Research indicates that clutter impacts our productivity and even our state of mind – and costs us hundreds, or even thousands of dollars a year replacing “lost” items or time spent searching for items.

That’s why the saying “He who dies with the most toys wins,” is not a favorite of organizing experts such as Mindy Godding, Immediate Past President of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO.net) and owner of Abundance Organizing (https://abundanceorganizing.com).

There are no distinct sources for the estimate that the average American household has an eye-popping 300,000 items, but experts like Godding point out that we all have too much stuff.  She notes that many Baby Boomers are holding onto generations of belongings—collectibles like Hummels and Lladros—that younger generations no longer want.  And some research indicates that all that clutter exacts a toll on our productivity, efficiency and even peace of mind.

Letting Go is Not Easy

Letting go is not simply about the objects themselves, but also the stories and memories attached, which can make parting with items especially difficult.   “Many people develop strong attachments to inanimate objects and it’s important to acknowledge these attachments and, where possible, involve family in the process of letting go so that stories and memories can be preserved even as items are let go,” she says. “Also, extreme clutter and hoarding can negatively impact mental well-being and relationships. I worked with one woman recently to declutter her home in anticipation of a move, and she said it was so freeing it was like a spa day.”

Make it Entertaining

Organizing doesn’t have to be a solitary chore. Gathering friends and family for themed potlucks or swap parties—such as book or clothing exchanges—can make the process fun and social. Items that remain unclaimed can be donated to local charities. Such gatherings not only help clear clutter but also foster community and connection.

Diane Greenhalgh, owner of Tiny to the Max, specializes in decluttering and maximizing small living spaces and helps clients navigate life transitions like moving into senior living, for example. She offers workbooks on her site, including Cathartic Clear-Out, that provides sections on “Why Decluttering Matters” and what to let go of and tips for disposing of things responsibly, keeping clutter from entering the home in the first place, and a list of national charities that pick-up donations.

“Most people have good intentions when donating their unwanted items but get stuck in the execution. It’s a common thing for people to have a box of things for donation that sits in the closet or by the front door for months or more. The easiest thing to do is to schedule a donation pick-up and that way it gets done,” Greenhalgh says.

Valuable Tips from the Pros

*For a house full of furniture and other items, hire an auction house or estate sale company or use an online auction selling company like MaxSold. Auction houses and estate sale companies are only worth it if you have a lot of high-value items because they charge a percentage of sales. Online auctions, like MaxSold, are a great alternative if you don’t have pricey pieces because they take all kinds of things, from twinkle lights, t-shirts, and screws to even toilets, says Greenhalgh.

• Host a themed swap party: Encourage friends or neighbors to bring items around a theme (books, kitchen tools, clothes) and “shop” each other’s things.
• Join a ‘Buy Nothing’ group with intention: Offer items with a story. People feel more connected when they know where something came from—and it often inspires reciprocal giving.
• Make things available for free through Freecycle or Nextdoor but for safety meet at a local business, rather than your home.
• If you think you have something of great value, ask an appraiser. For high-end clothing and accessories like designer handbags, you can sell them to a consignment shop or a resale company like The RealReal, Poshmark, or ThredUp.
• Professional organizers, like those found through NAPO.net or the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM.org), offer a range of services from light organizing to specialized support for hoarding and senior moves.

Check out AARP’s Guide to Getting Rid of Anything: https://www.aarp.org/home-living/guide-to-getting-rid-of-anything/

The Benefits

Decluttering isn’t just about making space—it’s about improving overall well-being. Decluttering can relieve mental burden, increase physical comfort, and bring more intention into daily life. Embracing swaps, upcycling, and sustainable shopping can further enhance the process, reduce waste and foster a sense of abundance, joy and connections with others.

Still want company as you declutter?  Join the Senior Planet Decluttering group! Details are here.

YOUR TURN

What’s your decluttering experience been?  Share your experience in the comments!

Jennifer Juergens Thomas has a lifelong interest in how people get together.  As a former AP reporter she covered feature stories and later wrote about conventions from Anaheim to New  Zealand as editor of Meetings and Conventions magazine. She was a public relations consultant for clients like the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives focusing on how and why people need to get together. An Orlando resident, she continues to contribute to Meetings Today magazine among other ventures.