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Decluttering, Downsizing, Intentional Living, Minimalism, Organization

10 Telltale Signs Your Possessions Are Overwhelming Your Life

Jamie Perkins

·

May 15, 2023

“If you have not used it in the last year, it probably belongs in the trash!”
― Steven Magee

Owning a lot of possessions can sometimes become overwhelming, leading to clutter and disorganization in your life. Maybe today is the day for you to realize it’s time to begin to declutter and simplify your life.

The following piece will provide you with 10 signs you own too much stuff, helping you pinpoint areas in your life where you can make changes to reduce stress and live more efficiently. By the end, you’ll be prepared to tackle your excess belongings head-on and create a more organized and peaceful living environment.

The Cluttered Home

Have you ever found yourself struggling to find something in your own home? Do you feel like there’s just too much stuff around you and you can’t seem to keep it organized? If so, you may be dealing with a cluttered home.

Overflowing Closets

One of the first signs of a cluttered home is overflowing closets. When you have more clothes than you can fit in your closet, it’s time to start decluttering. You may find items you haven’t worn in years, old shoes that need to be thrown away, or clothes that no longer fit. Getting rid of these items can help make space for the clothes you actually wear.

Packed Drawers

Another sign of a cluttered home is packed drawers. When your drawers are so full that you can’t close them properly, it’s time to start decluttering. You may find items that you forgot you even had, or items that you’ve been holding onto for sentimental reasons. Getting rid of these items can help make space for the items you actually use.

“I decided to break the trend of accumulating stuff sooner rather than later. I moved to smaller homes ahead of my need. I downsized before I was forced to do so.”
― Lisa J. Shultz

Stacks of Paperwork

Do you have stacks of paperwork taking up valuable desk space? If so, you need to declutter and organize them and train yourself to touch a piece of paper one time, from start to finish. If you do this, you’ll never have another stack of paper.

In the meantime, take a deep breath, grab a pen, and let’s get this sorted. Get a trash can and start tossing any obvious junk like old receipts or outdated letters. Sort the remaining papers into categories like bills, important documents, and reference materials. Use folders or trays to keep each category separate and label them for easy access.

Set up a regular schedule to go through and shred any papers you no longer need. With a little bit of effort and organization, you’ll have a clutter-free workspace in no time.

Emotional Attachment

Inability to Let Go

It’s common to develop emotional attachments to our belongings, especially those with sentimental value. However, when these attachments become so strong that we can’t bear to part with possessions, they can become a sign that we own too much stuff.

Have you ever found yourself struggling to get rid of an item, even though you haven’t used it in years? Perhaps it’s a shirt that doesn’t fit anymore, or an old book that you know you’ll never read again. This inability to let go of possessions can be a sign that you’re emotionally attached to them.

There are many reasons why we might struggle to let go of our belongings. We might worry that we’ll regret getting rid of something later, or that we’ll be throwing away something that could have value in the future. We might also feel guilty about getting rid of something that was a gift or has sentimental value.

However, when we’re holding onto things that we don’t need or use, we’re cluttering up our living spaces and making it harder to find the things we do need. Learning to let go of possessions that no longer serve us can be a liberating experience.

Memories Tied to Objects

“The reason many people in our society are miserable, sick, and highly stressed is because of an unhealthy attachment to things they don’t even need.”
― Steve Maraboli

Many of us have possessions that are tied to memories. Perhaps it’s a photo album that reminds us of a happy time in our lives, or a piece of jewelry that was passed down from a loved one. While it’s natural to feel attached to these items, it’s important to recognize when we’re holding onto things simply because of the memories they evoke.

Memories don’t have to be tied to physical objects. While it’s nice to have reminders of happy times, we shouldn’t let our possessions define our memories. Instead, try taking photos of sentimental items and storing them digitally. Or consider donating the item to someone who will appreciate it as much as you did.

Overall, emotional attachment to our belongings can be a sign that we own too much stuff. While it’s important to hold onto items that bring us joy and serve a purpose in our lives, we should also be willing to let go of things that are cluttering up our space and holding us back.

Financial Stress

Difficulty Paying Bills

When you own too much stuff, it can lead to financial stress, which can make it difficult to pay your bills. You might find that you are struggling to make ends meet and are constantly worried about money. This is because owning too many things can lead to overspending, which can then lead to debt.

No Room for Savings

Another sign that you own too much stuff is when you find that you have no room for savings. When you are constantly buying things, you are not setting money aside for emergencies or for your future. This can leave you in a precarious financial situation, where you have no safety net to fall back on in case of an emergency.

“Financial peace isn’t the acquisition of stuff. It’s learning to live on less than you make, so you can give money back and have money to invest. You can’t win until you do this.” — Dave Ramsey

Financial stress is a common sign that you might be owning too much stuff. If you find that you are struggling to pay your bills or have no room for savings, it might be time to reassess your spending habits and consider downsizing your possessions.

Social Isolation

Embarrassment to Have Visitors

When you own too much stuff, it can be difficult to maintain a clean and organized home. This can lead to embarrassment and shame when inviting others over to your space. You may feel hesitant to have visitors because of the clutter, mess, and lack of space to socialize.

Not having a welcoming home that you can be proud of can lead to missed opportunities for socializing and connecting with others. It can also lead to feelings of loneliness, as you may feel disconnected from the people around you.

Lack of Space to Socialize

Another sign that you may own too much stuff is when you don’t have enough space to socialize comfortably. This can be especially true in smaller living spaces where every inch counts.

When you have too much stuff, it can be difficult to find a place to sit or even walk around. This can make it challenging to have friends and family over for social events or even just to hang out and relax.

Having a clutter-free and spacious home can help alleviate feelings of social isolation and allow you to enjoy the company of others in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Time Management

Do you feel like there are never enough hours in the day? Are you constantly running late or missing appointments? These could be signs that you own too much stuff. Here are a couple of ways that owning too many possessions can impact your time management skills.

Difficulty Finding Things

When you own a lot of stuff, it can be hard to keep track of everything. You may find yourself spending hours searching for a single item, like your car keys or your husband’s favorite recipe. This not only wastes time, but it can also cause stress and frustration.

One way to combat this issue is to organize your belongings as you declutter your home. Get rid of items that you no longer need or use and organize the things that you decide to keep. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it, allowing you to spend less time searching and more time doing the things that are important to you.

Time Spent Organizing

Another way that owning too much stuff can impact your time management is by taking up valuable time that could be spent on other activities. When you have a lot of possessions, it can be difficult to keep everything organized. You may find yourself spending hours each week cleaning, sorting, and putting things away.

While it’s important to keep your home clean and tidy, it’s also important to remember that time is a precious commodity. Instead of spending all your free time organizing your possessions, consider simplifying your life.

This could mean downsizing your home, buying fewer things, or finding ways to reduce clutter in your current space. By doing so, you’ll free up more time to spend on the things that truly matter to you.

It’s Never too Late to get Started

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your life, know that you’re not alone. Many people struggle with clutter and the feeling of being suffocated by their possessions. But by recognizing the signs that you own too much stuff, and taking action to simplify, you can create a more balanced and joyful life. Remember, it’s not about how much you own, but how much joy and meaning your possessions bring to your life.
Organization, Travel

Minimalist Packing List: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers

Jamie Perkins

·

April 27, 2023

Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing. You never want to forget anything, but at the same time, you don’t want to bring too much. That’s where a minimalist packing list comes in handy.

With just a few key items, you can travel light and stress-free. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need for the ultimate minimalist packing list.

The Benefits of a Minimalist Packing List

Before we get into the specifics of what to pack, let’s talk about why a minimalist packing list is so beneficial. First of all, it saves you time. When you have fewer items to pack, you spend less time packing and unpacking.

Additionally, it saves you money. When you pack lighter, you can avoid baggage fees and other extra costs. Finally, it saves you stress. When you’re not lugging around a heavy suitcase, you can focus on enjoying your trip.

What to Pack in Your Carry-on Luggage

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, a minimalist packing list means sticking to the basics. Bring versatile items that can be dressed up or down. Stick to neutral colors so that you can mix and match easily. Here’s a list of what to pack:

2-3 pairs of pants or shorts

4-5 shirts

5-6 pairs of underwear and socks

1 dress or skirt (for women)

1 pair of comfortable walking shoes

1 pair of dressier shoes

1 jacket or sweater (wear your heavy items on the plane to free up space in your suitcase)

1 bathing suit (if needed)

Toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, it’s easy to overpack. Stick to the essentials and remember that most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Here’s what to pack:

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Deodorant

Sunscreen/Moisturizer

Makeup (if needed)

Electronics

Electronics are another area where it’s easy to overpack. Stick to the basics and remember that most hotels provide hairdryers and irons. Here’s what to pack:

Phone and charger

Laptop and charger (if needed)

Camera and charger (if needed)

Headphones (if needed)

Final Thoughts

A minimalist packing list is a great way to travel stress-free. By sticking to the essentials, you can save time, money, and stress. Remember to pack versatile clothing, essential toiletries, and only the necessary electronics. Less is more…enjoy the journey!
Decluttering, Organization

Let’s Get Started

Jamie Perkins

·

April 21, 2023

“When your intention is clear, so is the way.” Alan Cohen

One Room at a Time

Are you feeling uncomfortable with the amount of stuff in your house? Are there areas where clutter has totally taken over and you aren’t sure where to even begin decluttering? Decluttering and organizing your home might seem like an unnerving task, but you’ll be amazed to see just how much better you will feel once the job is done.

Clutter can have a negative impact on our well-being, and it can cause needless stress and anxiety. Your home should be a calm, relaxing space. When you focus on your end goal and why you want to achieve it, it can help motivate you throughout the decluttering process.

How does clutter affect your life?

Clutter is defined as a collection of things lying about in an untidy mess.

Examples of clutter include books and magazines, sports equipment and games, sculptures and baskets, a stack of papers on your desk in need of attention – anything that could be left out of place and considered unorganized.

Most of us have some kind of clutter in our homes. Whether it’s a kitchen counter that’s covered in stuff, a “junk” drawer that’s become a dumping ground for things that don’t have a home, or a garage that’s become a place to stick things you don’t know what to do with.

The best place to start is with a plan. Focus on one room and then one space within that room at a time so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Make Your Bedroom a Relaxing Retreat

The bedroom is an easy space for clutter to accumulate for a few reasons. Aside from sleeping, most people don’t spend too much time there. It’s also a space that most people generally don’t invite visitors into so it can be an easy place to hide clutter.

1. Clear out your closet and dresser drawers

Empty the closet and drawers and get rid of socks that don’t have a match, things that no longer fit, and anything else you don’t need to keep. Only put back those things that you actually wear or are using. Don’t give in to the “I might need this sometime” mentality. That kind of thinking is what got you in this situation.

2. Don’t forget your bedside tables

Why do bedside tables have a tendency to accumulate clutter? I’m not sure why that is, but they do. Determine what doesn’t belong there and find appropriate homes for them.

3. Take a good look at your bed

Your bed should bring you a sense of comfort. It’s your place to relax and refresh. The right bedding can make all the difference. Choose fabrics which are appropriate for your climate so that you sleep comfortably.

Be sure to make your bed when you get up in the morning and don’t use it as a place to stack things. Remember, your bedroom is your retreat.

Declutter Your Bathroom and Just Keep the Essentials

The bathroom is another hot spot for clutter. Drawers and cabinets make it easy to keep clutter out of sight and out of mind, and bathroom counters can quickly become inundated – especially in a shared space. Here’s how to begin decluttering your bathroom.

1. Clean out cabinets and drawers

No doubt, you’ll find expired medication, old makeup, broken or damaged items, and plenty of other stuff you won’t actually use again. Get rid of all of it and just put back the items which are essential for your use.

2. What’s on the counter top?

Keeping lots of stuff on your bathroom counter is sure to make the space feel cluttered. And after you clean out those cabinets and drawers, you should have extra space to put some of that stuff away. Get in the habit of putting things away when you’re finished with them.

3. Just the essentials

As you declutter the bathroom, focus on just the essential items that you use regularly. This perspective shift of keeping your mind on the things you love can make it easier to let go of the things that aren’t getting used.

The Kitchen and Countertops

Whether or not you enjoy cooking, the kitchen can easily become a spot where clutter accumulates because people enjoy hanging out in the kitchen. Also, lots of counter space means plenty of room to let clutter stack up.

Much of this clutter does belong in the kitchen – spices, fruit bowls, utensils, cutting boards, and small appliances that take up a lot of space but don’t see much use.

Other times, that clutter involves things like keys, mail, books, water bottles, and random stuff that shouldn’t even be in the kitchen. Here’s how to begin decluttering your kitchen and give yourself the peace of mind clear countertops bring.

1. Sort through each of your cabinets and drawers

Make room for storage by getting rid of anything that needs to go, like expired spices, food storage containers without lids, chipped glasses and dishes, and duplicates of utensils you don’t use. Get rid of those spoon and spatula sets you purchased…you know you only use your favorite one!

2. Clear the countertops

Find storage spaces in your cupboards for anything that doesn’t truly need to be kept out in the open. Toasters, blenders, crockpots, mixers, and other bulky countertop stuff can be kept elsewhere and brought out when needed. You’ll love the feeling of clear countertops. You’ll be amazed at what a huge difference it makes. The kitchen will feel bigger and you’ll see how much more workspace there is.

3. Moving on to the pantry

If you have a pantry or larger food storage cupboard, when was the last time you really checked what’s inside? Pull everything out, check the expiration dates, and get rid of stuff that’s expired.

And for the rest, ask yourself if you’re really going to eat that. If not, donate it to a food bank or to your favorite charity.

Most likely, now you will have plenty of extra space to store some of those small appliances you rarely use.

Make Your Living Room a Space You Love

The living room is the heart of many homes. With so many family members passing through and spending time in this space, clutter can quickly pile up.

Fortunately, with a little effort, you can take care of that clutter and transform your living room into an organized space that you love. Here’s how to begin decluttering your living room.

1. Clean up the coffee table

Like many of us, if your coffee table has become a hotspot for clutter, clear it off. If it’s one that comes with drawers for storage, go through that too. Get rid of everything that does not belong there.

2. Clear out the general clutter

Is there stuff on the floor? Stuff on the couch? Things shoved on shelves that don’t belong? Start from one corner of the room and work your way around, removing all of the clutter that crosses your path.

3. Evaluate your media collection

If you keep shelves filled with DVDs or Blu-ray discs in your living room, you may want to consider paring down your collection or storing them in media binders which can be tucked away in a cabinet.

You may just want to keep your favorites and sell or donate the ones you won’t watch again. Now that most everything is available through the cloud, you don’t really need to keep as many physical copies of movies anymore.

Benefits of Decluttering

Decluttering your house will have a positive impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it brings other benefits, too! Here are just a few of the ways in which you may benefit from decluttering your home.

Save Time

The little moments you spend looking for stuff and moving things from one pile to the next really do add up. You’ll be surprised to see how much time you save when you live in an organized space, with every item in it’s place.

Save Money

Have you ever bought something that you knew you already owned but simply couldn’t find? A tool, an appliance, a piece of clothing? That won’t happen if you live in an organized house – at least, it’ll happen a lot less!

That isn’t the only way you’ll save money. By keeping a clean and organized kitchen, you may be more inclined to cook instead of ordering delivery or takeout. And by making your home a relaxing, organized space where you enjoy spending time, you might save on going out.

Sleep Better

Trying to sleep in a cluttered place can be challenging – consciously for some people, and subconsciously for others. By decluttering and organizing your bedroom, chances are you’ll find yourself resting better at night.

Less Stress

Clutter can stress us out and make us unhappy. By eliminating that source of stress, you’ll find yourself more relaxed, in a better mood, and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you.

Decluttering can be Liberating

You’ll be amazed to see just how much better life can be when you aren’t living in a cluttered space. Make a plan to declutter your house room by room, and once you start seeing the progress you’ve made, you’ll be even more motivated to keep it going.