroom Sink Organizer available at Walmart, if you're after some more bathroom organization ideas, which features an adjustable design to fit a variety of spaces.

2. Linen closets

Jennifer Q. Williams is the founder of Saint Louis Closet Co., and has been a leader in the custom closet and home organization industry for over 34 years. In that time, she has noticed that, time and time again, clients tend to avoid and overlook organizing their linen closet.

'These spaces become over-filled with linens, toiletries, make-up, cleaning supplies and other personal items. Think about old towels that have lost their absorbency and may harbor bacteria – if they’re fraying or have a strange smell, it’s time to replace them.'

Then, utilize some small linen closet storage ideas to transform this space with things pro organizers have in their linen closets. For example, sheet organizers with labels, such as the SpaceAid 4 Pack Bed Sheet Organizers and Storage available at Amazon, and adjustable shelf dividers, such as the number one bestselling HBlife 6 Pack Closet Organizers and Storage, also available at Amazon.

3. The top of the fridge

Professional organizer Amber highlights that this oft-forgotten area is 'out of sight, out of mind' for many people.

But, while you may remember to declutter your fridge from time to time, clutter on top of your fridge can be a real eyesore.

'Declutter by clearing off unused appliances, junk mail, or random storage containers,' advises Amber. 'Only keep purposeful decor or storage bins and dust regularly.'

We recommend using the Swiffer Duster with Extension Pole available at Walmart for this, which is ideal for reaching tricky corners up high.

4. Jewelry collections

Whether you meticulously organize your jewelry and organize your necklaces, or reach for the same pieces every day, you may well forget to ever declutter your collection.

'We forget to declutter our jewelry collection because it's just that, treasures we've collected over the years,' explains Diane Greenhalgh, owner of Tiny to the Max. 'But our tastes and trends change, so there are sure to be plenty of pieces that you could let go of in there, allowing for today's favorites to shine through.

'The best way for you to keep your jewelry organized is to be able to see everything so you can see what you have and make use of everything, like with a hanging jewelry case with a full-length mirror, such as the SONGMICS 6 LEDs Mirror Jewelry Cabinet available at Amazon, to check how it goes with your outfit.'

5. Your junk drawer

Struggling (or forgetting) to conquer your dreaded junk drawer? It's not surprising, says professional organizer Amber.

'It’s a catch-all space we don’t think about until it’s overflowing,' she explains. 'Declutter by dumping everything out. Toss out duplicates, broken items, and mystery cords,' which are all things to get rid of in your junk drawer.

'Then, use drawer organizers to separate essential household items to keep in your junk drawer, like scissors batteries, pens, tape, etc. The Everything Organizer Drawer Organizers available at The Container Store are the best products to organize your junk drawer items.

'Clear and durable, these modular organizers come in many mix and match sizes to create a custom organization solution for any drawer.'

These are things people with organized drawers always have, and for good reason.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Jennifer Q. Williams

Jennifer has been a leader in the custom closet and home organization industry for over 34 years. With a passion for smart storage solutions, she has built a thriving business that helps homeowners maximize space with custom closets, pantries, Murphy beds, and more. As an expert in organization and interior design, Jennifer offers insightful conversations on decluttering, space optimization, and the impact of functional design.

Amber Kamat

Amber is the creative force behind It’s Not Complicated Organizing, an Atlanta-based, online-first professional organizing and interior design company dedicated to making beautiful, functional homes accessible for all.

Diane Greenhalgh

Diane is a professional home organizer, specializing in decluttering, downsizing, and small spaces, helping overwhelmed folks maximize even the smallest spaces and transform their home into one that brings them joy. She's also a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and has certificates in residential organizing, household management, and life transitions.

There are plenty of overlooked spots you're forgetting to dust that may need your attention, too, like chandeliers and doors.