The short answer: EVERYWHERE.

The long answer: is still everywhere.

Every time I go shopping or look online, I come across at least one product that leaves me wondering about the state of the world. Consumerism is everywhere and people are willing buyers whether they know it. From Amazon to eBay to Shein and now Temu – the world is our junk-filled oyster. My Achilles heel is costume jewellery, particularly earrings. I would estimate that I bought at least 30 new pairs last year. Some of them I haven’t even taken out of the packaging – and I have many pairs that I’ve either worn once or not at all. The common denominator is how I felt when I was making these questionable purchases.

Studies have shown that the amount of clutter a person has in their home can predict their well-being. Extreme cases of clutter can lead to hoarding which is a serious disorder. The reasons why we end up with clutter seem never-ending.

“What people really don’t want to give up is the memories associated with the item.”

Rebecca Reczek, Ohio State University.

Decluttering is now an industry of its own. Marie Kondo, anyone? Declutter has been on every to-do list I have made over the past year and each time, I find myself holding onto the same items. That old eyeliner I swore I’d get rid of six months ago. Or old eye cream that I ought to get rid of. Or worse, those items that hold certain memories. The ones that sit in a drawer until the next cleaning frenzy. It can feel like an insurmountable task at times, but I will admit that it does feel good when I finally take the plunge and get rid of things I am not using.

The final answer:

• Makeup
  • Getting rid of old make-up and creams that did not agree with me
  • Not buying duplicates of products (how much black eyeliner does a girl need?)
• Clothes
  • Avoiding sales and the temptation to go after a good deal and not something I am likely to wear
  • Finally donating my old clothes
• Jewellery
  • No more impulse buys
  • Clearing out old earrings and necklaces that I know I won’t wear
• Shoes
  • Same as above!
• General junk
  • I need to stop holding onto items I don’t use regularly

Apparently, there is one way to get rid of clutter without feeling weighing on your conscience – taking pictures of items before you get rid of them!