Too Much Stuff
Most of us have too much stuff*. It’s incredibly easy to accumulate in today’s consumer culture. With just a few clicks on our phones, we can have almost anything delivered to our door. Add to that the constant stream of targeted ads, and it’s no wonder so many of us feel buried by our belongings.
Speaking from both personal and professional experience, our stuff can be overwhelming. Whether it’s your kids’ daily toys or boxes of sentimental items from Grandma’s house, clutter often creeps into our minds and creates stress. There’s a reason it feels so good to make a thrift store or recycling center dropoff – the freedom from ever having to deal with that stuff again. Every time I drop a carload of my own or client donations, I drive away feeling a sense of relief.
How Much Is Too Much?
Shirts hanging in closet.
Many people agree they have too much stuff, but what does "too much" even mean? How do we figure out the right amount for us?
Here’s the truth: there’s no universal standard. Having a large, beloved sneaker collection doesn’t make you better or worse than someone who swears by their capsule wardrobe. Everyone’s lifestyle is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many plates, jeans, or books you should own.
That said, there is a limit—and it’s important to figure out yours.
Your Container Is Your Limit
Think about any container in your home: a cookie jar, a file cabinet, or a linen closet. Each has a fixed capacity, and once it’s full, you can’t add more without causing overflow or chaos. Piles accumulate when containers are full but we keep adding more stuff.
Consider this: your home is a container, too. It has limits. As does each room or closet in the house. When those limits are exceeded, it can feel like your home is working against you instead of being the peaceful, recharging space it should be. Knowing no home is perfect, The Nester talks about “lovely limitations” which, when embraced, can enhance our spaces and give us freedom to have what we love, need, and use.
The amount of visual clutter each person can handle is different. Some people love rooms filled with tchotchkes, while others crave minimalism. Some people thrive on having everything hidden behind cabinet doors or in opaque bins. Others might live with ADHD and need things to be out in the open, lest they be completely forgotten. Neither is better; the key is understanding yourself and your comfort level—and that of your family or roommates—and organizing within that boundary.
I Want It Now
Despite what some influencers might suggest, achieving an organized home isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s usually not something you can complete in a weekend. (Sorry!) Organizing is a process, especially if you live in the space you’re working to declutter, and if you share that space with others.
This is where the Lazy Genius Principle of Starting Small shows up in a big way! Small, intentional changes to your home and habits can help you feel more in control of your stuff. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Making small changes to your space and behaviors can help you simplify your life.
Containers lined up on a shelf
Progress Over Perfection
This is where I come in! In just a three-hour session, I’ve helped clients declutter and organize closets, pantries, game rooms, file cabinets, bookshelves, and more. In a full-day session (6 hours), we’ve transformed the seasonal decoration closet, revamped toy rooms and dug in to basement storage areas. There’s a limit to what can be done in one session, but momentum is powerful. Once you see the transformation in one space, it often inspires you to tackle the next.
Join Me
This year, I’m working through my own home, one space at a time, and I’d love for you to join me! I’ll share my progress on the blog, monthly emails, and through Facebook and Instagram stories. This is not a locked subscription or militant program you’re required to follow. Think of it as gentle encouragement and inspiration from your slightly bossy but supportive friend.
We’re not aiming for perfection—just a home that feels less stressful and more like a place we love to be. Comment below to tell me what space you’re most looking forward to taking care of this year!
Let’s start small and tackle this together! 2025 will be the year you become the boss of your stuff!
Hello, I’m Ashley!
I’m a professional organizer serving Jamestown, ND, and surrounding areas. I love to work in homes and businesses to help people simplify, declutter, and be the boss of their stuff.
*I can’t read the phrase “too much stuff” without following it up with “what’s that mean, it’s like too much money, there’s no such thing…” etc. etc. If you, like me, were raised on ‘90s country, you’ll understand.
