Clutter and me, 2025.

I’ve had a bit of an epiphany lately about clutter and excess.  I know how dangerous it can be, emotionally and physically. I see how it impacts daily lives. But I can’t do anything about it in other people’s lives unless they ask for help. And, given that the generally accepted recidivism rate for hoarders returning to hoarding behavior is 97%, there isn’t much chance of success anyway. I know that’s a rather negative attitude, but it’s also a realistic one. 

Coming from about 25 years of addiction, personally,  I know that it only changes when the owner of the addiction really wants to change. Anything else is a band-aid solution. 

 Let’s start by talking the same language. I think it is essential to define ‘clutter’. While, technically, clutter is anything not in its allocated space, the problem arises if those possessions never make it back to their assigned space because that space is now occupied by other possessions.

 If a task takes twice as long to perform because too many possessions need to be moved first, there is a problem. If the residents buy things only to find they already have one, two, or three of that item, there is a problem.

 If the floors can’t be swept or cleaned easily, without moving boxes or storage totes, or piles of possessions, there is a problem.

 A few other life situations impacted by clutter: 

 Allergies and respiratory issues

Reduced physical activity

Hygiene and cleanliness

Reduced productivity

Feelings of shame or embarrassment

Decision fatigue

Depression and low mood

Diminished sense of control

And as an interjection, organized excess is still excess. If all the closets and drawers are packed full of things never looked at or used, there is an excess issue. 

 And now for the heretical approach to clutter and excess. The best action, for everyone concerned, may be inaction. Even if personal health and safety are at risk, and they know that and don’t want to change, maybe what we need to do is nothing.  Here are some considerations for just leaving things alone:

 Personal Comfort: If the person genuinely feels comfortable, happy, and stress-free in their environment, the clutter might not have a negative impact on their well-being.

Creative Environment: Some people thrive in what others may perceive as a cluttered space, finding inspiration and energy in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. They may want to have a lot of memory-invoking objects around them. Think Victorian– the nick-nacks were like TV; they were conversation starters.

Acceptance of Lifestyle: If an individual has acknowledged their lifestyle and is not negatively affected in terms of health, relationships, or productivity, there might be no urgent need to declutter. Bear in mind, though, that excess accumulation is an addiction and addicts rarely admit that their behavior is an addiction. Once they do, they may be closer to overcoming it, but until then they are often masters at avoidance.

Emotional Attachment: Objects in the clutter may have extreme sentimental value, and forcing a change can lead to emotional distress.

 If it’s the way the person wants to live, I’m done discussing or ‘suggesting’. This year, I’m determined to change my approach. I know I can’t change theirs. I’m going to hope my people who are suffering under the weight of excess see through the fog and get help, but if they can’t, or won’t, it’s their choice. My choice? I don’t have to go into those homes or mention how they live. It’s really very simple. I can only control how I live.