Cleaning your home will make it look more polished, organized, and open. The counters will be shiny, the coffee table cleared off, and the laundry basket empty. But did you know it can have more positive benefits besides aesthetics?
Decluttering your home can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and even improve your sleep.
Keep reading to learn why a clean house can lead to a clearer mind, and how to get rid of clutter in your home.
Why am I stressed?
Well, that is a large question that is difficult to answer. However, if your home is messy, unorganized, and not a space you feel comfortable in, that absolutely can be contributing to poor mental health.
Our home is a place where we should always feel safe and rejuvenated, not anxious and on edge.
A simple change you can make in your life (that can cost next to nothing) is cleaning. Getting rid of stacks of papers, expired food, and piles of clothes that no longer fit can seriously have an impact on your mood.
Why can’t I sleep?
Does your bedroom have piles of clothes on the floor, clutter on the dresser, and a closet that is so full you don’t even know what’s in there anymore? That might be why.
Studies show that a cluttered bedroom can lead to sleep disruptions, tossing and turning, and even a difficult time falling asleep in the first place.
The unhealthy sleep patterns can lead to struggles with mental health since sleep is very much tied to our ability to function in our daily lives.
So, if you are struggling with racing thoughts and anxiety while lying in bed, it’s worth evaluating your sleep space to see if that is an area that could use some TLC!
Why can’t I concentrate?
A Princeton University study found that clutter actually distracts the brain from being able to concentrate and stay productive. The piles of stuff can be overstimulating, which makes sense! It’s difficult to concentrate on reading a book when sitting in an overwhelming environment.
This leads us to a question: Are you ready for a declutter challenge?
Decluttering Tips
The first tip, and perhaps the most crucial, is to not approach this project with shame. Clutter is such a common issue in homes across America. It is easy to all of a sudden turn around after late nights working or taking care of the children and realize that the laundry is overflowing, or the kitchen table has seen better days.
If you approach this project from an unkind perspective, it will be less enjoyable. Yes, decluttering your home can actually be an exciting and rewarding experience with the right mindset and goals.
Here are some tips on how to declutter your home…
- Start small: Organize the pantry, do a load of laundry, make the bed. Don’t try to declutter the entire house in one day. Small steps will lead to tangible progress that is also more sustainable long-term.
- Figure out the most used room in the house: Do you spend most of your time in the kitchen? Or maybe your home office? Whatever that space is, try to tackle it first since you will notice the positive effects of decluttering immediately, which will inspire you to continue in other areas of the home.
- Write down a “declutter checklist” aka your goals: Do you want a desk that you can utilize more efficiently while working? Or maybe you are sick of throwing out food because it gets lost in the back of the fridge? Write down what you want to accomplish through decluttering so you have clear goals.
- Create a donate pile: Some items should leave your home. Instead of simply putting them in a box and stuffing them in the attic, create a donate pile so these things which no longer serve you can serve someone else.
- Labels & storage cubes are your friend: Instead of having all of the kids’ toys covering every inch of their rooms, organize them in bins clearly labeled by category, such as Art Supplies, Stuffed Animals, and Books. This is also a great teaching opportunity for children so they can learn organizational skills and the importance of respecting their belongings. This same concept can be applied to the clothes in your closet, the baking supplies in the kitchen, etc.
- Clean surfaces: Don’t forget about the dust when organizing! Dust the furniture, vacuum the carpets, and mop the floors. Your air purifier will thank you for the help!
- Learn from the mishaps: When clearing out an area like your fridge, notice what you are throwing away. Is it wilted spinach? Forgotten leftovers? Expired fruit? Before grocery shopping, figure out a plan that will help decrease the chance of throwing away food. Perhaps you are over-buying, or you think you are going to make something that you never do. When we notice our habits, we can figure out what is and is not working, and then come up with a new solution.
How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed
Take a deep breath before you start cleaning if you are feeling overwhelmed by your declutter checklist.
Square breathing, also known as box breathing, is a great tip for anxiety. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold that breath for 4 seconds, exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds, and rest for another 4 seconds. Do this a few times to help calm your nervous system.
This is a powerful tool, not only when approaching decluttering your home, but in many moments in life that bring stress and discomfort. Regulating your nervous system can help tremendously when navigating tough times.
Ready to declutter your home?
As mentioned, there are so many benefits of decluttering. If you are ready to see improvements in your overall stress levels and sleep routine, put on your favorite song and get started. Happy cleaning!