Difficulty Decluttering: The Psychology of Clutter | Decluttering Services by TT

Difficulty Decluttering: The Psychology of Clutter

Clutter can be overwhelming. Overflowing closets, storage shelves packed to the brim, boxes left unpacked “just in case,” and wardrobes that can’t contain all your clothes are just a few signs that your clutter is out of control. But what drives our brain to create a jumble of clutter when it stresses us out and holds us back? There’s a science behind our storage methods that you can use to help in your reorganization and decluttering efforts.

Understanding the Psychology Behind Our Clutter

Clutter isn’t purely a visual, as it has roots in our mental state. Environmental psychology suggests that our environment influences our mood and actions. If your space is disorganized, you’ll feel more anxious, overwhelmed, and less productive. Clutter also tends to divert our attention, making it harder to concentrate and relax. 

An accumulation of items is typically tied to your emotional state. Either you are afraid of scarcity or have an attachment to your past, making it more difficult to let things go. Addressing the underlying problems and decluttering your home, whether alone, or with decluttering services, will significantly improve your well-being. 

Clutter Leads to Depression and Anxiety

Clutter and depression go hand-in-hand. Messy environments leave you feeling fatigued and depressed as the lack of organization begins to affect your mental state. Disorganized surroundings instill a sense of chaos, which leads to feeling tired as there is always a lingering feeling that something is amiss. Unable to find that fleeting sense of tranquility, feelings of frustration and sadness will mount, culminating in symptoms of depression. 

The frustration that comes with clutter intensifies feelings of anxiety too. The American Psychiatric Association notes that the influence of clutter heightens stress and anxiety over time. Messiness symbolizes a loss of control over your environment which magnifies your sense of helplessness and distress. Anxiety then leads to more clutter, creating a vicious cycle. 

What is Decluttering and Why Should You Declutter?

Decluttering is the process of removing unnecessary items from an untidy or overcrowded space. Cleaning is placing everything in specific storage areas and freshening up the room, but decluttering takes that a step further to find what’s necessary and what isn’t. 

Decluttering helps you find peace of mind by reorganizing your space and owning it again. You can determine what is useful to you and what you truly need much easier as you go through your items. This alleviates the burden on your mind while opening up your space for more efficient storage. 

Decluttering Tips for a Healthy Home and Mind

The first step is to create a decluttering list. Decide what to keep, what to throw out, and where to store everything that stays. If it serves no purpose or won’t get used anytime soon, consider throwing it away.

Once you have a list, gradually begin decluttering. Decide what stays and what goes. This can be a difficult process, so take it in small steps. Dedicate time to assess a room and go through each article or item carefully. You’ll find that it’s easier to organize your thoughts and items when you give yourself time to process everything. 

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Depending on how much clutter is in your home, it will take time and effort, possibly days, weeks, or months. However, any amount of progress is good progress. Take time to go over how much decluttering you managed today and what your next steps are, as this will help you stay on track. 

Expert Help Decluttering Your Home

Tranquil Transitions provides expert decluttering services for you and your family. We know how many important items there are in your life, but your mental and physical health are far more important than any worldly possessions. Weather times are hard and you are decluttering after a divorce, decluttering after the loss of a loved one, or you just want to maximize your space and feel better. We help you assess the importance of your clutter, organize it, remove it, and clear your home to lead to happier, healthier living. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental fatigue and could use a decluttering expert, Tranquil Transitions is here to help.