🤷‍♂️Are you a hoarder? It's time to let it go - By Jonathan Broekman

In a moment of life crisis when both my children moved out, I experienced the very real impact of empty nest syndrome. Have you been through something similar? For me, I needed to channel those emotions into something productive, so I embarked on a massive clear-out at home. But along the way, I began to wonder - had I been hoarding? What psychological impact was all this clutter having on me? And how could decluttering help?

This month, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stuart Rosenberg, the Chief Organisation Officer of Sort It Out. Stuart's expertise in decluttering and organising homes has not only transformed living spaces but also helped people take the emotional steps to let go of what no longer serves them.

Here are some insights from our chat, as well as tips that might resonate with you or someone you know.

Why Do We Hoard?

"Many of us hold onto items because they're tied to memories or a sense of security," Stuart explained. "Hoarding often stems from deeper emotional triggers, such as trauma linked to the loss of a loved one, poverty, or divorce, as well as conditions like ADHD. Coupled with this are societal influences - messages that tell us we need to have more to be better. Advertising plays a powerful role here in the trigger words and images they paint, creating a dopamine rush when we buy something new, even if we don't really need it. We laughingly call it 'retail therapy,' but the truth is that this instant gratification often leads to long-term anxiety as our homes fill with more and more things. If we can't resist this constant manipulation, we risk being trapped in a cycle of short-term gain and long-term stress."

He pointed out that hoarding is more than just having too much stuff; it's a mental disorder that can worsen with age. Items that seem insignificant - old newspapers, jars or broken knick-knacks - can take on an outsized importance because they're tied to moments, people or even an imagined future use.

For many, the added challenge is guilt: "What if I throw this away and then regret it?"; and "My late father/mother/other gave this to me, I can't just get rid of it. 

Stuart suggested a mindset shift:

Ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. If my house burnt down and insurance paid me out, would I buy this again?
2. If my dog 'messed' on it, would I wash it or throw it away?
3. Do I need it / could I live without it?
4. If I died tomorrow, would I want my children to have to deal with this?
5. Does this support and serve the life I'm trying to build / does it bring me joy?

If not, consider that someone else might appreciate it more.

Memorable Stories Behind the Clutter

When I asked Stuart if he's encountered emotional stories from clients, his response was heartfelt. He shared a poignant example of a retired CA who had suffered multiple strokes and was struggling to navigate a home overwhelmed by clutter. Boxes and boxes of papers and miscellaneous items filled the space, making even basic movement inside the home a challenge. Concerned for his father's safety, the accountant's son reached out to Stuart's team for help.

"We worked to clear the clutter, reorganise the space and even rearranged the furniture to create a clear path for him to move around more easily," Stuart explained. "It wasn't just about making the home safer - it was about giving him back a sense of independence and improving his quality of life."

Stuart went on to highlight how, as in this example, decluttering isn't only about aesthetics - it's about creating spaces that truly support the people living in them.

How Does Clutter Impact a Home Sale?

Clutter isn't just personal - it has a big impact on potential buyers. In the first place, when there's too much "stuff" in a room, be it ornaments on a counter top or excess furniture, the buyer's eye is drawn to the clutter, rather than having the freedom to savour the appeal of the house. "Clutter creates a subconscious sense of distrust," Stuart explained. "Buyers might think, 'If the home looks chaotic, what else might be wrong?'"

A tidy, well-organised home signals care and good stewardship, allowing buyers to focus on the home's features rather than its distractions. Stuart went on to say, "It's not about perfection - it's about showing the home in its best possible light."

When it comes to packing, his advice for sellers is simple:

• Decluttering is often an emotional journey, with the result that people almost always make the mistake of leaving packing to the last minute. Start early, especially if you're planning a big move. 
• Start small; pick a single drawer or shelf. That small success can give you the momentum to keep going. Focus on one room or area at a time and avoid the temptation to jump around.
• Be objective about what needs to stay and what can go. He suggests sorting into three piles:

1. Keeping 
2. Not sure (This can be determined the second time around.)
3. Dispose (Sell / Donate / Throw away)

Breaking Through Sentimental Attachments

Letting go of sentimental items is one of the hardest parts of decluttering.

"People often hold onto items because they remind them of loved ones or happy times," Stuart said. "The key is to preserve the memory without holding onto the physical object."

For example, Stuart recommends creating heirloom photo books or even using digital photo frames to keep memories alive without the clutter. Sort It Out can assist with this. "It's about finding balance - honouring the past while making space for the present."

He then shared something which I found deeply profound. "Take comfort in the knowledge that the person who receives what you let go of, will love it just as much as you do."

Unexpected Benefits of Decluttering

Beyond preparing a home for sale and making it more appealing to potential buyers, decluttering can have profound effects on our mental well-being. Stuart explained: "Clutter produces cortisol, the stress hormone. Removing it not only reduces stress but also creates a sense of calm and clarity."

One client, after years of living in a cluttered home, told Stuart that decluttering improved his relationship with his wife and family and made his daily routine feel easier. "It's not just about the stuff - it's about creating a space where you can truly thrive."

And still further, giving to someone else those items that perhaps have limited value for you, but immense value for them, is a blessing. "Giving away helps you; the fact that it benefits someone else is a by-product!" 

Making the Process Easier

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially for families dealing with deceased estates or major life transitions. Stuart's team is very sensitive to these situations and takes a compassionate, structured approach.

"Because families are often under a time constraint, we focus on items of high value first - things like jewellery or photographs - and work with families to decide what matters most," he said.

For families spread across the globe, Sort It Out offers estate clearing services that balance sensitivity with efficiency. "We understand the emotional weight of these moments and our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible."

Lessons from Before and After Transformations

I asked Stuart about some of his favourite success stories. His face lit up as he described a home transformed from chaos to calm.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the physical and emotional change in clients," he said. "A clutter-free home isn't just more beautiful - it's more functional and uplifting. It's transformed into a place where people are pleased to be. Moving from chaos to order doesn't just declutter the physical space, it also declutters our minds, bringing with it an enormous sense of relief!"

Before-and-after photos speak volumes and Stuart kindly shared some with us for this newsletter. You'll see how decluttering doesn't just open up space - it opens up possibilities. It's amazing how removing a few obstacles can change not just the look but the entire feeling of a space.

Our Collaboration with Sort It Out

I'm thrilled to announce that Homes of Distinction has partnering with Sort It Out to help you achieve a clutter-free, market-ready home.

As part of this collaboration, Homes of Distinction clients can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on all Sort It Out services, on their first declutter. Whether you're preparing to sell, downsizing or simply want to create a more peaceful environment, Stuart and his team are here to help.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering isn't just about clearing space - it's about creating the life you want.

Here Stuart drew on one of his favourite quotes from Andrew Mellen, a speaker, coach and the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller 'Unstuff Your Life!' and 'The Most Organized Man in America's Guide to Moving'. "Being organised isn't about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person. It's about living the way you want to live - but better."

If you're feeling inspired to start your own decluttering journey, why not begin with one drawer, one corner or one room? And if you'd like a little extra support, Sort It Out is just a call away.

Here's to creating spaces that truly reflect who we are - and who we're becoming.

I'd love to hear your stories - are you a collector of memories, or have you mastered the art of letting go? Drop me a message and let's chat.

Please follow our social media platforms to get regular business tips, in my video cast: Living & Investing with Jonathan Broekman. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

Warm regards,  
Jonathan Broekman  
Principal of Homes of Distinction

PS: To schedule a free consultation with Sort It Out and claim your Homes of Distinction discount, visit Sort It Out or contact Stuart directly.

Stuart Rosenberg

Cell: +27847008094

Email: guru@SortItOut.guru

https://www.sortitout.guru/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sortitoutguru/