How Decluttering and Organizing Make Your Home More Relaxing
Time to create that cozy, calm atmosphere you’re craving.
Clutter Affects Mental Health
A staggering 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have, yet 78% have no idea what to do with it. That’s because, according to a study out of UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives of Families, the amount of stress people experience at home is directly proportional to the amount of stuff they and their families have accumulated. As the clutter builds up, so does the pressure, tension, and overwhelm within our living spaces.
“You eliminate an element of chaos and uncertainty in your life.”
The effects of clutter on mental health are far-reaching. Along with increasing stress levels, clutter can amplify feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, causing decreased productivity and an inability to make decisions. Instead of home being our happy place, when there’s too much clutter, it can be a hard, stressful, or triggering place to be.
By decluttering and getting organized, you don’t have to remember where things are, and you eliminate an element of chaos and uncertainty in your life, relieving stress and anxiety. This is because there is comfort in predictability and your newfound sense of control. What’s more, clearing your mind creates space for other things, like curiosity and creativity.
Organizing Improves Physical Health
Less stress leads to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which means better health. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 80% of medical expenses are related to stress.
Getting organized also helps you eat healthier and get active. A top strategy for building healthy habits is to make doing them as easy as possible. Organization helps you create a space that supports the goals in your life, including eating healthy and staying active. Easily accessible equipment, uncluttered workspaces, and systems for planning ahead all help keep you on track.
Functionality and Time to Live the Life You Want
When you organize, you create space to live the life you want for you and your family. The spaces in your home become more functional and you’re able to find things when you need them. Imagine having uncluttered counters to make dinner or not having to constantly search for the TV remote. And if you’re like a quarter of Americans who can’t fit your car in your garage, imagine being able to pull that baby in to where it belongs!
With everything in its place, no more daily hunts for your wallet and keys before you head out the door. That saves you time and energy for more worthwhile pursuits. How much time? According to the 2017 Lost & Found Survey by Pixie, Americans spend 2.5 days a year looking for misplaced items. That’s greater than 190 days over the course of the average lifespan!
What’s more, the National Soap and Detergent Association says that decluttering and organizing cuts 40% of housework in the average home. Less cleaning?! Sign me up!
“Decluttering and organizing cuts 40% of housework in the average home.”
Getting Started and Where to Focus
Getting organized can take a while, especially if you haven't done it in a while. Start with the areas that will have the most impact, the ones you use the most, such as the entryway drop zone or the kitchen island. Or start where you do your relaxing, like the bedroom and bathroom, so you have a comforting retreat.
Schedule time to make progress, whether it's 15 minutes a day to declutter a different spot of your home or a Saturday to tackle an entire room. Get it on the calendar, so you're sure to do it.
Related Resources: Decluttering and organizing workbooks
