Clutter vs Minimalism: A New Generational Battle

It seems that many of us, when we establish our adult homes, either mimic our parents or rebel against their style. My mother kept everything orderly, just as her mother couldn't get around organizing things. I, on the other hand, keep my stuff in disarray. My children, in turn, are orderly. While it's not a new phenomenon, it has now become a matter of public discourse. Many years ago, these lifestyle choices were largely unnoticed, but now they have turned into trends or a generational battleground.

The Emergence of Clutter

Clutter is now associated with hoarding, and many have seen the show A Cocoon: After the Clutter or heard disturbing stories. The idea of people "collecting" items has led to a negative connotation, with many vilifying those who "collect." I, personally, align more with minimalism but don't go to extremes. Like any conflict between opposites, it's natural for people to fight, and it's important to empathize with those who are different. My husband is close to hoarding, but my love for him overrules my frustration with how we live.

The Impact of Public Disclosure

Before the advent of social media and public disclosure, we had limited insight into the lives of others. We mostly saw the lives of a few friends, relatives, and neighbors. Now, everyone wants to be seen. The previously unnoticed aspects of life have become a source of interest, trends, and even controversy. This shift has made the debate about clutter and minimalism more visible.

Generation and Lifestyle Choices

Each generation rebels against the one before it. During the hippie era, young people rebelled against the perceived materialism of their parents who had lived through the Great Depression and World War II. They favored a more communal lifestyle, embracing minimalism out of necessity. In the 1980s, the Generation X kids rebelled against their hippie parents and their perceived back-to-the-land, DIY, macrame, and granola lifestyle. They embraced consumerism, tech advancements, and material wealth.

Now, the current generation of children of Generation X parents is rebelling again, adopting a more hippie-like lifestyle. This cycle of rebellion and change continues, leading to a new generational conflict over clutter versus minimalism. People tend to move toward what they are led to believe is right, but it's important to recognize that minimalist or cluttered living is a personal choice.

Personal Experience and Insight

Living with different people who have different preferences can be challenging. One person might rant about clutter and then disappear into their own cluttered space, much like a ubiquitous kitchen drawer I've always loved. It holds bits and pieces of everyone's thoughts. Would I throw that away? No way. There is value in these items, such as that golf you were scratch (meaning the player was initially hesitant but got into it). Crap is crap, but there is love and thought behind these things.

Just be my child, huh? Put things back where you got them and leave me alone. In these cases, a simple reminder to respect others' needs and space can go a long way.

Conclusion

The battle between clutter and minimalism is not new, but it is newly public. Each generation rebels against the one before, leading to a cycle of lifestyle changes and conflicts. It's essential to acknowledge that minimalist or cluttered living is a personal preference and to empathize with others who are different. This generational battleground continues to evolve as people move toward what they believe is the right path, driven by societal and personal influences.