We’re often reluctant to give our clutter away, because we’re convinced that it’s worth something. But for most of us this theory just doesn’t add up. If we calculate the economics of clutter then we’ll understand the true value of our junk… and it’s not worth very much.
What’s It Worth?
Start by finding out how much your house is worth and then calculate the amount of square footage it contains. If you don’t know then call in an estate agent and get it valued; it’s knowledge that’s useful to have.
Now assess the value of your clutter. Even if you overestimate the value of your unused possessions (and you probably will), then I’m willing to bet that it doesn’t equal the value of the space it is currently occupying in your home.
The Value of Clutter
Let’s say the clutter in your garage or spare room is worth two hundred pounds; I’m being generous here as you’d probably have to pay someone to take it away! How much would it cost to add a garage or spare room to your home? A lot more than two hundred pounds, and yet your car is sitting in the rain because your garage is full of junk and you can’t use your spare room for the exact same reason.
It Doesn’t Add Up
It doesn’t add up whichever way you calculate it. We all think that possessions are worth having but the space they occupy is actually far more valuable.
Occupation of square footage isn’t the only way that your clutter is costing you money. Every time you buy more bookcases, cupboards or shelves and every time you pay to have extra storage fitted into your home, then your clutter is costing you money.
The value of the bookcase is probably higher than the second hand value of the books is contains. The cost of the cupboard is probably far greater than the clutter is contains.
Economic Insanity
What about those of us who move to a bigger house because they need more room for their possessions, most of which they never use? Does that make economic sense? Or those of us who indulge in even greater insanity by renting a storage facility for their clutter. These expensive activities carried out purely to house our clutter are really costing us, and yet it all seems to make perfect sense at the time.
It Pays To Do The Maths
It pays to do the maths. When you calculate the economics of clutter you will see that it’s just not worth it. Those sums will never add up to financial gain or common sense. Understand the value of your space and your time, and understand that your clutter is by and large, worthless.
