Many People May Benefit From Help in Clearing Clutter From Their Homes

Some people may have accumulated possessions over time and find it challenging to declutter on their own.

Overwhelmed by the Mess: Accumulating possessions over time and finding it challenging to declutter can be influenced by various factors, and the reasons can vary from person to person. Some common causes include:

1. Sentimental Attachment: People often form emotional connections to objects, associating them with memories, relationships, or significant life events. Letting go of these items can be emotionally difficult.
2. Fear of Loss or Regret: Individuals may fear that they will regret getting rid of certain items in the future. This fear can hinder the decision-making process during decluttering.
3. Materialism: Society’s emphasis on material possessions and consumer culture can contribute to a mindset of acquiring and holding onto things as a measure of success or happiness.
4. Lack of Organization Skills: Some individuals may struggle with organization and time management, making it challenging for them to maintain a clutter-free living space.
5. Mental Health Issues: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD can impact a person’s ability to focus, make decisions, or initiate and sustain organizational efforts.
6. Compulsive Hoarding: Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of possessions, difficulty discarding items, and significant distress associated with discarding.
7. Avoidance of Decision-Making: Decluttering often involves making decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard. Some people may find decision-making overwhelming or anxiety-inducing, leading them to avoid the process altogether.
8. External Stressors: Life changes, such as moving, divorce, or loss, can contribute to stress and make it challenging for individuals to prioritize decluttering.
9. Perceived Scarcity: Some individuals may have a mindset rooted in a fear of scarcity, causing them to hold onto items they believe might be useful in the future.
10. Cultural and Family Influences: Upbringing and cultural values can play a role in shaping attitudes toward possessions. For example, individuals from families that place a high value on saving or collecting items may be more inclined to accumulate possessions.

Our things occupy more than physical space—they also take up emotional space. That’s why it can be so hard to let go of the items we’ve accumulated over time, even if they no longer serve a useful purpose.

I’m Cheryl Iodice from ClearSpace, and I specialize in helping people break through those barriers to reclaim space in their lives. From individuals with over accumulation issues to adult children helping parents transition out of the longtime family home, ClearSpace provides expertise and support for anyone looking to downsize, or simply get control of their stuff. And I’ll use plenty of my own elbow grease to help, too!