Does Your Clutter Define You?

What a question! As I drive through neighborhoods and people have their garage doors open, I notice what’s inside tells a story. Some garages are stacked with building materials and tools, hinting that the owner might be a builder. 

Others are crammed with bikes, garbage cans, and gardening tools, indicating a large family with limited storage. And then there are the garages with almost nothing in them. Perhaps the family just moved in, or perhaps they’re very organized. 

But here’s the truth: I will never really know the story of someone’s garage unless they’re a client or they tell me. And I certainly don’t plan to go door-to-door asking! However, what I do know from years of working with families is that clutter does not define you. It is not who you are. It’s simply something you need help eliminating and organizing. 

Every Home is Different 

The inside of homes I visit yields the same result, with every home being different. I have clients with paper in piles all over their house and they struggle to get through it all. I have clients with so many clothes they cannot get it in their closets and drawers. 

I have clients with toys everywhere and no room for furniture. I have clients with crafts in two or three rooms where they cannot find anything and usually have multiples of many items. Some clients have multiple unfinished projects in all areas of their home. 

And then there are clients who are otherwise tidy, but have just one room that becomes the “problem spot.” These spaces accumulate unfinished projects, piles of “I’ll deal with it later,” and items with no clear home.

So, does the clutter define them? No, but there is a common denominator in all of these situations—delayed decision-making.  

Clutter Is Delayed Decision-Making

The problem for most people is they cannot decide where to put it, what to do next, or what to purge, so the clutter evolves. I believe their clutter defines them as someone who is having difficulty making some decisions. As a Certified Professional Organizer, I have learned that some individuals struggle more than others, and some have been chronically disorganized their entire lives.

When you peel back the layers, clutter is often the result of not making decisions in the moment. It’s the hesitation about where something should live, whether it should be kept, or how to handle it. Instead of deciding right away, the item gets set aside and little by little, clutter builds.

In my years as a Certified Professional Organizer, I’ve seen clients who’ve struggled with this for decades and others who are simply in a tough season of life. Either way, clutter is not a reflection of worth or ability. It’s a reflection of needing new systems, strategies, and sometimes support.

Situational vs. Chronic Clutter

Not all clutter is the same. In fact, much of it falls into two categories:

Situational Clutter: Life gets busy. A new baby arrives, a health issue arises, or a demanding work project takes over. When this happens, decluttering naturally takes a back seat. Once life returns to normal, the clutter goes away. 

Chronic Clutter: For some people, clutter feels ever-present. It doesn’t fade when the situation changes because the underlying struggle is about making decisions consistently. This type of clutter can cause ongoing frustration and even feelings of being “stuck.”

Why It Feels Like Clutter Defines You

Clutter causes you angst, so you think it defines you. It causes stress, frustration, and embarrassment. When you see the piles or think about the unfinished projects, it becomes a constant reminder of what you haven’t done yet. That weight can trick you into thinking your clutter reflects your character.

But here’s the truth: clutter is just stuff. It doesn’t measure your success, your abilities, or your value as a person. It only feels defining when it’s controlling your mental and physical space.

Take Action and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

There is no reason to define yourself by your clutter. You just need to take action and if you need help, ask for it.

Many times, clients and I work together a few times and then they understand how the decluttering works and they begin to do more on their own, and we finish the project faster than they thought possible. Others do not have the time on their own and enjoy the help, encouragement, and ideas. So we work together to complete the decluttering project. 

You Are Not Your Clutter

At the end of the day, you are not defined by your clutter. You define the clutter and eliminate it! What matters is not the piles or the unfinished projects. It’s the fact that you can take action, build new habits, and create a home that supports your life.

At Transformare, our mission is simple: organizing your space and increasing your productivity. We help individuals and families eliminate clutter, create systems that stick, and reclaim peace in their homes. Whether you need a jumpstart, a partner to guide you through the process, or someone to keep you accountable, we’re here to help.

If you’re ready to get “unstuck” and start defining your space, contact us today.