Despite one’s best intentions, piles of “stuff” can take up valuable territory – physically and even emotionally. Here are some reasons your living space may be in disarray:

1. Uncertainty of What Constitutes as Clutter: The definition of clutter varies from person to person. However, a good rule of thumb is that if an item is broken or not useful, aesthetically pleasing or sentimental, it might be time to donate or toss it.

• Inability to Let Go: Many people tend to hold on to a specific piece of clothing or home item if it’s sentimental, a gift or being saved for a just-in-case event. Emotions can make belongings feel irreplaceable, but you should recognize when something is ready to go. You just need to close your eyes, make the decision to contact professionals from Boombox Storage or similar companies, and have them collect all your extra items to put into a secure storage unit. All that is needed is that first step.

• Lack of Organizational Routine: Most clutter piles get bigger simply because they become part of the general landscape. By implementing a functional routine, cleaning could become second nature and clutter won’t have time to accumulate.

• Impulse Shopping: Impulse buying can be a recipe for disaster. Don’t buy sale items or hobby supplies if you’re not sure where to store them or when they’ll be used. Buying on impulse may give instant gratification, but it probably won’t help you in the long run.

The first step to de-cluttering your space is to take an inventory of everything you own and what you want to keep, donate, and discard. Set a goal for yourself and work through it one room at a time. When you have decided what waste you want to dispose of, you can dispose of it with dumpster rentals. Dumpster rentals generally pick up waste items and take them to a recycling center. Finally, once you have cleared out your space, maintain it by creating a regular cleaning routine.

To learn more about the psychological effects of clutter and what you can do to combat it, check out our resource.