Clutter and Varied Environments: How Do Different Settings Impact Decision Making to Declutter or Not?

Devki Patel, M.S. program, Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Proposal Abstract

Three interrelated yet separate studies assessing both physical clutter in one’s home as well as virtual clutter are proposed. These projects explore the relationship between environments (real and virtual) and self-reported clutter. No empirical studies explored clutter during the COVID-19 pandemic in work and home digital settings, and in different home structures. In one study, we examine the pandemic as an environmental factor and how it impacted individuals’ decision to declutter. Given individuals’ increased time spent at home during the COVID-19 shelter in place ordinances, we explored the decision-making processes that influence one’s choice to declutter or not. In another study, we explore work and home environments and digital clutter experiences. Increased technology use has left clutter professionals wanting to explore digital clutter experiences and how different environments influenced digital clutter. Lastly, we explore different home structure environments (e.g., single-family home, apartment) and how possessing additional home structures (e.g., garage, attic) may impact an individual’s amount of clutter. It is important to assess clutter in various environments so individuals, researchers, and ICD coaches may understand how different environmental factors influence clutter or decluttering behaviors and interventions can be tailored to specific environments.