I'm a clutter-a-holic. I'm the son of two champion clutter-a-holics and the brother of a future world-record-setting clutter-a-holic. My bad habits with my stuff drive my wife and daughter crazy.
But I've been making headway for several years. Each time I read a book about clutter busting, I make a little more progress.
It's All Too Much is the first book I've read about clutter busting that deals with the key challenges of my clutter busting:
1. Agreeing with the rest of the family on how you want to use each part of a room.
2. Going from having out-of-control messes and piles into a functioning system.
3. Ways to condense emotion-laden materials without losing your memories.
4. Room-specific suggestions for reducing what you have.
5. How to keep from re-creating the piles and clutter.
As I read the book, I recognized myself on almost every page. Where I didn't recognize myself, I saw my parents.
One of the best parts of this book for me was where Mr. Walsh talks about how getting rid of piles and clutter helps children and spouses enjoy their lives more.
Ultimately, I think that many people lack motivation to work on clutter and messes. After all, almost anything else is more fun. If clutter doesn't bother you, you may not realize how good a thing you can do for others by working on that clutter.
I also liked the book's emphasis on limiting what you acquire (and let others acquire for you). Most of my progress in clutter busting has been from working on avoiding more acquisitions.
If you think you hopeless with your stuff, this book can be a breakthrough for you.
Enjoy your place, space, and family!