Christina Daniels| Daniels Design & Decor: March 12, 2023
Clutter can be defined as a collection of things lying around without a sense of organization or function. It can range from piles of dirty laundry to heaps of unopened mail, from a cluttered desk to a disorganized closet. While it may seem harmless at first, clutter can actually have a negative impact on our mental wellbeing. A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin in 2010 found that women who described their homes as cluttered or full of unfinished projects were more likely to be depressed, fatigued, and have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than women who described their homes as restful and restorative. Let's take a closer look at the various ways in which clutter can affect our mental health.
Stress and anxiety
Studies have shown that clutter can cause stress and anxiety. A cluttered environment can make it difficult to relax, focus, and even sleep. It can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which can further contribute to anxiety. A cluttered space can be overwhelming and make it difficult to navigate. It can also make it difficult to find what you need when you need it, leading to frustration and further exacerbating stress inducing feelings.
Loss of productivity and increased procrastination
A cluttered environment can be distracting and can affect productivity. It can make it difficult to concentrate and focus on tasks, leading to a decrease in productivity. When faced with a cluttered space, it can be tempting to put off cleaning and organizing, leading to procrastination. This can cause further stress and anxiety, as the clutter continues to accumulate.
Mood and relationships
Studies have shown that a cluttered environment can affect our mood. It can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration, and even depression. This in turn can also affect our relationships. It can make it difficult to invite friends or family over, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
So, what can we do to combat clutter and its negative impact on our mental wellbeing? Here are a few tips:
1. Start small
Don't try to tackle the entire cluttered space at once. Start with a small area, such as a desk or a closet, and work your way up from there.
2. Set realistic goals
Set realistic goals for yourself. Don't expect to completely declutter your space in a single day. Break it up into manageable chunks and give yourself time to complete each task.
3. Use the "one in, one out" rule
When bringing new items into your space, use the "one in, one out" rule. For every new item you bring in, get rid of something old. If that is too difficult, try putting the item in a box. Once the box is full of items, donate it without going through it again. If you haven't gone back into the box to look for an item, chances are you no longer need it.
4. Get rid of things you don't need
Be honest with yourself about what you really need and what you don't. If you haven't used something in a year, consider getting rid of it. When it comes to clothing, some tidying experts recommend flipping your hangars around on the rail and flipping them back once you rehang an item you've used. In 12 months donate everything still facing the opposite direction. You can also adopt the Marie Kondo method and ask yourself how an item makes you feel and if it brings you joy.
5. Seek out an expert
If you're feeling overwhelmed, seek help. You don't have to do it alone. Consider hiring a professional organizer or enlisting the help of a friend or family member. Once you get the clutter under control, you may feel motivated to make the change lasting by hiring a Holistic Interior Designer like Daniels Design & Decor.
Clutter can have a negative impact on our mental wellbeing. By taking small steps to combat clutter, we can create a more peaceful and organized space, leading to a happier and healthier life.