How can clutter cost you money?  Sometimes clutter can be considered hoarding.  But, some of the real cost can show up in your finances.  The more junk you live with, the more cash will slip through your fingers; and you’ll never realize it.

For example, people often purchase things they already own because the thing is buried in clutter.  People repurchase things they’ve stuffed in cabinets, piles, or closets and they don’t know they have that stuff anymore.  Repurchasing things like tools, office supplies, or things that are simply easier to rebuy than finding them are common occurrences.  And, too much clutter will cause people to rent storage units, get a larger living space, or stuffing unused rooms with junk.  Remember, you’re paying for the extra storage space.  You could be saving money by just eliminating the clutter.  And, it’s not a lack of space that’s the issue, it’s too much stuff creating the problem.

Clutter can also cost you time and your time also has value.  If you’re looking for a misplaced bill, some essential paperwork, or any other lost thing, you could be doing something more productive instead.  For example, missing a bill due date could not only cost you the time it take to look for it, it also can cost penalties or late fees, along with a reduction in your credit score for being late.

Clutter can add stress to your life and may cause impulsive spending.  After all, if you buy new, you don’t have to go through your junk to find something.  But buying extra stuff may stretch your budget and cause you grief down the road.

And think about this…  Disorganization can reduce your concentration and efficiency.  If your home is cluttered, you may not be able to downsize, sell it, or rent out a room to make extra cash.  All of these things can influence your long-term economic flexibility.

Moral of the story:

Clutter isn’t just about untidiness.  It’s about cash wrapped up in things you have that you don’t use, time you can’t get back, and choices made under duress.  Reducing your clutter allows for more clarity, intention, and better economic decisions.