Clutter. You know it when you see it…or more likely when it effects you. I’ve done several posts on how to control clutter in different areas of your life, but I don’t think I’ve actually explained what “technically” classifies as clutter or the benefits you reap by controlling it. Let’s take a closer look what some experts say:
Princeton University’s WordNet defines clutter as:
“a confused, multitude of things”
“to fill a space in a disorderly way”
“a confused, disorderly, jumble of things”
“filled or scattered with disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish”
Clutterers Anonymous World Service Organization defines clutter as:
“anything we don’t need, want, or use that takes our time, energy or space, and destroys our serenity“
Clutter is more than piles and piles of stuff. It’s a combination of new, old, unused, forgotten, misplaced, and emotionally (or coerced into being emotionally) “attached to” items. Wow! That’s a long list! Well, not everything is clutter. Clutter doesn’t necessarily refer to an item itself but rather refers to the way it’s being used or not used. For example, a magazine in-and-of itself isn’t clutter…it’s a magazine. When that magazine hasn’t been read for two weeks, is sitting on top of a stack of magazines that are several years old, and that stack is on top of your desk preventing you from being able to use it…that’s when that magazine is now considered “clutter.” If your stack of magazines has been there so long that you need to dust it…it’s probably clutter.
Here are a few other categories of clutter:
Things that are expired (food and toiletries for example)
Duplicate items
Things that belong to someone else
Broken items (that can’t be fixed or haven’t been fixed yet)
Outgrown items (toys and clothes)
The dreaded “impulse buys” (items bought but really don’t need)
Disliked gifts (in a million years I wouldn’t be seen dead in this)
Sentimental stuff (or stuff you kept out of guilt because it probably should be sentimental, but you’re just not feeling it)
Fear items ( things you kept because they may be needed someday…”I lived through the depression and in my day…”). When is someday, anyway?
“Don’t know” (no idea why it’s there or how to use it…but dammit, I’m keeping it!)
Stuff that causes safety concerns (pose a hazard such as fire or physical harm)
Some folks feel a need to have more stuff, a need to “keep up with the Jones’,” an obligation to keep gifts, the need to be prepared by having tons of stuff that they’ll probably never use, a need to feel important by having more, or a need to hold on to the past by holding on to things rather than memories. The problem is that these are perceived needs. Please don’t misunderstand me, I can appreciate the need to hold on to some truly sentimental items…just not everything. And certainly not things that remind you of something negative or sad. These things probably should go.
The truth about clutter and accumulating more is that eventually you’ll be overwhelmed by the physical clutter which in turn will overwhelm you emotionally in terms of stress, indecision, guilt and so on. At this point, clutter is now controlling you instead of you controlling clutter. This statement alone, is enough justification in my book to take charge and de-clutter. Have you seen the new A&E show Hoarders? That’s what I’m talking about…but to the extreme! Again, control clutter before it controls you!
Here are a few other benefits to controlling clutter:
Eliminate distractions
Create more space…ahhhh!
Actually know where things go and where to find them
Create time to relax and enjoy the things you love
Surround yourself with only the things you need and enjoy
Improve your self-confidence
Gain control of your life and enviroment
Make a good impression when family and friends visit
Save money and possibly make money
Improve your mental and physical health
Spend more time with the ones you love
So, now you know the truth about clutter. Even though we may have this preconceived notion that “more is better” the reality is, “less is more.” More time to do the things you love…more time to relax…more time to take control of your mental, physical and spiritual well-being…more serenity…and more happiness. Ah…a life a little more…Simplifized!
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