Will things be neatly away? Will there be space to move about? Will you find items on the floor and stacked on surfaces? Do you have to wiggle your way around stuff lying around the room?
Our homes reflect our lives and there are always times when our home is a little messier because our lives are so full and busy.
But did you know that there are other reasons why the mess accumulates?
The first is CLUTTER TRIGGERS.
These are the things that clog up our daily lives and cause a build up if not dealt with in a timely manner.
They include:
- the post
- the laundry
- shoes & coats
- everyday bags (briefcase, handbag, school bag, gym bag...)
For coats, shoes and bags there needs to be adequate storage in place to accommodate daily usage. There are so many storage options on the marketplace today that offer great solutions for all of our homes.
However, a solution is only great if everyone in the home uses it! Something may look fabulous in the shop but when in a home environment it's useless if it doesn't fit in with the needs of your family.
For example: young children are more likely to put their shoes in a 'dump' box rather than line them up neatly on a shoe rack.
It's important for the whole family to remember the saying: Everything in its place and a place for everything!
The second reason we accumulate things is all down to our CLUTTER PERSONALITY.
According to psychologist Gladeana McMahon there are deep emotional issues behind our reluctance to throw things out or clear up. We each have a clutter personality and for some people you may have a combination of personalities for different items in your life:
- CASH AWARE CLUTTERBUG
This is when you're reluctant to give items away because you've paid good money for it.
How many of you have an unworn item of clothing in your wardrobe with the price label still attached as it's never been worn, never will be worn and you're reluctant to give it away?
I have to admit to this. It wasn't until I had a colour consultation that I realised I hadn't worn the top because it was totally the wrong colour for me and my personality. Off to the charity shop it went.
To break this clutter cycle you have to appreciate that someone else will benefit from your item. It's not a waste to let it go because someone else will make good use of it and enjoy it.
- SENTIMENTAL SAVER
Do you feel guilty throwing or giving away gifts from family and friends? Do you hoard the children's baby clothes in the loft or have their pictures oozing out of your home?
We all have items that are precious to us and we want to keep them. The solution is to review how you keep those memories alive.
For example, one of our customers decided to get rid of her grandmother's bureau that was clogging up her home but kept a small statue that's now displayed in pride of place.
For my own children, I've given them treasure boxes where they keep special items like their first baby outfit, school reports... They also have a scrap book where they keep precious pictures from their schoolwork - this means that we can throw away 99% of the books they come home with at the end of term.
- CONDITIONED COLLECTOR
For some people having lots of things around them brings a sense of security. It reminds them of home or a time when they were happy.
For others having material possessions symbolises wealth, ie: the more you have the more you feel you have achieved.
Collections show our emotional persona. It's easy to identify when a collection gets out of hand because the emphasis is on the quantity of items rather than the items themselves.
I love the Shaker philosophy that everything should be beautiful and functional. When a collection takes over the home it loses appeal and beauty, it's function starts to clutter the home and it becomes a distraction rather than an object of desire.
To break free from or control this clutter type you firstly need to recognise why you collect the items. Assess your collection(s) by asking yourself, if the house burnt down tomorrow what would you save? This helps you recognise what you are able to let go of.
Start by giving just one item away each week - and don't be tempted to replace it with a new item - this will help you recognise that you are in control of your life. The items remaining should be the things that have true meaning and a special place in your life.
Your home should also be much clearer and fresher after this exercise leaving you feeling invigorated and more relaxed.
- 'JUST IN CASE' JUNKIE
Are you the type of person that thinks, "the minute I get rid of it, I'll need it" or "I'll keep that just in case". Maybe you live by the Brownie/Scout motto - Be Prepared.
Being prepared is about being resourceful rather than having everything around you to cover every eventuality. You need to 'let go' of any personal insecurities about being 'caught short'. I know this is easier said than done but the more you let go, the freer you will become.
The 'just in case' junkie tends to raise their head in an economic downturn because the feeling of not having things when needed can also come from a sense of deprivation. The feeling that you can't afford to let things go and if you have an elastic band now then you should save it and squirrel it away for when you need it!
Remember, you need to be resourceful and live your life for the here and now rather than looking at the 99% of things that might, and hopefully never will, happen.
- SOCIAL SQUIRREL
This is linked to the Sentimental Saver but the items remind us of places and events rather than people we remember.
The items remind us of where we've been and the people we know.
When items become excessive it could be a sign of anxiety or trauma. The hoarding provides us with a safe and secure feeling. In times like these, you should consult professional help.
When we keep treasured items they should be 'in a place' that's organised. For myself and my children, we each have a treasure box and it's a great way to look back and remember whilst also being organised and clutter free.
Remember, you don't need to physically keep an item to remember it - you could just take a photograph of it.
- TREASURE HUNTER
Are you like me and just love rooting around in an antique shop or a junk shop to find that something unique, that piece of treasure! It's the feeling of uncertainty and surprise that's exciting.
When this gets out of hand and you start hoarding items it could be because the items give you a feeling of luck or protection against bad things happening.
It's time for you to ask yourself if you really need it before you buy it. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that posessions don't make you happy or stop things from happening. Be strict with yourself and dream of a holiday you could have with the money you save.
It's daunting reading these personality traits and my aim was to make you realise that your life experiences to date and your life as you live it now all lead to clutter unless we keep a check on it.
Of course, if you need a little help then just contact our declutter queen, Gwendoline (creative Interior Designer, GA Interiors).
Tel: 07841 519802
E-mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
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