What Scarcity Has to Do With Clutter (Hint: It's Not What You Think)

When we talk about clutter, most people assume it's a result of too many things, too many choices and too easy access to all of it.

But in my work as a professional organizer and coach, I've learned that clutter often doesn't start with "too much." It starts with what you believe.

More specifically, a scarcity mindset. A deep belief that there might not be enough, or that what you have now may be the best (or only) chance you get.

A scarcity mindset sounds like:

• What if I need this someday?

• I should keep it, just in case.

• It was free/a good deal, so I might as well hold on it.

• I don't want to be wasteful.

These thoughts aren't wrong or bad. Scarcity thinking is incredibly common and come from lived experience around not having enough, emphasis on frugality, or absorbed cultural messages about being prepared or resourceful.

But over time those thoughts can quietly drive decisions that lead to cluttered, stressful and unmanageable spaces.

In contrast, an abundance mindset doesn't mean you have unlimited resources.

It means you trust that:

• You will have access to what you need when you need it

• You can choose quality over quantity

• Letting does doesn't make you unsafe, it frees you

  
  

So where do you begin?

With awareness.

Get curious about your thoughts when you go to buy or keep something.

• Are you buying it because of a someday situation? Because it's inexpensive or on sale?

• When trying to let go are you holding on just in case? Because you might use it someday? Because it feels wasteful not to?

These are powerful questions, and there's no right or wrong answer. Focus on getting curious, not critical. And if you choose to, shifting your mindset won't happen overnight. It takes time, self compassion and willingness to notice where you are starting.

Feeling abundant and free