Research
Last month researcher with The Australia Institute (TAI), Josh Fear, published a research paper on the effects of clutter in our lives. It states that four in ten Australians report feelings of anxiety, depression and guilt as a direct result of clutter in their homes. As a Professional
Organiser, dealing with this phenomena on a daily basis I noted with particular interest, that Australian research is being conducted. Most of the statistics currently available are from America - and they are frightening enough! The fact that research is being carried out in Australia demonstrates the growing recognition that our ‘stuff’ is affecting our health, our lifestyle and our sanity.

Clutter Costs!!
The TAI survey states that one in five respondents had built a shed or garage to store things and one in eight had moved house to gain more room for their ‘stuff’. Moving is up there in the top four Major Life Stressors. Seems like a lot of effort to avoid parting with one’s ‘stuff’. Not to mention the expense. Other costs of hanging onto stuff we don’t need, use or even want, range from health concerns to wasted dollars. Piles of papers, magazines, books encourage cockroaches, dust mites and in the worst cases, rodents. In our northern climes you can also be guaranteed of mould and mildew, which apart from ompletely destroying paper if left long enough can also pose health threats. Cleaning is up to four times more difficult when it has to be done around piles of ‘stuff’. Cluttered spaces are generally dirtier than uncluttered spaces. Dollars are wasted on duplicate purchases when we can’t find - or forget we have - Items which are buried under piles or at the back of cupboards. You can’t imagine how much money I have saved clients by discovering ‘lost’ items, ranging from
new clothes with the tags still on to uncashed cheques worth over $500.

Clutter Controls
Don’t let your ‘stuff’ control you. When we have too much ‘stuff’ (clutter) - it becomes a burden and starts to control our life instead of the other way ‘round. Material possessions enhance and support the life we want to live. To be surrounded by items that no longer support the life you live today is letting your clutter control you. Nothing wrong in having material possessions – but do they support who you are today? Who you want to be? Are your possessions serving you? Or are you serving them?

Clutter Conclusions
“I’ve been meaning to do it for ages” 46% of respondents from the TAI research confess they intend to deal with their clutter but just haven’t got to it yet. Don’t let clutter ruin your life. If you have piles of files at work or home, if you’re always looking for things like keys or if you feel you have too much ‘stuff’ make a commitment to yourself to do something about it. Set aside 15 minutes a day (yes start small) to attend to one drawer, one small shelf, your glove box or even a notice board. The important thing is to get started.
Don’t let clutter affect your health, lifestyle or sanity!

Contact Roz at InOrder