Clutter Creep & Anxiety
The amount of excess in our homes has an effect on our mental health. Some people feel it more acutely than others. Some can put up with things sitting in piles on countertops and bookcases.
But, eventually, the feeling will catch up with you.
We all have that one spot that seems to be the collection point for clutter. It seems to be a universal rule: clutter begets clutter. Once one thing is set down, other items seem to land there and accumulate.
If you're feeling the anxiety start to creep up because of some cluttered area that is taking over your space, giving yourself 10 minutes to tackle some of the clutter can be a physical way you can address your anxiety. You don’t have to do a massive overhaul of your space to feel the releasing effects of decluttering. The following are a few small spaces that you can address that can be done quickly or in small increments, but feel like they leave a big impact.
Junk drawer. The last place most people want to turn to when decluttering is their junk drawer. Dump the contents of your junk drawer into a bag or box. Label it and hide it for 30 days. If you don't miss it, dump it. No peeking to try and remember what you might have forgotten.
Underneath sinks. Empty out one cabinet under the sink (kitchen or bathrooms). Wash out the space and only put the stuff back in that you actually use. Dispose of the rest responsibly.
Make-up drawer. Get all of your make-up and skin care products in one place. Dump what's expired. Put your favorite products away, and get the rest out of sight for a month. If you don't miss it, pitch it.
Work space. If you have a desk, clear everything off that isn't essential for what you have to do on a day-to-day basis. Consider a small box for the office supplies you need once in a while that you can put in a closet until you need them.
Window Sills and Counters. Do a sweep of the house, wiping down all window sills/counters and random shelves where odds & ends might end up. The more you clear away from window sills, the more light you will let into your home.
Paper. Sort paper as it comes into the house. Sort the mail beside the trash can and anything you don't need goes immediately in there.
Nightstands. If you cleared the tables and drawers in your sleeping area, would you sleep better? Only keep the things you use on a regular basis, and don't leave anything that may distract you from sweet dreams.
Ultimately, declutter to the point that you are comfortable with your home. It's about making your home what you want it to be. When we are intentional about what we keep and own in our life, we are in control of it instead of the other way around.
Challenges/Points:
Without even realizing it, clutter in our homes can cause us anxiety.
You don’t have to do a massive overhaul of your space to feel the releasing effects of decluttering.
Decluttering can be a practical way that you can combat the anxiety that you are feeling.
Questions:
Do you feel your anxiety rise with the amount of clutter in your home?
Of the areas listed above, which one are you going to tackle first?
Where is the place in your home that tends to be the most cluttered?
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