Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

This is our favorite way to reduce visual clutter

If you’ve ever heard the word decanting, it was probably in reference to fine wine. If you Google “what is decanting,” you will get the following definition, “gradually pour (liquid, typically wine or a solution) from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment.” Great. So what does this have to do with reducing visual clutter? Decanting is the term that has recently gained popularity because everyone is doing it with everything—everything except wine. Sick of never being able to find the paprika in your cluttered pantry? Decanting your spices can change your life. What are the best containers for decanting? What exactly are decanting cleaning products? If you’re wondering what this new craze is and want in on it, don’t worry, we’ve got you and all things decanting covered.

What rooms can benefit from decanting

So decanting is taking items out of the container they came in and putting them into another, more organizable container. Once you stop and think about what areas in your home can benefit from decanting, you may be overwhelmed. It’s a good idea to tackle one room, or closet, at a time so you don’t make the task harder than it should be.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bathroom

Bathroom cabinets, linen closets, and shelves in the bathroom can all gather clutter rather quickly. Toothbrushes, cotton swabs, nail polish, band-aids, etc., all of these items are small and will end up scattered all over the place if you don’t keep it organized. Small jars with lids are great for things like cotton balls and bobby pins, while taller cups or jars without tops are suitable for toothbrushes and razors. Even emptying your shampoo into smaller containers with pumps can help them fit into a shower caddy to get the bottles off your shower floor or rim of your tub.

Recommended Videos

Laundry room

Clothespins, laundry detergent pods, and dryer sheets all come in containers of their own, so why would you bother taking the time to put them in different containers? First of all, it looks way nicer. Clear jars or plastic storage containers filled with scent beads look really cool on shelves. Also, it helps if you’re short on storage space. The containers that manufacturers use have no consistency, rhyme, or reason for their shape or size, making it difficult to stack or store them neatly. Taking the time to decant your laundry products will save you time in the long run and may even prevent a few spills. Just be sure to keep laundry stuff out of the reach of children no matter how you store it.

Kitchen

The kitchen is probably the most obvious place to begin your decanting adventure, and you may already do some decanting and not even realize it. Emptying cereal into plastic containers with snap-top lids makes pouring easier for kids and keeps it fresh longer—this saves time and money. Dried goods like pasta, rice, quinoa, and more store well in plastic or glass, and ground spices will stay fresh longer in small jars with airtight lids. In the fridge, clear squeeze bottles are the way to go for dressings, vinegar, soy sauce, pickle juice, and more. Deli containers are excellent for any other left-over or half-eaten jar. Label each bottle or deli container with the contents and date (masking tape and a sharpie work well for this), and you’ll never have to search for the ranch again. The possibilities for decanting in the kitchen really are endless.

The office

If your desk is constantly cluttered and you can never find a paperclip when you need one, you need decanting in your office. You don’t have to get fancy and buy new storage containers for everything on your desk. Something as simple as a large coffee mug can help organize all of your pens and pencils and get a lot of clutter out of the way. Small deli containers are great for tacks, staples, and rubber bands that somehow accumulate no matter how hard you try to stop them. Use large flat plastic bins to keep recyclable paper separate from documents that need to be shredded to get rid of piles of paper.

 What can’t be decanted

There really aren’t any specific items that you can’t decant—it’s more of a matter of preference. Typically, it makes sense to decant things like flour, sugar, and even cereal. The bags these items come in rip easily, so choosing a different container makes sense. Also, it’s nice to see how much of any item you have on hand at a glance. Pasta and other grains also come in storage containers that aren’t optimal—boxes take up a ton of room in the pantry and bags are hard to stack, and the bags rip easily. Most people don’t bother to decant chips, cookies, and crackers. These items usually get eaten quickly enough that the time it takes to decant really isn’t worth it.

Ultimately, decanting will come down to what you often use and how many containers you want to use. If you want to ease into the process, start in the bathroom or laundry room where there isn’t a ton of stuff. Once you get a feel for it, you can start to make a list of what you want to decant in other rooms and work your way around the house. Once you get started, it can be hard to stop —trust us, organization can be fun.

Topics
Kelly Kaliszewski
Kelly's work has appeared in blogs and on websites. When she's not writing, she is playing with her two dogs, cooking, or…
The best kitchen remodel ideas for a stunning upgrade
Refresh your space with these kitchen remodel ideas
Kitchen with black cabinets and dark wood inspired by midcentury design

As trends come and go, you’ll likely find yourself seeking a kitchen revamp to keep the space feeling fresh and exciting. Remodeling your kitchen can bring new life into your home and encourage more family meals in a space that feels truly inspiring. If you’ve been craving an upgrade, we have some stunning kitchen remodel ideas you need to see.
Update your hardware

A simple yet effective way to revamp your kitchen is to update your hardware. From cabinet handles to your sink faucet, hardware can lose its luster and intrigue over time. If you want to ramp up the look of your space, consider upgrading your hardware to something that suits your style.

Read more
Don’t neglect your ceilings — try these ceiling design ideas instead
Here are some of the best ceiling ideas you can use in your home
modern coastal all white living room with blue sofa and beadboard ceilings

Home design has transitioned away from outdated popcorn ceilings and plain, white-painted ceilings to something more striking. While ideas like wood beams, used in rustic and farmhouse designs, have been a staple over the years, alternative ceiling decorations are making a comeback today.

The ceiling is often neglected in home design. Typically, it is painted white or a similar neutral and left plain. However, this isn’t always the most eye-catching option, depending on the look you’re aiming for. With a recent shift toward more eclectic and ornate spaces, we’re seeing a lot of ceiling design trends taking hold. Here are some of the best ceiling ideas you can use in your home.
Invest in Victorian-inspired crown molding

Read more
How to do modern farmhouse decor right
Warm neutrals, reclaimed woods, vintage touches, and a minimalist aesthetic
Rustic glam farmhouse-styled dining room

Modern farmhouse design exudes a rugged yet refined look that many homeowners adore. As one of the staple design styles in domestic interiors, modern farmhouse takes a fresh spin on the rustic, cozy look of typical farmhouse designs. Warm neutrals, reclaimed woods, vintage touches, and a minimalist aesthetic aid this design and make it appealing to many. So, how do you achieve the perfect look with modern farmhouse decor? Here are our tips.
What is modern farmhouse style?

Modern farmhouse style is one of the most popular design aesthetics today. It features a blend of rustic, classic farm home touches with fresh, light, modern decor. The modern farmhouse style is known for its neutral color palettes, metallic accents, and natural textures. Raw and reclaimed wood, exposed beams, barn doors, wrought iron, and airy tones are common in this interior design.
Is modern farmhouse still in style?

Read more