Photo by Research of 2,000 adults revealed 67 per cent confessed they’ve got plenty of clutter but refuse to get rid in case they might need it again one day.
And books, old clothes and random cables and cords are among the most common unused items.
Thoughts of how to tackle it take place an average of three times a week, yet 18 per cent can’t be bothered to take it on.
While 14 per cent don’t have the time to get rid of things.
It also emerged the oldest item people have in their possession without using it is an average of more than five years old.
But 19 per cent have clung onto something for more than a decade without using it.
The research was commissioned by free-sharing app Olio, which has teamed up with de-cluttering expert and KonMari master consultant from A Life More Organised, Sue Spencer, who believes bad clutter habits aren’t just putting a strain on our cupboards, it’s potentially putting a strain on wellbeing as well.
She said: “Most of us have heard the phrase ‘tidy home, tidy mind’ before - and there is definitely some truth in this.
“When we’re surrounded by clutter it can have a negative effect on our stress levels, while also increasing the likelihood of becoming anxious, disorganised and irritable.
“Try not to berate yourself too much though, hanging on to clutter is very common.
“Even if we have no idea what a certain cable’s purpose is or know deep down we’re never going to use that pasta machine again, the thought that one day we might just find a use for those objects means we naturally want to hang onto them.”
It also emerged 29 per cent feel having a clear out makes them feel better, while 30 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, feel more organised.
But de-cluttering is not just a case of throwing things in the bin as 21 per cent said their unused items are in perfectly good condition and could easily be used by others.
And 25 per cent said giving away items for free to other people makes them feel good.
Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Olio, said: “We know that giving things away makes people’s day.
“As a nation, we have so much stuff in our home that spends the majority of its lifetime unused - so why are we still hanging on to all this clutter when it could so easily be shared with someone else?
“A good declutter has so many benefits - it’s good for us, it's good for others in our community and it’s good for the environment too.
“This New Year, we’re urging Brits to combat the clutter and share what they don’t need with others.”
Top 10 clutter items
- Books
- Old clothes
- Old cables and cords
- Food containers
- General trinkets
- Old gadgets
- Electronic goods
- DIY stuff/tools
- Kitchen appliances
- Old toys
Via SWNS
