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.
Cheryl Hulgan says
When we moved across the country last September, I had no time to declutter but I certainly did while we unpacked and donated much to a local thrift store. We’d lived in our house over 28 years so I had plenty to toss without missing it. I learned that what works in one house usually doesn’t in a new one. After the fatigue and stress of moving it around, for one point to another, it felt great to get rid of piles of stuff. Security and peace aren’t found in having lots of stuff but in the ability to give it away.
Holli says
Thank You!!! This was the lightbulb moment I needed. Not some sunny side of not owning stuff but the proof that I own too much stuff especially about how my son always assumes he is getting something. Lol. Ouch and lovely all at once.
KennDee says
Ouch! 4 to 5 on this list hits real hard. I have been getting it done since the end of the Pandemic. The lower level is done. A good 50% of the items in the garage is donation I am waiting for a friend to pick up. I have to get rid of them now.
Paula says
How can I declutter when my husband refuses to get rid of anything? It’s so frustrating to be always looking for items because we have too much stuff. Always trying to organize, yet husband is severely disorganized. I love him dearly, but the stress of too much stuff is breaking me.
Jen says
My husband was like that, 100%! He came from a long family history of organized, clean, LDS hoarders. I was a bit of a nomadic minimalist when we met. I had no idea when we married, it crept in. I eventually told him he had to confine his “extras”, plus his “gear” -for all the skiing, camping, climbing, kayaking, rafting, etc- to the attic, and if that wasn’t possible he had to get a storage unit. I put a tape line in the closet we shared. I relentlessly went through the kitchen, pantries, and linens.
For about 2 years he would hide stuff in his car, bring stuff in when I wasn’t home, hid his habit of “finding deals”. We were always broke, his “deals” added up.and his family were all enablers.
Eventually he caught on, because I created clear boundaries and stuck to them in a calm, consistent way, taking into consideration his family history and the fear of “lacking”.
Communication is key. Counseling, podcasts, audiobooks. Talk it out. Get him to agree to what’s reasonable, and make a legit contract. Start in one area, like clothes, (2 pair jeans, 4 “pants”, 6 T shirts, 4 button down, unlimited underwear, whatever works for you!) maybe next month do the kitchen, then next month tackle holiday decor or whatever.
My hubby died 4years ago, and I am still, to this day, finding tiny treasure troves of stuff he kept carefully stashed away. It’s hard, but I throw it out.
If I’ve lived 4years without knowledge of its existence, I don’t need it. It’s not deciding what to get rid of, it’s deciding what you need to keep.
Hang in there. Don’t become the “dictator”, it’s a mental health issue on both sides. It will take time, but you’ve got this!
Victoria says
Hi Paula. I’m a mental health worker. Pls.see a therapist asap! Begin by calling your local Crisis Line. (Try dialing “311”.) They can refer you to a free community mental health clinic. If this issue is “breaking me”, you need help now!. Call right after you read this. Your issue is urgent. Good luck.
Victoria 🌾🌿
Vivian says
I can’t believe I spend over $225. A month on storage. I could buy a storage shed easily for what I’ve spent.
Praying I have the strength to somehow get this done. Thank you for your help, and guidance.❤️
Cynthia says
Are we trying to find a hole with so much stuff? I started decluttering my kitchen. Love to cook. Those empty spaces now make me feel lighter. Thank you for your inspiration. I shall continue along this path as I know it has heart.
Jeff says
Yesterday we cleaned out the cabinet above the refrigerator. We found a container full of beans and another of rice, all still good. Also, my wife consented to donating her grandmother’s dishes that have been in the cabinet for the nine years we’ve lived in this house. Her mother originally gave her the dishes in the 80s. They were stored in two different attics over 30 years until we unpacked them when we moved here. All but three cups were shattered and many other pieces were broken, too. So we had a cup of coffee from two of the still intact cups, and then I packed all of the pieces up to donate on Monday. Gone! Hallelujah!
Jeff
Michael Mark says
So many rooms and such little time. Happy Mother’s Day as I’m writing that in appreciation and to this post!
Anna Galindo says
Sadly, I have to much stuff!
Deborah Kaplun says
Joshua, thank-you for this beautiful piece which contains more than one area in which I need to streamline! No single person has added to my quality of life more than you! Thank-you so much!!!
JustGail says
I’d modify #10 to include something about buying another because it’s easier & faster than trying to find what it is you “lost”.
Wes Kennington says
100% agree. I thought the same thing.
Frieda says
This!
Martha Gordin says
Thanks to your inspiration over the last few years, I can say I no longer own too much. I do still make occasional edits to organization but it’s a blessing to have plenty of space in the garage, closets, drawers and cabinets.
joshua becker says
Awesome. Thank you for the opportunity to provide just a little bit of inspiration in your life. You, of course, did all the hard work :)