Ask any realtor or house cleaner and they will tell you that no matter the size of the home most Americans have garages, attics, basements, and/or common living spaces crammed with clutter. According to a Boston Marketing Firm study, the average American burns 6 to 8 weeks a year and wastes hundreds of dollars looking for and replacing things they have, but cannot find. Misplaced that electric bill? Pay a late fee. Can’t locate a screwdriver? Buy another one. Lawnmower buried under piles of junk? Hire a lawn service.

So exactly why do we accumulate so much stuff? Why would we rather ignore the growing clutter than throw things away? And how do we regain control over our possessions?

Though there are those for whom the need to accumulate material possessions, or “hoard” can run to the extreme, the majority of clutter cases fall into two main categories: Poor time management (“there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done”) and a rationale often referred to as Depression mentality (“Don’t throw it away – we might need it someday!”). And although people of all age groups are affected by clutter, seniors risk life-threatening falls or chronic health conditions caused by dust, mold, and other hidden health hazards.

Adults aged 55 and older are the fastest growing segment of the US population, and represent 40% of the consumer market in the United States. This is a segment of the population with a lot of buying power, but seldom enough energy or physical strength to manage their belongings. In the case of elderly seniors, some must face having to downsize from a home in which they’ve lived for 30, 40, even 50 years, to a smaller, more efficient apartment or condominium. If they have no family or local support system, the task can seem downright impossible.

Fortunately, there is help. In an effort to downsize and streamline their lives, many seniors are now seeking the help of Professional Organizers and Personal Move Managers. For those unfamiliar with these occupations, we are professionals whose job – nay our passion – is to help people sort, organize, pack,  unpack, donate and situate the belongings they have accumulated over the years.

Quality Professional Organizers work closely with each client to create peaceful, personalized living spaces. Through the entire process they provide judgment-free encouragement and support.  Personal Move Managers coordinate and oversee every aspect of a move; again, working closely with each client to reduce the stress and emotional impact of downsizing.

Some jobs are best placed in the hands of experts – for many people, this is one of those jobs.

These coping mechanisms may seem to work in your favor, but what you are actually doing is training your mind to see and hear less and less. Is it any wonder so many people need glasses and hearing aids? And, guess what? Blocking out your surroundings on a daily basis requires a tremendous amount of physical, mental, and emotional energy. Here are some of the ways that clutter and disorganization can affect your quality of life:

Having Clutter Can Make You Feel Tired and Lethargic: If you are living with clutter, chances are you do not have the energy needed to tackle it. That is because stagnant energy accumulates around clutter, causing fatigue and lethargy. Just looking at the clutter probably makes you feel tired and overwhelmed. Here is the good news…getting rid of the clutter will release pent up energy and revitalize your mind and body.

Having Clutter Can Keep You in the Past: When all of your available space is filled with memorabilia or “I might need it someday” clutter, there is no room for anything new to come into your life. Your thoughts tend to dwell in the past, and you feel bogged down with old issues and problems. Clearing your clutter allows you to breathe new life into your environment, clear away the cobwebs in your mind and begin to move forward. In order to create a better tomorrow, you must first release yesterday.

Having Clutter Can Affect Your Body Weight: Peter Walsh’s recently published book called, Does this clutter make my butt look fat? addresses the link between clutter and obesity. Body fat and clutter are both forms of self-protection. Layers of fat or clutter can become your safeguard against the shocks of life and serve to cushion you from the emotional issues you feel incapable of handling. Both provide a false sense of control. Clutter may also prevent you from preparing nutritional meals at home, making take-out, delivery, or restaurant dining habitual.

Having Clutter Can Confuse You: It is impossible to maintain clarity in your life when you are surrounded by clutter. Decision-making is more difficult because you cannot think clearly. When clutter is removed, so are the mental obstacles. Important life decisions become easier. Creating space in your environment automatically gives you the space in your mind to discover and manifest the life you really want.

Having Clutter Can Isolate You and Make You Feel Ashamed: Perhaps your home is so cluttered and messy that you are ashamed to invite people over and panic if someone shows up unannounced. Living like this is stressful and lonely. Why not decide to clear out the junk, feel good about yourself and your home, and regenerate your social life with confidence?