TIDY HOME, TIDY MIND: HOW ORGANISING YOUR HOME CAN IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING
The phrase “tidy home, tidy mind” is not just a cliché. It’s actually a well-founded principle rooted in psychology and neuroscience. Clutter can have a profound effect on both our mental and emotional health. An organised space can promote feelings of calmness as well as resulting in reduced stress and boosted productivity.
Below, interior design expert Zoe Warren at PriceYourJob.co.uk explains the psychology behind clutter and how it affects us. She also goes over the benefits of organisation along with some tips on how to organise your home properly. So, let’s dive right in and take a look at how a tidy home really can result in a tidy mind.
The Psychology of Clutter
A cluttered environment can be very overwhelming to the senses and can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. When a space is cluttered, the brain is constantly bombarded with visual stimuli, and when it is faced with chaotic mess, it can become overwhelmed. This visual overload can trigger the body’s stress response, leading to increased cortisol levels and some physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Clutter can increase cognitive load. This is the mental effort required to process information. When our brains are constantly searching for items or trying to make sense of a disorganised space, this can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration. It can also contribute to feelings of frustration and overwhelm as we struggle to find what we are looking for and struggle to complete tasks efficiently.
Clutter can be associated with negative emotions such as guilt, shame, and feeling overwhelmed. These types of emotions can contribute to a sense of anxiety and stress. For example, a cluttered workspace may make us feel a lack of organisation or may make us feel guilty about our procrastination. Equally, a cluttered bedroom may make us feel ashamed of our messy habits and may cause anxiety that can lead to more disrupted sleep.
The Benefits of Organisation
There are many benefits that come with living in an organised and tidy home. Below is a list of the main benefits of avoiding clutter and keeping a tidy home:
- Reduced stress and anxiety – A clutter-free environment can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by decreasing the visual overload and cognitive load. When our surroundings are organised, our brains are able to process information more efficiently. This can then reduce the likelihood of feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
- Improved mood – Organising your home can boost your mood and sense of wellbeing. The act of decluttering and creating a tidy home space can be empowering and satisfying. It can also give us a sense of accomplishment and control over our environment. This can then boost our self-esteem and confidence.
- Increased productivity – A tidy workspace can help you to focus and be more productive. When your environment is organised, it is much easier to find what you need when you need it and to avoid distractions. This can lead to increased efficiency and a greater sense of accomplishment.
- Better sleep – A clean and organised bedroom can promote much better sleep quality. A cluttered bedroom can be a source of anxiety and stress. This can make it more difficult for you to relax and fall asleep. When we have a tidy bedroom, this can create a more peaceful and calming atmosphere that can promote a much more restful sleep.
- Improved relationships – A tidy home can create a much more peaceful and harmonious living environment for everyone. When your home is organised, it is much easier to maintain a sense of order and avoid conflicts. It can also create a more welcoming and inviting space for guests when they come over to visit.
- Enhanced self-esteem – Organising your home can help to boost your self-esteem. It can give you a sense of accomplishment and control over your environment. When we take the time to care for our surroundings, this can help us feel much more in control of our lives.
- Greater mindfulness – A tidy home can lead to a greater sense of mindfulness. When our surroundings are organised, we are more likely to be present in the moment and appreciate the simple things in life. It can also help us to develop a much greater sense of gratitude and contentment.
Tips for Organising Your Home
Now that we’ve gone over all of the benefits of organising your home, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to go about keeping your home tidy and organised.
Firstly, you want to make sure you start small. Begin by focusing on just a small area, such as a shelf or drawer and sort it out. Get rid of anything you don’t need and tidy up the area. Starting small like this will make the whole task of decluttering seem much less daunting.
It’s also important that you declutter mindfully. Be intentional about what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. Consider the emotional attachment you have with certain items and whether they truly serve a purpose in your life.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to invest in some great storage solutions. This will help you keep things organised and will allow you to group items together so you always know where to find something when you need it. Consider purchasing things such as baskets, containers, or shelves to store items around the home. Walk-in wardrobes can also be a huge lifesaver when it comes to organising, providing you with ample storage for many items and a dedicated space for storing things out of the way of the rest of the home.
In order to stay on top of keeping your home tidy and organised, it’s a good idea to create a regular cleaning schedule. A regular cleaning routine will help you to maintain your organised space. Even just a few minutes of tidying up each day can make a big difference.
When you are tidying your space, you want to approach the task of organising with mindfulness. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings when you’re doing it and avoid judging yourself and the state of your home in the process.
Additional Home Organisation Information
When organising and tidying your home, it’s important to consider your personal values and goals. At the end of the day, your home is your sanctuary, so it’s important to look within yourself. Your organisational style can reflect your personal values and goals. For example, someone who values minimalism may opt for a more clutter-free approach. Whereas some of values tradition may be more inclined to keep sentimental items.
Cultural influences may also play a part in home organisation. Cultural norms and traditions can influence how people organise their homes. In some cultures, it is considered important to display family heirlooms and ancestral artefacts, while in others, a more minimalist approach is preferred.
Finally, it’s worth noting that organising your home can have a positive impact on the environment. By decluttering or donating items you no longer need, you can greatly reduce your waste while also supporting local charities.
By understanding the psychological and emotional benefits of organisation, as well as the cultural and environmental implications, you can create a living space that not only looks good but feels good, too.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to organise your home isn’t just about creating a picture-perfect space. It is also about investing in your own wellbeing and creating a sanctuary that reflects your values and supports your mental and emotional health. The benefits of a tidy home extend far beyond aesthetics, leading to a calmer mind, increased productivity and a greater sense of peace.
Remember, the journey towards a tidy home is a process, not a destination. Start small, declutter mindfully, and embrace the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating a space that truly works for you. By understanding the science behind clutter and the positive impact of organisation, you can transform your home into a haven of relaxation, creativity, and wellbeing.
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR… ZOE WARREN: Zoe Warren has worked as an interior design expert for over 10 years. Zoe is skilled at creating beautiful home designs and can work with a range of budgets to suit the homeowner. In addition, Zoe also provides expert interior design tips and advice for PriceYourJob.co.uk, and her tips have been published in a range of leading press publications.
