Clutter and untidiness in the home can cause many problems, from wasted time to hygiene issues, but possibly the most damaging effects are psychological and emotional. It can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and out of control and prevent us feeling calm and relaxed. When we declutter and get rid of old belongings, we are literally letting go of the past and moving on with our lives.
Stress
A home should be a haven and a place where you can relax and unwind. Large amounts of clutter and old belongings create constant, low-level stress. Time is spent frantically searching through piles of stuff to find a bill that needs paying, or the keys to the car. A friend calls round unexpectedly, and needs to be kept talking on the doorstep so that they don’t see how untidy the house is. Clutter may cause friction within families, with resentment felt at the lack of order and untidiness. Messy surroundings drain energy, and give a feeling of helplessness and disorganization.
Positive Effect of De-cluttering
The majority of people experience strong feelings of lightness, freedom and relief after successfully de-cluttering. Junk clearance has the effect of clearing minds too; without realising it, large amounts of clutter weigh on our minds, and removing that weight has a huge emotional benefit. De-cluttering creates more space not only in the physical world, but in the spaces within us.
Socialising
One of the less obvious effects of a house filled with clutter is that it can make a house less welcoming. Those with very cluttered houses will often make excuses to prevent visitors entering the house because, consciously or unconsciously, they are embarrassed by the amount of clutter and do not want the outside world to see it. The clutter acts as a barrier between the untidy person and their friends. For children, their parents’ clutter can also have a negative effect on friendships, as they are too ashamed to invite their friends over to play.
Sleep
We need deep, restful sleep every night in order to function properly and maintain health. Sleeping in a room surrounded by old belongings that we no longer need stops the mind fully relaxing and switching off. Surrounded by the past, our subconscious mind will constantly mull over old problems and worries, preventing deep, untroubled sleep.
What to do with clutter
It is often tempting to push clutter out of sight into the attic, but then the baggage of the past is literally ‘hanging over your head’. Cupboards or garages full of old belongings still have detrimental effects on our emotions, and the best solution is to de-clutter by sorting through it all and disposing of anything that is not needed. This may seem overwhelming, but experts advise that this should be undertaken in stages with, for example, clothes sorted through one day, and old papers focused on the next day. If this sorting results in large amounts to be disposed of, there are many companies who will come to the house and take away all the unwanted items. Choosing an environmentally friendly clearance service, like Anyjunk, will make sure old belongings do not end up in landfill but are recycled and refurbished to benefit someone else.
