IKEA report reveals global trends in home clutter and organization

IKEA has released its ‘Store & Organise Report 2026’, based on a survey of 31,488 respondents across 31 markets, exploring global trends in home organization and clutter.

The report identifies a phenomenon termed ‘silent protest’, where 38% of households involve members leaving items out in hopes that others will tidy them. Clutter is linked to increased domestic tension, particularly in kitchens, which are the most difficult areas to keep clean (24%) and a frequent source of arguments (37%).

Key findings include: - 82% of people retain items for emotional reasons, even if rarely used. - 68% of households possess a ‘disaster drawer’, typically filled with cables. - 59% of respondents prefer homes with a lived-in feel over minimalist styles. - Regional differences exist in how clutter is perceived: 31% of respondents in China view it as an expression of creativity, compared to only 4% in Japan.

Licca Li, Home Furnishing & Retail Design Manager at Ingka Group, stated that people are moving away from seeking ‘perfect’ homes toward spaces that reflect their personalities and stories.