Clutter can be a big problem in our lives. It can make our lives feel even more chaotic than they already are as well as use our valuable time and energy up in emotional and literal baggage. Here are a few types of clutter and how to deal with them:
High Cost Clutter - This is the type of clutter where we have purchased something costly, never use, but can't seem to get rid of. It can be anything from clothing, to gym equipment to an electronic or kitchen gadget of some sort. If you have had something for a year and never even touched it, chances are you aren't going to. Admit to yourself you may have made a mistake in purchasing it, or that you still appreciate your loved one even if they got a gift wrong for you and get rid of it. You can donate it to someone who will use it or sell it in a garage sale. If it has been around for years, an electric gadget can maybe become dangerous over time. Just throw it away. However there are a lot of other things that may not have worn out their general usefulness; they just might not be useful for you.
Someday Clutter - We all may have a portion of this type of clutter. This is the type we save for when we "someday" lose weight or will "someday" make that craft. This one can be one that makes us feel bad about ourselves or guilty. If you have stuff lying around making you feel that way, dump it. Holding on to things of the past that make you feel like you are failing in some way isn't good for your mental health.
Sentimental Stuff - Pictures drawn by your children, programs from the school play and other sentimental things can become clutter when they are taking over a space. Display some things for a time, but then take a picture of it and share your memory on social media or in a file for later. You can still have the memory, without the item. If you can pass something down to a family member who would appreciate it, that is a good option too, but don't make them feel guilty if they don't want to keep it around either!
Painful Clutter - This is stuff you can't seem to get rid of because it may remind you of a loved one who's passed away, a painful divorce or a place you loved and can never return to. Having items around that reminds us of painful times is a way to keep us stuck in our past and not able to move forward. I have heard that some cases of bad hoarding can happen because of a loss of some sort or being fearful of one thing or another. Operating your life by fear or pain is going to keep you living that way outside of your home as well. Think of letting go of the item, like you are letting go of the pain. The memory of a dear loved one, or the memory of something painful you have been through is still a part of you, but, having an item around forcing you to remember it all the time by it's presence isn't something that is good for you. Let it go and move on to the next phase of your life.
