The Road to Clutter is Paved with Good Intentions

Clutter is a sneaky, quiet invader of our homes. It slowly amasses in out-of-the-way spots – such as closets, basements, attics, garages, or spare rooms. After a while, it may also spill over into our living spaces. Do you ever look around your home, and ask yourself, “Where did all this clutter come from and how did it accumulate so much?” There are numerous reasons of course, although most clutter usually falls into one of the categories below.

First, there is “inherited clutter” – stuff that gets passed down to us from family and friends.

Next there is “sentimental clutter” – anything special that we’ve saved throughout the years. Memorabilia relating to our past, our children, or to loved ones that have passed away. These items are usually the most difficult to deal with.

Thirdly, we have “someday clutter” – these are generally items we’ve acquired with the best of intentions. For example, exercise equipment we’ve purchased but rarely, or never use. Fancy kitchen gadgets that sounded appealing but were too cumbersome to use or clean. Craft projects, games and electronic devices. Even broken items we meant to fix years ago. And, of course, there are all of the items that we kept, because “we may need them some day.”

We all have good intentions when we save, or purchase items. Most often though, our lives get busy, priorities change, and things sit unused. Whenever we occasionally come across those items, they nag at us, and even evoke guilt.

If any of this is striking a chord with you, take action. Make a decision to cut down on the clutter and gradually purge each box, closet or storage space. Ask yourself these questions: Do I really need it? Do I use it? Do I love it? Be realistic about what you are keeping. If you haven’t gotten around to using it in the past year or two, chances are, you won’t be using it in the years to come. Just think of the space you will gain when you lose all the excess clutter. Room to breathe!

What’s more, starting from this day on, let’s all be a little more selective about what we are purchasing and saving.

Thoughts, comments, questions?

Thanks,

Yve

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle

Yve Irish is a professional organizer and blogger, living in Rochester, New York. She has written for numerous organizing publications and has her own website, where you’ll find lots of great information and inspiration. Also, check out her interview right here on the Organize-It Blog.