Why do we Keep All the Clutter?

Do you know one of the biggest issues behind getting organized? We have too much stuff!

Many of us have some things we keep without having a really good reason. So why DO we keep so much stuff? The thing is, it's easier to find justifications for why we should keep something and delay making a decision rather than making a firm (and sometimes difficult) choice to say goodbye to our "stuff." Here are common justifications...

1. "I might need it someday." Yes, you might. But the thing is most of the items we keep can easily be found or replaced within a day or two. Lots of people keep every screw and nail created and store it away like a squirrel with his nuts. Then never end up needing it, or even remembering where it belonged in the first place.

But what happens is these little tiny items create more and more clutter and it gets to a point where you can't find that little screw anyway because it's like finding a needle in a haystack.

1. "I'm going to lose some weight and start wearing this again. "If you have a goal to lose some weight, I hope you do what you can to make it happen - and when you do, it might be nice to go out and buy some brand-new clothes and treat yourself for your hard effort. It is something worth being proud of and it's the perfect time to reward yourself.

2. "So-and-so gave me this. "It is wonderful to keep memories and items that remind us of people we love. However, it is more likely that memories are not in the clutter, the knick-knacks and "stuff" you have shoved in a box. If it is sentimental, it is usually kept in a safe place. Generally speaking, items thrown in a box either do not have sentimental meaning or perhaps need to be re-organized.

I won't say you should get rid of everything and it's certainly not always an easy decision. However, maybe start by trying to just keep the special things you cherish.

And get them out in the open, on display - where you can enjoy them and have a story to tell when someone comments or asks a question about the item.

3. I paid good money for this..."thing!" I'm sure you did. But the thing is, what has more value...this "item" you no longer have any use for or the way you enjoy your house? The item...or your happiness? The item... or your space?

4. Oh, I'm just trying to figure out what to do with it... Okay, so maybe it's not worth holding onto. See, if it takes that much mental work to figure out what to do with something, you can take a pretty good guess that it may not be worth as much to you as you think. If you can't figure out what to do with something...it's a safe bet you won't miss it too much. If you haven’t used something in the past 6-12 months, it might not be as useful as you thought.

There is a lot more value in enjoying your home, your friends and your family than the "stuff" you paid for. And if you feel you may need a bit of extra help in getting rid of the clutter and getting organized, then executive functioning coaching may be a great way to start to re-claim your space! You can contact me by clicking on the contact page to book a FREE 15-minute consultation.