Clutter is more than just a pile of “stuff”. It can weigh heavily on your mind, sap your energy and add to daily feelings of overwhelm. If you find it difficult to relax or focus when you’re at home, then it might be time to look at your physical surroundings. A calmer environment often supports a calmer mind. Imagine your home without the clutter – wouldn’t that be wonderful?!
Research has shown that living in a cluttered environment is linked with increased stress levels, poorer mental health and reduced feelings of satisfaction at home. A messy space can quietly impact mood, concentration and sleep quality. In short, clearing clutter is not just about tidiness, it is about wellbeing.
Many people keep items because of emotional attachment, guilt, or fear that they might need them in the future. These feelings are entirely understandable. However, when we hold onto too much, our homes can feel like museums of the past rather than places of rest and rejuvenation.
Choose one small area – a drawer, a corner, or a shelf – and focus only there. Setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes can help you stay motivated without becoming overwhelmed.
Label four boxes or bags: Keep, Donate, Bin and Unsure. As you work, place each item into the appropriate box. Trust yourfirst instinct where possible.
Do I use this?
Do I love this?
Would I buy it again today?
If the answer is “no”, it may be time to let it go.
Keeping something you no longer want or need does not undo the money spent. Accepting that the true value of many items was in their use – not their storage 0 can be freeing.
Decluttering is a process. Each step forward creates more breathing space. Celebrate every shelf cleared or drawer tidied.
It is human to feel a range of emotions while letting go of possessions. Some items hold memories or hopes for the future. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to keep items that genuinely bring joy or meaning and to release those that no longer serve you.
If clutter is impacting your life or if clearing feels overwhelming, then it is perfectly appropriate to seek help. Support from a trusted friend, a professional organiser or from a therapist who can make a significant difference and provide you with non-judgemental support. Your home should be a place of comfort, not chaos.
Every item you let go of clutter, it creates more room for clarity, calm and connection. Taking back your space is a powerful act of self-care and you deserve to live in a space that supports your wellbeing.
Saxbe, D. E., & Repetti, R. L. (2010). No place like home: Home tours correlate with daily patterns of mood and cortisol. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 36(1), 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167209352864
The study explored how people’s verbal descriptions of their home environments (recorded during home tours) were related to their daily patterns of mood and stress hormones, specifically cortisol. Women who described their homes as cluttered, unfinished, or stressful showed flatter diurnal cortisol slopes across the day. A flatter cortisol slope is considered a biological marker associated with chronic stress and poorer health outcomes. Those who described their homes as restorative or restful had healthier cortisol patterns and better reported mood.
Choose one small thing to clear today – whether it’s a drawer, a shelf or a corner of a bookcase! Your future self will thank you for it. Every step you take creates more space for calm, clarity and joy. You are creating a home and a life you truly deserve.
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