It’s often been said that in life, the things you own end up owning you sooner or later. While not everyone becomes a slave to their possessions, it's undeniable that many people are caught in a rat race that involves working hard everyday in order to be able to buy things they don't necessarily need. Owning objects that have no use for you can result in a decreased quality of life, especially when you factor in the following consequences:
Less space to work with
One of the most basic problems related to leading a clutter-filled life has to do with the sheer space it takes up. Most modern apartments and houses don't have a lot of room to begin with, so knowing how to best take advantage of it is incredibly important. In this regard, unnecessary objects only serve to occupy space that you could use in another much more appropriate fashion. Today's homes favor the concept of open floor plans to a much higher degree than ever before, as space itself has become a prized commodity. In such environments, unneeded clutter sticks out like a sore thumb and can leave your home looking cramped and stuffy.
A bigger cleaning burden
It's not a stretch to say that most people are not especially fond of cleaning these days. But, whether you prefer doing some light maintenance work on a regular basis or relegating all your chores to one single day of the week, there can be no doubt that having more stuff automatically translates into a bigger cleaning burden overall. From furniture that needs to be wiped down to all the various tidbits that have to be arranged, this can significantly impact your cleaning times, leaving you drained and with fewer hours at your disposal that you can dedicate to other aspects of your life.
Significant health risks
Speaking of cleaning, it's important to note that having a clean home isn't just a cosmetic issue. By living in a grungy environment you expose yourself to all sorts of health risks due to the myriad strains of unwelcome bacteria that take refuge in such homes. Studies have shown that clutter tends to attract more than its fair share of dust mites, which is why people who live in particularly crowded homes have a higher risk of developing asthma and various allergies. What's more, living a clutter-filled life also has plenty of mental downsides, as your brain will live in a state of constant overstimulation and tire much more easily as a result.
A depreciated home value
Finally, clutter also has a negative impact on your home's overall value. In fact, the price of your home seems to be significantly affected by the amount of clutter you keep, as potential buyers tend to be turned off by places they see as not being particularly welcoming. Renovation experts and realtors alike always recommend removing clutter before putting your home up for sale, a simple process that can boost its value by an average of 7%.
As you can see, there are significant side-effects to having excessive possessions. Luckily, there are steps out there that anyone in this situation can take in order to revert back to a healthier lifestyle.Minimalism has grown in popularity over the last few years, and there are lots of handy guides that show just how you can go about eliminating clutter from your life. To start with, simply take a piece of paper and write down every sizable object you own, then proceed to really question the role each of them plays in your life. You'd be surprised to see just how very few things are actually necessary in order to lead a fun and fulfilling life.
All in all, the road to a clutter-free existence may not always be easy, but, if you truly value your family's well-being, it's something that's definitely worth fighting for. By taking the first few steps towards a simpler life today, you'll be starting down a path that can give you peace of mind, not to mention facilitate a much higher degree of financial independence down the road, so that one day you may be able to look back and see just how far you've come.
About the author:
Mila Payton is an economist by profession. She enjoys traveling, writing and cooking. While looking for answers and inspiration, she can be found on various conventions worldwide.
Mila Payton is an economist by profession. She enjoys traveling, writing and cooking. While looking for answers and inspiration, she can be found on various conventions worldwide.
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