The Surprising Relationship Between Clutter and Wellness

According to health experts, there may be more to the saying, “a place for everything and everything in its place,” than initially thought. That’s because a lack of order due to clutter can not only cost time and money but can create undue stress and other adverse health consequences.

One study found that women who described their homes as cluttered had high levels of the stress hormone cortisol throughout the day, while women who described their homes as well-organized had lower levels. The study found that piles of “stuff” made people feel less satisfied with their lives and that clutter can also lead to a loss of sleep, weight gain, anxiety, and for older adults, isolation and an increased risk of falls and injuries. Also, adults aged 50 and older are also increasingly more likely to put off making decisions about what to get rid of and what to keep.¹ 

If you’re struggling with too much stuff, consider the following steps to help reduce clutter to free up your mind and your space:²

1. Start small and set realistic goals. Clutter can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Start by setting aside an hour or two several days a week to go through piles of papers or boxes of stuff. It will get easier and more rewarding as you make progress.
   
   
2. Separate objects from emotions. Remember that objects don’t hold memories, your mind does. The memories certain items evoke will live on without them.
   
   
3. Create organizing systems and habits. This may be as simple as a designated file box or drawer for important papers and a basket near the door for keys and mail. Make a habit of putting things away that take less than a minute to do so. Designate specific drawers, cabinets, or receptacles to store frequently used objects in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, etc.
   
   
4. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family members for help. The sooner you begin to reduce the amount of clutter, the better you may feel.
   
   
5. Hire a professional organizing specialist. Whether it's a person who comes in to organize your space or an estate sale company who helps you downsize the inventory of items in your home, the assistance and resulting wellness may be well worth the investment. 

^{1) Brody, Barbara, “How Clutter Can Affect Your Health.” 28 AUG 2023, Webmd.com, https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-clutter-affects-health.
2) “How clutter affects your brain health.” 1 MAY 2025, Nuvancehealth.org, https://www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/how-clutter-affects-your-brain-health.}