During my years in business, I have experienced a wide range of clutter scenarios. Most people have what I call “situational clutter.” A divorce, a move, a new job, an illness or other distraction robbed them of the energy and time they needed to handle the daily influx of “stuff” coming into their home.
As the days, weeks, or months of inattention and indecision grew, everything that didn’t belong in the house flowed into the garage, the attic, and the basement. Eventually, thinking they knew what they had and where to find it, became an illusion. Here are a few interesting, perhaps surprising, statistics:
- The average person spends 55 minutes a day or 12 weeks a year looking for things he/she owns but cannot find;
- 1 in 11 American households rents a self-storage space and spends over $1000 a year in rent;
- About 80% of the clutter in a home or office is a result of disorganization, not a lack of space (part of the 80/20 rule);
- Most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time;
- 80% of what we file we never look at again; and,
- Eliminating excess clutter eliminates 40% of the housework in an average home.
Have you ever found something you thought was lost forever? That is just one of the exciting benefits to getting organized and something we have the great pleasure of experiencing with our clients on a regular basis. If situational clutter is weighing you down and robbing you of space and happiness, consider hiring a professional. We have the experience, the objectivity, and the strength to see the job through and provide you with the support you need.