Submitted Photo Experts on decluttering and downsizing say increasingly storing household items in your garage is “kicking the can down the road” and suggest just getting rid of things you don’t really want or need instead of finding more space. Photo from Adobe Stock.

A lot of households might have junk piles on their kitchen counter or an overflowing storage room. A North Dakota expert says to avoid stress that comes with clutter, there are skills to gain in tidying up.

According to AARP, a more organized and simplified living space can reduce stress, improve mental clarity and create a safer environment.

Deb Mathern is a volunteer with AARP North Dakota who offers guidance as part of the group’s Speakers Bureau. She said she subscribes to an “equal-in, equal-out” theory.

“When you’re out shopping, your house doesn’t grow,” Mathern said. “So, when you bring home that carload of stuff that you just purchased, it might be time to take out a couple things.”

She said she understands it can be difficult to let go of things because people work hard to buy them.

Cherished family treasures can be kept in a box or specific area. Otherwise, she suggested donating items you really don’t wear or use anymore.

For older populations who haven’t downsized yet, she warned that extra piles create tripping hazards.

Mathern said when out shopping, it’s OK to occasionally buy something that might bring you excitement and joy. But she recommends thinking first about how long you might keep it and avoid falling into an unwanted pattern of loading up your cart.

“I think it fills an emotional void for a lot of people,” Mathern said, “and that’s the wrong reason to be buying.”

As for older residents planning to move into a smaller space, she recommends measuring the size of bigger household items to figure out if they’ll fit in the new home. She said if they won’t, you might save on moving costs by leaving them behind if they won’t be used much.

Lastly, she suggests not renting storage spaces for too long, because most of the contents just collect dust without being pulled out.