What is Clutter?

By Jessica Hoelzel

There are two kinds of clutter – one you can see and another that you can’t. The first kind of clutter, that you can see, is best described as physical clutter. It is very apparent: papers, folders/binders, books, magazines, cds, jewelry, shoes, clothes, bags, knick-knacks, food boxes and containers, furniture, equipment, odds and ends, etc - STUFF. You can physically see it in your environment. These things by themselves are not necessarily clutter, but when taken together, mixed up, stacked up, piled up, stashed, filling up, blocking areas and covering surfaces – they are considered clutter. They are also considered clutter if you do not love or even like them, you don’t need them, don’t use them, they bother you, or you have other negative associations with them.

The second kind of clutter, the kind you cannot see, is better described as energetic clutter. Although the first kind of clutter that we talked about also has an energy to it (could be positive or negative – we’ll get to more about that later), the second is purely energetic, with no physical form that we can see. Some people are able to feel it, though, to sense that it exists. It could be energetic remains of arguments, yelling, violence, sickness, financial stress, or possibly the other end of the spectrum, happiness, laughter, celebration and excitement. The energy of these occurrences and emotions can gather and stagnate just like the physical clutter described above.

Both kinds of clutter can affect people that dwell in the space, unconsciously. It can affect them without them even knowing it.

Stay tuned for more to come:How does clutter impact you?
Top 5 Things to do to Reduce Clutter

Ways Physical Clutter Comes Into Our Spaces & Our Lives:We buy it
We inherit it
We find it
We pick it up
We get it as a gift
We get it in the mail
We download it

Plus, speaking of what clutter is and how it manifests in our spaces…

Being intentional about buying things
Most of us love a good bargain. Finding deals can be a wonderful way to live a frugal lifestyle. Where we can get into trouble, however, is buying just because it’s a deal.

Do I need this? Hmmm…no. Is there someone I know who could use this? Maybe. I’ll get it – it’s such a great deal! I can’t pass it up.

Does this commentary sound familiar to you? Do you buy on impulse, or shop as a hobby - a challenge to find bargain prices? If you do, and your home is cluttered as a result, keep in mind these questions:

Do I love it? Will I love it tomorrow, next week, in 6 months or a year?
What do I intend to do with it? Where will I put/store it?
Can I afford it? Is it a good investment?

Taking the time to stop and think about what your intentions are before you buy can bring you clarity on what you really want in your life. Don’t waste your energy on things that you don’t love, need or have the space for.