Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Space: Cost of Clutter

Do you think you have too much stuff and not enough space? Space is more than likely not your problem. One thing is for sure: you have too much stuff.

There is a cost to clutter. It’s not just the monetary value of the things you own. Most of the things we all own are not valued at the price you paid for it. In fact, most products lose a huge chunk of their value when you bring them home.

The Cost of Clutter

The cost of clutter can be measured in many ways. There is a financial cost, a time cost, an emotional cost, a health cost, a social cost, and a productivity cost.

You may be asking yourself, how would there be a financial cost to having too much stuff and not enough space? 

Financial Cost

Let’s start with financial issues since they are the most evident. Most people in this situation begin the idea of paying for storage space. That costs a month. When you think about it, if you are paying a monthly fee to keep your stuff somewhere, that is a ridiculous expense. 

The only time you should be paying for storage is if you are in transition between living spaces. 

Many people with too much stuff also buy replacements for things they can’t find buried in the mess. Plus, you’re missing out on cash you could get from selling valuable items that are just gathering dust.

Read more on How to Make Money on Poshmark by Decluttering.

Time Cost

Time is money. Clutter eats up your time. You waste hours searching for misplaced items and need extra time to clean around all the stuff.

Plus, it drains your mental energy as you spend too much time deciding what to keep or toss.

Emotional Cost

When you have too much stuff and not enough space, it raises your stress and anxiety levels. It can make you feel overwhelmed by the loads of stuff.

Living in a cluttered space often translates to mental clutter, affecting focus and productivity.

Health Cost

This is the one everyone is always surprised by. It’s really not that difficult to understand when you think about dust, mold, and allergens that build up in cluttered spaces.  Not only does the stuff hurt your respiratory health, but it also creates safety hazards, increasing the risk of trips and falls.

On top of that, living in a cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of depression and lower your overall mental well-being.

Can a messy room cause depression? It can most definitely lead to it and exacerbate symptoms. 

Social Cost

You might feel embarrassed to invite friends and family over because of the mess. There is something very liberating about not having to “straighten up” before someone comes over. We love the thought that if anyone walks into our home, it is all going to be fine. 

You might isolate yourself to avoid the hassle of dealing with your cluttered space. This can lead to social anxiety and greater thoughts of anxiety. 

Productivity Cost

Whether working from home or in the office, clutter can seriously hurt your productivity. Plus, a messy environment stifles creativity and clear thinking. It distracts you and makes it harder to stay focused.

You may ask yourself, “Why can’t I stop procrastinating?” It very well could be your clutter. 

Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Space: Decluttering Process

If you have read all about the cost of clutter, maybe you are now working on your mindset for getting rid of the extra stuff. There is a big difference between want and need.

Your home is your sanctuary. Saying you don’t have enough space doesn’t mean that your house or apartment is too small. It means you need to assess your clutter and begin decluttering and home organization with what remains.

If you want decluttering tips or guidance, try our 30-day Declutter Challenge. It is free and will not take too much time out of your life. You will begin to realize that clutter is not just the boxes of items that you don’t need or use. Digital and mental clutter also takes up too much room in your brain.

Your life is worth much more than the material things you own or leave behind. Let’s get to living!

You may be interested in reading how to start decluttering.

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