Clutter and Mental Health

The Connection Between Clutter and Mental Health

Over the past decade, there’s been an increased willingness to recognize mental health as an essential part of one’s well-being. As such, people are getting more conscious about taking care of their overall mental health, both in their professional and private spheres. In this line, environmental psychology keeps showing how our living spaces affect our mental state. As many studies suggest, living in a clean, organized, and decluttered house can greatly change our mood and benefit our mental health. Find out more about this connection in our article!

How can clutter affect your mental state?

While accumulating a few extra items may not seem like a big deal, clutter can indeed have a negative impact on your mental health. Clutter and disorganization can increase stress levels, make it difficult to focus, and take a toll on relationships.

Moreover, clutter can also contribute to depression, and there are several studies to prove this. For instance, a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who lived in cluttered spaces were more depressed than those who stayed in clean and restful homes.

In short, there’s a reason why people use the phrase “a messy home can lead to a messy mind”…

Clutter and Mental Health

Benefits of decluttering

Getting rid of excess stuff in your home can benefit your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more energized.

Moreover, decluttering can also make you feel that you have some control over your life, and this is particularly helpful when you think everything else is uncertain in your life. A study by the University of Connecticut found that in times of extreme stress, leaning on cleaning gives them a sense of control.

In short, decluttering and cleaning can be quite therapeutic; so put on some relaxing music, and let your mind wander from all the stressful thoughts that have been taking up your conscience.

 Get motivated!

But even considering all the associated benefits, decluttering your entire home can still feel like a daunting task. But remember that it’s all about taking small steps to make a huge difference. So instead of trying everything out together and overwhelming yourself, do things one at a time. Go at your own pace and try to enjoy the process. Here are a few tips to get you motivated:

  • Start planning. Create a solid plan and schedule your decluttering times.
  • Visualize how your spaces will look neat and clutter-free. Doing so will make you feel more motivated.
  • Remember that it isn’t possible to do everything in a day, so be slow and steady in your approach.
  • Try to make it fun! Put your favorite music on, listen to an audiobook or a podcast, and think about a small reward for yourself when you finish.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your friends or family for some help. Teamwork is always more enjoyable.

Professional help

If you feel like the clutter in your home is causing you great amounts of stress and anxiety, hiring a professional organizer might be the best solution – both for your house and your mental space. If you need someone to help you declutter and organize your spaces so that you can enjoy a clean, clutter-free environment, don’t hesitate to contact us at ClutterBGone for a free consultation! We will be delighted to help you.