Mess. Rubbish. Accumulation. There are many terms for the items we allow to pile up in our homes. It might be a wardrobe bursting with clothes that no longer fit or an attic overflowing with old or broken belongings. Regardless of what it is or where it’s located, this clutter can harm your household’s health and financial stability. Let’s explore why you should declutter and rejuvenate your home.
Did you realize the typical American home holds over 300,000 items? From paper clips to children’s toys, all these little things accumulate into a massive amount of stuff. Sometimes, this abundance can be harmful. For example, as dust settles on neglected piles, it can trigger allergies and other unwelcome symptoms. These piles can also create tripping hazards.
Accumulations of stuff can also heighten stress levels; numerous studies indicate a link between clutter and increased stress. Elevated stress levels — whether from work, home, or other sources — are detrimental to our health. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 80% of medical expenses in the United States are stress-related.
Beyond stress, excessive clutter can affect anxiety levels. People living in cluttered environments often report higher anxiety levels, impacting mental and physical health. Additionally, research shows that anxiety makes individuals more likely to engage in impulse buying, worsening the clutter issue.
What can be done about clutter? The first step is setting realistic goals for tidying up. Often, this means establishing manageable targets, like identifying specific areas of the house to address first. Once a plan is in place, start sorting. Experts suggest organizing items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.
As you tackle each area and item, ask critical questions about the item’s usefulness, frequency of use, and so on. This approach simplifies the elimination process and moves the project along quickly. Alternatively, you might consider hiring professional help. A full-service removal company can swiftly clear away clutter, making the process more efficient and less stressful.
The Cost Of Clutter: How Junk Impacts Your Finances, was contributed by Stand Up Guys, who offers junk removal service in Dunwoody, Georgia
