You’re not the only one who feels stressed out by a messy house, and the same is true for others who feel overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning and decluttering. No matter how clean and organized you or your family have been, it’s normal to accumulate a lot of stuff over time. So why not transform your home into what you’ve always wanted it to be by decluttering?
Here’s how decluttering can improve your mental health
According to research data, physical clutter may have a detrimental effect on our emotions and general welfare. According to research published in Current Psychology, clutter and procrastination are closely related.
University students, young people in their 20s and 30s, and older persons, usually in their 50s, were all polled by the researchers. They discovered that procrastination increased clutter in all three age groups and significantly reduced life satisfaction in older persons.
According to a study from Princeton University in the U.S., the capacity to focus and absorb information is impacted dramatically by physical clutter.
1. A peaceful life is uncluttered
According to Darcey Rojas, a wellness advocate and healthy home designer: “A clutter-free environment helps you to complete chores of everyday living more quickly since everything you need is immediately available and within reach.” In addition, you’ll be able to swiftly and quickly locate the things you need and use every day by getting rid of frustrating clutter.
We refer to it as: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” We’ve all had that “ah” reaction when we see the calm arrangement in our living areas. The trick is maintaining our homes serene, pleasant, and uncluttered. Later, we’ll provide a hint on how to do that.
2. Decluttering reduces stress and boosts confidence
Dr. Robert London, a mental health expert in New York City, claims that clutter leads to anxiety, shame, and familial pressures. You feel better when you solve the issue and learn to discard stuff. If you’ve ever experienced increased stress when anticipating visitors, you can relate to what the doctor describes.
Pressure might increase when you open a disorganized closet door or gaze into your garages. Science has demonstrated that unneeded stress and worry might result in unanticipated health problems. Your house must be a serene space where you can relax after a long day of work or play.
Fortunately, we have some quick, no-cost advice on clearing out the stress-inducing spaces in your life so you can feel better about yourself.
3. Eliminating clutter eliminates health risks
Keeping dust and mold at bay is another advantage of decluttering, especially if you clean as you go. According to the Allergy Unit at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, dust mites are a severe allergen for many individuals. They can dwell on clothes hidden away in dark cabinets or drawers.
Mold may be found in crowded storage spaces and can be problematic for persons with asthma, allergies, other respiratory disorders, and weaker immune systems.
4. Donating plus purging equals a better life for everyone
We have been raised not to waste anything and not to toss nice things away, which is one of the primary reasons our lives have become overly crowded. This mentality is healthy, and you should be proud of it. Why do you keep things that are still in fine shape, but that you will never use or need again?
You must figure out what to do with all that material, which is one major factor. Donating is the solution. Getting into the practice of giving will enhance both your life and the lives of those in your community. Your heart is filled with pride when you give to deserving neighborhood groups like the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
How to begin cleaning: 5 quick decluttering ideas
- If you last used something a year ago, think about getting rid of it.
- Don’t cling to things out of guilt, like because they were a gift.
- If the prospect of decluttering makes you feel overwhelmed, set aside only 10 minutes each day for it.
- Instead of going room by room, declutter using the Marie Kondo method: start with the clothing, books, and documents.
- Take everything out of a drawer or cabinet before organizing it.
Final thoughts
There are many reasons for decluttering and several methods, whether you want to start the year with a clean slate for aesthetic reasons or to improve your mental health. Decide what will work best for you, then get cleaning! You’ll feel better afterward, guaranteed.
