The chaos of clutter – this has got to be one of the few things that makes me swear out loud. Stuff falling out of cupboards, struggling to shut draws, not being able to find anything.
All minor but highly annoying things. But taking time out of my day to declutter was not my first choice, so I needed to motivated myself. How better to do this than research the benefits of decluttering.
Some of the benefits I discovered were obvious, but others really surprised me. But I can tell you, decluttering has led to positive change.
The 15 benefits of decluttering
#1. A reduction of stress and anxiety
Studies have shown a correlation between clutter and stress (Psychology Today). This is noticeable when you’ve been away, get home and unpack all your belongings creating a stressful, messy environment.
Until stuff is put away its hard to be at peace in the space, take yourself back to when you’ve moved into your new home, boxes everywhere. Its hard to relax.
I find it stressful when stuff falls out of kitchen cupboards, often falling into the dog bowl or smashing. Then having to rebalance or restack everything.
Also, it can be hard to find things, which is always annoying – especially when I’m in a rush and can’t find my wallet or keys.
#2. The creation of useable extra space
Decluttering frees up space, essential if bringing a baby into your home, or in our case a puppy. Suddenly there’s lots of new stuff which needs to be put somewhere.
It also gives us more freedom to move around the house, sometimes clutter can encroach into hallways and porches.
Reducing clutter also improves mental clarity, reducing the clutter in your home takes away that nagging sensation that you need to sort it out, leading to one less task to deal with.
#3. It helps to eliminate distractions
Many of us work from home or study at home, clutter in your work space causes a distraction, which takes you away from your work.
Eliminating distraction helps us regain focus and think clearly. Simplifying your environment means you work better and smarter.
By decluttering you’re also reducing the number of distracting tasks on your to do list.
#4. Saves you time and effort
Having an organised house means it’s easier to find things. How often have you wasted time looking for an item?
Since decluttering my garage I no longer have an excuse to delay DIY jobs. Finding the tools and paints is now hassle free.
So an organised home is a great way to avoid procrastination, and improve motivation.
#5. The creation of positive habits
This was an unexpected benefit of decluttering. The process of decluttering led me to adopt positive habits.
Decluttering resulted in every item having its right place. Which makes it easier to put things away and tidy up, rather than trying to find a space.
This resulted in a habit of putting things away sooner rather than later, preventing unnecessary mess and saving time.
#6. You have more money in your pocket
Having a cluttered home can cause you to waste money, you end up spending cash you don’t need to.
It results in the purchase of duplicate items, our kitchen cupboards were full of duplicate items.
Having a good clear out identifies items which aren’t needed. Items which can be sold for extra cash, gifted or donated.
#7. Mental clarity is improved
A tidy space means less visual distractions or overload. When you see mess your brain wants you to do something about it.
If I’m working at a desk with lots of unnecessary clutter I find it hard to concentrate.
Decluttering also helps reduce stress and anxiety, meaning you can focus on things that are important.
#8. More home life harmony
Most of us share our home with others; house mates, partners or kids. Having a cluttered home can cause strain on a relationship.
This is exasperated when one person is tidy and another messy. This results in conflict because of different standards.
Having a clutter free home and set rules helps everybody live together peacefully. Simply agreeing where stuff goes makes a tidy, conflict free home.
#9. Having a sense of control
Control is important to us, we often have less control over our lives than we realise.
But one place we do have control is our own home, decluttering is an ideal way to demonstrate and practice it.
Use it to empower yourself in a world which we have little control. Making our home the way we want it helps us feel settled.
#10. Gain personal satisfaction
Clearing up cluttered untidy spaces feels good, finally getting rid of unwanted stuff which has been hanging around.
Decluttering provides us with a sense of achievement and gets those feel good chemicals going in our body.
#11. Get a better night sleep
Living in a messy environment causes mental stress, we feel uncomfortable and unsettled.
Having an tidy and organised bedroom helps remove unwanted distractions, if you have a pile of washing to put away you may struggle to settle.
Also, the sense of accomplishment you have from decluttering feels good, improving your chance of a good nights sleep.
#12. Letting go of the past
Keeping hold of stuff can be a sign that you’re holding onto your past (The Simplicity Habit). There may be things that you keep in your house that you don’t want to get rid of for emotional reasons.
You may struggle to get rid of an ex-partners possessions. So the process of decluttering can help you move on.
Let go of items which hold you to your past. This will help you focus on the present.
#13. Remain physically healthy
Stuff falling off shelves can cause injury, so decluttering can help prevent this. Especially when you have heavy items above shoulder height. Also, it stops those nasty trip hazards.
This is one of the benefits of decluttering which is important for people who are frail or poorly, who can’t afford to get injured.
Clutter can cause unnecessary allergens such as dust or pet hair to hang around. Because it’s hard to clean around clutter and get rid of it.
The stress that can result from living in an unorganised and cluttered environment may result in physical illness, such as high blood pressure.
#14. An easier space to deal with
Organised cupboards and storage spaces make it easier to manage your environment.
You know where everything is and it’s easy to put things away in their right place. This also saves unnecessity decisions-making.
A tidy home makes it easier to maintain and keep clean.
#15. Gives you a motivational kickstart
Decluttering can be a good motivator, not only does it off a task on your to do list but it also motives you in other parts of your life.
When I declutter I feel more motivated to get other tasks done. It’s almost like a fresh start and helps create the momentum to achieve other tasks.
The benefits of decluttering are numerous and lead to positive change. Learn how to declutter you home here.
It’s obvious when we have a space which needs decluttering, for me it was things falling out of cupboards, struggling to shut drawers and not being able to find things.
The 15 benefits of decluttering are great for when you need to sort out your home, but lack motivation.
This can be the impetus you need to get your place clutter free and make a positive change to your life.
References
Diane Roberts Stoler Ed.D. (15 February 2023) The Many Mental Benefits of Decluttering https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-resilient-brain/202302/the-many-mental-benefits-of-decluttering (Accessed: 3 August 2024)
Fuller, K. How Clutter and Mental Health are Connected (21 August 2023) https://www.verywellmind.com/decluttering-our-house-to-cleanse-our-minds-5101511 (Accessed: 3 August 2024)
The Top 12 Reasons You Keep Clutter (and How to Overcome Them) https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/reasons-you-keep-clutter-and-how-to-overcome-them (Accessed: 3 August 2024)