Can Decluttering Relieve Stress? Clean Out That Messy Closet for 2012

We're not all gifted with the talent of organization and cleanliness. Life strikes at every moment and sorting, packing, filing, and organizing may have to take a back seat to deadlines, hectic work schedules, children, and of all things, sleep. People are more stressed than they've ever been. With rising costs and stagnant salaries, we have to work harder and longer just to make ends meet.

With an over-pouring dislike for clutter, I learned some time ago that a messy space can intensify confusion and a cluttered home can enhance stress. True or not? If you're a fashionista with a messy closet, listen up! Researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter negatively affects your ability to focus and process information. Let's consider the theory. With so much going on day to day, our brains are cluttered. Cluttered with deadlines, to-do lists, daily demands, names, phone numbers, account numbers, user names/passwords, and memories; good and bad. We're in mental over drive!


A confused and cluttered brain and a confusing and cluttered visual space can be an explosive combination. A cluttered brain leads to mental strain and confusion and the visual elements around us can add to it making matters of the mind worse. A cluttered space only enhances what we're feeling on the inside. Have you ever been stressed out but when you walk into a calm, serene, clean, open space you feel less stress? Your nerves calm down and you start to relax. This is an example of visual stimuli in action.

If you're easily frustrated, confused, lack clarity, irritable, distracted and feel as though your life is in chaos, you may want to look around you and consider your environment. Click on these links to learn more: Unclutter.com and OrganizedHome.com.

Here are a few quick tips to help you get started:

• Clutter can be tackled gradually by scheduling weekly decluttering sessions until you reach your ideal visual space
  

• Find a picture of what you'd like your space or closet to look like, snip it, and hang it up where you can see it each day. Much like a visual board, this will keep you inspired.
  

• Begin from the outside-in. If you have a messy living room and a messy closet, start with the living room and work your way to the closet. This will give you a quicker sense of relief because you can see your accomplishment each time you enter your home.

• Use bins with lids to store your goods. Organize your stuff by things you want to store, things you want to sell or give away, and things you want to throw out.

Happy Decluttering!