Waste. Debris. Hoard. Many words describe the items that clutter our homes. It might be a closet overflowing with clothes that no longer fit or an attic stuffed with old or broken items. Whatever it is and wherever it is, this clutter can be harmful to your household’s health and financial well-being. Here’s why you should declutter and give your home a refreshing makeover.
Did you know the average American home contains over 300,000 items? From paper clips to children’s toys, all the small things add up to a massive amount of stuff. Sometimes, this much stuff can be harmful. For example, as dust builds up on untouched piles, it can trigger allergies and other unwanted symptoms. These piles can also become tripping hazards.
Piles of items can also increase stress levels; numerous studies show a correlation between clutter and higher stress levels. High stress levels — whether from work, home, or other sources — are detrimental to our health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 80% of medical expenditures in the United States are stress-related.
Besides stress, too much clutter can impact anxiety. People who live in cluttered environments frequently report higher anxiety levels, affecting mental and physical well-being. Additionally, research shows that anxiety makes people more prone to impulse buying, which exacerbates the clutter problem.
What can be done about clutter? The first step is to set realistic goals for clearing it away. Often, this means setting achievable targets, like defining areas of the house to tackle first. Once you have a plan, it’s time to start sorting. Experts recommend organizing items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.
As you go through each area and item, ask important questions about the item’s usefulness, frequency of use, and so on. This makes the elimination process easier and moves the project along quickly. Another option is to call in outside help. A professional removal company can swiftly clear away clutter, making the process more efficient and less taxing.
If allowed to accumulate, clutter can profoundly impact a person’s life. The key is to stay ahead of the mess by adopting a healthier mindset toward purchasing and routinely decluttering. This way, you can prevent clutter from taking over and avoid its negative effects on your health and finances.
The Cost Of Clutter: How Junk Impacts Your Finances, was contributed by Stand Up Guys, your first choice for junk hauling professionals in johns creek
