Most of us know we own too much stuff. We feel the weight and burden of our clutter. We tire of cleaning and managing and organizing. Our toy rooms are messy, our drawers don’t close, and our closets are filled from top to bottom. The evidence of clutter is all around us.
Today, data is constantly being collected about our homes, our shopping habits, and our spending. The research is confirming our observation: we own too much stuff. And it is robbing us of life.
Here are 21 surprising statistics about our clutter that help us understand how big of a problem our accumulation has actually become.
1. There are 300,000 items in the average American home (LA Times).
2. The average size of the American home has nearly tripled in size over the past 50 years (NPR).
3. And still, 1 out of every 10 Americans rent offsite storage—the fastest growing segment of the commercial real estate industry over the past four decades. (New York Times Magazine).
4. While 25% of people with two-car garages don’t have room to park cars inside them and 32% only have room for one vehicle. (U.S. Department of Energy).
5. The United States has upward of 50,000 storage facilities, more than five times the number of Starbucks. Currently, there is 7.3 square feet of self storage space for every man, woman and child in the nation. Thus, it is physically possible that every American could stand—all at the same time—under the total canopy of self storage roofing (SSA).
6. British research found that the average 10-year-old owns 238 toys but plays with just 12 daily (The Telegraph).
7. 3.1% of the world’s children live in America, but they own 40% of the toys consumed globally (UCLA).
8. The average American woman owns 30 outfits—one for every day of the month. In 1930, that figure was nine (Forbes).
9. The average American family spends $1,700 on clothes annually (Forbes).
10. While the average American throws away 65 pounds of clothing per year (Huffington Post).
11. Nearly half of American households don’t save any money (Business Insider).
12. But our homes have more television sets than people. And those television sets are turned on for more than a third of the day—eight hours, 14 minutes (USA Today).
13. Some reports indicate we consume twice as many material goods today as we did 50 years ago (The Story of Stuff).
14. Currently, the 12 percent of the world’s population that lives in North America and Western Europe account for 60 percent of private consumption spending, while the one-third living in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa accounts for only 3.2 percent (Worldwatch Institute).
15. Americans donate 1.9% of their income to charitable causes (NCCS/IRS). While 6 billion people worldwide live on less than $13,000/year (National Geographic).
16. Americans spend more on shoes, jewelry, and watches ($100 billion) than on higher education (Psychology Today).
17. Shopping malls outnumber high schools. And 93% of teenage girls rank shopping as their favorite pastime (Affluenza).
18. Women will spend more than eight years of their lives shopping (The Daily Mail).
19. Over the course of our lifetime, we will spend a total of 3,680 hours or 153 days searching for misplaced items.The research found we lose up to nine items every day—or 198,743 in a lifetime. Phones, keys, sunglasses, and paperwork top the list (The Daily Mail).
20. Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually on nonessential goods—in other words, items they do not need (The Wall Street Journal).
21. The $8 billion home organization industry has more than doubled in size since the early 2000’s—growing at a staggering rate of 10% each year (Uppercase, note: link no longer available).
The numbers paint a jarring picture of excessive consumption and unnecessary accumulation. Clearly, many of us have far too much stuff.
Fortunately, the solution is not difficult. The invitation to own less is an invitation to freedom, intentionality, and passion. And it can be discovered at your nearest drop-off center.
Further reading:
For more helpful tips, here’s an article filled with tips on how to declutter your home. You can also use our Decluttering Checklist to keep yourself organized and focused.
For a complete lifestyle change that will prevent clutter from coming back into your life, learn more about simple living from this article on minimalism.
Liz says
Pastime not Past time.
But an eye-opening article for sure!
joshua becker says
Thanks.
Judy says
Joshua—great article. It’s amazing how much waste there is. I’m so glad not to be a part of that nonsense. BTW—my weekend was amazing! It was so much fun to have that special luncheon. Loretta ( the lady we made a special day for ) was so happy. I told her that God was chasing her down with His blessings and I was happy to be His instrument! :) We gave her a $50.00 gift card and lots of other beautiful things. She was stunned and so appreciative. Because I don’t waste my money unnecessarily I am able to be more generous to others. Love it!!! :) :) :)
Your Mom says
“You’ve given me a lot to think about. I’m glad that you have become a successful business person. That is great!”
Thanks
“I was not being condescending, merely hoping that everyone can be kind and happy (http://zenhabits.net/kindfully/).”
Ok
“I hope that as a successful business owner you can understand then, that in business just as in life less can be more.”
Sure. But I’m always thankful for the people that *want* a better, more efficient world.
“Would you hire ten mediocre software developers when two or three really good ones could do the same job? Should you lease 100,000 square feet of office space if you only really need 10,000?”
I would absolutely lease 100K of office space instead of 10K if I could because I intend my business to grow. I’m not in the business of stagnation.
“Just some food for thought.”
Thanks.
“Thanks for the good debate.”
Sure.
“Here are a few of your own logical fallacies, in case you wanted to know:
Ad hominem – you attacked the readers here instead of the issue at hand (“special snowflakes”, “cry babies”, “whiners”)”
Again, it takes someone from a position of privilege to state that these statistics make them “sick to their stomach” or “just plain sad”.
Try being poor, or homeless, or live in a war torn country with drones flying over your head 24-7.
“Straw man – you oversimplified minimalism into “subsistence farming”.”
That is the logical conclusion of minimalism. There would be little to no advancement. You would be reduced to hunter-gatherers. It is *because* people want more that you now have the option.
“Hasty generalization – generalized minimalism and this post.
And you assume that we are all privileged, come from privilege, etc. etc.”
On a global scale, I am correct. Every single person on here has either a computer or a smart phone. Absolute luxuries.
“I’m not pointing those out to sound “better”. Just a friendly, interesting debate.”
Same, although polemics are fun.
“Also, I don’t completely agree with your final statement, that prosperity allowed me to make these privileged choices. Yes I want to be successful and prosperous. I think success is finding happiness and prosperity is finally having *enough*.”
Subjective value is subjective. What is objectively true is that civilization and the fact that people strive for *more* so you can have *enough* instead of *too little*.
“We need to lift each other up. Being a minimalist has allowed me have more time to serve other people and spread happiness. Isn’t that what we’re all really after?”
I have my own needs, wants, desires. But whatever floats your boat, cool. But let’s not pretend it’s not prosperity that has allowed *our* choices, which is my entire point.
Your Mom says
Nathan Atkinson:
“Sounds to me like you’re the unhappy one and you’re here to spread your unhappiness.”
Logical fallacy. Assertion.
“Like trying to convince a child to try a new food, why don’t you try it out and see for yourself if you’re happier with less stuff (notice I said less stuff and not no stuff).”
I grew up pretty poor. Been there, done that.
I worked hard and am now a successful business owner.
I know which side of the fence I’d rather be.
“We’re not whiners. We are seekers of happiness and we’ve found that owning less brings happiness.”
You’re such special snowflakes
“But you kind of sound like a troll, so I won’t reply anymore. I just hope that you can find something that makes you happy besides belittling others.”
Your condescending tone doesn’t hide the fact that prosperity has *allowed* you to make these privileged choices.
Nathan Atkinson says
You’ve given me a lot to think about. I’m glad that you have become a successful business person. That is great! I was not being condescending, merely hoping that everyone can be kind and happy (http://zenhabits.net/kindfully/). I hope that as a successful business owner you can understand then, that in business just as in life less can be more. Would you hire ten mediocre software developers when two or three really good ones could do the same job? Should you lease 100,000 square feet of office space if you only really need 10,000?
Just some food for thought.
Thanks for the good debate. Here are a few of your own logical fallacies, in case you wanted to know:
Ad hominem – you attacked the readers here instead of the issue at hand (“special snowflakes”, “cry babies”, “whiners”)
Straw man – you oversimplified minimalism into “subsistence farming”.
Hasty generalization – generalized minimalism and this post.
And you assume that we are all privileged, come from privilege, etc. etc.
I’m not pointing those out to sound “better”. Just a friendly, interesting debate. Also, I don’t completely agree with your final statement, that prosperity allowed me to make these privileged choices. Yes I want to be successful and prosperous. I think success is finding happiness and prosperity is finally having *enough*.
We need to lift each other up. Being a minimalist has allowed me have more time to serve other people and spread happiness. Isn’t that what we’re all really after?
notamaterialist says
At the heart of this issue on both sides is the idea that stuff (less or more) and prosperity (success as defined by material wealth) are what matters most. Both ideas will ultimately leave one feeling *empty*. I’ve never been rich by American standards, but I’ve also never been as poor as those in a third world country that live in absolute poverty. I’m grateful for what I have, and try hard not to envy others…but ultimately my happiness is not in owning or not owning *stuff*, rather it is in my faith, and my family.
Your Mom says
If you clowns have too much stuff, send it to me, you privileged cry babies.
Nathan Atkinson says
Wow! Some of these made me sick to my stomach! I think a lot of this comes from a fear of emptiness and silence. When we have silence we have to fill it with noise (TV, shopping, phone, computer, music, whatever). When we have emptiness we have to fill it with stuff. I think we could reduce most of these stats as a nation if we learned to embrace emptiness and silence and live with them instead of chasing them away. Thanks for the eye opening stats!!
Your Mom says
You people are spoiled idiots. Only morons with computers and a bunch of free time on their hands would whine about everything being so great.
Go back to subsistence farming, working 15 hour days.
Better hope you don’t die from an infected tooth, or malaria from dirty drinking water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEY58fiSK8E
Nathan Atkinson says
Watched the video you linked to. Interesting idea. I wonder why nobody is happy? I think you have a confused idea about what minimalism is. It’s not about giving up everything modern and moving to a farm in Alaska. It’s about intentional living and consuming. Yes, we live in an amazing world with amazing technology! That doesn’t mean we have to consume as much of it as possible in as little time as possible. The reason why the world is awesome but no one is happy is because we don’t have any space or time to be creative, loving, kind, happy, spontaneous, etc. I own a car, I rent an apartment, I work 8 to 6 every day, own a TV and a computer. But I’m happy because I spend time with my wife, I go for a bike ride outside, I go for hikes and on road trips. I have time, energy and money for this because I choose not to always buy the latest and greatest phone or go clothes shopping every weekend or lease a new car every 2 years.
Your Mom says
>>Watched the video you linked to. Interesting idea. I wonder why nobody is happy?<>I think you have a confused idea about what minimalism is.<>It’s not about giving up everything modern and moving to a farm in Alaska. It’s about intentional living and consuming. Yes, we live in an amazing world with amazing technology! That doesn’t mean we have to consume as much of it as possible in as little time as possible.<>The reason why the world is awesome but no one is happy is because we don’t have any space or time to be creative, loving, kind, happy, spontaneous, etc.<>I own a car, I rent an apartment, I work 8 to 6 every day, own a TV and a computer. But I’m happy because I spend time with my wife, I go for a bike ride outside, I go for hikes and on road trips. I have time, energy and money for this because I choose not to always buy the latest and greatest phone or go clothes shopping every weekend or lease a new car every 2 years.<<
Then get rid of your car, apartment, tv, computer, and stop working.
Your car allows you to drive 40 miles instead of walking. Your apartment provides shelter. Your tv provides entertainment and news of world events. Your computer allows you to talk to strangers like me.
How can you whine about such amazing things?
Your Mom says
Ugh, not used to this comment section. My responses got eaten
Nathan Atkinson says
Sounds to me like you’re the unhappy one and you’re here to spread your unhappiness. Like trying to convince a child to try a new food, why don’t you try it out and see for yourself if you’re happier with less stuff (notice I said less stuff and not no stuff).
We’re not whiners. We are seekers of happiness and we’ve found that owning less brings happiness.
But you kind of sound like a troll, so I won’t reply anymore. I just hope that you can find something that makes you happy besides belittling others.
Your Mom says
Only the privileged that have so much could complain about it like you do.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
The most stunning thing for me was the toys– that is a LOT of toys. And meanwhile, the same kids are getting busier and busier; there’s probably not a lot of time for all those toys anyway!
Angela says
The garage is actually one area I feel pretty good about, but we still can only park one vehicle inside. The other half holds the mower, snowblower, and kids’ bikes/trikes. I wouldn’t get rid of anything, but with no other outdoor storage, the garage is where it lives.
The 300,000 items I don’t doubt at all. Especially if each paper, block, or other small item is counted individually. The office is the last room on my list to clear out, and I’m dreading it.
Shannon Combs says
I’ve pared down a lot in my house the last few years, but one of the things I can’t seem to part with is my fabric stash. I’m a quilter and I’ve got 8 banker boxes full of fabric scraps. Even though I’m not a “scrap quilt” kind of girl I just can’t seem to let go of the fabric. So here’s what I decided to do. I’m going to go through my boxes and throw/give away anything that is less than 1/2 yard. Then I’m going to put what’s left in boxes, tape them up and date them. If I don’t get into the box within a year I’m gonna toss it. (I hope)
Sunshine says
I know the struggle! My wife and I have a business that is part craft oriented (the rest is resale) and I hate the thought of getting rid of something that I might potentially make money off of. So it’s my job to figure out how to use up our stash of things; I’ve gotten pretty good at it.
De says
Find quilters who price and quilt for charitable organizations, I’m sure your local quilt shop knows of some
Jill says
Yes. I am quilter and I recently gave away 5(!) of those large, yard garbage bags worth of fabric, thread, stencils, etc. to a local guild that works with Project Linus. They were thrilled – they have enough fabric now to make charity quilts for two years – and I was thrilled, all the while thinking, “Why did I have so much FREAKING fabric to begin with?!”
CLTea says
Shannon, A friend of mine planned hers the same way and was very successful with it. She stuck to her guns and has gotten at least two-thirds of her basement cleared. Best wishes to you!
Sherry says
Shannon another good idea would be to plan projects for that material! There are so many purses, or small items that would help others in your community or other countries and cute easy ideas of things to create out of old fabric on Pinterest. Just a thought but I would bet if you started now you could make a whole lot of people a very Merry Christmas! And to us all — I had a friend that told me, if you don’t use it it’s just “spoiled manna”. Get.it.out. Good job!
Lisa says
Donate it to a school so they can learn to sew and make crafts! I teach first grade and love teaching them to sew! Or maybe even a seniors center where women quilt and sew. There are places that would love to have small pieces of fabric.