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If you feel inclined to exclaim, "Paperwork, trinkets and knickknacks, oh my!" then there is hope. The trick is getting to the root of why you're collecting things. Why do people collect so much "stuff" that it makes it impossible to find things fast or get things done?

There are three basic reasons people collect so many possessions that their homes and businesses become disorganized. Discover which one motivates you and then use the solutions provided to simplify your life.

Scarcity Mentality

Remember great-grandma saving buttons in a jar? Those who lived through the depression learned to make do, wear it out, and save the scraps. Today, we have the ecology movement where many of us feel a stewardship to make things last and recycle them. There's nothing wrong with being a good steward but when you have collected so much stuff that it's getting in your way, something must be done.

What's the solution? Set limits on the "stuff" you keep. Use the "one in one out" method. If you buy or bring home something new, give or recycle one thing out. Use it or lose it. Realize that you have moved on and don't use outdated items such as out of style clothing, furniture, appliances, hobby equipment, and toys! If you got it once, you can probably get it again.

Abundance Society

In the abundance society we collect things because they're cheap. Or there's the "new and improved" version, and we simply must have it. Today we also have an increased freedom to go shopping. For many, going shopping has become the national pastime. This used to be the mall, now it's even easier to shop online with a point and a click. Collecting stuff has become a way to show our success and achievements. We feel a sense of entitlement that we've worked hard, so we deserve it. Still others shop or acquire things out of revenge or resentment.

What's the solution? Find a worthy charity or recipient for "good stuff" that you don't use or need. Share your wealth with others.

Hoarding

Our things often hold memories. They help us live in the past. We may hold onto things because we feel a sense of family responsibility to do so. A fear of the future and of unknown situations makes us hold onto the old and the comfortable. Some also hang onto unnecessary documents because they don't know what to keep and what to discard.

Hoarding is driven by fear. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. Instead of thinking of the "value" of the "stuff," consider the "VALUE" of your "life."

What's the solution? Real preparedness (peace of mind) for future unknowns might include:

• Organizing vital documents
• Creating a family first aid and/or emergency kit
• Start saving for your financial security (creating a financial plan aka "budget")
• Identifying & visualizing your dreams. List steps to accomplish your goals.

So why do you hang onto things? Do you have a fear that there's not enough? Or do you equate an abundance of possessions with success? Or perhaps you are afraid to let go of the past? Get to the root of why you collect things, address your fears, and then use the solutions outlined above to take positive action toward simplifying your life. You'll be amazed at the freedom and peace of mind you experience as a result.