Certain everyday items manage to accumulate in our lives more than we'd ever anticipate. From the kitchen to the closet, many people find themselves surrounded by an abundance of items they never planned to amass. Let's take a look at some common culprits that seem to
multiply effortlessly.
1. Reusable Tote Bags: It started as a well-intentioned effort to reduce single-use plastic, and before you knew it, your collection of reusable tote bags multiplied like rabbits. Tucked away in the car, crammed into the pantry, or hanging on a hook by the
front door, these eco-friendly carriers seem to appear out of thin air. While it's great to be environmentally conscious, one can't help but wonder how many tote bags a household really needs.
2. Storage Containers: The quest for an organized kitchen often leads to an excess of
storage containers. Plastic, glass, square, round – you name it, we've got it. But despite the best intentions to keep the pantry neat and leftovers fresh, these containers somehow end up playing hide-and-seek in the dark corners of the cabinets. The mismatched lids only add to the puzzle.
3. Coffee Mugs: For many, coffee mugs serve as a window to their personality, a way to express their interests or showcase a favorite quote. However, the love for collecting unique mugs often results in an overflowing cupboard. From travel souvenirs to gifts from well-meaning friends, it seems that coffee mugs multiply faster than the morning caffeine kick they provide.
4. Stationery Supplies: The allure of a fresh notebook, a rainbow of pens, and an array of sticky notes is undeniable. Stationery stores often prove to be a weakness for those with a penchant for paper and color. Yet, in the age of digital dominance, it's not uncommon to discover drawers filled with notebooks that remain untouched and pens that never
see the light of day.
5. Phone Chargers: With every new device comes a new charger, and over time, these cords accumulate like a technological octopus. Stuffed into drawers, scattered on desks, or inexplicably tangled in the depths of your bag, it's as if phone chargers have a
secret society that conspires to spread chaos in our lives.
6. T-Shirts: Sentimental event shirts, promotional giveaways, and the classic "I might wear it someday" pile – t-shirts have a way of multiplying in our closets. Despite our best efforts to keep a curated collection, these
comfortable cotton companions seem to find their way into our lives faster than we can wear them out.
7. Toys: Whether it's a soft spot for sentimental childhood toys or an unintended consequence of well-meaning gift-givers, toys have a knack for taking over homes. From action
figures to board games, the playroom can quickly transform into a miniature amusement park, leaving parents wondering if a toy purge is in order. Hint: It is.
8. Cleaning Products: The pursuit of a spotless home often leads to an overstocked arsenal of cleaning
products. Specialized sprays, wipes, and gadgets promise a solution to every conceivable mess. Yet, the reality is that the cleaning product collection may become so extensive that locating the right cleaner for the task at hand turns into a domestic scavenger hunt.
Acknowledging the excess in our
lives can be a step toward embracing a simpler, more intentional lifestyle. The next time you reach for that extra tote bag or contemplate another storage container purchase, perhaps pause and ask yourself, "Do I really need one more?"
P.S. It's easy to let go of your clutter...physical, paper, digital and emotional...when you use my Goodbye
Clutter resource as a guide.
