The implicit classism of decluttering

It seems that much of the middle class is working on decluttering their home, KonMari-ing their wardrobes and reaching a new level of happiness with their sock drawer. I’m not finding it as easy to declutter.

Implicit in the idea of decluttering is to get rid of items that you are not using, as you can always buy them later if you need them. This relies on a certain security around your future circumstances. You have to be sure that the money will be there in a year and that you’ll be physically able to find the objects you need. In order to get those sweet second-hand deals that a lot the budgeters rely on you either need to be a major centre or have access to enough time and transport to pick up your new purchases.

If you are a poor, or have been poor, these can both be question marks. Work is less stable and hours can be reduced or you can be laid off when you suddenly need those items you decluttered. Equally you could be working 2 jobs, relying on public transport, and have no option of circling out to the suburbs to get that great deal on a secondhand baby stroller or winter coat in your kid’s size. It makes sense to hold onto items that you may need to keep your future needs secured.

On a personal level I grew up poor and my husband grew up with more available money. He is an enthusiastic declutterer, quickly discarding usused items. He looks at which items he hasn’t used and throws them out, while I am always looking at the future and trying to work out which items I might need.

Reaching the mythical land of decluttering happiness is reliant on the security that the items you discard can be rebought. It’s not fair to judge those who don’t come from a place of material security for holding onto items.