What exactly is clutter?

We’re always talking about clutter here. How to beat clutter, get rid of it, minimize the disorder, and so on. But, here’s the deal; clutter is like beauty, sort of in the eye of the beholder. I’m a minimal type myself. If I can’t use it, don’t like it, or don’t honestly need it, an item feels like clutter to me. I like some decorative items, but not tiny ceramics or anything, I like photos and usable things like candles and incense, cool jewelry holders, etc.

All in all, I have a pretty good idea of what constitutes clutter TO ME. What you need to do is define clutter on your own terms. If you don’t it’s going to be pretty near impossible for your to have a clutter-free home. If you need some help, following are some ideas about what real clutter is to some people:

Clutter stresses you out. If you see a pile and feel relaxed, it might not be clutter. If you get annoyed or feel icky when you look at that vase collection or the pile of unwatched DVDs, there’s a good chance it’s clutter you don’t need.

Clutter is stuff you feel obligated to own: If you don’t own something for yourself, why bother? Cutter like this includes gifts people gave you (that you don’t like) or something you bought because you were pressured into it. Like the time you bought that blender because the sale priced rocked – if you you don’t blend you don’t need a blender. Don’t confuse obligations with Sentimental Clutter. Sentimental clutter is usually tied to stronger emotions.

Clutter has no home – ever: If an item in your home has no permanent resting place, there’s a good chance it’s clutter. If you liked the item enough, you’d find it a home.

Clutter is often what if stuff.

Clutter makes you feel bad: If things are making you feel bad about other parts of your house or life, then it’s clutter you don’t need. Items you own should never hold so much power over you that they upset your day. If you’re always depressed about what you see in your home (the mess, the piles, the disorder), it’s clutter to clear out.

Clutter makes you happy – but in a superficial way: If you only bought that huge Tupperware set because it’s what everyone else on the block did, or have books sitting on your shelf that make you look smarter (even if you never read them) it’s clutter. Stuff you buy simply to impress others, is in my opinion, the worst clutter. If you’re collecting junk to compete with your sister, the neighbors, your lame mother-in-law, or anyone else, knock it off.  You don’t need it, and it wastes time, resources, and money.

Have you defined what clutter means to you? Let me know what you think in the comments.