- Do you have to move things around in order to accomplish a task?
- Are you constantly searching for tools/clothing/etc.?
- Are you overwhelmed by your “things”?
- Do you have a big basement and a big garage, but you park your cars in the driveway?
- Have you made the same resolution to get organized that you did in 2018, 2017, 2016, etc.?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may have a clutter problem, which may be causing you additional stress and anxiety.
Clutter Defined
“Clutter is an overabundance of possessions that collectively create chaotic and disorderly living spaces,” said Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago who studies the causes of clutter and its impact on emotional well-being. (The New York Times)
A cluttered home can be directly related to a stressful home. A recent study done by Dr. Ferrari and a research time found that clutter can negatively impact mental well-being and can also induce a “physiological response, including increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.” (The New York Times)
Dr. Ferrari’s research also found that clutter is often the result of an “over-attachment” to our personal things. This makes it hard to de-clutter and get rid of unnecessary things, causing even more stress.
Get Help to De-Clutter
For those serious about de-cluttering and organizing Dr. Ferrari suggests a “hand-off” approach.
He suggests, “if you’re going to declutter, don’t touch the item. Don’t pick it up. Have somebody else hold the pair of black pants and say, ‘Do you need this?’ Once you touch the item, you are less likely to get rid of it.”
Stop Bringing it Home
Acquire less, decide if you really need another hammer, saw, extension cord, pair of shoes, kitchen appliance, etc. The less you acquire the less you will need to store and organize.
Give it a Home
Another option to de-cluttering is to provide storage space for necessary items or items you want to hang onto for emotional reasons or potential use in the future.
Organize your belongings with durable and affordable wall and cabinet systems perfect for the pantry, mudroom, garage, basement, or anywhere you need organized storage. Storage options can be customized to fit your needs and budget, in addition to providing the ability to expand storage in the future if necessary.
Finally Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution in 2019!
We can help! Garage Store can take your home from a state of disorganized clutter to clean, functional, and organized, thus making it a stress-free and relaxing home once again.
Garage Store can custom design all wall and cabinet organization storage systems to fit perfectly in any area in your home, and when you are ready to add more storage, Garage Store will be able to expand as your needs do. Chicago garage wall and cabinet organization systems from Garage Store will finally be the solution you have always needed to keep your home organized and clean.