Does decluttering improve mental health?

When you hear the word ‘decluttering’ what comes to mind?

You probably think about closet cleanouts, garage sales, and Marie Kondo.

But there’s so much more to decluttering than throwing away unused stuff.

In fact, the mental health benefits of decluttering far outweigh all other perks.

Let’s chat about how clutter can negatively impact your mind, body, and soul, and how removing said clutter could set you free. 

How clutter drowns your mind

It’s not always something you feel on the surface, but deep down, clutter affects us all.

Living in a messy, unstructured space can make your mind feel messy too.

According to Verywell Mind, clutter may contribute to confusion, tension, decreased focus, and even depression. Messiness is closely associated with a lack of control, with feeling overwhelmed and drained of energy.

According to Verywell Mind, clutter may contribute to confusion, tension, decreased focus, and even depression. Messiness is closely associated with a lack of control, with feeling overwhelmed and drained of energy.

Similarly, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, clutter in a person’s visual field can seriously affect their ability to focus. In other words, when distractions surround you, it’s much harder to get work done.

Let’s get cleaning

Take a look around the room you're in now.

Can you spot three objects—maybe a piece of rubbish, a pile of papers, or a random drink glass—that aren’t adding anything positive to your space?

Pick up those three objects and throw them out—or store them away—whatever suits best.

Notice how much better you feel?

For many of us, decluttering comes with a sense of accomplishment, setting ourselves free from worries and distractions.

But cleaning takes time. And time is a valuable asset many of us struggle to manage.

Luckily, you can take steps to make decluttering easier and take up less of your time.

Organisation is key

The path towards a clutter-free life starts with home organisation.

There are endless ways to organise your home, but here are a few tips:

1. Add a towel rack to your linen closet.
2. Sort out your makeup, stationery, and other bits and bobs with a drawer organiser.
3. Keep your living room tidy with a couch caddy.
4. Fold t-shirts and towels upright (file folding) for easy access.
5. Hang your pots and pans.
6. Follow the ‘one in and one out’ rule with kids’ toys—when you buy something new, donate something old.
7. Keep your entryway tidy with a key organiser.
8. Use clear containers for storing pantry items.
9. Hang your toiletries on hooks in the shower.
10. Double up on hangers.

There are so many crafty, creative, and innovative ways to keep your home tidy. By employing these simple tips, you’ll easily keep your home free from mess. 

Your mind and body will thank you.