The Top Two Clutter Culprits

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the anxious question “Am I a hoarder?” when a prospective client shows me their situation for the first time. 95% of the time my answer is an emphatic “No”. Yet, the clutter weighs heavily. We don’t really want it, yet we keep it. Why? Two culprits emerge: Guilt and Fear.

This vase/picture frame/scarf/bowl doesn’t go with my decor/isn’t my style/reminds me of someone I don’t like, BUT I have to keep it because someone gave it to me as a gift/I paid a lot of money for it / someone else paid a lot of money for it. That’s guilt, and guilt is never a good advisor. Every time you look at the item you are reminded of the money wasted, the person you don’t like. Rip off the band-aid, let the item go and take the weight off your shoulders. You’ll be glad you did!

Clothes of the wrong size are clogging your closet. Kitchen gadgets spill onto the floor even though you don’t enjoy cooking. I might need this someday. I’m keeping this just in case. I might miss it if I let it go. That’s fear. The fear of having to do without. The fear of grieving a loss. But you need the space. You’re tired of the clutter. Again, rip off the band aid. Trade in the illusion of control for an open and uncluttered space. You’ll be glad you did!

It’s OK to get help.

If attempts to get decluttered and organized on your own don’t lead to the desired results, consider hiring qualified help. Professional Organizers help clients declutter, organize and take control of their space efficiently and effectively. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) provides a convenient practitioner search tool at their web site www.napo.net .