Have you been spending more time indoors because of the extreme heat? If so, you may have noticed some things around your home that you no longer use or need. Clutter Awareness Week (August 6–12) is the perfect opportunity to take a fresh look at your living space and consider what you can let go of to make your home safer, more comfortable, and easier to enjoy. But clearing clutter isn’t always as simple as filling a donation box. Our belongings often hold memories, emotions, and a sense of security. In this post, we’ll explore why it’s so hard to part with certain items, the difference between everyday clutter and hoarding disorder, and local resources that can help if clutter has become overwhelming. 

 

Why do we hang on to clutter? 

There’s no one answer to why people hang on to clutter, because everyone and every situation is unique. Someone may unconsciously like to live in a cluttered space because they grew up in a space that was cluttered. Strong emotions (both positive and negative) can also make it difficult to part with items. Fear of needing something in the future can also lead to clutter. Similarly, creative types may be hanging onto items for a while, promising themselves they’ll use whatever they’re keeping in a craft or art project. Sometimes the answer is as simple as doing a marathon decluttering session but not maintaining your new systems, so the clutter starts again when new items are brought into the home. Alternatively, some people may want to get rid of clutter, but are overwhelmed, don’t know where to start, or are worried about making a mistake, so they don’t act.  

 

Clutter Vs. Hoarding 

The Mayo Clinic defines Hoarding Disorder as “an ongoing difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions because you believe that you need to save them.”  

• People living with Hoarding Disorder may: 
  • Buy or keep too many items that they do not need or have space for. 
  • Experience distress when thinking of getting rid of items. 
  • Live in cramped living conditions with clutter on most flat spaces. This arrangement may mean that they can’t use parts of their home. 
  • This can increase their risk of falls.  
  • May not see their behavior as a problem. 
  • Also be living with a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 
  • Fight or develop relationship issues with friends or family members who try to remove clutter from their home.  
  • Have difficulty making decisions or issues with problem-solving.  
  • Have experienced a traumatic event.  

 

Learn More 

• Are You Affected by Chronic Disorganization? Via Institute for Challenging Disorganization
• How Do I Find A Professional Organizer Who Is Right For Me? Via Institute for Challenging Disorganization 
• Clutter Stages via Wayne State University (see below) 

 

Clutter Resources 

• Clutter Captain (734) 358-9995 
  • Offers non-judgmental decluttering and home organization services.  
  • Serves Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Jackson, Lenawee, and Monroe Counties.  
  • Charges under $50/hour. 
  • Offers seasonal discounts (call for more information). 

• Clutterers Anonymous 
  • Free 12-step program (similar to Alcoholics Anonymous). 
  • Offers both in-person and phone or virtual meetings.  
  • Also offers activity sessions and body doubling sessions.  

• Hoarding Task Force of Washtenaw (734) 340-5813 
  • Partnership of public and private agencies overseen by Pathlight Community Services. 
  • Offers home visits/Hoarding Behavior Assessments (take between 1-1.5 hours). 
  • After the home visit/assessment, a plan is made to address the hoarding behavior. 
  • Donations are requested to cover the expenses associated with the program. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.  

• SuperOrganized (734) 531-9865 
  • Offers non-judgmental home organization services.  
  • Has experience with mental illnesses and hoarding.  
  • Income-based sliding scale pricing is available. 

Please note: This resource list is compiled as a public service. CCWC does not endorse or recommend any specific vendor, provider, or resource listed. 

 

Other Resources 

• A Guide to Appliance Recycling via Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority 

• City of Ann Arbor – Trash, Recycling & Compost 
  • Offers side door and porch set-out service for residents who are physically unable to move their trash or recycling containers at the curb. Must interview to be included in the program. Call (734) 994-7336 for more information.  

• Pittsfield Charter Township Residential Solid Waste Service (734) 822-3130 
  • Call the office if you are unable to place your rubbish at the curbside for pick-up due to a physical challenge or advanced age. 

• Recycle Ann Arbor (734) 971-7400 
  • Offers drop off station for recyclables. 
  • Website hosts an A-Z guide for how to recycle a large variety of items (e.g., adhesives, batteries, cameras, etc.). 

• Washtenaw  County Cleanup Days 
  • County Cleanup Days are events where Washtenaw County residents can recycle and dispose of many household items including electronics, household hazardous waste, bulky waste, appliances, and scrap tires.  
  • County residents can attend any of these events, but registration is required! 
  • Visit the website for upcoming dates, more information, and to register.