The Cost of Clutter
Before diving into the world of decluttering, I spent 25 years working for a global after-school education company that focused on math and reading. I did a lot of math during that time! From helping little ones learn to count to diving into some pretty advanced algebra and calculus, I’ve pretty much seen it all. One of the things I’ve always loved about math is how reliable it is. It doesn’t have opinions or play favorites—it just gives you the facts, plain and simple.
So, what does all that math have to do with the KonMari Method and decluttering? A lot, actually! Let’s take a closer look at the cost of clutter. And yes, we’re going to do a little math to figure out just how much it might be costing you to hang on to things you don’t use, need—or maybe don’t even want anymore.
One place where clutter often ends up? Storage units. Whether it’s a temporary solution or a long-term habit, self-storage can quietly become a costly way to avoid making decisions about what stays and what goes. Let’s take a moment to look at some surprising statistics about self-storage. If you currently rent a unit, this first bit of math is especially relevant. And if you don’t? You might think twice about it after reading what’s below.
In recent years, more and more Canadians have turned to self-storage as a way to manage excess belongings. In 2021, the self-storage industry in Canada generated an estimated $1.1 billion in revenue, with an average growth rate of 3.1% per year over the previous five years.
The average cost to rent a unit is around $275 per month. That adds up to $3,300 per year, and over five years, you’re looking at $16,500—all to store items that likely aren’t being used on a regular basis.
Now, there are certainly times when using storage makes sense—during a move, a renovation, or for just a short time. For example, one summer, we rented a unit to store our daughter’s university furniture. It was more practical to keep her things closer to campus rather than moving everything back and forth. I can tell you, it hurt to see that charge come through each month – and we used the smallest unit available! So although, I contributed to the massive revenue, I have a feeling that parents of university students and renovators aren’t responsible for the bulk of that $1.1 billion!
But the real cost can be hidden right under our noses—at home. In fact, you might be paying for your clutter every time you make a mortgage payment, and you might not even realize it.
Let’s break it down: First, let’s estimate how much of your home is filled with things you don’t need or use. Research suggests that many people consider about 20-25% of the items in their home to be clutter. This could include everything from clothes you never wear to piles of old books or unused furniture that just takes up space.
Now, let’s think about your home’s square footage. If you have a 2,000-square-foot home and about 20% of that space is filled with clutter, that’s 400 square feet of your home being used to store things that don’t add value to your daily life.
Let’s make your mortgage payment $2,000 per month (just for an easy example). So, if 20% of your home is clutter, then 20% of your mortgage is going toward storing those things you rarely use. That’s $400 each month and $4800 each year.
The numbers speak for themselves—clutter isn’t just costing you space; it’s quietly draining your wallet, your energy, and your peace of mind. And while the math can open our eyes, it’s the action that truly transforms our homes and lives.
That’s where I come in. As a certified KonMari® Consultant and professional home organizer, I help people like you make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, what to let go of, and how to create a home that truly supports the life and life-style you want to live. My approach is friendly, easygoing, and completely judgment-free—because we’ve all been there. Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can actually be fun (yes, really!) and incredibly freeing. Think of it this way: investing in expert help to declutter now is far more cost-effective—and fulfilling—than continually paying to store items you no longer need.
Clutter is costly – in more ways than one. By letting go of unused or unnecessary items, you could be saving money and creating more space for the things that truly add value to your life. Together, we’ll clear the clutter, make space for what matters most, and surround you with the things that spark joy. If you’ve done the clutter math and are ready to stop paying for clutter and start investing in calm, let’s talk. I’d love to help you reclaim your space—and your peace of mind—one joyful decision at a time.
Happy Tidying!