Too Much Stuff and What to Do About It

Clutter is more than just a nuisance—it can drain your energy, steal your time, and contribute to unnecessary stress. When items begin to pile up, your home starts feeling less like a peaceful sanctuary and more like a storage unit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things you own, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with accumulating too much stuff, often without realizing it until the clutter starts interfering with their daily lives.

But how do you know if you truly have too much stuff? What can you do to regain control of your space? Let’s take a closer look at the signs of excessive clutter, common items people tend to over accumulate, and practical strategies to tackle the problem once and for all.

How Can You Tell If You Have Too Much Stuff?

Not sure if you’ve crossed the line from having a well-equipped home to drowning in unnecessary possessions? Here are some clear indicators that you might have too much stuff:

• You struggle to find things when you need them. If looking for an item turns into a full-on scavenger hunt, your belongings may be out of control.
• You don’t remember where you put things. Owning so much that you forget where specific items are stored is a sign of disorganization and excess.
• Your home is filled with visual clutter. Instead of feeling like a calming retreat, your home is starting to resemble a storage unit, with piles of stuff everywhere.
• You’re embarrassed to have guests over. If clutter has made your home chaotic, you might find yourself avoiding social gatherings or feeling ashamed when people visit.
• Your drawers, closets, and cupboards are overflowing. When storage spaces are stuffed to capacity and won’t close properly, it’s time to take action.
• You have more things than your home can reasonably accommodate. If you’re constantly running out of space, it’s a strong indication that you own more than you need.
• You believe that buying more organizing products will solve the issue. While storage bins and organizers can be helpful, they don’t address the root problem—owning too much.

What Do People Have Too Much Of?

Some items are particularly prone to accumulation. Here are some of the biggest clutter culprits and what you can do about them:

1. Mugs and Water Bottles

Every event, workplace, or promotional campaign seems to hand out mugs and water bottles. Before you know it, you have an overflowing cabinet full of them.

Solution: Keep only your favorites and donate or recycle the rest.

2. Tupperware and Plastic Containers

Lids without matching bottoms, stained containers, and excessive plasticware add up quickly.

Solution: Match lids to containers and discard any without a match. Stick to a set number that meets your needs.

3. Shoes and Clothes

Many people buy clothes and shoes they rarely wear, leading to an overstuffed closet.

Solution: Follow the one-year rule—if you haven’t worn it in the past year, donate or sell it.

4. Kitchen Gadgets

Trendy kitchen gadgets often end up gathering dust after the novelty wears off.

Solution: Keep only the tools you use regularly and pass along the rest.

5. Utensils

You only have two hands, so why do you need dozens of spatulas, ladles, and whisks?

Solution: Pare down to the essentials and donate extras.

6. Towels and Sheets

Linen closets can quickly overflow with excessive sets of towels and sheets.

Solution: Keep a reasonable number (two sets per bed) and donate or repurpose the rest.

7. Holiday Decorations

Many people accumulate more decorations than they actually use.

Solution: Keep only the decorations you truly love and store them neatly.

8. Tote Bags and Reusable Grocery Bags

While reusable bags are great for the environment, too many can create clutter.

Solution: Keep a few and donate extras to food banks or thrift stores.

9. Makeup and Beauty Products

Expired makeup and unused beauty products take up valuable space.

Solution: Toss anything expired and donate unopened products to shelters.

10. Samples from Retail Stores and Hotels

Free samples are enticing but often go unused.

Solution: Only take what you need and use them up quickly.

11. Scented Candles and Bath Soaps

If you have more candles and soaps than you can realistically use, it’s time to pare down.

Solution: Keep your favorites and regift or donate extras.

12. Apps and Marketing Subscriptions

Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter.

Solution: Unsubscribe from marketing emails and delete unused apps.

13. Receipts

Old receipts can quickly pile up, creating unnecessary paper clutter.

Solution: Digitize important receipts and recycle the rest.

How to Conquer the Clutter

Once you recognize the problem, it’s time to take action. Here are some effective strategies to help you regain control of your space:

1. Be Mindful and Purposeful

Be intentional about what you keep in your home. Ask yourself if each item serves a functional purpose or brings you joy. If not, let it go.

2. Don’t Put It Down, Put It Away

A key habit of organized people is handling items immediately rather than setting them down for later. Every item should have a designated home.

3. Think Twice Before Hitting “Add to Cart”

Impulse purchases often lead to clutter. Pause before buying something new and ask yourself if you truly need it.

4. Adopt a “One In, Two Out” Rule

For every new item you bring in, remove two similar items. This keeps accumulation in check.

5. Be Cognizant of What You Bring into Your Home

Be mindful of gifts, freebies, and unnecessary purchases that sneak their way into your space.

6. Remember That Owning More Doesn’t Make You Happier

A clutter-free space fosters peace and mental clarity. More possessions don’t necessarily lead to greater happiness.

Declutter One Category at a Time

Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on one category at a time—such as clothes, kitchen items, or digital clutter. This makes the process more manageable and ensures long-term success.

Embrace Having Less

Minimalism doesn’t mean deprivation—it means creating a space that supports your well-being. Keep only what adds value to your life and let go of the rest.

Your Home Should Feel Like a Sanctuary

At the end of the day, your home should be a place of comfort, relaxation, and joy. By decluttering, you create a space where you can truly unwind and feel at peace.

Clutter doesn’t accumulate overnight, and it won’t disappear instantly either. However, with consistent effort and mindful habits, you can reclaim your home from the chaos of too much stuff. Start small, stay committed, and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free life!