A nationwide poll of women* conducted by one of the UK’s leading self storage businesses, Access Self Storage, has identified Clutter Blindness as a modern day affliction. Affecting over 52 % of the UK’s female population, the phenomenon means that the average female is wasting up to £1,000 of un-seen and un-worn clothing.
The definition of Clutter Blindness is the inability to see the contents of ones wardrobe due to excess stuffing of clothes and other attire.
The Access Self Storage poll shows that the average British woman has little knowledge of the contents of her wardrobe, and that this is a direct result of ‘overcrowding’ when it comes to filling wardrobe space. Statistics show that 30.3% of women can only see 50% of their wardrobe’s contents; with the rest of it being out of sight (often hidden by out of season clothes, which could easily be stored away to increase visibility.) This means they frequently miss opportunities to wear clothing because they forget they own it; or purchase similar items more than once.
Access’s Clutter Consultant, Helen Brennan comments:
“Clutter blindness is a common affliction. As a nation we stuff our wardrobes full of clothes, shoes and accessories and then end up buying more and more because we simply forget what we already have as it is hidden away. We hope that by drawing attention to Clutter Blindness we will encourage our customers to rethink their storage space and get the most out of their wardrobe.”
Shoes are the item that the nation most likes to hoard with 43.8% hanging onto their footwear, followed by tops at 27.6% and bags at 8%.
Tips on how to make the most of your clothing space
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Review your entire wardrobe contents at least twice a year
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Anything that you’ve not worn for two years place in a separate area, if you don’t go back to it for another six months recycle it at a swishing party (clothes swap party) or sell it on ebay
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Store winter coats, scarves, gloves, ski wear, big jumpers and other winter clothing during the summer months and vice versa (don’t forget the mothballs) or keep occasional, classic items, which will always be in fashion, in storage. With seasonal and occasion wear out of the way, the UK’s women have a much better chance of being able to see 100% of their everyday wear.
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Colour code your wardrobe from black, through the colour spectrum to white
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Roll items rather than fold, this will allow you to see more items when you open a drawer or look at a shelf thus making you more aware of what is there
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Try on different outfits that you like and take a Polaroid of yourself in the outfit. Stick the pictures of your favourite outfits on the inside of your wardrobe door so that you can use them as reference and remind yourself of your favourite combinations
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Use holdalls or baskets to section out your accessories with belts, scarves and bags all in separate areas
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Pin your trousers up on hangers with clips or use safety pins rather than fold them over as this saves space
With Spring Cleaning, and specifically wardrobe management, the order of the day, Access Self Storage is offering customers their first month’s storage for just 1p; meaning that they can stow away anything from wardrobe overspill through to the contents of an entire house, and for a limited period experience the benefits of self storage practically for free.† Ongoing storage at Access is available with fully flexible terms from as little as £18 per month – and customers can rest assured that their possessions are being stored in a dry, clean and friendly environment with round-the-clock security.
Access Self Storage is one of the UK’s leading self storage businesses with a focus on best value and hassle-free storage solutions. It is widely known for its safe, friendly and personal approach when it comes to storing possessions. Whether individuals, families or businesses wish to store their keepsakes, excess goods or products with Access, they can be reassured that their possessions are secure and that they are paying the best prices in the market.
As well as providing unbeatably priced storage space, Access Self Storage is a one-stop-shop for storage accessories, including packaging, storage boxes, wardrobe boxes and tape. High quality and great value are always guaranteed, as well as easy parking and access. Many Access stores also offer free 24-hour access, making it easy to grab the perfect outfit when an occasion arises at short notice.
To find out more simply log onto www.accessstorage.com or call 0800 389 1782
Notes to editors
Further information about Access Self Storage may be requested by contacting laura@goldengoosepr.com / miki@goldengoosepr.com or telephoning 0207 376 0070 / 07989 445 790 / 07900 690 574.
† Terms and conditions apply, minimum storage period is 2 months.
* 200 Women across the country were polled in this survey