One of my blog post readers asks, "How can I resist expanding into more storage space?"
It's natural to want to fill space. If there's an open space, we want to put something on or in it. The funny thing is, if we don't have available open space, we get really attracted to open space elsewhere. It's appealing to us to rent a space that's empty. We feel like we are gaining something by doing this. We get more space to put things in to. It's very exciting. A lot of people do this. Storage space locations are very popular.
The problem is we get that space and then we fill it up with our stuff. Then we are in a worse situation because our home is over taken by stuff, and now so is this storage space. The solution becomes a problem.
It helps to realize that getting storage space won't satisfy you. It won't resolve the problem. You'll just have a bigger problem.
I've seen this when I help clients clutter bust their storage lockers. Usually they haven't been out to visit their storage space in over three years. They've often forgotten what's in there. There's a punch in the gut feeling as they open the door and see what they have hidden away. There's also the realization that they've spent a lot of money on what was essentially clutter alimony. When they go through the stuff piece-by-piece, they see that it's pretty much all clutter to them, and they let it go.
Knowing this can help you go the other way. The only thing that's going to satisfy you is removing the things from your home that aren't serving you. This creates some open space around you and the things you care for and use. This open space becomes a thing itself to enjoy and cherish.
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4 comments:
Brooks, thanks for this! The term "clutter alimony" made me laugh.
And this is so true: "...if we don't have available open space, we get really attracted to open space elsewhere." I will try to keep that in mind as I move. I think I'll make it a goal to keep a couple of drawers or cabinets completely empty in my new place. Maybe I can charge admission for other people to come and admire my open space ;-)
If you aren't able to find a place for something in your home, it probably is not part of your life now, not something that would get a resounding "yes" to the "Do I love and use this now?" question.
And the "clutter alimony" can really add up. I recently read an article about a woman who paid $48,000 to keep stuff in storage for 5 years, thinking she would eventually move to a bigger place and use it. A friend pointed out that $48,000 could have gone into her child's college fund, been used for a down payment on a house, or financed a lot of very nice vacations. (Or, I suppose, paid for a lot of new stuff . . .)
My husband had a small storage unit when we met/married. He lived in a tiny apartment and the storage was where he kept his gear, car stuff, etc. Eventually, he and his uncle started sharing it as well as its payment.
It was a small storage, really, the smallest unit in the place. But when it came time to empty it, OMGoodness, the amount of stuff in it was so overwhelming. I mean, without knowing, one can really pack a lot of stuff.
We/he moved from a 900sq foot apartment to a 2400 sq foot home and we STILL didn't have room nor a place in the house for everything in that storage unit.
We were relieved when we finally got rid of everything and stopped paying its alimony but it took quite some time.
Thanks for your shares Monica, Christine, and Louise!
Monica, I liked how you stopped paying the clutter alimony.
Yes, Christine, storage space rentals add up. It's a lot of money to pay for things that will probably never get used again.
Louise, I like the idea of you charging money for people to notice and admire your clutter free place!
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