According to the Clutter Less website, a clutter problem is a psychological or emotional problem and is not attributed to laziness. To truly clean out household clutter, one must first assess the issues that lead to the clutter. Seeking help in the form of a support group or inspiration from books and blogs is helpful, as is taking steps to learn how to make cleaning up clutter a daily habit.
Seek the Root Cause of Clutter in the Home
Clutter problems have been linked to depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Those with too much clutter may have problems with shopping addiction or have difficulty letting things go.
Some people may be holding onto clutter as an expression of grief or extreme thrift. People in a state of grief may be reluctant to get rid of items that belonged to a loved one that has died. Thrifty people may rationalize saving everything because they may need it some day.
Seek Help and Inspiration for a Clutter Problem
Those with serious clutter problems, such as compulsive hoarding disorder, may need to seek help from a trained counselor. Others may be able to overcome their clutter problem by belonging to a nonjudgmental support group. Reading books, like Stop Clutter from Stealing your Life by Mike Nelson (New Page Books, 2008), that address the root causes of clutter issues may also be helpful. For further inspiration, look for de-cluttering blogs written by people who are dealing with their own clutter problem on a daily basis.
Take Practical Steps to Overcome a Clutter Problem
In addition to dealing with the psychological and emotional reasons for a clutter issue, learning to physically get rid of clutter is important. Clutter control should become a daily habit. Making clutter control a part of a daily cleaning routine will help ensure that clutter does not take over the home again. Cleaning and de-cluttering systems can be highly personal, but help can be found through services like Flylady, a free, on-line, e-mail service that gives users daily cleaning tasks.
It is possible to change a clutter problem, but the issues are often psychological and emotional. Figure out the root cause of clutter in the home and begin to tackle it by taking steps to remove the clutter and address any emotional hurdles.
Sources:
- Clutter Less website
- Psychological Reasons for Clutter: Why People Can’t Let Go; Laura Leist, CPO; February 2007; Divine Caroline website.
- Flylady website
Barb Hacker - Barb is a busy mom of three boys and a freelance writer. She is an avid reader who enjoys reading about history, parenting and gardening. ...
