Drowning in stuff? An expert says constantly decluttering won’t fix it
You can learn to stop the mess, says professional organizer Sanna Koskinen. “You can accumulate too much stuff if you get a thrill from shopping or simply don’t know how to say no.”
“Do you feel guilty about having too much stuff at home? You’re not alone. In my job as a professional organizer, I regularly meet people who feel weighed down by how many things they have at home.
You might feel the need to buy a new outfit for a party because you can’t find your old one. When I organize closets with my clients, we might discover shoes stashed away for a child or seasonal clothing—only to realize the season has changed or the clothes no longer fit.
You’re not obligated to accept gifts from others.
Simply decluttering doesn’t fix the core issue of having too many items come into your home. This can happen if you don’t know how to turn down gifts or secondhand items that friends or family offer. In these situations, remember that you’re not obligated to accept anything.
If saying no feels challenging, think ahead about how you’ll phrase it. Thank your loved one for the kind thought and explain that you or your family have started a downsizing project that involves not bringing more items into your home. If needed, you can point out that new items create additional work, increasing your stress level.
Before a celebration, let others know that you don’t want gifts or extra items brought over. If refusing them feels impossible, accept them. But don’t just tuck them away in a closet; sort through them and quickly pass along anything unnecessary. There’s no reason to feel guilty about letting go.
Don’t wander around stores or flea markets just for fun—do something else enjoyable with your free time.
You can accumulate too much stuff if you’re seeking the buzz of buying something new. Consider your shopping habits when that urge strikes.
Place a “no ads” sticker on your mailbox or mail slot, and unsubscribe from newsletters or social media accounts that make you want to buy more. If it’s possible to put an item on hold before buying, try waiting until the next day to see if you still feel it’s necessary.
Don’t browse stores or flea markets just for fun—do something else enjoyable in your free time. If shopping is something you usually do with a friend or family member, share your new approach with them. Maybe you can come up with more fun ways to spend time together than shopping.”
