Is all clutter the same? In this article I am thinking; “decluttering” and about the different types of clutter we can have. Are there different types of clutter? And how can that be useful to know?

I would say “Yes, there are different types of clutter”and realising this can help us in the process of combating the amount of clutter in our lives.

Below I am presenting my current list showing different types of clutter. The groups are described in a way my clients or I would think about an item, if it was picked up and we would question why it is misplaced (and consequently labeled clutter).

Homeless
Quick; rush, rush
Couldn't be bothered putting it away
I really need to look at that
Haven’t looked at that for years
Junk rooms
Paperwork

I am not sure if this list is exhaustive or if I’ll add more later. It is, however, very useful to think about what type of clutter we have and what the underlying reason of it is. Clutter that stays on a spot because of our perfectionism (I need to look at that – and sort it well) is different from items we throw on the kitchen counter, as we are in” a rush.

When we start to declutter it might be a good idea to see if we can group clutter and start with the easier type of clutter first. I would always start with items that are thrown in a rush and see if they have a home. If items are homeless we’ll start by creating one.

Slowly but surely, we can go onto more difficult decluttering projects, like junk rooms or paper. But be kind to yourself, and acknowledge that decluttering is a process and a phenomena caused by many different events. Clutter is not all the same and our approach to clearing it, should therefore be different as well.

Find your way

Each situation is different but you’ll find your way to declutter and organise in your own way. Have a look at which organising book draws your attention.

Check out the Books