No matter how organized we think we are, there’s always that one habit that seems to consistently sabotage our efforts. Clutter, both physical and mental, can slowly creep into our lives, hindering our productivity, causing stress, and even negatively impacting our health.
If you find yourself struggling to find keys, forgetting appointments, or constantly feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to reassess your habits. Let’s delve into the 15 clutter habits that could be ruining your day and how to overcome them.
1. Buying More Than You Need
While shopping can be a fun pastime, it’s essential to keep a check on your purchases. Buying more than you need can lead to a surplus of items in your home, contributing to clutter. For example, if you’re buying clothes faster than you can sort through and donate the old ones, you might end up with a bursting wardrobe, making it harder for you to find what you need.
Practical advice for this would be to practice mindful shopping. Make a list before you go shopping and stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases, and consider waiting for a day or two before making a significant purchase. This will help you evaluate whether you truly need the item or if it’s just a momentary desire.
2. Not Having a Place for Everything
One of the main reasons clutter accumulates is because items don’t have a designated place. This leads to piles of miscellaneous stuff lying around, causing stress and frustration. For instance, if your papers, bills, and letters are scattered all over the house, it would be hard for you to find an important document when you need it.
To combat this, ensure that everything in your home has a specific place. Create a system that works for you. For example, you could have a designated drawer for all your bills and letters. This way, you know exactly where to look when you need something.
3. Procrastination
Procrastination is a clutter habit that can significantly ruin your day. It’s easy to put off tasks like cleaning, organizing, or decluttering, but the more you delay, the bigger the task becomes. For example, if you constantly put off doing the dishes, you’ll end up with a mountain of dirty dishes that will take you much longer to clean.
The key to overcoming procrastination is to break down tasks into smaller, manageable parts. Instead of waiting for the dishes to pile up, you could clean them immediately after each meal. This way, you’re not overwhelmed, and your kitchen remains clean and clutter-free.
4. Holding on to Sentimental Items
We all have items that hold sentimental value to us. However, holding on to too many sentimental items can lead to clutter. For example, if you have a box full of old birthday cards, concert tickets, or children’s artwork, it might be time to reassess what truly needs to be kept.
A good strategy is to create a sentimental box for each family member. This box can hold the most important sentimental items, and when it’s full, it’s time to reassess and let go of some things. Additionally, consider digitizing items like photos or letters, so you can keep them without them taking up physical space.
5. Not Decluttering Regularly
Decluttering shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. If you’re not decluttering regularly, items can quickly pile up and overwhelm you. For example, if you only clean out your garage once a year, you might find yourself with a daunting task that takes up your entire weekend.
To prevent this, schedule regular decluttering sessions. It could be as simple as spending 15 minutes each day sorting through a particular area in your home. This way, you’re consistently keeping on top of the clutter, and it doesn’t have a chance to build up.
6. Keeping “Just in Case” Items
We often hold on to items because we think we might need them “just in case.” However, this habit can lead to a lot of unnecessary clutter. For example, you might have a closet full of old electronics, cables, or appliances that you’re keeping just in case you might need them one day.
A rule of thumb to follow is the one-year rule. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s unlikely that you’ll need it in the future. Don’t let the “just in case” mentality hold you hostage to clutter.
7. Not Organizing Digital Clutter
While physical clutter is easy to spot, digital clutter can often go unnoticed. However, it can be just as detrimental to your productivity and mental well-being. If your desktop is filled with random files, or your inbox is overflowing with unread emails, you might find it hard to focus and get things done.
Regularly declutter your digital spaces. Organize your files into folders, delete unnecessary emails, and keep your desktop clean. Consider using tools like email filters or cloud storage to keep your digital spaces organized.
8. Not Using Storage Solutions
Not utilizing storage solutions can contribute to clutter. If your items are lying around, they can make your space look messy and disorganized. For example, if your shoes are scattered around your home, not only does it look disorganized, but you also risk tripping over them.
Invest in storage solutions that fit your needs. This could be a shoe rack, storage bins, bookshelves, or drawer organizers. Remember, the goal isn’t to fill up these storage solutions with stuff, but to give your belongings a designated place.
9. Not Donating or Selling Unused Items
If you’re not regularly donating or selling your unused items, they can quickly accumulate and create clutter. For example, if you have a pile of clothes that no longer fit or suit your style, they’re just taking up valuable space in your wardrobe.
Make it a habit to donate or sell items you no longer need. You can do this by scheduling regular decluttering sessions and then immediately putting the items you no longer need in a donation box or listing them for sale online.
10. Not Handling Mail Right Away
Allowing mail to pile up can lead to a lot of clutter and stress. If you’re not handling your mail right away, you run the risk of losing important documents or missing deadlines.
Develop a system for handling your mail as soon as it comes in. This could involve sorting it into categories like “to do,” “to file,” and “to recycle.” By dealing with your mail right away, you prevent it from becoming a source of clutter.
11. Not Using a Planner or Calendar
Not using a planner or calendar can lead to mental clutter. If you’re trying to remember all your appointments, deadlines, and tasks, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Consider using a planner or digital calendar to keep track of your schedule. This will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and free up mental space for more important tasks.
12. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself
Not cleaning up after yourself is a habit that can quickly lead to clutter. If you leave dishes in the sink, clothes on the floor, or tools on the table, your home can quickly become disorganized.
Make it a habit to clean up after yourself. It only takes a few minutes to put things back in their designated places, and it can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
13. Keeping Broken or Damaged Items
Keeping broken or damaged items can contribute to clutter. If you’re holding on to things with the hope of fixing them someday, they’re just taking up space.
Be realistic about what you will actually repair. If it’s been sitting around for months, it’s probably time to let it go.
14. Not Setting Boundaries
Not setting boundaries with the things you own can lead to clutter. If you’re constantly bringing new items into your home without letting go of the old ones, your space can quickly become overcrowded.
Set boundaries for yourself. For example, if you buy a new book, consider donating an old one. This one-in, one-out rule can help keep clutter at bay.
15. Not Asking for Help
Finally, not asking for help can make it difficult to overcome clutter. If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in your home, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
This could involve hiring a professional organizer, asking a friend or family member to help you declutter, or even seeking support from a mental health professional if your clutter is causing significant stress or anxiety. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.