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August6–12

Clutter Awareness Week – August 6-12, 2024

Clutter Awareness Week is held in August to create awareness about a much-overlooked issue. This year, it takes place from to 12. Clutter in all its forms can do more damage than you might believe. It has a nasty habit of eating away at your time and productivity. Clutter Awareness Week aims to highlight all forms of clutter and identify ways to tackle and overcome it.

History of Clutter Awareness Week

Clutter Awareness Week was created to encourage us to get rid of those unwanted things that can complicate contented living. Getting rid of them can involve avoiding negative people and habits and also donating, recycling, and selling unnecessary items around your home or workplace.

Clutter can be either mental or physical. Regardless of the type, it has a way of consuming time and reducing your productivity. It can hamper your ability to live a calm and happy life. Think about the thousands of minutes you could save if only you manage to clear the clutter from your mind and environment.

A cluttered life often means missing deadlines and constant fatigue, and can lead to anxiety or depression over time. The first step toward getting rid of clutter is learning to let things go. It might be a physical object, a feeling, or even someone in your life who has a negative outlook.

Deciding to remove that excess baggage can be difficult. You need determination and courage, but the rewards are worth the extra effort, and the fulfillment and satisfaction mean you can focus on doing things and being around people that make you happy.

Get rid of mental clutter by practicing meditation, taking long walks, or spending more time with family. It’s important to know that the solution is different for each individual. Find a hobby — a happy place — where the clutter can’t reach you. Do this as often as your schedule allows, and you will see positive changes with time.

Learn to part with stuff you don’t need. Donate, recycle, or sell items you have been holding onto purely for their sentimental value. From your office to your personal space, leave zero room for clutter. An organized space is the bedrock of successful ventures.

Clutter Awareness Week timeline

2800 B.C.
Soap Gains Popularity

Babylonians start using soap for washing.

100 A.D.
Religious Cleaning Requirements are Established

Several religions introduce cleaning rituals for important festivals.

1800
Spring Cleaning is Introduced

Spring cleaning gains traction.

1870
The Feather Duster is Invented

A farmer from Iowa in the United States invents the feather duster.

Clutter Awareness Week FAQs

Why do people suddenly start hoarding?

Most people start hoarding after a life-changing event, such as losing a loved one, occurs in their lives. Hoarding is a reaction to their inability to cope with the situation and move on.

How can you tell if someone is a hoarder?

Hoarders can exhibit some of the following characteristics: Unwillingness to get rid of old possessions; experiencing severe anxiety when trying to clear out items; being unable to organize or sort possessions; and feeling ashamed or overwhelmed by possessions.

Why is decluttering so overwhelming?

You will need to devise a plan before starting your decluttering exercise. The work required, along with the emotional significance of the exercise, can overwhelm you if you are not well prepared.

How to Observe Clutter Awareness Week

  1. Donate, recycle, or sell

    We all have items we keep around for no viable reason. Donate, recycle, or sell those items lurking around unattended in your home or office.

  2. Find your happy place

    The stress of balancing everything from your work life to your home life can be overwhelming. Create a safe space where you can relax and block out negativity.

  3. Create a schedule

    Schedules are generally underrated. If you find it difficult to commit to addressing clutter, setting out a schedule to keep you on track is the way to go.

5 Facts About Clutter That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Feel the burn

    You can burn up to 200 calories while cleaning for two hours.

  2. Poor planning

    Over 80% of domestic clutter is due to disorganization.

  3. Unbalanced statistics

    The average woman will spend almost 13,000 hours cleaning compared to just over 6,000 hours for men.

  4. Germ city

    Kitchen sinks can retain more germs than toilets.

  5. Lost time

    The average person will spend over a year of their lifetime searching for lost objects at home or the office.

Why Clutter Awareness Week is Important

  1. Cleaning can make you feel more relaxed

    Cleaning and organizing your space can have a soothing effect and make you more relaxed. Research suggests that making your bed in the mornings can encourage more positive habits.

  2. You get more space

    Clear out unnecessary items in your home or office and you will be surprised at the amount of space you’ve been missing out on. Give the items to those who need them and enjoy your new space.

  3. It can help fight procrastination

    We are all guilty of putting off things for later. Clutter Awareness Week advocates timely intervention to address issues and it can influence your ability to take action on other crucial concerns in your life.

Clutter Awareness Week dates

YearDateDay
2024August 6Tuesday
2025August 6Wednesday
2026August 6Thursday
2027August 6Friday
2028August 6Sunday

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