Question 1

What is it about de-cluttering our spaces that creates ease in our minds?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Hi –thanks for this good question.  Well, we are creatures that like organization, like linear progression [i.e., we like things to go one after the other after the other after…].  Clutter prevents organization for getting things done.  So, when we declutter and get things organized I believe we lower that anxiety and we feel we have accomplished something.  That is why I advise find something simple and easy to do and work on it; that builds confidence to try the next thing.

Question 2

Hi, Dr. Ferrari!  Thank you for answering questions!  I'm curious if people are feeling more overwhelmed by clutter during the confinement caused by the pandemic?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

That is a great Q – thanks for asking.  We collected data on decluttering during confinement.  We are still analysing it for publication, but I can tell you that there were some people who found this as a great time to declutter; some focused on 1 thing they needed to declutter; a third were scared and never started. So, you are right that this confinement really did NOT lead to lots of decluttering that the media portrayed.  For some, yes; but for others, no! You know, it's expensive to have all these things, and now some people rent storage lockers for MORE STUFF!  Gee. Hold onto relationships, not relics – I say.

Question 3

Does anxiety play a role in the desire to be surrounded by clutter?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Good Q.  Thanks.  Oh yes.  For some, the breadth of items is overwhelming and they get anxious about decluttering.  Consequently, they just don’t declutter.  It's too much.  Soooo, find a professional declutter coach through ICD, the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.  I work with them on my research, they are a great group of professionals who help so many people.  Thanks

https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/

Question 4

What are the best steps someone can take to declutter their space and mind? And how does this clutter interact with procrastination and depression?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Nice of you to ask.  Thanks.  Well, the simple answer is YES you can clear your mind from distractions [think this is what you mean], and focus on the NOW, on what is before you.  People think they need to be perfect, but failure helps us grow.  Flowers don’t grow only with the sun – they need rain.  But not too much!  So, focus on organizing one draw, shelf, half closet – something easy for you, but tomorrow – do the next!  Thanks.

Question 5

Dear professor Ferrari,
It seems to me that procrastination and perfectionism(or rather super high expectations) in many cases are closely related.  What is Your approach to this tandem?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for the Q and you are correct – there is a link between procrastination and perfectionism.  It’s complicated, and I really think your best answer is to get and read my book, “Still Procrastinating?” There I try to explain the link with similarities and differences. Procs are good excuse makers so they will say, I’m a perfectionist not a procrastinator… again, see my book to explain.  Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Still-Procrastinating-Regrets-Guide-Getting/dp/0470611588

Question 6

Many geniuses seem to live with lots of clutter. Sometimes I wonder if my need for tidyness and a serene environment is a distraction in itself and pointless.

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

LOL, so you are a genius! Good for you! Well, for the rest of us “mere mortals” clutter gets in the way of life satisfaction [at least our research shows!], and there is regret for things missed.  Being organized and efficient is good living, I think.  Being neurotic about it is not.  Hope that helps.

Question 7

What tips do you recommend for individual who struggles with clutter? Any books or resources?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Nice of you to ask.  Thanks.  Well, I direct people to seek local members of the international org, ICD – Institute for Challenging Disorganization.  Check out their website.  I really can’t recommend any specific book, but for understanding research try to locate the body of published studies by my colleague and myself: C Roster & JR Ferrari.  We published on home, office, and now working on digital clutter.  Good luck!

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344388090_Does_Work_Stress_Lead_to_Office_Clutter_and_How_Mediating_Influences_of_Emotional_Exhaustion_and_Indecision

https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/

Question 8

Why might it be that clutter particularly exhausts women and affects their mental health (as opposed to men)?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Thanks for this Q and for asking for information.  Actually, not true.  Let me explain.  We did a study on home clutter with over 1600 participants, but only 50 men!  I asked declutter experts [members of the international org “Institute for Challenging Disorganization” is there a gender difference ~ is clutter more common for women and men.  The declutter coaches said “NO!”  But, women more than men seek professional help.  Sooo, there is nothing special about women compared to men for clutter.  Women, however, know enough to seek professional coach help to declutter. Men seem to excuse it for just their “stuff” or “toys.”

https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/

Question 9

I've read that decision making deficits might play a role in hoarding problems and that you also found a link between indecision, procrastination and clutter? What specific interventions would you recommend for decision making problems?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Thanks for this interesting, but lengthy Q.  Let me begin by saying CLUTTER and HOARDING are different.  On the surface they seem similar, but hoarding is a psychiatric disorder found in the DSM; clutter is not there.  Think, hoarding is vertical ~ lots of the same thing over and over and over and…; clutter is horizontal, just a breath and overabundance of stuff.  Finally, procrastination is related to both, but proc is not delay or waiting or poor time management or laziness.  Please read my book “Still Procrastinating?” for details, and have me come to your organization for a presentation!

https://www.amazon.com/Still-Procrastinating-Regrets-Guide-Getting/dp/0470611588

Question 10

Do you see the role of professional organizers as helpful or do people just quickly revert back to old patterns of accumulating clutter?

Joseph R. Ferrari · Accepted Answer

Wonderful Q!  Thanks.  Oh, I do see professional organizers ~ actually, declutter coaches [a little different] as a great resource.  I have been working with the international org, ICD – Institute for Challenging Disorganization.  I say, look on their website and find someone local to work with.  Notice, they say – it's all disorganization and once you see what you have THEN you declutter.  But I will let them explain more.

https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/

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