Louisiana Homeowners Are Ditching Decluttering for a Happier Life

(99.9 KTDY) - Louisiana homes are often cluttered, but the way some experts discuss decluttering our homes makes it sound like it's going to save our lives! The way stories are framed about decluttering seem a little bit dramatic.

Louisiana Residents, Are You Sick Of Decluttering Your Home?

Here's the thing: decluttering is a hard thing to do. If you're considering decluttering a room in your home or the entire house, it's a daunting task.

If you're feeling guilty about not wanting to get rid of items or not decluttering at all, you're not alone.

An article by Karen Trefzgur, titled "Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff," highlights in her top five things about decluttering that "Decluttering is Hard."

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This is an essential article because she explains that while satisfying, decluttering is not going to change your life, and it's HARD TO DO! It's not magic in a bottle that you sprinkle on your clutter, and it magically disappears! Finally, experts are admitting how hard it is!

Finally, people are getting real about the difficulty of decluttering.

You Feel Guilty For Not Decluttering

Ugh! Anytime someone even mentions coming to your house, are you one of those people who panic!!! I know I am that person!

If you're tired of feeling guilty for not decluttering your home, you can stop right now.

Julianna at The Simplicity Habit is a writer and professional declutterer, and she addresses the issue that some people really feel guilty for not decluttering.

The phrase that she writes that is most impactful is, "You're not alone". Whew, thank goodness.

Reasons We Might Feel Guilty For Not Decluttering

• A Sense of Loss
• Sentimental Value
• You Spent Hard-Earned Money
• We Keep Stuff "Just in Case We Need It"

The Simplified Home acknowledges that guilt is a genuine feeling when it comes to decluttering.

They suggest asking yourself these two questions to figure out if you are ever really going to need the item:

1. Can I replace it easily?

2. Would it cost less than $50 to replace? (and you pick the number)

They suggest that if you answer "yes" to both, then discard the item.

And, if you don't want to throw it away, wait until another time you feel like you can. Do not give in to guilt or shame.

If You Don't Want To Declutter, You Don't Have To

Last year, we learned about a new phase in dealing with things in our homes, and so it prompted me to write the following article:

READ MORE: WEIRD NEW TREND FOR LOUISIANA HOME, SUGGESTED BY DESIGNERS, IS TO RECLUTTER OUR HOMES

People have been discovering that sometimes they give away things they loved and cherished, all because they were into the idea of decluttering their space.

Here is an excellent video from Erica Lucas about how  you really can get rid of things without feeling guilty:

Why You Should Stop Decluttering

Listen, there are some areas in your house you may have to clean up, but there is a point when you have to stop and say, "No more!"

You know what it's really about, according to Be More With Less, it's about what you want to do with your life and the people in it.

Take this excerpt; it's straight and to the point. If you don't want to declutter, then don't do it.

.....think about what you really want out of this life of yours. Is this the time to declutter more, or is this the time to deepen a connection with someone you love? Is this the time to move on to your bookshelves, or is this the time to create something new, or serve in your community?

At the end of the day, if you want to undertake a small project that involves decluttering, then you should do it. If you have the time and energy to declutter the whole house, that's great! However, if you lack the enthusiasm to declutter, then don't beat yourself up.

Here's Advice About Whether You Want To DeClutter Or Not To Declutter: 

• You can always declutter tomorrow, the next day, or never.
• If you are experiencing severe angst about decluttering, then don't do it.
• Empower yourself to give yourself some space from the clutter. If you want to keep something, keep it, and if you want to throw it away or give it away, do so.
• Consider something very carefully before you buy it, so you don't have to declutter it later or let it end up in a landfill. (Just a thought).