Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life. It could be physical or internal things; clutter can be found in all aspects of our lives. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to organize things in our homes or mentally. Before diving into tips for decluttering, let’s look at the mental health benefits for decluttering your home and life.
Utah State University explains that decluttering can lead to mental health benefits. Follow the link below to find more information about the listed benefits.
Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering :
- Boost your mood and help improve your physical health
- Sharpen your focus
- Energize you into productivity mode
- Relieve anxiety
It may seem difficult to find a starting point when trying to declutter your space. It is important to start small. Michigan State University Extension recommends the following tips:
- Begin small. If you try to redo everything at once, you will be overwhelmed and probably give up. Choose one place or area to begin in your home – one drawer, one room or one pile of mail.
- Make a home for everything. When you begin, designate a place for each item that is adding to the clutter. Share information on where things belong with family members.
- Purge regularly. “When in doubt, throw it out” – this could include outdated food, medicines, broken toys and out-grown or unused clothes. Recycle when you can and donate items that others may find useful.
- Give your mind a thorough dusting and cleaning. When you purposefully choose to let go of things that are out of your control, you make room for improved relationships and less stress.
According to Utah State University Extension, some other tips that you may find beneficial is asking for help. Turning to your family and friends can make the task seem less daunting. Try beginning with a positive mindset. The following tips can be helpful in managing your clutter.
- Ask a friend or family member to help you. If you find it difficult to start on your own, you can always invite others to either help you or just be there to keep you company. It can be difficult to ask, but most people are more than willing to help. Especially if you have a major project— the more help you have, the more you will feel that this project is accomplishable.
- Always begin cleaning with a positive mind. There is no right way to declutter because we all have different needs. Put your mind into a state that will allow you to freely wander as you straighten up and organize. Practice a positive mind with deep breathing and positive thoughts towards yourself, what you’re about to do, and then what you accomplish.
Even if you don’t know where to start, begin by starting small in your decluttering journey. Over time you will learn what works for you and how to best organize for your life, wellbeing, and mental health.
Resources:
Beckwith, A., & Parkhurst, E. (2022, July 2). The mental health benefits of decluttering. USU. https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
Gail Innis, M. S. U. E. (2021, March 9). Declutter your life and improve your health. MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/declutter_your_life_and_improve_your_health
Author: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Union County
Reviewer: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hancock County