Why We Clutter & How Do We Stop?

Do you feel like you need a bigger home to find a place for all the items you have? Are there some belongings you keep moving from one spot to the other because you can’t make yourself throw them away? We all have been there. Clutter can invade our homes within a blink of an eye.

So how can you control all the mugs, cups, shoes, etc.? Norwich, CT, based professionals who offer housekeeping services in the area explain the root of clutter and how we can get rid of it in a short guide below. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the root cause of clutter?

When you look around your house and see loads of items strewn all over, you probably wonder how you’ve come to this situation. You desperately want to get rid of them as soon as possible, so you just toss them in your attic, which quickly becomes cramped with your belongings.

But the clutter is still there, lurking at every corner, and you might feel trapped. To find your way out, you need to understand how it passed your doorstep in the first place. Here are the four most common causes of cluttering.

1. Buying too much.

Do you go shopping to buy new shoes and end up with rugs, unnecessary cleaning supplies, and other stuff you don’t need and don’t know where to put?

The lure of trendy home ornaments and fashionable clothing is powerful, and most people find it challenging to resist. The best thing to do is to make a shopping list and stick to it, thus overcoming the temptation of purchasing items you don’t need.

2. Sentimental value.

Do you keep your notebooks from your university days? Or maybe you inherited some items or got gifts you don’t need or use? These things prove to be difficult to purge.

Well, imagine how relieved you’ll feel if you have an extra drawer or a shelf for new gifts. Or if it’s hard to let go of old things because of their sentimental attachment, you can keep a part of them in a way. Take pictures and make an album dedicated to old memories.

3. Keeping something “just in case.”

If you decide to keep things only because you think you might need them again sometime in the future, belongings can accumulate quickly. Who knows what you’ll need, so you’d better keep everything, right?

So, if you haven’t used something for a long time and are unsure if you’ll ever need it, let it go. You can always borrow, repurchase, or rent it.

4. Overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering.

You’ve been planning to restore order in your home, but you’ve been postponing it because you don’t know where to start, right? The idea of spending your free time gauging what you need and what should go stresses you out. Plus, your partner is constantly too busy to get involved.

The trick is to think of it as a cathartic process: you’ll liberate yourself from the unwanted burden and make your home ready for new experiences. Also, motivate your spouse to take part in it. It’ll be relieving for both of you, and you’ll get to discuss household matters.

Bonus tip:

Make sure to return everything where it belongs to after using it. This will instantly reduce the amount of clutter sprinkled all over your home.

What is the 20/20 rule for decluttering?

You understand the root of clutter in your living space, but you still can’t decide what to throw away. Well, the 20/20 decluttering rule might help you. The rule says that if you can replace the item for 20$ and 20 minutes or less, you can let it go.

For instance, if you have some Christmas decorations you’re not sure you’ll use ever again, think about how much they cost and where you can buy them. If they’re less than 20 dollars and you can buy them in a store down the street, get rid of them.

Where in Norwich, CT, can I find dependable housekeeping services?

Don’t have time to take care of your home in Norwich? No problem. Orchid Maids is a trustworthy cleaning company waiting for your call. We know how to keep grime and germs out of your house and only use EPA-approved cleaning supplies to ensure your safety and well-being.

Take a relaxing stroll near the Thames River and let the most experienced experts in the field make your home spotless. Book now!