Updated: June 25, 2021
Originally Published: March 18, 2017
If you were to share the biggest source of frustration in your home right now, chances are you’d say something like, “There’s just not enough space for all our things!” or “I really need to declutter all these toys and clothes that no one wears anymore!”
It’s no secret that we Americans have a penchant for accumulating stuff! We lead the world in consumerism, and our homes are undoubtedly some of the most cluttered on the planet. The average household in the U.S. contains a staggering 300,000 items—more than we can even keep track of. It’s disheartening to note that we spend more on clothing, shoes, and accessories than on higher education.
Our homes often boast more televisions than people, and we shell out a whopping 1.2 trillion dollars annually on non-essential items. The home organization sector has doubled in size over the past decade! We’ve even coined a term for our shopping habits: retail therapy. But what happens when we run out of space at home? Many of us resort to renting storage units—there are five times more of these than Starbucks locations in the U.S. Let that sink in for a moment.
You might think that having access to all these gadgets and gizmos would meet our needs, and in some ways, it does. We have tools designed to simplify our lives, and when clutter starts to pile up, we just invest in more storage solutions to contain it all. The irony? This often leads us to buy even more stuff because we now “have the space.”
This cycle of accumulation is relentless, and instead of feeling grateful for what we own, we find ourselves overwhelmed by our possessions. They might offer temporary joy, but they can never provide the lasting peace and contentment we truly seek. Instead, they take over our closets, under our beds, and every nook and cranny of our homes. When our belongings start to weigh on our mental health, it’s time to consider a shift towards minimalism.
In simpler terms, it’s time to start clearing out the excess. We often underestimate the amount of attention our belongings require. Trust me; I have enough living beings in my house demanding my focus—like my small children. According to Psychology Today, clutter can overstimulate our senses, leading to anxiety and making it harder to relax. It acts as a constant reminder of tasks left undone, draining us of our mental energy and distracting us from what truly matters.
Research indicates that an overabundance of household items can negatively impact women’s long-term well-being more than men’s. You may have noticed that while your partner can unwind in a messy environment, you find it almost impossible. We live in spacious homes filled with everything we desire, yet this overabundance leaves us feeling miserable. It’s no wonder that books on minimalism and simplifying life, like the KonMari method, have become so popular—they resonate with our desire to reclaim our lives from the burden of excess.
So, how do we start this journey?
Don’t go it alone; enlisting a friend who excels at decluttering can be immensely helpful. You know that one friend with the impeccably tidy home? Reach out to her! Having someone devoid of emotional attachments to your belongings can make a world of difference.
Begin with small, manageable goals—like tackling one drawer at a time—and resist the urge to bring in more unnecessary items. By gradually reducing the clutter in your home, you can foster a more peaceful environment that enhances your mental well-being.
For more insights on simplifying your life, consider checking out our blog post on decluttering here. And if you’re looking for resources surrounding pregnancy and home insemination, a visit to Healthline is a great place to start. For those considering at-home insemination, CryoBaby offers reputable kits that can assist you in your journey.
In summary, cutting back on clutter can lead to profound improvements in your mental health, transforming your space into a sanctuary rather than a source of stress.