Why Are We Cluttered?

Before I attempt to give any reasons on the causes of residential clutter, let me first say that clutter issues are quite common. However, when the clutter has gotten out of control, feelings of anxiety, nervousness, unease, and embarrassment set in. At that point, a life change is a must. Having too much clutter can reduce a space that was once intended to be a place of calm, peace and relaxation into an area that is now cramped and in total disarray.

One of the chief culprits of clutter in the American homes is excessive shopping. Let face it, having access to spending money is the U.S. is easier than ever before. Americans use 1.2 billion credit cards and carry an average total of $8,562 in consumer debt. Fifteen percent of households have home equity loans and credit lines, too. Meanwhile, we are purchasing more than what we will ever need, use or enjoy. At the same time, we are not letting enough of our useless possessions go.

An average of 80% of home have some sort of clutter in it. Psychologists estimate that 3 million Americans never throw anything out. We have all come from ancient deribritives of hunters and gatherers. But here is the catch - the opportunities to acquire or "gather" have skyrocketed ! The old corner store once stocked fewer than 1,000 items. Today, a Wal-Mart SuperCenter covers a quarter-million square feet -- that's nearly six acres -- and carries 130,000 products. If you can't make it to the store, merchandisers will even bring it to your fingertips! Online, 49 million people order $7 billion in merchandise annually from Amazon.com. EBay auctioned possessions worth $34.2 billion last year. The ability to acquire too much STUFF is mind boggling.

So here is a tip that will surely work: When you purchase an item, make an honest attempt to get rid of a like item in that category. For example: if you purchase a cute blue sweater, then get rid of that ugly red Christmas sweater that you haven't worn in 3 years!

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