How much clutter is too much clutter?
Evaluating hoarding levels through photo examples
I just learned there’s a clutter image rating to help people evaluate level of hoarding, and it runs from level 1. which is clean and uncluttered, to level 9 which is a completely unusable space.
The Berkeley Wellness letter shared photos of what a few of the stages look like. Generally, any clutter at the level of level 4 (top right photo) or higher will make it harder to conduct the business of daily life.
This is what hoarding looks like:
Level one, top left.
Level 4, top right: this level is where people start to struggle with living.
Level 6, bottom left.
Level 9, bottom right.
Not everyone enjoys cleaning or has a good system for managing “stuff” so if this describes you (or anyone you know), a timer can come in handy. Set it for 15 minutes a day and then use that time to turn attention to some aspect of the home.
(This can be a good trick for anything new you want to introduce, from meditating to stretching to learning a new language — 15 minutes is a manageable and yet deceptively significant chunk of time; it doesn’t feel like a lot but can be surprising how much you can do in such a small time frame!)
Prioritize the things that will make a difference to everyday living. It’s less important, say, to make sure bookshelves are alphabetically organized than, say, dishes clean and clothes easy to find when getting ready for work. I spend a little time every day straightening up because then it doesn’t require a big time investment.
Tasks that quickly make a big difference:
Clean and clear floors make the whole house look neat and organized.
Clothes: put dirty clothes in a hamper and clean clothes away so they’re easy to access when you’re rushing to leave the house. If you dread this, what would make it easier? Explore your own usability hacks. Do you need more hangers? Are you holding onto clothes that take up space but that no longer bring you joy? If it doesn’t make you feel amazing when you put it on, time to donate. If you’re not sure, set it aside and revisit in 6-12 months. If you haven’t worn them by then, you probably won’t and can safely retire them.
Donations: think about how thrilling it is to score a magnificent find at the thrift store. Someone will feel that way about whatever you give away so “releasing” it is a worthy practice. It will feel good to simplify and others can benefit. If attached to an item, take a picture to save the memory.
Keep the bed clear so you can fall into it when you come home. It’s so welcoming to return to a neatened bed and doesn’t take much just to pull the covers up and straighten pillows. You don’t need to bounce a quarter off it!
Keep surfaces clear of clutter: we will always need room to put down drinks, food, a magazine, whatever. That’s part of living. Empty space on tables & dresser tops allow us to use our home without needing to clean and clear it first.
Mementos: store or display mementos in a space that isn’t used regularly. Table real estate is in demand. You don’t want your midnight snack competing with knick-knacks, risking a spilled drink because it’s so crowded.
Anywhere you park yourself regularly, like the couch or a bed, should have a little usable space right next to it. Even something small that can hold a phone and a drink is useful.
Many people who have trouble maintaining a system usually find it’s because they haven’t established one yet. If things are already cluttered, it can feel overwhelming to start but think about how much progress would already have been made if you’d already been investing 15 minutes a day for the past week or month. No need to start at the beginning, start where you are.
For more information on managing clutter, visit the Berkeley Wellness Center below: http://www.berkeleywellness.com/.../article/help-hoarders