It's no secret that logically we know clutter doesn't benefit us. Clutter makes it difficult to find things, we feel like we're living in chaos, and we tend to be extremely overwhelmed with the amount of "stuff" in our surroundings. But did you know that clutter actually has a negative impact on our mental health, well-being and overall happiness too? Well it does. And there's science to back that up. Here are the 7 top reasons why clutter can destroy your happiness.
Reason #1 - Overstimulation
When we are working with clients, some of the main types of clutter we find are paperwork, clothing, and knick knacks. When you're surrounded by and can physically see so much "extra" stuff, it creates something called sensory overload. This can actually cause physiological symptoms like irritability, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. But you don't actually have to see the items in order for overstimulation to occur. You subconsciously know when things are stuffed in a closet or when your inbox has 1000 emails waiting for you. That, too, adds to the overstimulation and negative physiological effects.
Reason #2 - Increased Stress
A study published in Current Psychology found that clutter has a direct link to increased levels of cortisol. The stress hormone. The stuff in your home can actually INCREASE and add to your stress levels. Yikes. As if we don't already have enough to worry about on a day-to-day basis. Stress is an epidemic in our current culture. This is our main driving force for wanting to help you to make your space feel good. It's so important that the items in our home don't bring more chaos into our life. We truly believe your home should be a place that brings you peace.
"Clutter smothers. Simplicity breathes." -Terry Guillemets
Reason #3 - Difficulty Focusing
Our brain prefers an environment that is orderly. When we're in a space that is chaotic, that space can actually drain our cognitive resources. Why is this? Because we're more focused on the disorganization than we are on the task at hand. When there are multiple visual stimuli competing for your attention, it makes it really difficult for your brain to fully focus on one thing. For example, when your brain can see the pile of clothes on the chair, or when it subconsciously knows the cupboards in the kitchen won't fully close, it's very difficult to focus on the book you're reading. Which is likely why you can read an entire page and have no idea what you just read. We get it.
Reason #4 - Negative Self-Worth
This is one of those, what came first the chicken or the egg, things. Many studies have been done on the correlation between low self-worth and the effects of clutter. Some say low self-worth is a symptom of clutter. Others say clutter is a result of low-self worth. We believe it's both. Having a negative view of one's self can lead to things like hoarding and compulsive buying. We'll get into this concept more at a later date because there is SO much here that needs to be talked about. However, clutter has been shown to cause symptoms like negative thinking, social anxiety and self doubt. When the clutter is removed, those negative feelings tend to dissipate. We think that says a lot.
Reason #5 - Drains Cognitive Resources
We talked a little bit about this in the difficulty focusing section, but we wanted to dive a little deeper here. The fact clutter reduces our ability to focus is definitely a big deal. But when our cognitive resources are drained, that also reduces our working memory. Our working memory is kind of like our short term memory, but it lasts a little bit longer. Our working memory helps us to problem solve and manipulate any incoming information. The visual reminders of clutter actually has the ability to disrupt our working memory by creating what we call cognitive overload. When we experience cognitive overload, we can no longer properly problem solve.
Reason #6 - Challenges Relationships
This one can be difficult to talk about, but it's really important. Clutter and disorganization is actually one of the leading causes for arguments in the home. Relationships are difficult enough, but when you add clutter into the mix they can become even more challenging. When you think about all of the aforementioned issues clutter can cause for you on your own, that's difficult enough. But then when you add another person and how it effects them into the mix...it's a recipe for disaster. We'll have more on this at a later date as well, but something to think about for now!
Reason #7 - Financial Strain
Lastly, financial strain. This can look like many things and it can be small or large scale. Either way, it's money lost or wasted. Maybe you have extremely disorganized paperwork, so you lose track of a bill that's due, or you lose a receipt for something expensive and now it can't be returned. Money lost. Maybe you can't find an item you were looking for, so you go out and buy another one. Money lost. Maybe you're struggling with difficult emotions and you tend to feel better when you go out to buy a new pair of pants, so you do that. Over time, all of these can lead to massive financial strain. And a whole lot of clutter.
So what do you do about it?
Thankfully, there are things you can do. If you are someone who struggles with a cluttered home (you are NOT alone here! We all have it to some degree!) you can reach out to us or a company in your area to come to your home and help you declutter and organize your space. You don't have to take all of that on on your own. We totally get it can be an overwhelming and even an emotional process. If that's not something that feels like a good fit for you, this blog is going to become a great source of assistance for those of you struggling with clutter. You absolutely CAN create a space you love all on your own! We're going to share our secrets to easily and successfully create a space that feels good to you. If you're here reading this, you're in the right place! So let's get started.
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