The cult of decluttering
Two disclaimers: I'm not convinced decluttering is a cult and, if decluttering is a cult then I am a card holding member of the decluttering cult.
What makes it a cult? It's the solution to everything. When my friend expresses frustration I want to recommend a decluttering blog or lend her my copy of The Magic Art of Tidying Up. I genuinely believe it will solve all my problems.
Let's break it down.
Let's assume decluttering will solve all problems. However, there is no solution that will solve all problems. Therefore, if there is no solution that will solve all problems then decluttering cannot solve all problems.
I know this. So the fact that I continue to believe it means it is dogma and not reason.
So in what way is it not a cult?
It doesn't have a single leader. It isn't a single community. It's a collection of different communities with different methods.
Dana K. White gives you 2 questions:
1. Where would I look for it first? (Go take it there.)
2. Did I even know I had this? (Donate it.)
Marie Kondo gives you 1 question:
1. Does it spark joy?
Apparently there are people out there who give you ten questions.
There are various reasons given for decluttering.
1. It allows you to develop a better relationship with your possessions.
2. It gives you more space in your home.
3. It's good for your mental health.
4. It's good for your physical health.
All these things have been true for me. However there is a confirmation bias. I think that's the right word. Because I believe that working with my possessions allows me to develop a better relationship with them I seek to do so. Because I believe my house will have more space I start thinking of ways to shape my home. Because I'm seeking to improve my health I declutter in ways that will allow me to do so.
5. It's morally required.
Cleanliness is linked to morality in many cultures.
In India you sweep before dusk because it is important to have a clean home. It is part of religious practice.
In North America we make assumptions about people based on the cleanliness of their homes. When I was a child my mother prioritised time with me and my sister over cleaning. I suspect part of the reason I struggle with messiness is because I have never lived in a clean house. I didn't really know it was possible. But I also had a mother who read stories to me and talked to me about all of my childhood philosophical quandaries. She took us to the lake every day for two summers. I knew I was loved. We make assumptions about cleanliness and it's value. But it's important to consider what is taking the place of cleaning. I visited the home of an artistic family. Nothing had a home. It was chaotic. But there was a kid doing an art project at the dining room table. There was an entire room of musical instruments. No, nothing had a home. Everyone changed bedrooms when they felt like it. But they were happy.
6. A decluttered home is a clean home.
Yep, that's the assumption. But it isn't the case. A decluttered home is easier to clean, but that doesn't make it clean. My dad is a minimalist. He has only what is absolutely necessary. My little brothers do all sorts of great electronic projects. But the home isn't clean.
I think I'm going to stop there. There is more to say of course, but this is what I wrote this morning when I was reflecting on decluttering as a... trend, cult, fad, movement, whatever you want to call it.
What makes it a cult? It's the solution to everything. When my friend expresses frustration I want to recommend a decluttering blog or lend her my copy of The Magic Art of Tidying Up. I genuinely believe it will solve all my problems.
Let's break it down.
Let's assume decluttering will solve all problems. However, there is no solution that will solve all problems. Therefore, if there is no solution that will solve all problems then decluttering cannot solve all problems.
I know this. So the fact that I continue to believe it means it is dogma and not reason.
So in what way is it not a cult?
It doesn't have a single leader. It isn't a single community. It's a collection of different communities with different methods.
Dana K. White gives you 2 questions:
1. Where would I look for it first? (Go take it there.)
2. Did I even know I had this? (Donate it.)
Marie Kondo gives you 1 question:
1. Does it spark joy?
Apparently there are people out there who give you ten questions.
There are various reasons given for decluttering.
1. It allows you to develop a better relationship with your possessions.
2. It gives you more space in your home.
3. It's good for your mental health.
4. It's good for your physical health.
All these things have been true for me. However there is a confirmation bias. I think that's the right word. Because I believe that working with my possessions allows me to develop a better relationship with them I seek to do so. Because I believe my house will have more space I start thinking of ways to shape my home. Because I'm seeking to improve my health I declutter in ways that will allow me to do so.
5. It's morally required.
Cleanliness is linked to morality in many cultures.
In India you sweep before dusk because it is important to have a clean home. It is part of religious practice.
In North America we make assumptions about people based on the cleanliness of their homes. When I was a child my mother prioritised time with me and my sister over cleaning. I suspect part of the reason I struggle with messiness is because I have never lived in a clean house. I didn't really know it was possible. But I also had a mother who read stories to me and talked to me about all of my childhood philosophical quandaries. She took us to the lake every day for two summers. I knew I was loved. We make assumptions about cleanliness and it's value. But it's important to consider what is taking the place of cleaning. I visited the home of an artistic family. Nothing had a home. It was chaotic. But there was a kid doing an art project at the dining room table. There was an entire room of musical instruments. No, nothing had a home. Everyone changed bedrooms when they felt like it. But they were happy.
6. A decluttered home is a clean home.
Yep, that's the assumption. But it isn't the case. A decluttered home is easier to clean, but that doesn't make it clean. My dad is a minimalist. He has only what is absolutely necessary. My little brothers do all sorts of great electronic projects. But the home isn't clean.
I think I'm going to stop there. There is more to say of course, but this is what I wrote this morning when I was reflecting on decluttering as a... trend, cult, fad, movement, whatever you want to call it.
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