The story we are told, from almost the moment we are born, is that “more is better.” More money, more gadgets, more clothes, more house, more toys.
But the reality is, all this “more” often leaves us with less—less fulfillment, less freedom, and less peace.
The stuff we accumulate affects us in countless ways. It influences the rest we find at home and the role we get to play in the world.
But in a world where consumerism seems to progress unchecked and is even promoted by many of our leaders and mentors, how can we know when we have given in? How can we know, on a personal level, when we own too much stuff?
To help, here are 10 signs you might own too much stuff.
1. You are unable to park in your garage.
This is a common occurrence for many families. In fact, some studies show that 75% of American households can’t hold the full amount of cars they are designed for because of storage.
The garage, intended originally as safe shelter for vehicles, has become a storage unit for things we don’t use or don’t even remember we own. If you’re constantly shifting stuff around to make room or parking outside because there’s no space, you probably own too much stuff.
2. Rooms are left untidy at the end of the day.
An untidy room might seem normal, especially if you have children. But if every room is constantly messy and you find it challenging to tidy up at the end of each day, it’s time to consider whether you have too many items in your house.
If you want to test this out, try a before-bed evening routine. If it’s too much to handle, even after embracing an intentional approach to it, you probably own too much stuff.
3. You can’t figure out where all the money is going.
Stuff costs money. The more we buy, the more we spend. If you find yourself wondering where your money is going each month, take a look around. The answer might be sitting on your shelves, in your closets, or packed away in your garage.
We waste more money than we think on nonessential purchases.
4. It takes longer to clean your house than you think it should.
Cleaning is a necessary part of maintaining a home. However, if you find that it’s taking up an inordinate amount of your time, it might be because you have too many things to clean, organize, and maintain.
I’m not saying you’ll fall in love with cleaning. But if you constantly finish up thinking, “I can’t believe this took so long,” you probably own too much stuff.
5. Your children consistently presume you’re going to buy them stuff.
Our actions teach our children about life and priorities. If your kids constantly expect new toys, clothes, or gadgets, it might be a sign that the value of possessions has been overemphasized in your household.
Sorry to sound harsh, but it’s always wise to look inward first to see how well we’re modeling contentment.
6. You feel stressed in your own home.
Your home should be a sanctuary, a place where you can relax and recharge. But if you feel stressed or anxious every time you look around, it might be because the clutter is overwhelming you.
7. You’re constantly organizing and reorganizing.
Organization can only go so far. If you find that no matter how much you organize, things never seem to have a permanent place, it could be a sign that you simply have too much stuff.
As Courtney Carver once said, “If you have to buy stuff to store your stuff, you might have too much stuff.”
8. You don’t use a significant amount of the stuff in your home.
It’s natural that we don’t use every single item in our homes daily. However, if a substantial percentage of your belongings gather dust and are rarely or never used, it’s an indicator that you own too much stuff.
Unused items not only consume physical space but also mental space as they add to the clutter around us and contribute to a sense of disorganization. Remember, the goal is to fill your home with items that serve a purpose and add value to your life, not items that sit idle.
9. You’ve ever said to yourself “I really need to declutter” but haven’t taken action.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I really need to declutter,” but then did nothing about it, consider this a clear sign you own too much stuff.
The reality is that objects never declutter themselves. On the contrary, we tend to accumulate more over time. Inaction only allows the clutter to grow—making the task of decluttering appear even more daunting.
Remember, decluttering is a process, not a one-time event. Start small and start now – your future self will thank you.
10. You often lose items and spend valuable time looking for them.
In a cluttered home, things get lost. And looking for lost items can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. If this is a recurring scenario in your house, you likely have too much stuff.
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards a minimalist lifestyle.
Owning less stuff means more freedom, more space, and more peace. It allows us to live our lives more intentionally and focused on what truly matters.
It’s not always an easy journey, but it’s one that is undoubtedly rewarding.
Remember, the goal isn’t to live with nothing, but to make room for everything that truly enriches your life.
So true. I’m 95 percent on my way to everything having a purpose and a home. My goal has been to have no closests to dig through or seasonal switching. Everything at fingertips so it gets used. Lots of purging to get there but it is freeing.
I’m an artist who has tried several different kinds of art: painting, drawing, sculpting, stained glass, sewing, crafting, and on and on. Each kind of art needed its own supplies which could never be discarded in case they were needed in the future. This massive accumulation was going on most of my adult life and these supplies have become an albatross around my neck that is suffocating me. My husband passed away recently and I realize now how much time I could have spent with him instead of all this other stuff that turns out to be not so important after all. My regret is profound. I’ve always loved things more than people, but not anymore. When I look at ultra-modern interiors in magazines without a single extra thing, just peaceful empty space, it looks like heaven.
Great post! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the signs of owning too much stuff. Your points are relatable and eye-opening. It’s amazing how our possessions can start to weigh us down and clutter our lives. I particularly resonated with the idea that our stuff can hinder our freedom and create unnecessary stress. Your practical tips for decluttering and embracing a minimalist lifestyle are inspiring. Thank you for sharing this insightful piece!
Minimalists tend to be liberals.
Im going in the OPPOSITE direction!!
Go ahead and buy more things. Nobody will stop you. Please go in the opposite direction.
Mitch, I beg to differ. I’m a conservative and a minimalist. After I had to clear my parents’ home and four (FOUR) storage buildings, I went on a mission to prevent my children from ever having that struggle. My parents were children of the Depression and kept multiples of everything. I sent 2.5 TONS to the landfill from their home and have to leave probably that amount for the buyer. In my efforts to clear out our belongings, I gave my four adult children anything they wanted, then donated as much as I could. We spend our money now on consumables and traveling (I also enjoy being a generous tipper.) Our home is comfortable but not spare. Joshua emphasizes that minimalism let’s us put the emphasis on what matters most. I truly enjoy supporting nonprofits. People matter to me, not stuff. Hope this gives you a bit of a different perspective. Best regards.
Yes, stuff will make you happy! Buy
Why?
I don’t think that’s true. I could possibly agree with a generational difference. The younger generation leans more toward experiences, and makes different choices about whether they want to work a corporate job and filling a big house as a sign of having arrived. I’m a conservative but got over my need to acumúlate a long time ago.
Haha. Relating this to a political stance is interesting? You obviously have too much stuff. Keep on reorganising it. You’ll wake up one day.
Thank you all for sharing. I recently moved in with my son and his wife in a small MIL apt in their home.
First day after they unloaded the pod I cried and apologized for bringing too much stuff.
Now that I am here two months and settling in I am not as ambitious. I went from 1800 sq ft to 800 sq ft and fortunately they have a basement area where I can store the unpacked boxes.
I left a houseful of furniture and possessions.
I was lucky to have a buyer that said leave what you don’t want and I did.
I’m in my late 70’s so my energy level can be low. I’m finding myself watching tv instead of going through stuff and I liked the idea someone shared of putting on music while I go through boxes.
It’s a journey and hopefully after reading all the comments and the article I will take some action. I am a sewer and crafter that is a major problem. 😱😱
As I am hearing myself I’m aware I need to take some action.
Thank you all for sharing your feelings and insights and making me more aware that I need to take some action and get up off the couch and DO SOMETHING!!
I hear you had similar situation, but got ripped off hiring helpers that just threw stuff around then after wanted more $$ to offset a small Uhaul truck they rented,?!