This can be perplexing to some, especially those of us who are practical by nature. The Staging profession has put me in the front-line dealing with clutter-bugs, and over the years I have gained a small understanding of this type of client. But what do you do about a clutter bug? What is it about clutter that is so comforting to these people? Here are the top 10 reasons clutter-bugs resist purging, short of having some sort of psychosis.

  1. Sentimental attachment - they like the piece and it reminds them of someone they loved
  2. Feeling of Abundance - they feel rich and abundant surrounded by their things
  3. Collection-aholics - they collect for the sake of collecting, ugly or beautiful, they collect it
  4. Why throw out what they paid good money for - these folks are practical; they may need it "one day"
  5. Sacrificed Too Much Already - these folks have been through a depression or a war or a fire, and have lost everything at least once
  6. It's a Shield - these people believe their things protect them and keep bad luck and bad people away
  7. Defensive Pride - some just hang on to everything just to be stubborn and to get their own way, even if it no longer makes sense to keep the items
  8. Too Tired to Deal with It - yes, just plain lazy
  9. Stuff = Identity - many wrap their concept of who they are in their things; if they throw this item away, then who are they?
  10. Obligatory Displays - some have been on the receiving end of a lot of knick-knacks and "tchatchkas", and are afraid of offending anyone by not displaying them

When staging a property, I don't feel it is my "place" to offer counselling when it comes to clutter so my typical line is "we will use this staging strategy just while the house is listed so it will appeal to a lot of people. When the house is sold, you can go back to living, surrounded by your belongings." The client usually heaves a great sigh of relief - they suddenly realize I am not there to change them or criticize the way they live. I am there simply to help them sell their house.

 
Post is included in group: Stage It Forward...

11 Comments on Why People Like Clutter

APR
08
2008

What a great way to approach that and still leave the home an uncluttered environment ready for viewing!
11:19am • #1
245,817 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Gabriel, love your 10 views of clutter. I think you may be on to something. We could all use a couple of weeks to throw away, donate or sell some of the clutter that is in our homes. De-cluttering is the optimal way to help sell a house.
11:25am • #2
I hate showing homes with clutter.  As an agent we get to see how a lot of people live behind closed doors.  I think this has made me a cleaner person because I don't want people to come into my home and see me living in clutter.
11:33am • #3
Those are good ways of looking at the clutter issue...there are often emotional issues with "things". Your sensitivity in helping people deal with the clutter to sell their home is wonderful!
12:15pm • #4

Hi Gabriel,

I was contacted a few months ago by Iinfo, he had mentioned that you write there as well, but you were moving abroad...are you still in St.Albert? Nice to meet you anyhow! I always enjoyed your knowledge, and I read all your blogs!

Heather
12:16pm • #5

Oh And welcome to AR!

 
12:16pm • #6
APR
09
2008
1,001,357 Points 43 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
You have an understanding of clutter and understand it often represents past history the owner is not yet ready to release.
8:26am • #7
238,844 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great points. Often when people get emotionally attach to something it's hard to let go. This is why I am not staging my own house ;)

Cheers,

Cindy 
8:16pm • #8
1 Featured Post
You hit the nail on the head! I have never spent much time thinking about WHY people collect so many things and keep them on display but your list makes perfect sense.
9:26pm • #9
178,295 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router
Gabriele - Convincing sellers to act in their own best interests requires a surprising amount of tact sometimes.  This sounds like an excellent approach.  BTW, I am guilty of #4 and probably #8.  Goood thing my house isn't for sale. 
9:59pm • #10
APR
10
2008
1 Featured Post
I just finished a blog on clutter/"visual static" before looking at other blogs that were posted tonight. Having just read your blog, maybe some of my comments in "Visual Static, A Politically Correct Alternative Terminology To Clutter" will give you some ideas about getting people to understand how their clutter will affect potential buyers, as well as what pictures of their home on the internet and in marketing flyers will look like, should they choose not to remove their overabundant "stuff."
3:33am • #11


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Gabriele Campbell, ASP, CID

Saint Albert, AB

More about me…

D F Campbell Ventures Group Inc.

Office Phone: (780) 460-5821

Email Me

Staging St. Albert, Edmonton and area since 2002


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