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Amber’s Home and Office Organizing Blog index

Why do we keep things?

I get asked many questions in my line of work but one that surfaces quite often is “ Amber, why do I keep all of this stuff? How did this room end up this way? ” I normally don’t have a pat answer because the reasons vary from person to person. And sometimes, frankly, I don’t know the correct answer but here are some common answers or reasons that might be of help to you. 

1. The “just in case” reasoning- “I might need this for ... I might be able to use this later when.....”

2.  The “I don’t know what I have” reasoning- “I can’t get rid of those placemats (for example) until I can find and see all my placemats.

3.  The "I got that in ...or I got that from.... “ reasoning- This is usually attached with a memory- so the thing you’re holding onto can’t be tossed because you associate a nice person with it or a special vacation. Getting rid of that item doesn’t take away from the nice vacation memories or friendship you still have.   

4. The “name brand” reasoning- Usually the person says- “Amber, you know that’s a Gucci purse- there’s no way I can get rid of a Gucci purse.” Or oh, “those are Prada shoes- no one get’s rid of their Prada shoes, etc... “ So a brand name drives their decisions- as long as it’s a high end brand name, there’s no getting rid of the item.

5. The “inheritance” reasoning- “I got it from my grandma.” “My uncle collected these so I have to keep them, etc. “

6. The “empty space syndrome“- after clearing out some clutter from a space, you’re left with clear or free space- to some, it makes them feel very uncomfortable having their floor clear, shelf clear, or cabinets empty. To them, everything should be full or “in stock”.

So what are your reasonings or excuses? Write them down. Speak them out loud. Are they logical? Are they true? Post them as a response to this blog- I’d love to hear from you.

  

 

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