Why do we hold on to things?  How do our homes become cluttered in the first place?

There are several reasons: memories, tradition, and moments-in-time are important to all of us.  Somewhere, on a visceral level, we fear that by letting go of an item we are relinquishing and/or devaluing the memory we have attached to the item.

Does this mean I recommend throwing everything away and not keeping any trinkets of times past?  No, I recommend being purposeful and thoughtful about every item that we agree to take up space in our home.  Our home is our sanctuary, and when it is stifled by physical clutter, we run the risk of being emotionally and mentally stifled, as well.

We live in a materia listic society.  Things can give a person status, comfort, recognition, a smile.  None of that is necessarily negative. However, if we rely on things for our positive attitude, then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.  We become vulnerable, satisfied only by the stuff alone, and stuff does not ever seem to fill the void.

There are many ways we collect things. Any method by which we get something –whether by someone giving it to us, passing it down generation-to—generation or not being able to pass a clearance rack without a purchase — the decision to keep it is ours alone.  Whether you buy something on a whim, are given a gift that you know you won’t use or just can’t pass up a bargain, you have to remember that you are choosing to keep that item in your environment. Be intentional and aggressive about what enters your home in the first place.

Many times, accumulating things can be meeting more of an emotional need than an actual physical need.  Ever heard of retail therapy?  Many people say this jokingly but it is a real situation and can become addictive. Evaluate your reason for purchasing an it. Are you getting a temporary rush (fix), and then going to be stuck with the item for the long haul?  Do you hold on to something in your attic for its sentimental value, but haven’t looked at or thought about the item in several years?  Does stuff give you a sense of security, rather than relationships giving you that same feeling?

Don’t misunderstand!  There are things in my home, knickknacks even that make me smile and transport me back to a time and place with my husband or children, which warms my heart.  Those are the types of things you want to keep.  That is not clutter.  Those are valuable belongings.  The things you would want to take if you had to evacuate your home and could only take a few things with you.  Clutter is made up of those things that you pick up to dust under and wonder where it came from. Sometimes, we don’t even like it!  Another clue that something is clutter is if you just move it from home to home, never unpacking it but still keeping it.

The new year is an excellent time to re-evaluate the things and objects that clutter up your environment.  Ask yourself some key questions:

• Does this item bring me joy?
• Is it useful?
• Do I have something else that serves the same purpose?
• Would I notice if this item were not in my home?

Clutter does not have to run your life.  Take control of your environment by making decisions about the things that are cluttering up your life and your home.