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Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing the dust and cobwebs away or going through that overstuffed junk drawer. Having a clear, clutter-free space can help you think more clearly, feel more at ease, and have more time in your life for hobbies and relationships you enjoy. Keep reading to learn how your environment can affect your mental health and the benefits of decluttering.
Understanding the Link Between Clutter and Mental Health
You may have noticed that when you walk into a clean room, where everything has been straightened and put away, that you feel a sense of peace or naturally take a deep, calming breath. But why is that?
The brain is wired to appreciate clutter-free spaces, as it means there is less visual stimuli and less to process. When your brain is trying to take in everything around you, it can be harder to focus and think clearly. Looking at clutter can also increase feelings of stress and overwhelm because it represents all the things you still need to do in the day.
However, struggles with mental health can also make it harder to keep your space tidy. Among those with hoarding disorder, around 75 percent have a co-occurring mental health condition, such as major depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. For many, it’s an endless cycle of mental health contributing to clutter and clutter negatively affecting mental health, but there is a way out.
The Emotional Benefits of Decluttering for a Tidy Space
Keeping your space decluttered and well-organized has many practical benefits, such as being able to find what you need quickly and reducing the amount of dust and other irritants in the air. But it can also improve your mental and emotional health by:
- Providing less visual stimulation. When you see a lot of clutter around your space, it’s more stimuli that your eyes have to take in and your brain has to process. The objects themselves, as well as the different colors and textures, can be overwhelming on a sensory level, which can decrease your energy or make you feel stressed or anxious quickly.
- Making it easier to focus. Clutter is often representative of tasks. For example, you may see a basket of laundry on the couch that needs to be put away or dirty dishes in the sink that need washing. If you’re trying to focus on another task or even just relax while watching TV or reading a book, seeing clutter that needs to be attended to around you can be distracting.
- Helping you get better quality sleep. If you need to slowly work through decluttering your home, consider starting with the bedroom. Having a clean, tidy environment to drift off in may help make it easier to fall and stay asleep. Even something as small as taking the time to make your bed in the morning can make your room — and your mind — feel more peaceful.
- Supporting a calmer, clearer mind. Just like your mental health can impact your environment, the state of your living space can have an effect on your mind. When your space is straightened up and free of clutter, you may feel more at ease. When your home is a safe haven, it can help you relax more fully during downtime and get a true break from struggles outside your four walls, such as challenges at work.
Keep in mind that everyone has different preferences, and decluttering your space doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all of your things or paint everything in your house white. Pay attention to how you feel during the decluttering process to identify what makes you feel most comfortable and relaxed.
How to Start Decluttering Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Even if you’ve already recognized that clutter in your space is taking a toll on your mental health or making it harder for you to decompress when you’re at home, actually getting started with decluttering can feel overwhelming. Try these tips to make it a more manageable and positive process.
Start Small
Organizing shows may make it seem like you can go through your entire house in just a few days, but this is the magic of TV — and a crew of 20+ people. In reality, addressing depression and a dirty house starts the same: one tiny step at a time. Even something as small as washing and putting away one coffee mug or throwing away 10 pieces of trash in your immediate area can give you a sense of accomplishment and provide the motivation and momentum to keep going.
Go Slow
If you’re struggling with a mental health condition like anxiety or depression that is taking a lot of your energy or you have a lot of clutter, it’s important to pace yourself. Trying to do too much too quickly can be overwhelming mentally and emotionally and potentially even increase your risk of injury. Remember that even five minutes per day is 100 percent better than no minutes per day.
Look for the Area of Biggest Impact
If there’s a certain spot in your house that’s a drop zone for clutter — such as a dining room table or a chair in your bedroom — tackle this first. If you’re constantly struggling to keep up with laundry, going through your clothes to purge what you don’t wear or doesn’t fit can make things more manageable. Think about what causes you the most stress or that you have to do on a daily basis to identify a starting point.
Reach Out for Support
It’s common for people dealing with clutter to not want to have visitors over or for anyone to see their homes, but getting help in your decluttering efforts can make it much less overwhelming. Ask friends or family members you trust to help you for a few hours on the weekend to get started. Even just having someone to talk to while you work can make it easier. If you’re afraid of being judged or don’t have a local support system, consider contacting a professional organizing service or talking to a therapist.
Creating a Sustainable Decluttering Routine
Working on decluttering your space a bit each day can help you make progress more quickly than you might think, but setting up a maintenance routine is just as important to avoid sliding back into the same habits. You might consider working in one room on the same day every week, such as the kitchen on Tuesdays and the bedroom on Wednesdays. Another option is having opening and closing duties. These are the things you do at the start and end of every day to keep your space tidy. For example, in the mornings, you may open the blinds, empty the dishwasher and put in a load of laundry. In the evening, you can put away that load of laundry, load the dishwasher and clear surfaces like tables and kitchen counters. Whatever you decide to do, consistency is the key to creating a habit and maintaining a clutter-free space.
Transforming Your Space for Mental Clarity
As you work on decluttering, identify objects you love that bring you joy to look at for display. Maybe you have some old family photos tucked away in a box that could be added to a shelf. Or you might have a piece of artwork that makes you feel calm and happy when you look at it. Curating a tidy space full of useful items and things you love can increase happiness and give you the motivation to keep things clean.
While the benefits of decluttering are clear, you may need more support than what tidying and organizing your space can give. If you’re not sure how to get started or you’re struggling with more serious mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, FHE Health can help. Reach out today to speak to a member of our team who can discuss your needs and our potential treatment programs.
