Clutter is not just an individual household’s problem. It seems as if it has become a universal issue, where even the Earth is becoming a dumping ground. Did you know that 11.1% of US households currently rent a storage unit?
Now, it is food for thought to wonder what such units may hold. While some people use these units to store extra vehicles, others reserve their furniture, files, or even clothes. This is indeed shocking since US houses have only increased in size over the decades.
We are compelled to admit that there is a hidden hoarder inside all of us (to some extent). So, how do we put it to rest? In this article, we will discuss the importance of a clutter-free home in detail along with tips to maintain a clean space.
Reasons That Make a Clutter-Free Home Important
We daresay that the list talking about all the reasons why a clutter-free home is imperative would be extremely long. For the sake of the brevity of time, we shall discuss three of the most compelling reasons.
Less Stress
To put it bluntly, stuff causes stress. Have you experienced it? There has been a study that surveyed nearly 60 dual-income households. Many of them naturally had little to no time for a decluttered home.
As a result, women living in such households had greater levels of cortisol in their bodies. This is the hormone that triggers stress and anxiety. We humans were not designed to function optimally in a chaotic environment.
The more stuff or furniture a property houses, the more difficult it becomes for its residents to concentrate and be productive. Homes are known as sanctuaries, where one comes at the end of the day to relax and de-stress. The last thing you want is to retire to a place overflowing with mess.
More Space
This one is quite self-explanatory – the less stuff a home has, the more space there will be. Sometimes, even large mansions can seem suffocating simply because there’s too much clutter inside. Inversely, modest minimalistic homes can offer more breathability and a sense of freedom.
Moreover, too much clutter around the house can even become a legal mayhem. We are not exaggerating; let’s understand this using an example. St. Louis County, Missouri, is currently experiencing an affordable housing crisis.
People are compelled to settle for extremely modest homes at exorbitant prices. Even then, taxes can become a problem. Specifically for those who may have relocated from cities like Detroit or Pittsburgh, the only way to adjust is to size down their possessions. Otherwise, the property is bound to be a mess.
Amidst such chaos, the last thing someone wants is to have a third party experience a slip-and-fall accident on the property. If that happens, the injured party can go as far as suing with the help of a St. Louis personal injury attorney.
As per TorHoerman Law, slip-and-fall accident laws revolve around premises liability. This means the owner of the property will have to bear the compensation for the injuries. It may seem far-fetched but is not uncommon. Ask yourself whether all this seems worth the hassle.
Better Family Time and Relationships
This is generally an indirect positive effect of removing clutter from the home. If you have too much stuff lying around the house, it’s unlikely that the family will gather around to spend quality time. After all, where is the needed space to do so?
When there is more space, people automatically want to get together, play a board game, enjoy a movie night, etc. Moreover, as your friends observe a clean space, they will naturally be drawn to visit more often. This will strengthen bonds and nourish your familial and friendly relations.
Tips to Create and Maintain a Shipshape Home
Now that we have talked about the importance of a decluttered home, let’s look at ways to maintain it.
Pay No Heed to Trends
Does it seem like every time you achieve a decluttering goal, life throws a curveball in the form of a temptation? For instance – you just removed some unused equipment from your kitchen only to find a trending upgrade across social media.
Similarly, you could be gratifyingly taking in your minimalist living room one evening only to find yourself resenting the outdated backsplash the next morning. This battle is common and is easier to win when you know it’s coming.
Remind yourself that the primary reason you’re decluttering is to focus your attention and resources on what truly matters. Do not get sucked into this cycle again due to the allure of trends.
Set Realistic Expectations
Another reason why you may find it difficult to maintain a clutter-free home is a lack of realistic goals. If someone has a family of children under five, it is realistic to have toys lying around or walls smeared with crayons.
You must do what you can to clean the mess and teach your growing children but stay grounded. A perfectly curated home may look Pinterest-worthy but seldom appears to be lived in. Sometimes, you must hold up the sign, “Sorry for the mess! The kids are creating memories” and align your expectations with real life.
Make a Donation Hotspot
There must be some cozy corner of your household that can be turned into an inviting donation site. Those who have been minimalists for years shockingly discover that there is always room for more in the donation hotspot.
After all, we live in an age and mindset of abundance. Gradually, the donation box can house toys your children have outgrown, clothing, accessories, duplicate items, and more. It will become a good opportunity to prune and redeem unused goods.
This way, you can even get rid of things you may be holding onto just in case. Consider giving it away to someone in need today instead of clinging tight to something you’may’ need tomorrow.
Finally, here’s a decluttering secret you may not know—do not touch the object you’ve decided to part with! Yes, studies have found that simply touching an item can create a sense of emotional attachment. Even if you touch it, do not hold it for long or caress it, pondering the memories.
Try to remember the reasons why that item must go and stick to that decision. With this, we hope you enjoy a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing home free from clutter and chaos.
