3 Common Excuses That Clutterers Use
Many people who live a clutter-filled and disorganized life hate the way they live. Clutterers know they have too much stuff, and that is owning them rather than them owning it. Although they realize their homes are overrun with possessions, they continue to bring in more stuff without getting rid of anything first.
Very oftenclutterers vow that they would like to get a handle on it, and to live in a clean and organized manner. Something seems to stand in their way, and they will inevitably come up with an excuse for not letting go. Here are 3 of the most common excuses.
I might need it someday. How many times have you held onto that box of clothes that you will wear when you lose those 20 pounds — someday. Have you held onto those piles of magazines because the children may need to use them for school projects? Is your workshop cluttered with piles and cans of screws, bolts, nuts and nails that may come in handy some day?
Being prepared for the future is a good thing. But it can prevent us from living for today. Many of those things you hang onto represent the hopes and dreams you had. Throw them out. Make room for new dreams.
It is just too important. Our possessions often seem important because of their sentimental value. Again, this may just be an excuse to be living in the past. Those stacks of old photos or ragged pictures your 5 year old drew can symbolize good memories. But are they really a necessary for remembering good times? Weed through them, keep a few if you must, but let the others go.
Other things that have attained that Too Important To Throw Away status are souvenirs of past achievements. Often these are from many years ago. How many high school band awards or ribbons from the grade 5 track meet have you hung onto?
It is worth too much money. Some of the most difficult things to give up are those that cost a lot of money. Does your closet hold expensive business suits you wore 20 years ago when you had that great sales job? Have you held onto those golf clubs or downhill skis even though you no longer take up those sports? What about kitchen appliances that you paid good money for, but never use, or power tools that have never made it out of the box?
Sure, it cost good money when you bought it and fully intended to use it. But it is costing you to hang onto those unused expensive items. Not only are they taking up valuable space in your home, they are taking up space in your mind. Why not try to access some of that investment you have tied up by selling those things.
Have you recognized in yourself one of these 3 common excuses for not letting go of your clutter? If you have clutter in your life, you have probably found a way to justify it. Perhaps it is time to stop making excuses and start dealing with it.
