Families who are living in clutter may not realize the
impact this can have on them – both individually and as a family unit. Research
shows clutter to be part of the reason for stress and conflict in a family. It
can even be the reason for physical illness. When it is time to do something
about the clutter, it is important to realize stashing does not equal
decluttering.
What is the difference between stashing and decluttering?
Moreover, why is it important to do one and avoid the other? Keep reading to
learn more.
What Is Stashing?
Stashing is the process of putting stuff inside of boxes.
Drawers, closets, the bathtub and even the stove are common places you might
find stashed items. Maybe you think, “out of sight, out of mind.” Things may
look clean but the mess is still there.
The problem with stashing is that nothing has really
changed. You may not see the things you have stashed, but you will still have
to deal with them. As an added issue, when you need one of the things you have
stashed, you will not have any idea where to find them.
If stashing is something you are guilty of, you might like
to know that the root cause of it is usually indecision. If you do not have the
time to make a decision about something, you may think it is easier to put it
off, especially if your mother-in-law called and said she would be there in ten
minutes. Panic sets in and the result is stuffing, cramming and stashing things
to quickly get them out of sight. Unfortunately, you will still have to deal
with them at some point.
What Is Decluttering?
Decluttering, on the other hand, is the process of going
through your mess and choosing to get rid of things you no longer need or want.
You have seen that things are overtaking your life and you are determined to do
something about it. The problem with decluttering, however, is that it takes
much more time than stashing things to get them out of your way.
Congratulations if you have decided to take control of your
clutter! Start small so you do not feel overwhelmed by the size of the task
before you. In fact, it is best if you start with something like a countertop
or the dining room table. You want to work on an area that is small enough that
you can complete the task once you have started it.
Make a conscious effort to declutter this one area and keep
it clean for several days. You will be so inspired each time you see this one
bright spot among the mess that it will inspire you to keep working.
Create a decluttering schedule and stick to it. You CAN do
it! Yes, it is true you will not be able to get the entire house “shipshape” in
one day. The mess took a while to accumulate, so you can expect it will take a
while to make it go away.
If you feel you must stash something for that unexpected visit,
use something like a laundry basket that you use regularly to stash things and
place it in a closet. This will accomplish two things: you will have cleaned up
an area to avoid embarrassment and you will have a reason to clean up your
stash the next time you need your basket. The worst thing you can do is go out
and buy plastic totes or boxes because chances are you will not open them
again.
Stashing may be something you are accustomed to doing on the
spur of the moment, but if you take the time daily to declutter and organize
the things you keep, stashing will not be necessary. You will have the
satisfaction of knowing that anyone could drop by unannounced or with little
warning. You can welcome them into your home and smile because your house is presentable
-stashes are not lurking in the closet and socks are not hanging out of the
microwave.
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your
business and your life
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