The clutter expansion principle

Lessons in physics, plus big life moves over here.

I was cleaning out our storage areas recently (read on to learn why). As usual, I pondered the human tendency to accumulate stuff.

Why is it that no matter the size of our home—be it tiny studio apartment, single family home, or mansion—we seem to invariably use up all available storage space?

It brought to mind my middle school science class where I learned that gas will always expand to fill whatever container it’s in. This is kinetic molecular theory. The molecules aren’t bound up with each other so they’ll wander off to fill the space that’s available.

Source

This is what happens with our stuff. When you notice there’s space for X item, you put it there. Then Y item joins it, and so on, until you end up with a chaotic cabinet/closet/whatever. This absolutely happens to even me.

Let us call this natural phenomenon kinetic storage theory.

Kinetic storage theory is why it’s important to containerize things and approach your storage spaces very carefully. At the outset, know that every empty space will fill with items (it’s physics!), and plan accordingly.

For instance, have a designated container for everything. Know you will fill that container eventually, so choose the container wisely. A container can be a storage bin, a closet, a shoe box, a piece of furniture, even a room. And no, that definitely does not mean you need to rush out and buy bins. (Please don’t!)

Source

This flip side of this is that we should be careful not to have too much storage space available. Yes, you read that right. I’m an advocate of getting rid of storage “solutions” because…yep…you will inevitably fill them up whether you need that stuff or not.

I like to try to designate an entire drawer or cabinet as Empty Space in my home. Once I put one thing in it, I know it will fill. But if I keep it empty and unopened it will remain in that state.

Try noticing kinetic storage theory in your own home and see if you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

Personal Update

Ok, here’s the tea on what’s going on behind the scenes: I’m moving!

Nothing major, just to another neighborhood within Portland that’s a little further from the fray and much more family-oriented. We’ll be able to walk or bike to both kids’ schools and the public library which is huge for our family, as we value car-independent living.

I’m sure I’ll have new House Machine challenges and insights as I set up the new space, but one thing that immediately makes me itchy is there is so much more storage space in the new house! That’s not a negative for most, but it worries me on account of kinetic storage theory.

Wish me luck, folks…moving with 2 kids and a dog and a strong need for order in one’s environment isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ll report back from the other side soon!

Posts Referenced