Smiling happy woman

What Does Decluttering Do to Your Mental Health?

Decluttering is the process of organizing and removing unnecessary items from your living space. It’s a common practice for creating a cleaner and more organized home, but the benefits go beyond just the physical space. 

How does decluttering impact mental health

In fact, decluttering has been found to have a significant impact on mental health. In this post, we’ll explore the positive effects of decluttering on the mind, and how it can improve our overall well-being.

The Link Between Clutter and Mental Health

If you’ve ever walked into a cluttered room and felt overwhelmed or stressed, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that clutter can have a significant impact on our mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. In fact, research conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles found that people with cluttered homes had higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, than those with tidy homes.

How Clutter Can Cause Stress and Anxiety

Clutter can cause stress and anxiety in a variety of ways. For one, it can be visually overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. It can also make it challenging to find things we need, leading to frustration and a sense of being disorganized.

In addition, clutter can make us feel ashamed or embarrassed, especially if we have guests coming over. This can cause us to isolate ourselves, leading to feelings of loneliness and social anxiety. Clutter can also make it challenging to relax, as we’re constantly reminded of unfinished tasks or things that need to be put away.

Overall, clutter can have a significant impact on our mental health, leading to increased stress and anxiety. However, there is good news. By decluttering our homes, we can reduce the amount of visual and mental clutter in our lives, leading to a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Practical Tips for Decluttering and Improving Mental Health

Here are some practical tips for decluttering and improving your mental health:

  1. Start small: Don’t try to declutter your entire home at once. Instead, start with one room or area and work your way from there.
  2. Set a goal: Decide what you want to accomplish and set a realistic timeline for achieving it. This can help you stay motivated and focused.
  3. Be ruthless: When decluttering, be honest with yourself about what you really need and use. Don’t hold onto things out of guilt or obligation.
  4. Get rid of things responsibly: Consider donating items that are still in good condition or recycling those that can be recycled. This can help reduce the environmental impact of decluttering.
  5. Celebrate your progress: Take time to acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. This can help you stay motivated and positive throughout the process.

By following these tips and decluttering your home, you can improve your mental health and well-being. 

Benefits of Decluttering for Mental Health

Decluttering is a simple but effective way to improve mental health and overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits that decluttering can have on your mental health:

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

One of the most significant benefits of decluttering is that it can reduce stress and anxiety. A cluttered home or workspace can be overwhelming and chaotic, making it difficult to focus or relax. 

A study conducted by the Personality and Social Psychology Review found that cluttered homes were associated with higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that the body releases in response to stress.

By decluttering, you can create a more peaceful and calming environment that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Removing unnecessary items and organizing your space can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Improves Mood

Decluttering can also improve your mood. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people who described their homes as cluttered were more likely to report feeling depressed and fatigued. 

On the other hand, people who described their homes as restful and restorative were more likely to report feeling happy and energized.

By decluttering, you can create a space that feels more restful and restorative. You’ll be able to relax and unwind more easily in a clean and organized environment, which can boost your mood and overall well-being.

Increases Productivity

Finally, decluttering can increase productivity. A cluttered workspace can make it difficult to focus and can lead to procrastination. By decluttering your workspace, you can create a more organized and efficient environment that can help you stay focused and get more done.

In addition, decluttering can help you feel more energized and motivated. When your space is clean and organized, you’re more likely to feel inspired and ready to tackle tasks.

Overall, decluttering can have numerous benefits for mental health, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and increasing productivity. 

Tips for Decluttering for Mental Health

Decluttering can be an overwhelming task, especially when considering the mental health benefits. Here are some tips to help you declutter in a way that is conducive to positive mental health outcomes:

Set small, achievable goals

Breaking down the decluttering process into small, achievable goals can help prevent overwhelm and reduce stress. Start with one room or one category of items at a time, and take breaks when necessary.

Practice mindfulness and self-compassion

Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused during the decluttering process, while self-compassion can help you be kind to yourself if you struggle with letting go of certain items. Remember that decluttering is a process and it’s okay to take your time.

Donate or sell items

Instead of throwing away items, consider donating or selling them. This can help you feel good about decluttering and reduce the environmental impact of your unwanted items.

Seek help if necessary

Decluttering can sometimes trigger difficult emotions, and it’s okay to seek help if needed. A therapist or professional organizer can provide support and guidance throughout the process.

Maintaining Mental Health after Decluttering

Decluttering can have significant benefits for mental health, but it’s important to maintain the results to reap the long-term benefits. Here are some strategies to help:

Set up a system: After decluttering, set up a system that works for you to help maintain order and prevent clutter from accumulating again. This could include creating designated spaces for certain items, establishing a routine for tidying up, or using organizational tools like baskets or storage boxes.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay focused and present, which can be particularly helpful in preventing clutter from creeping back into your life. Try to stay mindful of what you bring into your home, how you use and store items, and how you feel in your space.

Regularly reevaluate: Regularly take stock of your possessions and ask yourself if they still bring you joy or serve a purpose. This can help prevent clutter from building up again and allow you to reevaluate your needs and priorities.

Limit intake: Be mindful of what you bring into your home, and try to limit unnecessary purchases or gifts that can contribute to clutter.

Seek support: If you’re struggling to maintain your decluttered space or finding it hard to stay motivated, seek support from friends, family, or professionals like a therapist or professional organizer.

By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can help maintain the positive mental health benefits of decluttering and enjoy a more organized, less stressful living environment.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering can have a significant impact on our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, improving our mood, and increasing productivity. 

Studies have demonstrated the link between clutter and mental health, and the benefits of decluttering are clear. To declutter effectively for positive mental health outcomes, it’s important to approach the process with mindfulness and self-compassion. 

Seeking help if necessary, such as from a therapist or professional organizer, can also be beneficial. To maintain the benefits of decluttering in the long-term, it’s essential to develop strategies for staying organized and minimizing clutter. 

So, if you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider decluttering your space and enjoy the benefits it can bring.