Interior Design in Seattle & Bellevue | Elegant Simplicity

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How Much is Clutter Costing You?

Does having more stuff we have actually make us happier? 

In the wonderful world we live in, we are constantly bombarded with messages that suggest having more stuff will make us happier. From our inbox to our mailbox, the world operates around the value of a new product. But your home should be a reflection of your values — not the worlds.  

The reality is that accumulating possessions can actually have a negative impact on our quality of life. When we consider the amount of time and energy it takes to acquire and maintain our belongings, not to mention the wasted money in the process — it's clear that clutter is costing us more than it's worth. 

When we actually look at clutter from this lens + perspective, it's nearly impossible to ignore the cost clutter has on us vs. the benefits of living in an organized home.

Although we live in a 'see it before we believe it society, having (too much) actually takes away from our quality of life. 

So boo, let’s dive in + digest that maybe, less stuff is more.



The Cost Of Clutter

CONSTANT STRESS

Throw your hand in the air if you’ve ever cleaned the house before the girls came over for game night? That unsettling stress, embarrassed by what your home typically looks like vs. what you’d like your girlfriends to think it always looks like. (psst… been there sista!)

You’re actually feeling the negative effects of clutter as it drains your energy, fills your tank with anxiety, embarrassment + oh yeah, more to do. 

If this is you, then perhaps our 1:1 organizing membership is a great fit.

WASTED TIME

So, we’ve talked about how clutter drains us of our energy + adds stress to our lives. Now, let’s take a look at wasted time. Because we were tidying up the whole house we lost out on the opportunity to be more productive. Whether that’s productivity for work, personal growth or opportunities missed with our families — clutter has robbed us of time. 

This shows up in other forms too… it forces us to rush the process of getting organized — to declutter by stuffing things wherever you could find a place + THEN waste more time when we can’t find them.

Like the lost time you never gain back when you’re searching everyday for the keys, your purse or your iPhone only to find that it’s been sitting right under your nose the whole time. 

The problem? 

When we are surrounded by clutter we waste time + energy looking for necessities. And this is dangerous because we begin to adopt a get on with life mindset to our homes simply because we’re tired.

MONEY

Think about the pantry for a moment. 

A lot of us dread shopping for groceries because of the time it takes to plan meals, organize a list of the things we need, shop, unpack + then put them away. Add to that list the headache you get when you realize that you purchased a bunch of things you already had (but couldn’t see). 

The cost of clutter isn’t merely wasted money for an extra bottle of salad dressing though my friend. No, it’s compounded because perhaps you would have done something else more conscious with your money had you known. Invested in an experience, treated yourself to something on your guilty pleasure list, donated to charity or reinvested into something your passion about. 

But you didn’t because clutter unknowingly, almost unconsciously, deprived you of that. 

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Obviously, purchasing things we already have because we’re disorganized at home can add up quickly but what about the opportunities we miss out on because we don’t have a system to keep the clutter at bay?

Could we have sat down with our kids before ladies night + read a book? Or could we have easily planned + shopped for healthy meals for our little brady bunch with an organized kitchen?

When clutter + disorganization rear their ugly heads in our lives, might we just be missing out on the life we dream of?



THE BENEFITS OF BEING ORGANIZED

BETTER ENERGY

Having an organized home can give you better energy as you’re not wasting time or dealing with unnecessary stress. You’re not rumbling through the house looking for those darn keys, your purse, your kids socks or the little tyke’s snack container. (Been there, done that!)

When systems are in place, you operate at a higher-level of consciousness. A higher-level of self. You’re not bogged down or stressed out about the minutiae of life — you’re focused on growth, opportunity, potential + you’re excited about what’s to come.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY + EFFICIENCY

Simply knowing where things are not only eliminates the anxiety + struggle of finding them but also makes you more productive, efficient, + life a whole lot easier. 

With so much to do + what feels like less-and-less time in the day, who wouldn’t want to stress less, get more done + be happier while doing it?

The reality is… if your energy is UP — your output is greater. So living in an environment that feeds productivity is so impactful as a high-achiever. You require this to be who you are + who you want to become.

HOUSEHOLD HARMONY

Our homes tell our story + they speak to what is important to us. 

When your home is organized + clutter free you’ll want to spend your time there. 

You’ll want to have family + friends over. It’s hard to be inspired, motivated + be the best version of yourself with clutter everywhere because our minds are distracted + our stress levels are increased.

Harmony not only for yourself but harmony for your spouse, your kids + even your pets. Harmony is so incredibly undervalued but it is often when we feel in tune with our environment that we are our greatest self.



Starting today, we’re challenging you to adopt the concept of "elegant simplicity" 

Move from accumulating stuff + things unconsciously that end up cluttering your home to becoming not only a conscious keeper but also a conscious curator. Someone who focuses on what comes into your home. 

Not to worry boo — we’re here. If you haven’t already, check out our 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home and when you’re ready to begin your transformational journey — let’s chat.