Clutter and Why It Makes Us Feel Bad

Clutter, from dishes untouched in the sink to stuff piled up on any flat surface, can cause stress. Just looking at it can make us feel bad. According to researchers from the Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), clutter has a profound effect on our mood and self-esteem.

The Highlights of the Study

The research involved a study on 32 families in California and their relationship with the objects in their homes. The compelling findings were then released in a book titled Life at Home in The Twenty-First Century, which offered unprecedented access to the life of the middle class in America. It is one of the most influential works on social history, consumerism and the meaning of material culture.

CELF researchers found out that husbands and wives fall on either side of the clean-unclean dynamic. Women feel more stressed and anxious when there is more clutter while men don’t seem to mind the mess. Another notable finding involves the emotional paralysis families experience when they reduce their clutter. They either can’t let go of objects because of their sentimental value or believe that there is still monetary value in them.

Dealing With Clutter

Lack of storage is one of the primary reasons why clutter piles up. Taking advantage of various shelving and storage solutions can help you combat this problem. To help you get organized, it makes sense to seek the expertise of the pros. For this, you can turn to Handyman Connection® of Boise.

We are the trusted home improvement and maintenance company in the local area. You can trust us to install custom carpentry or prefabricated shelving in your home. Call (208) 268-0088, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.