3 Common Types of Clutter

Does your home contain 3 common types of clutter?

If the makeup of your clutter consists of BULK PURCHASES, SENTIMENTAL ITEMS, or ITEMS YOU PURCHASED ON SALE BUT NEVER USED, your clutter may very well fall into this category.

No doubt, clutter build-up is frustrating.

And, overwhelming.

With more people working from home and just a screen away from online buying, it’s easy to see how the piles can expand.

As well, some of us equate our self-worth with what we own.  So, the more stuff you have, the better you feel about yourself.

We know on the surface that that’s inaccurate. However, our buying habits tell a different story.

Let’s dive into 3 common types of clutter and look at some ways to declutter our homes and invariably our mindsets.

1. Bulk Purchases

It’s important to save for a rainy day. And, it’s important not to go to extremes.

Not too long ago, it was hard to find toilet paper.  Remember that?

So, with Costco, Sam’s Club, and other stores of that ilk, buying in bulk is the thing to do.

Many don’t consider the fact that you’re often spending more on bulk purchases.  Although the overall unit cost may be low, the actual purchase price is higher than simply buying what you need for the specific period, whether it be for the week, or, month.

Essentially, you’re spending more and adding to clutter, at the same time.

I’ve heard of individuals who use their garages to store bulk purchases, leaving no room for their cars.

Even though the cost per item is lower, the cost that you incur is the increased space these items take up in your home. Beware of bulky items, such as paper products; you may end up purchasing things that go past their expiry date, or, useful date, such as tape; old masking tape doesn’t work very well.

Declutter Solutions

Develop a tracking system to determine just how much you and your family are using.

Take note of the expiry dates on the perishable items.  This will help you to plan out your shopping trips.

Also, look carefully at prices and buy what you need in a shorter timeframe.

For example, if you use 2 bottles of pasta sauce over a one-month period, purchasing 12 bottles adds to a lot of extra clutter in your pantry.  If you multiply this by all the other bulk purchases you make, you can see how quickly the build-up can happen.   Regular inventory management is critical to make sure you’ve used what you purchased and kept track of expiry dates to avoid waste.

2. Sentimental Items

This is anything in your home that has some sentimental attachment, that you don’t need or use. And, these items are often hard to let go of.

Whether it’s decluttering cute little baby clothes, children’s toys, or, ticket stubs from memorable concerts (remember those?), getting rid of these items can almost feel inconsiderate to the person or event, it’s associated with.

But, if you’re going to pare down, it’s got to be done.

Here are a few suggestions.

Declutter Solutions

Select what you’re going to hold onto. This is a personal decision, however, you’ll likely want to keep things like jewelry that’s been in the family for a long time and selective artwork when your children were young  – resist the temptation to hold onto ALL the artwork.   

Also creating a keepsake box, or, a designated box for these items, is another option. Now, the box has got to be small enough so you’re not tempted to hold on to everything.  Label the box and keep only what can fit in it, rather than cramming things into your dresser drawers, closets, basement, etc.

Consider giving some of the items to other family members, or, donating them to a charitable organization.

Have you considered creating a digital portfolio? 

It’s quite simple – take photos of your items, create videos, scan letters, get creative.   Then put them in a folder on your computer. Also, consider storing them in the cloud through services such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

Invite your family to participate – it would be a fun family project that can be passed down to generations and a way to honor memories.

Keep in mind that letting go of an item doesn’t equate to getting rid of the person or memory linked with them.

3. Items That Were On Sale But Never Used

While it can be difficult to bypass a good deal, be mindful of impulse buying.

How many trinkets are in your home collecting dust because you bought them on sale?

Or, clothes in your closet that you’ve never worn?

Getting things on sale is great and can save you money, be mindful that you save even more money by not making the purchase in the first place.  Consider whether you actually need the item before handing over your money.

Declutter Solutions

Practice delaying your purchases by a week. This will help to curb impulse buying.  You might find that your desire for a particular item has diminished; if so, give yourself a pat on the back for the restraint and for resisting instant gratification. 

One more method is to keep track of your belongings.  It’s easy to add to clutter by purchasing unnecessary duplicates. For example, if you already have 10 pairs of similar-style black pants that are in decent condition, adding to the collection because of a sale, will invariably add to your clutter.

Another practice is to budget for a specific item. Knowing that you’ve already set aside money for something you like, will make you think twice about buying something else.

Recap

The 3 common types of clutter: BULK PURCHASES, SENTIMENTAL ITEMS and ITEMS YOU PURCHASED ON SALE BUT NEVER USED, multiply quickly in your home if not managed effectively.

Take action in containing your clutter by applying some of these suggestions.  You may surprise yourself at how simple it is, once you get started.