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Why Do We Have So Much Stuff?


I believe that clutter may be the number one aesthetic problem with American homes today. There always seems to be an accumulation of "stuff" that has overtaken their home. Homeowners usually want a magazine or model home look, however their possessions are keeping them from obtaining that look. In the March 2005 InteriorDesignInfo newsletter article there are steps to simplify and unclutter a home, but there seems to always be initial hesitation to get started - that's what this newsletter article is all about.

You never realize how much stuff you have until you move. When you try and move all your stuff, you will realize why M-O-V-E is a dirty little 4 letter word. Do you remember when you were younger and everything you owned could fit in your car?

People have a tendency to be very materialistic. We give gifts for most every occasion. We do not get rid of things. Things either have sentimental value, someone gave them to us so we cannot throw them out, we "paid good money for that", or we hope to use them in the future.

As for the sentimental value items, you must keep them. Maybe you can display them instead of keeping them in a box in the attic or basement. Trinkets and knick knacks can be stored in a display case. You can create something new out of your sentimental items. For example, your old baby clothes can be cut up and sewn into patchwork draperies or pillows for your son or daughter's room. Your wedding dress can be recreated into a wedding photo album cover. If the items are sentimental, then they should not be hidden in a box somewhere.

If someone has given you something that was purchased from a store, then they probably will not be too concerned if you get rid of it. If someone has given you something that they hand made, then that is another story (refer to the sentimental items section above). If the person never visits you, then you do not have much of a problem.

A problem that many people have is when someone assumes that you collect something and all you get for gifts is that collection. It's a snowball effect. Whether your kitchen is all sunflowers or you collect black lab items, your collection can take over your home. The more you have, the more people assume you collect, and the more you get for gifts. One trick for collections is to keep them all in one area. They will have more impact as a grouping, and people might stop giving you items for your collection when they see your display area is full.

"We paid good money for that!" Get over it. You did pay. You got your money's worth. It is now taking up valuable real estate. Let it make you some pocket change back by having a garage sale or selling at an online auction.

Most people need to do an assessment of their items. If you have not used the item in 5 years, it needs to go (it actually needed to go years ago, so what is taking you so long?). If you have not used it in 2 years, it should probably go. You should access your items once a year to determine their worth.

I am most intrigued by those who pay for a storage unit to keep all of their boxes of stuff. I bet you don't even know what all is in there. Clean it out. Get rid of it. Stop paying all those storage fees. Try naming what is in storage, and only keeping what you can remember.

When merging households, the abundance of stuff can be overwhelming. Good planning is a must when attempting to sort through items. Keep in mind that one person should not be making all of the decisions as to what to keep and what to get rid of.

Make sure to not throw things in the trash, unless they are really trash. Have a garage sale, donate them to charity, or sell them at an online auction.

For more information on the organizational products to declutter your home, visit the designer resources section of this website.