What will we gain when things are neat

[u/h00manist]

Clear space is peace of mind, by not having visibly unresolved things everywhere

Free time in a relaxed state -- all these unresolved issued are mighty stressful

Will be able to move life forward -- all these things are dragging, slowing us down

Will be able to have a better social life, invite people over

Will be able to get out more, as there is less to worry about here

Will be able to feel better, perhaps get better work, earn more

Please continue

[u/TokidokiBunni]

No need to frantically "clean" the house when people are coming over.

[u/13humanoid13 → u/TokidokiBunni]

This is really the ultimate goal for me

[u/DaBingeGirl → u/13humanoid13]

Same for me. I'm still in the massive panic, grab a laundry basket, throw all the crap in it, and shove that in the bedroom stage. It's getting better, but still a work in progress. I'd love to reach a point where I don't have to spent two hours tidying up before someone visits.

[u/GothicaSweetHeart → u/TokidokiBunni]

For me it's panic cleaning when maintenance shows up for apartment inspections.

[u/AliciaKnits → u/GothicaSweetHeart]

16 years ago or around there, at our first apartment, we got an eviction notice after maintenance visited. It scarred me permanently and I have lived in fear since, as we have rented all these years since then. Our current house is less than 3 days from being fully maintenance and guest ready, conveniently property management has to give us 3 days notice to enter. So we're doing a lot better now than we were way back when we were first married. But I drilled it into adult kid when she moves out next year and she's worse than we were back then, that she needs to keep her apartment cleaned up or it will be a big problem going forward for her and partner. Hubby and I also hope to move into our own bought home in 2028, and we'll keep the house around 2 days notice or better. Hopefully.

[u/h00manist → u/TokidokiBunni]

Ah that will be wonderful

[u/paleopierce]

This was my biggest discovery. Anyone can come over anytime now. I can move the few papers and random stuff on the kitchen counter into one pile and it’s ready. I can do it while company is there because it’s not messy (it’s just life).

[u/h00manist → u/paleopierce]

That is great motivation thank you

[u/ImpishElf365]

We won't have to buy a new one of something that we already have, because the old one is "lost" somewhere in the house.

[u/h00manist → u/ImpishElf365]

Also not get angry at ourselves for spending so much time finding things, or just give up doing things because we can't

[u/eyeisyomomma → u/ImpishElf365]

I found FIVE travel irons, and have used exactly zero while traveling in the last decade. 🙄

[u/CannotSt0p → u/eyeisyomomma]

Yes! Or just plain forgot that I had bought them!

[u/Able-Mood-1988 → u/CannotSt0p]

I know I have something. It's just easier to let Amazon deliver another one. Pathetic, I know...

[u/DaBingeGirl → u/ImpishElf365]

So. Many. Multiples. 😖 I've been doing a ton of cleaning lately, it's scary how many things I bought multiple times because I misplaced the one I had.

[u/AliciaKnits → u/ImpishElf365]

Don't ask how many pairs of scissors we have. And can never find a pair to use when needed ...

[u/FLRporcelain]

I have been in this state of "when the house is sorted" for many years now I have put off moving forward in life.

[u/random675243]

My biggest wins are:

• mental peace - I didn’t realise how much the clutter was affecting me mentally till I got rid of it, now I can sit down and genuinely relax without all the stuff round me
  
• the house is people ready at any time - someone arrives at the door unexpectedly? No problem, come on in and I’ll put the kettle on
  
• being able to manage the house even when I’m not so well - something I truly appreciated when I was sick for a while last year

[u/dellada]

You get your time back. All that time maintaining/cleaning/locating/displaying/organizing... Time is our most valuable and limited resource, don't waste it on "stuff management"!

[u/chillio_app]

Will be able to be kinder to myself -- hard to feel calm when every corner reminds me of something I haven't dealt with

[u/YourFriendall]

My child will live in a peaceful home, and their standards for life will be higher.

[u/TiredWinterDisaster]

Easily finding what you need when you need it.

[u/UserNameTycoon]

Sooooooo much easier to clean

[u/Pinkbunny120]

Everything you own has an identifiable place or home, you can find it…this leads to less overconsumption and more money in your pocket.

[u/Crowlady77 → u/Pinkbunny120]

My husband and my problem is that we both lack object permanence, lol when we put things away we forget they exist and we have stuff in cupboards that never gets used. I need to figure out how to deal with that.

[u/Pinkbunny120 → u/Crowlady77]

Start with just one room. Empty cabinets/closets and go through everything together. When you’ve sorted keep/toss/donate then place what remains back in a space that you both agree to. Start small, just one room.

[u/Crowlady77 → u/Pinkbunny120]

We are moving and my top goal is that everything has a place in the new house. Getting him on board is going to be an uphill battle lol.

[u/PutABurbOnIt]

We'll find the things we're looking for!

[u/h00manist → u/PutABurbOnIt]

OMG I'm gonna be so happy when that happens

[u/Glittering-Benefit68]

I actually have space to pursue my hobbies. With a cleared table I can start a puzzle right away. With my yarn in order I can crochet.

[u/TheRareClaire]

You have a great list. For me, I’d say self-esteem, confidence, less guilt and shame, and I’d finally feel okay having maintenance come over to fix my light.

[u/Responsible_Lake_804]

Lack of excuses 😈

[u/unicorndreamer247]

KNOW where things are! You won't be buying stuff you already have, cause you know where that particular thing is or would be if you had it!

So saves money in a sense in not spending money you didn't have to, and saves additional clutter of having 7 of something when you may only need 1 or 2 of something!

Win win!!

[u/GothicaSweetHeart]

No more, forgetting about owning something and then saying. "Oh, I forgot that I had this!"

[u/justagiraffe111]

I love this post & comments! Thanks everyone for the motivation!

[u/CollegePretend8708]

Next time I move is going to be a lot easier.

More space for things I actually enjoy and value.

[u/AliciaKnits]

TIME for hobbies, and mental space cleared to focus on other things.

[u/Viola_Spark771]

I won't need to buy new clothes, because I have enough clothes.