Stop buying junk to keep you organized
I cannot even count how many ads I receive per day. Whether its via email, text, social media etc. As an organizer and someone who cares about both the emotional and environmental impacts of overconsumption, the most disturbing ads are the one’s selling you products to organize your stuff.
You may be thinking “but Emily don’t you have items that assist with your home? Or recommend products to clients?” The answer is yes, BUT only after decluttering. The problem I have with these ads is twofold:
They do not know you, do not know why you may have items that need organization. Perhaps the items you would buy a fancy zipper pouch to contain, actually need to be downsized or donated. Perhaps you do not, in fact, need a whole wall unit to hold your sunglasses, but actually need to get rid of the pairs you never wear.
The hook on these ads is always “you NEED this” which is incorrect. Unless it is actually necessary for your survival, you do not NEED a tiny plastic cup-holder sized trash can for your car. Do you want it? Sure. You do not need it. I actually do not know anyone who has one and tells me the ways it changed their life. That plastic grocery bag in the glove box does the trick for most people.
If you want to buy an item to keep you organized, make sure you are decluttering the space first, measuring the space second, and only buying an item that will most certainly fit in the space as well as contain the items to be organized. Otherwise? You will need to return them, and a large portion of the items I end up bringing to donation for my clients are items past the return window.
Next time an ad comes up with “10 staples you need for your beach bag this summer”, notice that other than the essentials you already knew about, most of the items are not necessary at all. If everyone can start seeing the trends of overconsumption in this way, we will see fewer people feeling burdened by the items they own.
Struggling to declutter? I am always here to help, reach out on the “contact” tab!
