Clutter . Organized chaos. A marvelous mess. Whatever you want to call it, the bottom line is that you've got way too much stuff.
Sure, some things have sentimental value but you probably don't need every single birthday, holiday and get well card you've ever received. While you're at it, that pile of shoes that pinch your feet five minutes into wearing them can go too.
You don't have to wait until spring to get organized . There's no time like the present. And just in case you're trying to convince yourself that you really do need everything in that cluttered desk drawer, here are 25 signs that you're someone who holds onto more than they should.
1. When you have medicine in your cabinet that expired in 2009.
2. When you have a huge walk in closet but still store stuff at your mom's house.
3. When you have the ticket stubs to every concert and movie you've attended in the past 10 years.
4. When you're embarrassed to have people over, especially since your furniture has become vessels for holding clothes.
5. When you have more than one "junk drawer."
6. When you still have magazines purchased when there was a Bush in the White House.
7. When you have a box of miscellaneous wires that go to "something," you just don't know what.
8. When you look forward to doing your spring cleaning to see what you're going to find this time.
9. When getting rid of old shoes is like ripping out a piece of your heart.
10. When you have several pieces of art that you've been planning to frame forever.
11. When you have unopened makeup from over a year ago.
Advertisement
12. When you have multiple items in your closet with tags.
13. When you keep every handwritten letter you've ever received.
14. When you have more broken kitchen appliances then ones that actually work.
15. When someone asks "is that new?" every time you wear something.
16. When your version of cleaning is placing things into piles.
17. When you have enough non-perishable food to survive several natural disasters.
18. When you have eight incomplete sets of measuring spoons.
19. When you have boxes filled with cassette and VHS tapes, but no longer own a cassette or VHS player.
Advertisement
20. When you can't remember the last time you used your dining room or kitchen table to eat on because it's so cluttered.
21. When you've got drawings and papers from elementary school.
22. When even junk mail is important to you.
23. When you have no idea what's inside three of your four desk drawers.
Advertisement
24. When you have 15 versions of the same shirt.
25. When you have every cell phone you've ever owned.
Also on HuffPost:
NEAT Method, see their clients overlook, but they find getting rid of them encourages people to do more. Begin by checking the usual items, such as sunscreen and cosmetics, but don't forget about maple syrup, dish detergent and motor oil. (Use Real Simple's handy guideline for more surprising household staples that have expiration dates.) Once these items are gone, you'll see what you really need to organize. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705890_original.jpg","title":"Your Easiest Decluttering Starting Point","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9de17000025005655fb.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"If you're stuck, start by setting a small goal, like tossing expired items found in your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and closets. Not only are expired items the main thing Ashley Murphy and Molly Graves, the founders of NEAT Method, see their clients overlook, but they find getting rid of them encourages people to do more. Begin by checking the usual items, such as sunscreen and cosmetics, but don't forget about maple syrup, dish detergent and motor oil. (Use Real Simple's handy guideline for more surprising household staples that have expiration dates.) Once these items are gone, you'll see what you really need to organize. ","credit":"Thinkstock","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9de1d000030001429ab.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dee4b0224d8832564b","caption":"In order to maintain a clutter-free home, you need to get to the root of why things pile up in the first place. The NEAT founders believe that most people fall into the following clutter personalities:
Too Busy = Too Many Extras: You buy items you already own because you don't have a system in place for where to store them or the time to search through all possible storage spots.
Constant Worrier = Must Save Everything: You're concerned that you \"might\" need something in the future, so you save everything, \"just in case.\"
Overwhelmed in Life = Overwhelmed at Home: You don't know where to beginso you just live with the chaos.
By identifying which category you fit into, you can avoid your weak spots. If you think you don't have time, start by carving out just 15 minutes a day to complete a small task like going through the mail (try using this coffee mug for inspiration). If you're a constant worrier, take inventory of your stuff to remind yourself that you have everything you needfor right now. And if you're overwhelmed in life, empty just one drawer, clean just one shelf; when a small task is completed successfully, that will inspire you to do more. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705892_original.jpg","title":"Your Clutter Problem Might Not Be What You Think It Is","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9de1d000030001429ab.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"In order to maintain a clutter-free home, you need to get to the root of why things pile up in the first place. The NEAT founders believe that most people fall into the following clutter personalities: \n
\nToo Busy = Too Many Extras: You buy items you already own because you don't have a system in place for where to store them or the time to search through all possible storage spots. \n
\nConstant Worrier = Must Save Everything: You're concerned that you \"might\" need something in the future, so you save everything, \"just in case.\" \n
\nOverwhelmed in Life = Overwhelmed at Home: You don't know where to beginso you just live with the chaos. \n
\nBy identifying which category you fit into, you can avoid your weak spots. If you think you don't have time, start by carving out just 15 minutes a day to complete a small task like going through the mail (try using this coffee mug for inspiration). If you're a constant worrier, take inventory of your stuff to remind yourself that you have everything you needfor right now. And if you're overwhelmed in life, empty just one drawer, clean just one shelf; when a small task is completed successfully, that will inspire you to do more. ","credit":"Thinkstock","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9de1d00002f001429aa.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dee4b0224d88325649","caption":"The NEAT duo has found that when most people shop for organizational solutions, they tend to overbuy plastic storage bins, to stow large things they don't use often, and small baskets, thinking they've got a lot of similar little items that need a home. But if they haven't first done a thorough purge, they end up with bins that don't fit their space and with fewer longterm storage needs and less itsy-bitsy clutter than they imagined. Ashley and Molly abide by this bedrock organizing principle: First, make piles of what you have, then shop with measurements-in-hand of the specific places in the home where the stuff will go. And don't forget to buy enough hangers and files; the two other items people underpurchase. They'll come in handy when you need to hang up costumes and put away cards -- which the organizers discovered are two of the most commonly hoarded items among men and women respectively. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705894_original.jpg","title":"Your Most Common Mistake","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9de1d00002f001429aa.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"The NEAT duo has found that when most people shop for organizational solutions, they tend to overbuy plastic storage bins, to stow large things they don't use often, and small baskets, thinking they've got a lot of similar little items that need a home. But if they haven't first done a thorough purge, they end up with bins that don't fit their space and with fewer longterm storage needs and less itsy-bitsy clutter than they imagined. Ashley and Molly abide by this bedrock organizing principle: First, make piles of what you have, then shop with measurements-in-hand of the specific places in the home where the stuff will go. And don't forget to buy enough hangers and files; the two other items people underpurchase. They'll come in handy when you need to hang up costumes and put away cards -- which the organizers discovered are two of the most commonly hoarded items among men and women respectively. ","credit":"Thinkstock","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9de1400002e002e0b6f.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock and Getty Images"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dee4b0224d8832564c","caption":"If you're in awe of meticulously marked kitchen pantries but don't want to spend the time or money labeling, then Ashley and Molly recommend clear organizers, which do the same job. Whether you're storing linens or desk supplies, see-through containers make it obvious where everything goes. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705896_original.jpg","title":"The Next Best Thing If You Hate Labeling","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock and Getty Images","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9de1400002e002e0b6f.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"If you're in awe of meticulously marked kitchen pantries but don't want to spend the time or money labeling, then Ashley and Molly recommend clear organizers, which do the same job. Whether you're storing linens or desk supplies, see-through containers make it obvious where everything goes. ","credit":"Thinkstock and Getty Images","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9df1400002e002e0b70.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dfe4b0224d8832564d","caption":"If you've spent months unable to find a cutlery holder that fits, or a drawer caddy for your desk, it might be because you're not accurately measuring. Ashley and Molly kept running into this issue until they realized they needed to measure protruding screw heads, hinges and rounded sides or corners instead of just the width, length and height of the drawer. They suggest investing in a soft tape measure. Another hard-won tip? Carry a picture of what's inside the drawer with you while you're shopping, since they've found it easy to forget what items will go in the organizer. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705898_original.jpg","title":"Your Most Accurate Measuring Technique","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9df1400002e002e0b70.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"If you've spent months unable to find a cutlery holder that fits, or a drawer caddy for your desk, it might be because you're not accurately measuring. Ashley and Molly kept running into this issue until they realized they needed to measure protruding screw heads, hinges and rounded sides or corners instead of just the width, length and height of the drawer. They suggest investing in a soft tape measure. Another hard-won tip? Carry a picture of what's inside the drawer with you while you're shopping, since they've found it easy to forget what items will go in the organizer. ","credit":"Thinkstock","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9df17000026005655fc.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dfe4b0224d8832564e","caption":"Garment bags are a great way to move off-season clothes out of your small closetbut experts recommend avoiding plastic. Plastic garment protectors can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew in humid environments. Instead, make sure yours have linen on one or both sides, which lets clothes breathe. (Ashley and Molly suggest one like this.) ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705900_original.jpg","title":"The Storage Item That Can Make Things Worse","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9df17000026005655fc.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"Garment bags are a great way to move off-season clothes out of your small closetbut experts recommend avoiding plastic. Plastic garment protectors can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew in humid environments. Instead, make sure yours have linen on one or both sides, which lets clothes breathe. (Ashley and Molly suggest one like
\r\n\r\n","\r\n\r\n"],"adCount":0}}">Too Busy = Too Many Extras: You buy items you already own because you don't have a system in place for where to store them or the time to search through all possible storage spots.
Constant Worrier = Must Save Everything: You're concerned that you \"might\" need something in the future, so you save everything, \"just in case.\"
Overwhelmed in Life = Overwhelmed at Home: You don't know where to beginso you just live with the chaos.
By identifying which category you fit into, you can avoid your weak spots. If you think you don't have time, start by carving out just 15 minutes a day to complete a small task like going through the mail (try using this coffee mug for inspiration). If you're a constant worrier, take inventory of your stuff to remind yourself that you have everything you needfor right now. And if you're overwhelmed in life, empty just one drawer, clean just one shelf; when a small task is completed successfully, that will inspire you to do more. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705892_original.jpg","title":"Your Clutter Problem Might Not Be What You Think It Is","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9de1d000030001429ab.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"In order to maintain a clutter-free home, you need to get to the root of why things pile up in the first place. The NEAT founders believe that most people fall into the following clutter personalities: \n
\nToo Busy = Too Many Extras: You buy items you already own because you don't have a system in place for where to store them or the time to search through all possible storage spots. \n
\nConstant Worrier = Must Save Everything: You're concerned that you \"might\" need something in the future, so you save everything, \"just in case.\" \n
\nOverwhelmed in Life = Overwhelmed at Home: You don't know where to beginso you just live with the chaos. \n
\nBy identifying which category you fit into, you can avoid your weak spots. If you think you don't have time, start by carving out just 15 minutes a day to complete a small task like going through the mail (try using this coffee mug for inspiration). If you're a constant worrier, take inventory of your stuff to remind yourself that you have everything you needfor right now. And if you're overwhelmed in life, empty just one drawer, clean just one shelf; when a small task is completed successfully, that will inspire you to do more. ","credit":"Thinkstock","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9de1d00002f001429aa.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dee4b0224d88325649","caption":"The NEAT duo has found that when most people shop for organizational solutions, they tend to overbuy plastic storage bins, to stow large things they don't use often, and small baskets, thinking they've got a lot of similar little items that need a home. But if they haven't first done a thorough purge, they end up with bins that don't fit their space and with fewer longterm storage needs and less itsy-bitsy clutter than they imagined. Ashley and Molly abide by this bedrock organizing principle: First, make piles of what you have, then shop with measurements-in-hand of the specific places in the home where the stuff will go. And don't forget to buy enough hangers and files; the two other items people underpurchase. They'll come in handy when you need to hang up costumes and put away cards -- which the organizers discovered are two of the most commonly hoarded items among men and women respectively. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705894_original.jpg","title":"Your Most Common Mistake","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9de1d00002f001429aa.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"The NEAT duo has found that when most people shop for organizational solutions, they tend to overbuy plastic storage bins, to stow large things they don't use often, and small baskets, thinking they've got a lot of similar little items that need a home. But if they haven't first done a thorough purge, they end up with bins that don't fit their space and with fewer longterm storage needs and less itsy-bitsy clutter than they imagined. Ashley and Molly abide by this bedrock organizing principle: First, make piles of what you have, then shop with measurements-in-hand of the specific places in the home where the stuff will go. And don't forget to buy enough hangers and files; the two other items people underpurchase. They'll come in handy when you need to hang up costumes and put away cards -- which the organizers discovered are two of the most commonly hoarded items among men and women respectively. ","credit":"Thinkstock","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9de1400002e002e0b6f.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock and Getty Images"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dee4b0224d8832564c","caption":"If you're in awe of meticulously marked kitchen pantries but don't want to spend the time or money labeling, then Ashley and Molly recommend clear organizers, which do the same job. Whether you're storing linens or desk supplies, see-through containers make it obvious where everything goes. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705896_original.jpg","title":"The Next Best Thing If You Hate Labeling","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock and Getty Images","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9de1400002e002e0b6f.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"If you're in awe of meticulously marked kitchen pantries but don't want to spend the time or money labeling, then Ashley and Molly recommend clear organizers, which do the same job. Whether you're storing linens or desk supplies, see-through containers make it obvious where everything goes. ","credit":"Thinkstock and Getty Images","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9df1400002e002e0b70.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dfe4b0224d8832564d","caption":"If you've spent months unable to find a cutlery holder that fits, or a drawer caddy for your desk, it might be because you're not accurately measuring. Ashley and Molly kept running into this issue until they realized they needed to measure protruding screw heads, hinges and rounded sides or corners instead of just the width, length and height of the drawer. They suggest investing in a soft tape measure. Another hard-won tip? Carry a picture of what's inside the drawer with you while you're shopping, since they've found it easy to forget what items will go in the organizer. ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705898_original.jpg","title":"Your Most Accurate Measuring Technique","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9df1400002e002e0b70.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"If you've spent months unable to find a cutlery holder that fits, or a drawer caddy for your desk, it might be because you're not accurately measuring. Ashley and Molly kept running into this issue until they realized they needed to measure protruding screw heads, hinges and rounded sides or corners instead of just the width, length and height of the drawer. They suggest investing in a soft tape measure. Another hard-won tip? Carry a picture of what's inside the drawer with you while you're shopping, since they've found it easy to forget what items will go in the organizer. ","credit":"Thinkstock","height":534,"width":949,"ops":""},"textWrap":"noWrap","imagePositionInUnit":null,"imagePositionInSubUnit":null,"authors":[],"isLiveblogSlide":false},"provider":null},{"embedData":{"type":"hector","url":"https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/55b2a9df17000026005655fc.jpeg","queryParams":{},"width":949,"height":534,"credit":"Thinkstock"},"type":"image","common":{"id":"55b2a9dfe4b0224d8832564e","caption":"Garment bags are a great way to move off-season clothes out of your small closetbut experts recommend avoiding plastic. Plastic garment protectors can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew in humid environments. Instead, make sure yours have linen on one or both sides, which lets clothes breathe. (Ashley and Molly suggest one like this.) ","source":"http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/435914/slide_435914_5705900_original.jpg","title":"The Storage Item That Can Make Things Worse","type":"image","summary":"","badge":"","cta":[],"meta":null,"credit":"Thinkstock","creditUrl":"","authorship":{"author":{"id":"000000000000000000000000","bio":{},"urls":{},"urlName":{"text":"","transliterated":""}}},"social":{},"thumbnail":{"url":{"fileName":"55b2a9df17000026005655fc.jpeg","type":"hectorUrl"},"caption":"Garment bags are a great way to move off-season clothes out of your small closetbut experts recommend avoiding plastic. Plastic garment protectors can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew in humid environments. Instead, make sure yours have linen on one or both sides, which lets clothes breathe. (Ashley and Molly suggest one like
_(720p).jpg)
 OFFICIAL HD MUSIC VIDEO.jpg)
.jpg)
