Clutter is not just clutter. There are more deep-seated reasons why we can be plagued with it.
Most reasons fall into one of three categories:
1. External - Living with a cluttered parent/roommate/spouse or inherited clutter.
Clutter rooted in external causes can be tricky to overcome. You might not be able to
transform someone else completely, which means you may be continually plagued with clutter to
some degree as long as you live in the same space with them.
If you are struggling with inherited clutter, the situation can be stressful as you are required to take
the time to sort through the items you have acquired. The good news is that this type of clutter
will most likely be short-term. A professional organizer can identify the external reasons and provide
solutions that work for everyone involved.
2. Behavioral - Mediocre decision-making skills, lack of energy, poor categorization and
classifications skills.
Clutter resulting from behavioral causes or lack of skill can be more manageable than other
categories of clutter. You can learn and/or improve skill sets, change habits and discover ways to
increase energy levels. It can take some time to overcome these behaviors, but it is possible to do
so within a reasonable amount of time with practice. A professional organizer can help you to identify
and improve your skills and habits more efficiently.
3. Internal - Grief, depression, anxiety, lack of trust, overly sentimental.
Internal clutter is similar to external clutter in that its solutions vary greatly from situation to
situation. In most cases, working with a licensed mental health practitioner or doctor in conjunction
with a professional organizer is a positive step in the right direction. For those that are overly
sentimental, uncluttering assistance from a professional organizer might be all that is needed.
Sometimes it can be more difficult or a slower process, but there are tools that you can learn to
better manage the situation or solve it altogether. Seeking help from an outside source is generally a
good idea.
You might find that your clutter is stemming from more than one of these three categories at the
same time or perhaps by another cause. Clutter can be a complex issue, but knowing why it is in
your life can go a long way in helping your find a solution that works for you.
If you find that you are overwhelmed with your clutter, no matter what the cause, I can help you to
identify the why and find solutions that work specifically for you. I am here to help.
Contact me to schedule a phone consultation if you would like to discuss your particular situation in
more detail.
