fbpx

The Psychology Behind Clutter

The Psychology Behind Clutter

white couch on wooden floor

Over the years, we’ve found that clutter and disorganization in a home is often a source of embarrassment for our clients. It’s time to change that mindset! You are not defined by your messy pantry or the garage you can’t fit your car into. Most of us have an abundance of reasons why we haven’t gotten a handle on our clutter (yet!)—whether it’s time, ability, a family member who tears through freshly organized spaces like a tornado, or one of many psychological reasons for holding onto the clutter. In this blog, we unpack five of the most common psychological causes for accumulating clutter and share helpful strategies to move past them.

Fear

Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to letting go of excess items. Many people worry that getting rid of items with sentimental value will cause them to forget the past. Others fear that if they part with an item, they will eventually regret their decision. This fear of future regret can paralyze a person as they are attempting to clear out the clutter. Another way that fear shows up in decluttering efforts is when people are afraid of what other people (both living and those no longer with us) will think about our choice to part with an item. Understanding what you are afraid of is the first step in figuring out how to navigate this extremely powerful and controlling emotion.

Sentimentality

Objects can hold sentimental value even if you no longer want or need them. Maybe you are holding on to an object not because you love it, need it, or use it, but because you simply remember where you got it. Or maybe you have something that is broken beyond repair—but because a loved one gave it to you, you feel like you should keep it. But would the person want you to hold on to the broken thing? Will you really lose your memory of the person or your connection with them if you get rid of it? Are there ways to hold on to the memory of the person or the experience (perhaps through photos, conversations, or journaling) that can strengthen the memory without taking up space? Remember that the past is stored in memories and photos—not objects.

Safety and Comfort

Most people have a strong psychological pull towards safety and comfort—and some of us focus on objects as the source of that safety and comfort. This sometimes stems from childhood scarcity, or even just hearing stories about the scarcity experiences of others. You can see this play out when people have extras of seemingly everything on hand, including items that would be a stretch to need multiple versions of. For these folks, it feels like a risk to get rid of something you might need in the future. What if there is another pandemic and you need 700 rolls of toilet paper? What if you suddenly lose or gain 10 pounds and need those clothes that haven’t fit in a decade? It’s okay to have a cushion to make yourself feel secure, but if your extra things are making it impossible to make room for the people and activities you love, it might be time to let go of the excess.

Indecision and Procrastination

Think about decisiveness as a continuum. On the one end, you have people who quickly make a judgment on something and then never look back. On the other end, you have people who hem and haw about every last decision. Perhaps they are writing extensive pro and con lists—or maybe they are just refusing to make a decision. Clutter is often just a sign of indecisiveness. Instead of making a decision, you just put the item in your closet or shove it back in a drawer. Do you have any DOOM piles in your home? DOOM stands for ā€œDidn’t Organize, Only Moved.ā€ These are stacks of papers or a box of items that you move around, but don’t actually confront. The first step toward handling your indecision is understanding that your indecision is what’s stalling your progress! Bring in a trusted (and opinionated!) friend to sit with you and help you sort through your stuff. Use our tried-and-true method to help bring clarity to what you should keep and what you can let go.

Depression and Anxiety

While most of the psychological reasons we’ve discussed so far are common and not concerning, it is important to note that sometimes an inability to deal with clutter is caused by depression, anxiety, and other more serious conditions. If that sounds like that might describe you, we encourage you to show compassion and care for yourself by reaching out to a trusted professional.

As you think about where you are in your organizing journey, we hope that learning about the psychology behind the clutter will help you self-reflect—and then make an action plan. And if you ever need help simplifying your Hive, you know you can call in the Bees!

Feel Good Holiday Tips

If you’re like most people, the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming, sucking the joy right out of the season. Take control of the chaos this year! Use these tips to focus on being more present and savor the special moments of gathering again with those we love.

1 BEE Intentional with Gifts

Give a gift that doesn’t take up SPACE! Take the stress of gift buying off your plate and keep clutter out of the house by following these tips:

– Change the Trend: Tell your friends and family that you don’t need another thing. Agree to NO GIFTS this year and stick to it!

– Give an Experience: What can you experience together to create special memories? A trip, concert, sports, museum, favorite restaurant…the possibilities are endless when you really think about the person you’re gifting to.

– Give Your Time: Cooking a special meal, baking a treat, babysitting, sharing your talent or lending a helping hand are way more meaningful than something you could buy.

– Give a Consumable:: What’s your friend’s favorite coffee blend or wine? Create a photo slideshow or music playlist. Or consider a subscription to Netflix, Audible, meals, etc.

– Make a Donation:: Choose a cause close to their heart and that does good in the world.

– Give a Gift Certificate: Of course we think a Bee Organized Gift Card is the perfect gift that not only simplifies and reclaims space, but keeps giving all year long!

2 Follow the ABC’s for Healthy Holidays

  • Ask for & Accept help
  • Boundary Setting
  • Compromise & Control

Learn more in the video from our resident therapist, Catie Herst, LCPC, Monarch Family Therapy.

HOLIDAY CHECKLISTS

With the hustle and bustle of the season in full swing, we thought a few good checklists might come in handy to keep you organized and focused on your holiday preparations.

Get ready now for Holiday Guests with this checklist so you can be fully present when they arrive.

Buzz Tips for the Holidays

GRATEFUL.  BLESSED.
 
Every year at this time we are humbled with an abundance of gratitude for the amazing blessings Bee Organized has provided us. We get to do what we love with clients and partners we love. In addition, we’re surrounded by incredible Bees who work tirelessly to simplify Hives all over the city with love and compassion. The people we work with and for are what make it all worthwhile!

Thank you for believing in Bee Organized and allowing us to come into your lives and homes. You are the heart of everything we do. It is our HONOR to work with you, laugh with you, and even cry with you at times, as we help you Simplify Your Hive

So, from our HIVE to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

—Lisa & Kristen
 

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present but not giving it.”

— William Arthur Ward

FEEL GOOD HOLIDAY TIPS
If you’re like most people, the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming, sucking the joy right out of the season. Take control of the chaos this year! Use these tips to focus on being more present and savor the special moments of gathering again with those we love. 
 

1.  Bee Intentional with Gifts
Give a gift that doesn’t take up SPACE!  Take the stress of gift buying off your plate and keep clutter out of the house by following these tips:

– Change the Trend:  Tell your friends and family that you don’t need another thing. Agree to NO GIFTS this year and stick to it!

– Give an Experience:  What can you experience together to create special memories? A trip, concert, sports, museum, favorite restaurant…the possibilities are endless when you really think about the person you’re gifting to. 

– Give Your Time:  Cooking a special meal, baking a treat, babysitting, sharing your talent or lending a helping hand are way more meaningful than something you could buy.
– Give a Consumable:  What’s your friends favorite coffee blend or wine? Create a photo slideshow or music playlist. Or consider a subscription to Netflix, Audible, Spotify, etc. 

– Make a Donation:  Choose a cause close to their heart and that does good in the world.

– Give a Gift Certificate:  Of course we think a Bee Organized Gift Card is the perfect gift that not only simplifies and reclaims space, but keeps giving all year long!
2.  Follow the ABC’s for Healthy Holidays  
  • Ask for & Accept help
  • Boundary Setting
  • Compromise & Control

Courtesy of our resident therapist, Catie Herst, LCPC, Monarch Family Therapy.

 
Schedule Free Assessment Now

BEE FAVES



UTILITY GIFT WRAP RACK

Keep your gift wrap organized and take advantage of door space with the Elfa Gift Wrap Rack. The white sturdy basket is perfect for long rolls of gift wrap, posters, umbrellas and more.  This popular item is easy to install on any size door and makes gift wrapping a breeze!

 

available-here
 
IT’S OUR HONOR



bee



ā€œI had the Bees organize my kitchen and pantry.  They were on time, professional and efficient. They saved me countless hours and decision making. It was definitely worth it, and I would highly encourage anyone to work with them if they want to save time and add sanity and calm to their space!”
— Ashley (happy client)
 
bee
 
 
VALERIE PACKEL
  • JOB :  Kansas City Bee
  • BEE SUPER POWER :  Purging
  • ORGANIZING PROFILE :  The Memory Keeper
  • FAVORITE SPACES TO ORGANIZE :  Garages
  • FAVORITE PLACE TO UNWIND :  Beaches 
  • GUILTY PLEASURE :  Spa days
  • FAVORITE NECTAR (drink) :  Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
  • BEST INSPIRATION :  My father
  • FAVORITE ORGANIZING TOOL : Clear plastic bins…or trash
  • PET PEEVE (OR BEE STING) :  Dirty kitchens
  • WORDS TO LIVE BY :  “Treat others as you want to be treated”
whatsbuzzing

HOLIDAY CHECKLISTS
 
With the hustle and bustle of the season in full swing, we thought a few good checklists might come in handy to keep you organized and focused on your holiday preparations. 
Get ready now for Holiday Guests with this checklist so you can be fully present when they arrive.
Don’t stress over holiday meal planning, prep now with this Menu Planner and Grocery List.  
FIND US NEAR YOU!
 
Bee Organized is now Simplifying Hives in 11 cities, embodying the same core Bee-liefs of providing compassionate, confidential and judgement-free services.  If we’re not in your city yet, did you know our Bees can travel to you? Give us a Buzz for details and pricing.
location-map