For some, living and working amidst messiness is pretty much par for the course. But for others, even the mere thought of disorder can feel downright suffocating, if not paralyzing. If you identify more with the latter, then finding ways to free your space from clutter is vital in order to achieve greater productivity and positivity.
In an earlier article, 8 Steps to a Tidier Workspace, I offered tips on how to declutter your surroundings. Now, I’m going to shift our focus to why decluttering is of such benefit to us. Take a look below at eight advantages (of many!) that come with eliminating clutter:
Cleaner surroundings support clearer thinking
Clutter has the tendency to consume – not just spatially, but also mentally. The higher the piles climb and more bewildering the mess becomes, the less likely you’ll be to keep a clear mental picture of where things belong. This in turn leads to greater stress, as you struggle to track down important items or documents. By ridding your spaces of clutter, you will reduce any chaos-induced anxiety and therefore be able to think more clearly.
Cleaning sans clutter goes much more quickly.
When you nix clutter from the equation, the process of routine cleaning becomes less complicated and time-consuming. If you’ve established a home for everything, then you’ll be able to tidy up your space more efficiently, rather than having to waste time trying to figure out where in the world everything belongs.
You won’t be a loser.
Of course, by “loser,” I mean in this instance someone who misplaces things. And honestly, I myself have been a loser on more than one occasion. But I’ve noticed that when I take the time and devote the energy to declutter – finding a place for items that belong and parting with those that no longer do – I am far less likely to lose things.
It can feel like a fresh start.
Perhaps you’ve been holding on to certain items that have painful associations. While in the moment it might feel difficult to do so, it may behoove you to find a new home for things that conjure up sad memories. This doesn’t mean, of course, that you have to embark on a scorched-earth campaign, trashing any and everything that brings a tear to your eye. But it does provide you with an opportunity to hit a “refresh” button on what you prioritize in your space.
A successful decluttering makes you feel accomplished.
Isn’t it one of the best feelings in the world to see the fruits of your labor? Well, when you declutter, you get to enjoy instant, visible results. It’s like mowing the lawn or vacuuming the floor: in one moment, your lawn or floor is sorely in need of attention; then, after you’ve invested some good elbow-grease, it’s back to its immaculate form. Decluttering is a similar process and affords a similar degree of satisfaction.
It clears the air… literally.
Clutter gives dust a place to hide from the vacuum and mop. As you consolidate your things, you may begin to notice that the air around you feels lighter and cleaner – and you’re likely right! The clearer your space, the easier it is to keep it free of dirt, grime, and all manner of in-home air pollutants, which in turn yields benefits for your health.
You’ll feel greater freedom to host others.
Clutter can act as a deterrent to hospitality, as no one wants to subject their guests to a mess. But when you take the initiative to declutter, you may find that you’re more willing to open your home to friends and family. You’ll be more at ease knowing that your visitors are not having to tiptoe around objects strewn across your floors.
It might inspire you to reimagine your spaces.
As you organize your rooms, you may catch the inspiration to rethink their layouts and furnishings. But be careful here – it does no good to replace old clutter with new clutter! As best you can, strive to be economical with your space so as not to suffocate yourself with stuff.
There are countless benefits to be gained from the decluttering process. Whether you’re hoping for a cleaner space and a clearer mind, or wanting to refresh and open up your home, eliminating needless mess is a simple step toward bettering your well-being!
