Clutter Definition: What Exactly Is It So We Can Confidently Declutter With Clarity?
With an actual clutter definition, we can clear space like a boss so much more easily!
Someone once said, “Release the clutter in your life and set yourself free!” Sounds good, right?
But, wait … what exactly are we supposed to get rid of?
We are all different with what we’ve got stashed and stored in our homes. It follows that the reason we hang on to certain things will likewise be unique.
Yet while there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to decluttering, it is possible to create a universal clutter definition.
This can be the starting point for all of us. After all, there are always going to be the obvious things that need to hit the curb immediately. Think expired, worn-out, or broken items.
From there, we can then define our own personal parameters for what to keep and what to let go.
Clutter can’t be released until we know how to identify it! Shall we do this?
This Post presents A Basic Clutter Definition, Which Is The First Step To Successfully Clearing Space In Your Place!
A Common Clutter Definition is "Anything you don't need, use, or want any more."
What do you think about that?
I mean, really: if you don’t need it or don’t use it, it’s just occupying valuable space!
On the other hand, if you want it or love it, that definitely stays!
When we have a clear idea on how to view clutter, it becomes so much easier to identify it in our homes. Additionally, it also makes for a smoother process to part ways with clutter.
Ready to go a little deeper?
Clutter Definition Part I: What is "Need"?
When we say we “need” something, we are affirming that something supports us where we are at in our lives.
It makes our daily routine possible. It helps us get things done. We’d be kind of lost without this stuff!
Think about the basic cookware in your kitchen … your coffeepot, your microwave or your instant pot.
So we’re talking about things that maintain our lifestyle now or the one we are heading towards.
On the other hand, what about all the stuff that never or rarely if ever makes it out of the closet or out of the drawers? We should view our belongings with a critical eye and determine if they truly deserve a place in our homes.
So this leads to the next concept of what we actually reach for as we go about our days.
Clutter Definition Part II: What is "Use"?
Now this is shining a light when we refer to utility!
In other words, we are talking about stuff that we actively rely on. We might not use these items daily or weekly. It might just be a couple times during the year. But they’re definitely serving a purpose.
On the other hand, if things are sitting idle, waiting for “some day” or “just in case”, imagine the negative energy they emit. They’re gathering dust, taking up space. Which then causes guilt.
Who needs that vibe in the home!
Clutter Definition Part III: What Is "Want"?
Here’s where we’re really getting to the crux of things!
When we say we “want” something, it generally means we see value with it playing a role in our lives. We are talking about something that represents an important person, place or experience. What they do is bring a smile to our faces or inspire us to achieve something more.
Once again, the items that we want will be unique to each of us. But what they have in common is that we love them!
Personalization is what makes our house a home!
However, the key to maintaining a practical quantity of things is this: do we still feel this way now. And how many of these things do we keep?
Is our house a home or a museum?
So Now: What Should Go?
At last, with this universal clutter definition, all kinds of things start to come to mind that we should release, don’t they?!
A short list would include:
– It’s no longer your style
-You have too many duplicates
– It was an impulse buy, now collecting dust
What else would you add to this list?
It’s so easy to have clutter creepage in our homes, isn’t it? Mail arrives daily and lingers on the countertop. Makeup samples and faded towels are crammed in our bathroom cabinets. Our clothes are a range of sizes and eras. We can’t even see everything we own at a glance!
Moreover, many things can be in perfectly good condition. But we just don’t care for them, use them, or need them anymore.
Sounds like it’s time to dig in with some overdue decluttering sessions, don’t you think?
The Wrap:This post created a common clutter definition so we can confidently release what we no longer need, use or want!
Choices we’ve made about the stuff in our homes can be overdo for examination.
With an established clutter definition, you will now start to see a pattern with what might be overdue for releasing.
Take some time to walk through your house. Open your closets and drawers. Look at your belongings with fresh eyes.
After all, decluttering clears space for new items which truly support your next season!
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Related Topics and Resources to Explore
Declutter Like a Boss With The PopUpPurge™ Book
A Decluttering Checklist for Better Living Today, Not “Some Day”!
Uncluttering Your Life in a New Season Leads to 3 Priceless Developments
Swedish Death Cleaning: A Savvy Celebration of Life (Really!)
Parents: Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff!
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Your turn!
- What do you think about this clutter definition?
- What kind of clutter seems to be your Achilles?
Share your thoughts below … and thanks for stopping by!