Verywell / Laura Porter
Clutter and mental health are connected.
Do you dig through piles of clothes to find the shirt you want to wear for the day?
If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
Verywell / Laura Porter
But many people don’t realize the connection between clutter andmental health.
What Is the Impact of Clutter on Mental Health?
Clutter can increasestress levels, make it difficult tofocus, take a toll onrelationships, and more.
What Is Clutter?
The wordclutterrefers to items that are strewn about in a disorganized fashion.
Just looking at the amount of files you have on your gear might overwhelm you.
Of course, not everyone is affected by clutter in the same way.
For instance, someone withperfectionist tendenciesis likely to be more stressed out by clutter.
Increased Stress Levels
Ideally, home is a place where we can rest and relax.
However, clutter can make it hard to do that.
Difficulty Focusing
Clutter can actually be distracting.
Our brains can only focus on a limited amount of stimuli at a time.
Instead, they suggest that home is a constellation of situations, experiences, and meanings.
The individual shapes these experiences, but they are also shapedbythem.
For this reason, excessive clutter was found to harmsubjective well-being.
Why Do People Have Clutter?
Over time, this can contribute to a more cluttered environment.
What Is Hoarding?
Hoarding disorderis a psychiatric condition characterized by a person’s inability to get rid of possessions.
Those with hoarding disorder also find it difficult to organize their possessions.
This was more common in those who had inattentive-key in ADHD.
But it’s just as important to pay attention to your emotional experience as you address clutter.
As you may know, it’s not always as easy as simply throwing things away.
You might have difficult feelings come up, likeanxiety, stress, and evendepression.
Be sure to talk to a doctor or mental health professional if this is the case.
Dedicate the Time
No doubt,decluttering your entire homeis a daunting task.
But what if you tried breaking up yourtime into manageable blocks?
Maybe you dedicate one hour of every weekday evening to decluttering a single section of your home.
It’s OK to go slowly.
you might even invite a trusted friend or loved one to help you.
You may need to look up some recycle centers near you to confirm you’re properly disposing of items.
Ask yourself whether you’ve used an item within the last year.
If the answer is no, chances are you could safely donate it without missing it.
Research charities and other organizations that accept donations.
There’s also the option of selling items that are in good condition.
Once again, take small steps when you organize.
(That’s a step you’ll return to again and again when keeping a clutter-free home).
Most importantly, notice how it feels as you declutter.
Are you able to appreciate the beauty of your furniture when it’s not covered with clothes?
The key is consistency.
Once again, you may find it helpful to dedicate regular time to tidying up.
Also, consider whether you will actually use the item.
Simply start your search online and see what resources come up.
Research suggests that bedrooms that are aligned with the practice of feng shui can even help promote sleep.
There are also plenty of tips for getting rid of digital clutter.
Reward yourself for your efforts.
These types of rewards can help keep you going until you overcome all of your clutter.
One key in of therapy that may help iscognitive behavioral therapy(CBT).
(CBT is a common treatment throw in for those with hoarding disorder, too).
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
2017;7(6):e014687.
