Stuff Accumulation

The simple truth about stuff is that there is always more of it. We chronicle the daily struggle in this section, adding useful ideas on how to control the intake, how to move forward with the outgoing and stories to illustrate that even when you're organized, the stuff just keeps on coming.

Delete isn't just a button on your computer

Posted by Janice Russell onDecember27,2011

When your computer has too many documents or programs, it gets sluggish and can shut down completely. It's also harder to figure out where important documents are unless you have good systems for naming and filing the documents. Two options are: delete unused files and programs or add more whether it is memory or the size of your hard drive. Usually it is better to delete since there are many unused documents and programs. But often people go the simpler route of more storage space.

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Thinking About Stuff: A Wedding Registry Epiphany

Posted by Jennifer Wig onDecember08,2011

Leo and I stood in the aisles at Bed, Bath and Beyond, gazing at all the amazing kitchen gadgets around us. In his hand, the scan gun was aimed at the ready.

It was time to register for our wedding. But this Saturday outing, meant to be fun, turned out to be difficult.

"Pots and pans? Already have a nice set," I said, walking by.open storage in kitchen

"Waffle iron?" he said. "Got one already."

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the elephant in the cluttered house

Posted by Janice Russell onOctober21,2011

The expression "the elephant in the room" usually refers to a big unspoken and unpleasant happening within a group of people. It might be that the book club doesn't discuss the fact that one of the members is getting a divorce. Maybe a child's most recent run-in with the law isn't talked about at the neighborhood picnic. Whatever "it" is, people feel its presence and avoid it at all costs.

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Didgeridoo Dilemma: Vacation Souvenir or Future Home Clutter?

Posted by Jennifer Wig onOctober20,2011

The man took a deep breath and began blowing through the long, wooden piped instrument. The sounds of a didgeridoo are unique and ubiquitous to Australia. How cool would it be to bring one home?

I just got back from three weeks in Australia and I'm happy to report that my suitcase only weighed a few more kilograms than it did when I began. Of course, it helped that I did not buy a didgeridoo.

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What's Really Under the Clutter?

Posted by Janice Russell onOctober10,2011

If you've got clutter, then you probably have piles on top of... what is under that clutter? Probably some type of surface like a floor, table, sofa or some other piece of furniture. You may or may not have seen the surface in awhile depending on how long the pile has been there. Guess what? There is probably something else under that pile. No, I'm not talking about anything like dust or bugs, I'm talking about feelings. Here are two of the common ones:

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When Someone's Disorganization Impacts You

Posted by Janice Russell onOctober03,2011

People often approach me and say, "My <spouse, significant other, sibling> is <a hoarder/really, really disorganized> and it's starting to cause problems. What can I do?" While I would love to say, "Complete these three actions and all will be well" unfortunately, that is not the case. What I can do is offer a few suggestions to point you in the direction of action.

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How to Wear Down Clutter

Posted by Janice Russell onJuly20,2011

I love my cat, but sometimes she wears me out. She has a very loud meow and when she wants something, like breakfast in the morning, she can meow persistently for up to two hours. A long time ago, I decided that to a certain extent I would accommodate her schedule. But only to a certain extent, after all, I am the human!

In your relationship with stuff, clutter wears you down. It keeps filling your space.

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"What is enough?"

Posted by Janice Russell onJune01,2011

"I don't have enough, I need more." It doesn't matter whether this statement is just a thought in our minds or stated to someone, this is often the reason we use to rationalize a purchase. It is related to the idea that we can always use more of certain items due to the fact that we use that item with some frequency. Unfortunately, the speed with which we use items is often lower than the speed with which we buy the same item. So what is "enough"? Lao Tzu says, “He who knows enough is enough will always have enough.” Think about that for just a moment.

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"We sell stuff!"

Posted by Janice Russell onMay23,2011

Twice recently I passed a billboard announcing "We sell stuff". This proclamation was followed by a sentence indicating that they are the one source for any type of stuff I might need. Then there was a web address.

Now I haven't a clue as to what type of stuff they actually sell. While it is possible that they sell every type of stuff known to humankind, I'm pretty sure that they sell stuff within one or more specific categories.

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"The person with the most X wins!"

Posted by Janice Russell onMay18,2011

You've seen it on bummer stickers and t-shirts. The X might stand for fabric, pictures, money, clothes, jewelry, or toys. We often laugh when we see the expression. But what about the "expression" when having "the most X" turns into anxiety, despair, seclusion, unsafe conditions, health concerns, injury or death? "Not likely" you say.

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