The Link Between Clutter and Stress

Researchers from UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families found that clutter doesn’t just make homes look bad. It also makes people feel bad too. Clutter has been found to have a profound affect on a person’s self-esteem and mood. Handyman Connection® of Rockville explains more.

Clutter and Stress

The researchers found a link between high cortisol levels in homeowners and a high density of household objects. They discovered that the more stuff there is, the more stress you’ll feel. The study also found that while many families want to reduce their clutter, they often feel emotionally paralyzed when sorting objects for disposal. They find it hard to break sentimental attachments or believe that their things have hidden monetary value..

Tips to Reduce Clutter

Here are a few tips to help reduce your home’s clutter and improve your mood. First, you can try practicing the Rule of Five. Every time you get up or walk through a room, you should put away give things. Alternatively, you devote five minutes to decluttering. Next, pledge to clear and clean your kitchen sink every day. A clean sink can instantly decrease your anxiety and improve your mood.

To free up some space, put all of your snapshots in a family album instead of displaying them. This will declutter a lot of flat surfaces. Next, fill a box with items that you don’t use or don’t love. Seal this box and put it in the closet. If you haven’t opened this box in a year, then don’t open it and donate it to charity.

Handyman Connection of Rockville can help reduce your home’s clutter with our services. Our craftsmen can install new shelving and storage options. We can plan and install new closet shelving and storage and we can design and implement custom shelving. Our craftsmen can help you plan the most effective storage method for your home.  Call us at (301) 453-2090 to learn more about our services and products or to request a free project consultation and estimate.