I think this depends. Relative in this family had four filing cabinets neatly filed with things like the maps from National Geographic, articles she had cut out of magazines (and never looked at again), bills, many years of tax returns, etc. Even though “neatly filed” it was just stuff that no one needed to move…again.
Luckily one of the daughters is terrific about getting this stuff purged. It’s down to one filing cabinet…which is in an attic and really inaccessible…so how needed is this?
I think for a lot of people our age this thread is way to late. Many already have years of accumulated junk. My sister has a spouse who doesn’t get rid of anything including cars. She has stressed with him for her mental health she needs him to get rid of things. He can’t do it or doesn’t care enough to even try. If anything ends her marriage it will be this.
I am pretty good about paper. I could be better. I do save magazines but not years worth. Where I’m guilty is if it has a spot I’m interested in traveling or a recipe that looks good.
Oh no no no… 1 filing cabinet of stuff needed for taxes and important papers, along with the fire safe in the office. That’s it. If it’s stored in the attic or basement, that is clutter ; )
So. Much. This.
I’ve been in the same house for 21 years. It’s very large (5 bedrooms, 3 baths) with a 3+ car garage, PLUS a 36X48 foot barn. At first it was easy because there was so much closet and cupboard place to “hide” things. But now it’s completely out of control and I’m so stressed out. I feel trapped by my stuff. To be fair though a lot of this is my kid’s things. They are spoiled rotten by grandparents and my youngest son’s dad buys him EVERYTHING, it’s ridiculous. The bigger than more plastic involved the better in his mind.
@momofsenior1 - you are my soul sister. I cannot stand clutter. It makes me twitchy. I used to be okay with hidden clutter, but I am no longer.
My tip is not a new one - turn your clothes hangers backwards at the beginning of the year. As you wear, wash, and rehang, turn the hangers the correct way. After one year it will be clear what items you have not worn in the last 12 months.
“I feel trapped by my stuff.” - That is definitely a good reason to declutter! I am not quite there yet, except for times where there is an item I can’t find.
Tip variation - I have different sections of mast closet clothing rods (long sleeve, short sleeve, sweaters, pants). When I wear something, I move it to the “recently used” end. Items that stay stuck at the other end of a section are prime candidates for giveaway.
Re: magazines, clippings, etc. - pinterest has been a great alternative to store and organize stuff you want to save like recipes, design ideas, garden ideas, etc.