How to Have More by Having Less
I have been cleaning and organizing homes and businesses since 2005 and if there is one truth about people I have learned it is that we love our stuff. And the more we like something, the more of it we want. There seems to be no limit to the things we will collect, save and gather from cats to comic books. And while it seems harmless and even healthy to have all the stuff we love in our lives, these things have somehow taken the place of experiences, free time, and even relationships.
There is a uniquely American phenomena called the Storage Unit…rows and rows of metal buildings to house our stuff we can’t live without, but apparently can’t live with either. I’ve always been curious about what people store in these units, imagining boxes and boxes of beanie babies, coffee cups, and sports equipment. And I must confess I have my own ridiculous stash of cookbooks, winter boots, and fabric that I know I will make something with someday. But there is a cost to all this stuff beyond the financial one.
I hosted some young exchange students from Chile several years ago and they were shocked and amazed at how many dishes and utensils I had in my kitchen. Not only did I have every tool and gadget, but also a surplus of plates, glasses, and silverware…enough to host a small army. They explained to me that in their homes they have just enough for everyone who lives there; 4 people, 4 forks, 4 mugs, and so on. The idea that we need extra of everything did not translate and rather than feel grateful for all that I had, I felt foolish and wasteful. This stayed with me and although I still have too much, I have a lot less than most. It feels wonderful!
Our stuff doesn’t just take up space in our homes, it takes up space in our minds and our spirits. And because most of our clutter comes from decisions left unmade and our excessive shopping comes from a need to be comforted, it has a huge impact on our emotional well being. It may seem terrifying to throw out your grandmother’s doilies, toss your favorite sweatshirt from college, or sell the 3 pairs of skis that you never use anymore but what you are gaining by having less is immeasurable. Imagine weekends free to go for a hike rather than having to organize the clutter in your garage, nights spent enjoying a fine dinner with a loved one instead of worrying about folding all that laundry that has accumulated, or even breakfast in bed on a Sunday morning knowing your house is already clean. In other words, life with less stuff translates into a life with more time and space to do the things you really want to do, and not to just have the things you think you want to have. Your life with less will become a life of doing not just having.
If you need help getting your stuff under control but don’t know where to begin let us help you. We will gently and patiently work with you and your belongings to come to a place of balance and ease. You will be amazed at how good less feels.
By Sherri Krug-Summers