The Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering

Distractions and demands never cease today. There’s more to look at on your phone, more to do at work, and more to buy, download, and fix. And when things get mentally overwhelming, our everyday spaces—desks, nightstands, kitchen countertops—are the first to descend into cluttered chaos.

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But maintaining a clutter-free environment isn't merely about having an Instagram-worthy home, it's about nurturing our mental well-being. But jumping from a mess to mental wellness is no easy feat. Where to begin? Extensive research reveals the profound impact of decluttering on mental health, highlighting how organizing our surroundings can elevate mood, enhance productivity, and alleviate stress and anxiety. 

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The Psychological Toll of Clutter

Disorganization isn't just a matter of untidiness; it's a reflection of how we perceive ourselves and our lives. Research underscores the insidious effects of living amid clutter, from cognitive impairments such as memory loss to heightened susceptibility to mood disorders. To the brain, clutter represents unfinished business. It can disrupt our ability to focus on a single task and make decisions. Studies indicate a significant correlation between clutter and elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, that fuels chronic anxiety and exacerbates mental distress, which can lead to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and diminished sleep.

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Behavioral neuroscientist Daniel Levitin warns of the hidden costs of disorganization, emphasizing the toll it takes on our productivity and daily functioning. "The average person likely loses 5% of their time due to disorganization," he says, attempting to quantify disorganization, from people looking for lost items to missing appointments, or falling behind at work. “Take your annual salary, multiply that by 5%, and you can measure what disorganization may be costing you.”

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Decluttering for Mental Clarity

The link between clutter and mental distress is clear, and as expected, the path to relief lies in decluttering. It’s not just about reclaiming physical space but also about taking a step toward emotional well-being and mental rejuvenation.

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Joseph Ferrari, a distinguished professor of psychology at DePaul University and one of the most recognized scholars on clutter and disorganization research, says that nearly every mental health downside that comes from disorganization and clutter can be improved by getting organized. “You'll feel less exhaustion, enhance your productivity at the office, and greatly improve the quality of your life if you can learn how to declutter and become organized," he says. 

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Tidy homes have been found to predict physical health, and research demonstrates that a lack of clutter can help improve one's diet. Less clutter means less stress, improved sleep and relaxation, and increased productivity. 

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Actually decluttering, however, might be easier said than done. Just ask anyone who has attempted to clear out an old closet or stuffed desk drawers. Here are a few tips for getting started: 

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1. Start small. Starting with achievable tasks sets the stage for success, says Natalie Christine Dattilo, a Boston-based clinical psychologist and instructor at Harvard Medical School. “It’s easy to become overwhelmed if you try to tackle an entire room or even a closet, so you can set yourself up for success by starting with a single drawer, bookshelf, or the kitchen pantry.”
   
   
2. Enlist help. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional organizers can provide motivation and guidance in navigating the decluttering process, making it less daunting (and more fun).
   
   
3. Set a timer. Like starting small, don’t bite off more than you can chew—or set yourself up for an afternoon of looking through old photos rather than organizing them. Organize until the alarm goes off, and then be proud of what you achieved.
   
   
4. Have a game plan. When it comes to the process of organizing, Julie Morgenstern, a professional organizer and author of Organizing from the Inside Out, advises sorting items into categories such as keep, toss, and relocate. She suggests having a place for every item you want to keep, purging items you won't use, and storing elsewhere sentimental or seasonal items or décor you don’t need to access often.
   
   
5. Unsubscribe. With so much of our lives now online, decluttering for your mental wellness extends to your devices, too. Delete emails, silence notifications that you don’t need, and make a new folder to organize just a few documents or photos each day to build the tidying habit.

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Conclusion

Decluttering emerges as a potent tool for reclaiming both physical space and inner peace. By acknowledging the profound psychological toll of disorganization and embracing the transformative potential of tidiness, individuals can pave the way toward a clearer mind and a more fulfilling life. As we heed the wisdom of experts and take practical steps toward order, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal—one drawer at a time.

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Sources

National Geographic

Verywell Mind

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