Stuffication: Breaking Free from Clutter and the Hidden Costs of Too Much Stuff with Professional Organizer Mary Beth MacKinnon

Are you drowning in “stuffication”? It’s that suffocating feeling when your home is so overrun with clutter that it steals your focus, your joy, and even your financial security.

In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I sit down with professional organizer Mary Beth MacKinnon to uncover why clutter is never just about stuff—it’s about emotions, money, and the stories we attach to our belongings.

Mary Beth explains why pantries become money pits, how subscription boxes and impulse buys fuel the clutter cycle, and why storage units are really just “renting a house for your crap.”

We dive deep into the psychology of guilt, nostalgia, and overconsumption—and talk about practical systems and mindset shifts that can help you stop overspending and start living lighter.

You’ll hear:

• Why “stuffication” happens and how to know when clutter has crossed the line into overwhelm
• The hidden financial costs of clutter (from subscription traps to storage units)
• Why emotions like guilt and shame keep us stuck with things we don’t even use
• Smart strategies for breaking the buy-more-organize-more cycle
• How decluttering your home can also declutter your finances and free up money for what really matters

If you’ve ever stood in front of an overflowing closet or pantry and felt paralyzed, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and give you tools to clear the clutter for good.

Follow Mary Beth on Instagram @marybeth.mackinnon or visit www.simplify-me.net for tips that make both your home and your budget feel a little lighter.

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Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney

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