Declutter your life has to be one of my favourite sayings. I’ve even had people jokingly ask if I could literally declutter their life when I tell them what I do for a living. The truth is, many of us do feel cluttered, whether that’s mentally, physically, or both. And it’s no surprise, because mental and physical clutter are closely linked.
Why It’s Important to Declutter Your Life
Let’s be clear, clutter is not good for you. If you type is clutter good for you into Google, you will not find a single article that says yes. In fact, even Google confirms that clutter has a negative impact on both physical and mental health.
Clutter can:
- Increase stress, anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed
- Make it harder to focus and reduce productivity
- Disrupt sleep and restfulness
- Strain relationships and affect social interactions
- Hinder cleaning and allow dust and allergens to build up
Simply put, clutter weighs us down mentally, physically and emotionally.
Mental Health Impacts
Increased Stress: Living in a cluttered space has been shown to elevate levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Heightened Anxiety & Depression: Clutter can bombard the mind with excessive stimuli, leading to feelings of frustration, helplessness and shame, which can worsen anxiety and depression.
Reduced Focus: A cluttered environment reduces our ability to concentrate, similar to being overwhelmed by constant noises.
Sleep Problems: People with cluttered bedrooms are more likely to have difficulty falling asleep and experience disturbed sleep.
Physical Health Impacts
Hygiene Issues: A home filled with clutter is difficult to keep clean, allowing dirt, dust and allergens to accumulate and potentially thrive in areas like the bathroom.
Impact on Physical Activity: While it might seem like a lot of things to manage, the physical act of navigating a cluttered space can also hinder movement and activity within the home.
Social Impacts
Strained Relationships: A cluttered living space can lead to arguments with roommates or partners and may cause individuals to feel ashamed, leading to social isolation and loneliness.
Communication Problems: Studies suggest that background clutter can make it harder to accurately interpret the emotions of others, potentially leading to misunderstandings in relationships.
Taking a Realistic Approach
That is why I am passionate about helping my clients reach the end goal, the entire declutter of their home, not just a quick tidy up of a wardrobe. A small tidy can bring a lift, but if the space soon becomes cluttered again, it can feel like failure. And failure is something we all struggle with.
The good news is that you really can declutter your life. Once your physical space is in order, it has a positive impact on your mental health and can clear the blocks that are holding you back.
I always encourage moderation, because what feels good enough for one person may not be for another. Setting realistic goals is key. Just as you would aim for a healthy weight that suits you rather than chasing perfection, so too should you aim for a home that feels calm and comfortable for you. Life is not perfect, and there will always be moments of chaos, whether after Christmas or a big family celebration.
So, it is important to set clear goals. If the clutter in the attic is what troubles you most, start there. Do not deflect to easier but less meaningful areas. In most cases, I recommend leaving sentimental items until last, as they carry the most emotion and are the hardest to part with. Think of it like training for fitness, you would not start by running a marathon. Begin with a walk, something that builds momentum gently and steadily.
In my own life, decluttering has been a tool for maintaining good mental health. Even if I have a hundred things to do, I can face them more calmly when my environment is in order. If my surroundings are chaotic, my mind quickly feels the same. That is why I encourage working in categories, which makes it easier to stay focused. You might start with a single drawer in your hallway. And when you do, remember these golden rules, have bin bags ready for rubbish, a white bag for recycling, a bag for items that belong elsewhere, another bag for things you can sell, and finally a bag for charity. My top tip is to put charity donations straight into your car so they do not linger at home.
When I speak with clients, many admit to feeling embarrassed that they cannot do it alone. I always remind them there is no shame in that. We all need support, whether from a friend, a personal trainer, or a professional organiser. Personally, I always perform better with the help of others too. And when I work with clients, I bring no judgement, only objectivity, encouragement and often music to keep the energy light.
How Decluttering Impacts Your Life
When you clear your home, you really do start to declutter your life. You will notice greater clarity and focus. Family relationships improve. Your state of mind becomes calmer, and your daily life flows more smoothly. Even children and pets often become more settled in a decluttered home.
You will also feel more in control, knowing where things are and no longer wasting money buying duplicates of items you already own. Many of my clients are overjoyed when they find long-missing treasures. One recently told me she sees our sessions as therapy, because we talk about everything from family life to work, finances, hopes and dreams, all while creating space in her home.
Often, when we are in the middle of the clutter, we cannot see clearly. Having someone alongside you to listen, guide and support makes all the difference. Freeing yourself of clutter releases your energy and opens the door to the life you truly want to create.
With love, Beth x