Enhanced mental well-being is a priority for numerous individuals in 2024, and many prefer decluttering and organizing as a way to achieve this.
One reason disorganization is frequently linked to mental health is because it can adversely influence our self-perception and the quality of our lives. The documented drawbacks of existing in a cluttered or disorganized setting include difficulty with memory, unhealthy eating habits, a higher likelihood of developing mood disorders, and diminished impulse control. There is also a connection between the stress hormone cortisol and residing in a chaotic environment, along with the possibility that “clutter and disorganization may lead to chronic anxiety disorders in some individuals,” states Daniel Levitin, a behavioral neuroscientist at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology indicates that “clutter can diminish feelings of well-being, happiness, and the sense of safety and security a person derives from their personal spaces,” mentions Catherine Roster, a co-author of the study and a professor at the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Part of the reason for this is that many individuals understand that “our homes might be untidy and cluttered due to feeling mentally overwhelmed and disorganized,” explains Natalie Christine Dattilo, a Boston-based clinical psychologist and instructor at Harvard Medical School.
Disorganization can also hinder one’s ability to concentrate and make decisions. Additional research that Roster co-authored reveals that working in a disorganized environment can swiftly lead to feelings of fatigue.
“Clutter and disorganization result in a reduction of productivity that is tough to quantify,” Levitin asserts. He highlights the lost time individuals spend searching for misplaced items, missing appointments, or falling behind in school or work due to disordered living. “The average person likely wastes 5 percent of their time because of disorganization,” he adds. “Take your yearly salary, multiply it by 5 percent, and you can gauge what disorganization might be costing you.”
Although some claimed mental health benefits associated with decluttering and getting organized may be exaggerated (for instance, organization probably won’t alleviate diagnosed depression), research still affirms several benefits of upholding a tidy environment.
Mental (and physical) advantages of becoming organized Joseph Ferrari, a distinguished psychology professor at DePaul University and a well-known authority on clutter and disorganization studies, states that almost every mental health issue stemming from disorganization and clutter can be ameliorated by becoming organized. “You’ll experience reduced exhaustion, boost your productivity at work, and significantly enhance your life quality if you master the art of decluttering and organization,” he comments.
Neha Khorana, a board-certified clinical psychologist based in Atlanta who focuses on mental health benefits associated with cleaning and organizing, concurs. She adds that getting organized can also alleviate symptoms related to anxiety, as being disorganized correlates with elevated anxiety levels.
Neat homes have been identified as predictors of physical health. “Individuals whose homes are cleaner tend to be more active and generally exhibit better physical health,” notes Libby Sander, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Bond University in Australia. This is partly because organized individuals manage their time more effectively, but it’s also because studies indicate that less clutter may contribute to an improved diet. “Research shows a connection between excessive clutter and excess weight,” explains Dattilo.
Organizing has also been found to lower stress levels, enhance personal efficiency, and even improve sleep quality.
Another noted benefit of organizing might be the enhancement of one’s relationships. Dattilo clarifies that clutter can negatively affect relationships when it disrupts communication or distracts one’s mind from processing important signals from their partner. Research indicates that this can make others feel overlooked, misunderstood, or insignificant.
Where to start and how to proceed Although many people recognize and seek the mental and physical health advantages linked to becoming more organized, some may struggle with knowing where to start.
“I recommend beginning with small tasks,” Dattilo suggests. “It’s simple to feel daunted if you attempt to tackle an entire room or closet at once, so you can set yourself up for success by beginning with a single drawer, bookshelf, or the kitchen pantry.” She also recommends making the organization process more enjoyable by listening to music or an audiobook while working and to “spend time in your newly organized space afterward to savor it.”
Khorana suggests dedicating specific time frames for decluttering and organizing, while Roster encourages visualizing the satisfaction of having an orderly space to motivate you to begin. “Consider how you might repurpose the area in a way that enhances your life or boosts your productivity,” she advises. She also suggests seeking help if necessary. “A relative, friend, or professional organizer can assist you if you’re unsure of where to start,” she notes.
Regarding the organizing process, Julie Morgenstern, a professional organizer and author of *Organizing from the Inside Out*, recommends categorizing items into keep, toss, and relocate piles. She advises ensuring that every item you wish to keep has its own designated space, discarding things you won’t use, and storing sentimental or seasonal items that you don’t need to access frequently in another location. “Consider off-site storage for items you can’t bear to part with, like archival tax documents, college papers, keepsakes, and extra furniture,” she adds. “This will remove the items from your home without the distress of permanently getting rid of them.”
While sorting items, Ferrari advises against the common practice of first holding an item to determine if it sparks joy. “Research indicates that physically touching an item can increase your emotional attachment to it, which is why retailers encourage customers to handle products to encourage purchases,” he clarifies. Instead, he suggests evaluating whether to keep something or not from a logical standpoint, free from the emotions that holding it may evoke.
Sander emphasizes that organization also entails digital decluttering. “Unsubscribe from irrelevant newsletters, delete unnecessary emails, and create a new folder to move a few emails or documents each day,” she suggests. “Even dedicating just five minutes daily to organizing can yield significant progress over several weeks and help establish habits for maintaining organization.”
Dattilo states that organization and decluttering “demand decision-making, emotional management, prioritization, and patience,” but reassures that these skills can be developed and enhanced with practice. “By caring for our home with intention and affection,” she explains, “we convey an essential message to ourselves that we deserve the time and effort it takes.”