Did you know that each one of us has our own unique clutter personality? Understanding your unique clutter personality is crucial before you attempt to organize your home, especially if you do not live alone. Once you truly understand yourself, you’ll be able to fully communicate your needs to loved ones and shed light on the differences that keep you at odds.
We all have different capacities for dealing with the clutter in our lives and varying thresholds for how much clutter we can handle. For one person, organized may look like “clothing off the floor.” For another, “it’s not organized until it’s folded, color-coordinated and neatly labeled with a maintenance system in play.” The unfortunate truth is, most of us expect everyone else to be just like us, when in fact, how we deal with clutter can be as different as our inclination to play with dolls or trucks. It’s just not the same for everyone. Every single person has their own unique clutter capacity blueprint that dictates how they live their lives and thrive at home.
Living with others who do not meet your same clutter personality can be a challenge. Trust me, I know, I live with two Aquarians. I’m the “a home for everything type” and my husband is of the “shop and drops” mindset if you get my drift. Is shoe addiction also an Aquarian trait? I digress. Horoscopes aside, there’s another way to get in sync at home, and it starts by identifying your clutter type.
At Simply Spaced, we have a framework that we use to help you understand yourself and your cohabitants, just a bit better. It’s called the Clutter Capacity Quiz.
We help you figure out if you are gold, silver, or bronze so you can start to see patterns at home and have a chance to course-correct by developing systems that work. Are you wondering what your clutter capacity personality is? Keep reading to learn if you are gold, silver, or bronze, or jump on over to our quiz page to find out now!
You’re a Gold
If you’re a gold, you are a Type A person, and tidying up is your love language. You thrive in a clean, orderly, and systematic environment and get anxious when your organizational systems fall apart. You are the master of organization. Even if you do not always have everything organized, you’d love it if it were, and you’d thrive best in a meticulously organized home.
What to do
Unless you live with others who share this same passion for tidiness, your home might not ever be exactly what you’d love it to be. But you can communicate your goals with the people you love in order to maintain your sanity. Consider getting extra help from outside the house (a housekeeper, an organizing team), outsource and delegate tasks so you don’t take on too much or end up resentful. You’ll likely own the organizational management card so start thinking like a boss (not to be confused with bossy). Our most organized, high-performing clients understand that just because they can do it, it’s much wiser and more time-efficient to get help. If you don’t live with other golds, you can’t expect them to be just like you, so consider that as you develop working systems at home.
You’re a Silver
If you prefer a tidy and systematic environment, you are a sliver, but you’re okay with minor imperfections. You understand that life requires that certain messy breathing room. While sitting on the couch watching your favorite show, you’re probably thinking about the to-do list to tackle the clutter in your closet. We call this the “I’m okay with a few neat piles” personality.
What to do
Conflict will likely arise when you live with other silvers because you may disagree about where the focus needs to be. You may have gold inside you somewhere, but you identify with the unrestricted freedoms of a bronze. You are more flexible than most and can adapt to most environments. Consider getting extra help on a routine basis so you can get back to baseline as needed. You don’t likely need those regular deep dives and meticulous micro sorting, but some basic maintenance will help you stay in neutral.
You’re a Bronze
If you’re a bronze, you like to spread out, and you’re unfazed when things are scattered. You can step over a mess before it even catches your eye. My husband is bronze, and God bless him; I wish I could step over a pile unfazed. But this is the difference between people. I may get anxiety from too much clutter; bronzes may get pressure around too much structure and, worse, break down when unrealistic expectations are in play.
What to do
Allocate a space in the house where you can spread out and be yourself. Help others understand your need for this. You don’t have to color-code your clothes because off the floor may do the trick. You’ll need more maintenance than silver or gold if you live with others, but too much order may stifle your creativity. Some basic systemizations may be just what the doctor ordered.
Take Action and Communicate
Does someone within your home have a different clutter personality than you do? Don’t stress! Communication is key. For others to understand what you want most out of your home, you must explain your unique blueprint AND alter your perception of what other’s blueprint should be. I know. Don’t burden your loved ones with the task of reading your mind. If you have something that keeps you up at night, say it. Are the dishes sitting on the drying rack for days? Are the shoes on the floor at the door not in the proper basket? Tell them. But also, forgive them for not having the exact needs as you, and work on setting up the systems that will help you get back to baseline.
Does the person you’re living with stress too much about organization and decluttering? Is it inhibiting your quality time together? Communicate that thought too! It’s all about balance.
By addressing the key characteristics and tendencies of each clutter personality, it’s an easier pill to swallow when presenting strategies for a happy life at home. Look to hire an organizer, a housekeeper, or implement a chore routine. Start here.
Don’t forget to share your answers. We’d love to hear from you and follow along on your organizational journey. Please send us a DM on Instagram with your clutter capacity revelation and be sure to say hello!
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Xo. Mon
