How Much Space vs. How Much Stuff?

June 23, 2010

A question came in earlier this week about how much stuff it’s ok to have in a space — is there some kind of percentage rule of thumb about it?

Here are a few ideas to help you decide if you have too much stuff:

If the amount of stuff you have in your space makes you feel stuck in any way — that’s too much stuff.

If you glance at a pile and don’t know what’s in it — that’s too much stuff.

If you can’t find what you need because so many things need to be moved to get at it — that’s too much stuff.

If the 80/20 rule applies — you wear or use 20% of your stuff 80% of the time — that’s too much stuff.

If you don’t love, use or need everything in your home — you’ve got too much stuff.

The answer will differ for each of us, and you can expect your answer to evolve over time.

How do you know when you’ve got too much stuff? Please leave your answer in the Comments!