Four Mindsets that Lead to Clutter

 How does clutter happen? Why do some people have cluttered homes and others don’t? It is true that some people are good at organizing and others aren’t. But what makes them that way? With all of the clients I have worked with, I notice they have at least one of the mindsets that I believe create clutter. In this four part series, I am going to dive deep into the mind frames that are the CAUSE of clutter and give some tips about how to avoid these crap traps.

Mindset 1: Waste Not, Want Not…. because almost everything has value

People with this internal belief just hate to see waste. I believe this mindset come from a good place, a place of not wanting to waste items, whether it’s not wanting the money they spent or not wanting to toss things into a landfill.

They often feel only objects that they hate or are irretrievably broken should be thrown out.

Here is what this mindset usually sounds like:

-This kitchen gadget has a missing piece that’s around here somewhere probably, and if not, I can order the piece online, probably.

-Someone will want this 1980’s stationary bike. Put it on Craigslist for $10.

-I’ll give this box paper to a school.

-This artwork that has sat on against the wall for 12 yrs, I’ll hang this up.

This broken clock---I can fix it. I’ll get some glue.

I understand the sentiments, but in reality, it just results in hanging onto a lot of items that do no longer serve you.

Here are some thoughts on this:

 This artwork with a broken frame---I can fix it. I’ll get some glue. (How long has it been broken??)

This kitchen gadget has a missing piece, but I can order the piece online, probably. (How old and obsolete is this kitchen gadget? Can you replace it with a newer model so it is more lighter and more efficient? How often is it used?)

Someone will want this 1980’s stationary bike. Put it on Craigslist for $10. (You’ll need to pay someone more than $10 just to haul it away….to the dump.)

I’ll give this box of paper to a preschool. (Is it worth the hassle to find a school and arrange the drop off for paper?

I’ll hang this up---even though it has sat on against the wall for 12 yrs. (Why would you suddenly be motivated to hang this up now after it sat against the wall for so long?)

Not everything has value. Even though something once had value to you, doesn’t mean it always will. But you know what is valuable? Your time and the space in your home. It takes time to buy the glue and fix the clock. Maybe not much time, but if the clock has been broken for years and you still have not gotten around to such a simple task, it probably isn’t that important to you. And that’s ok.

Digging through all of your stuff to find one missing piece of a kitchen gadget takes time. Ask yourself if you use the gadget enough to make that intensive search time well-spent?

 Some things are just better to let go of so you can focus on making your life as simple and serene as possible.

”If it isn’t serving you, it’s hurting you.”

Waste not, want not really starts to pile up

How to Let this Mindset Go:
Ask yourself if the item is serving you. Does evoke guilt? Does it provide any value? Does it improve your life? What purpose is it serving in your daily life?

Toss or donate it if:          

o   It is missing a piece that makes it usable.

o   Is old and outdated

o   You don’t LOVE it

o   You hardly wear or use it (less than twice a year)

o   You are only keeping it out of obligation because someone gave it you

o   You are only keeping it because it spent a lot of money on it

o   It holds a memory, but it is a minor and inconsequential memory

Remember, the waste really starts when you purchase an item you do not end up using or enjoying. This happens to everyone and is not any kind of moral failing. Sometimes an object has outlived its purpose and when that happens, letting it go is the best move you can make. Hanging onto an item you regret buying or do not know what to do with, or do not ever use does not serve you. It only adds complications and burdens to your life.

As Japanese decluttering queen Marie Kondo would suggest, thank the item for its service to you, and get rid of it. I promise you will not even miss it! An uncluttered space, less on your mind and on your To Do List will be well worth it!

Next week I will discuss another mindsets that lead to clutter, An Item for Every Possible Occasion. Stay tuned!