Keeping unused items actually costs you money
Does keeping things because “I might need them someday” seem like the thrifty option? Think again—keeping unused items actually costs you money.
If you have a storage unit, you’re not alone—one in ten Americans pays for self-storage. And we’re collectively spending $38 billion (yes, billion!) per year on self-storage. Most of that figure is from households—not companies. That’s an average of $2000 per person per year.
Even if you don't have a storage unit, clutter in your home could be costing you money. Home storage of unused items is estimated to cost an average of $10 per square foot. Or divide your monthly rent/mortgage by home’s square footage to get the cost per square foot for your particular space. Then figure out how much space is being taken up by unused items and multiply to find your personal clutter cost!
The average American spends 2.5 days per year searching for lost items
Clutter also costs us when we waste time searching for lost items amid household disarray. The most commonly misplaced items are: TV remotes, phones, car keys, shoes, & wallets/purses. The average American spends 2.5 days per year searching for lost items. Think of what you could do with an extra 2.5 days—or what you could do with the money you earn in 2.5 days of work!
More money is wasted when those lost items need to be replaced with new purchases. It’s estimated we collectively spend $2.7 billion a year on replacement purchases. Two-thirds of Americans will spend up to $50 a year replacing lost things.
It’s time to rethink holding on to items you don’t use, need, or love
Here are some other ways clutter can cost you money: 60% of people have been late to work or school because they were searching for a missing item. 50% have missed an appointment or a meeting. Think of the potential consequences: missed work hours, maybe even a lost job or promotion, and the money that would have come with it.
It’s time to rethink holding on to items you don’t use, need, or love. Here’s the bottom line: Clutter hurts your wallet!
Ready to let go of unused stuff (and save some money while you’re at it)? I’m here to help. Contact me for your free 30-minute consultation. 🌱