I think most people get the urge to do “spring cleaning” at least once per year. But you don’t have to wait until spring to get your space in order. Why not start now? Besides the visual impact this will have on your home, research shows there are mental benefits as well. According to Robert S. Petercsak, LCSW, there are five ways that decluttering your living space can have a positive impact on your mental health¹:

Reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Having a lot of clutter around can make you feel stressed and anxious. Clearing out your space can create a more peaceful atmosphere that can lift your spirits.

Improve ability to concentrate. It’s hard to focus when there’s a mess all over the place.   Organizing your space can create a calm environment that helps you maintain your attention and be more efficient.

Increase inspiration. Too much clutter can be suffocating and hinder your creative flow.   Removing clutter can make room for fresh ideas and artistic expression.

Enhance quality of sleep. A messy bedroom can be disorienting and disrupt your ability to unwind and rest peacefully.

Boost self-confidence. Tidying up your living space can give you a sense of accomplishment and empower you to take charge of your surroundings, which can boost your self-assurance.

Now that we know why it’s important for your health, let’s look at 5 easy ways to begin your decluttering pilgrimage:

1.  Utilize the Four-Box Approach by getting four containers and categorizing them as follows: discard, donate, retain, or relocate.
2. To create a more organized home, focus on decluttering flat surfaces such as countertops, tabletops, and nightstands. Place all items on the floor and only return the necessities.
3. Conduct brief 5-minute cleaning sessions to maintain a manageable decluttering process.
4. Fix any broken objects or make the decision to part ways with them.
5. Assign specific locations for all items and utilize labels to ensure everyone in the household knows where everything belongs.  

Clearing out clutter can have a positive impact on both your physical surroundings and mental wellbeing. By gradually making changes and prioritizing what is important to you, you can establish a more structured and calm atmosphere. It is important to remember that the aim is not flawlessness but rather advancement. So, don’t rush, begin at your current point, and revel in the achievement of a clean and organized space. Best wishes as you declutter!