Declutter Your Home & Health

Aug 1, 2024

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My husband and I have four very active kids and we're constantly running in different directions for their activities and events. Schedules get very chaotic! We quickly learned the importance of teamwork, efficiency, and balance.

As the kids got older, I also began to recognize that my stress and anxiety levels spike when I feel unorganized. Chaos and clutter drastically impact my mood, my behavior, my patience (or lack thereof), and my overall well-being. It happens to most of us, actually. Clutter puts our mind into overdrive, causing our senses to focus on what isn't important.

Clutter can have many negative effects on our health, including:

Mental health - Clutter can cause stress and anxiety, which can lead to unhealthy coping strategies like snacking and watching TV (...guilty). It can also make it harder to focus, which can impact our ability to complete tasks. Clutter can also trigger anxious avoidance behaviors, which can make it harder to resolve the issue.

Physical health - Stress can cause our body to breathe faster, which can make conditions like asthma and emphysema worse. It can also increase blood pressure, which can lead to heartburn and acid reflux (...this totally happens to me). Stress can also overtax our muscles, which can cause headaches and body aches. Yes and yes.

Safety - Clutter can definitely make it harder to navigate our home which can lead to injuries. There's a greater risk of slips and falls, objects can tumble from overloaded shelves and tables, and excess paper or other flammable items can increase the risk of fire by providing fuel or blocking exits. Clutter can also attract pests, dust mites, mold, and other allergens.

Relationships - Clutter can impact our relationships and make us feel embarrassed to have people visit our home. It can also cause tension and between spouses, partners, roommates, children, friends, etc. and lead to arguments.

Finances - Clutter can also make it harder to manage our finances and stay on top of housekeeping. Bills may pile up or get lost in the chaos, causing payment deadlines to be missed. It's a serious issue with serious consequences.

I am a much happier person when things are in order. I find organizing to be relaxing and I love refreshing a space to bring new energy. If any of the bullet points above sound familiar to you, I'd be honored to help you achieve better balance, organization, and health.

It's normal to daydream about what could make us happier, healthier, or daily life a little easier. Sometimes, we just need a little help making it happen.