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stanfordmag.org
article
https://stanfordmag.org/contents/the-mood-changing-magic-of-tidying-up
“So much feels out of our control at a world level right now that it’s impacting our mental health,” says Carolyn Rodriguez, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Although few of the bad things we see happening are truly random, much feels impossible to predict, and that causes “a lot of angst,” she says. Cleaning and organizing can reduce anxiety and stress—and even become a mindfulness practice—while tidy spaces can help you focus. So videos that celebrate symmetry or [...] Of course, even if tidying sparks joy, it isn’t going to solve serious mental health issues by itself. Intolerance of uncertainty—the dispositional tendency to fear the unknown—has been linked with excessive worry, obsessions and compulsions, and hoarding symptoms. Rodriguez encourages patients with hoarding disorder to start with small goals and just a few minutes of work per day, like uncluttering one square foot at a time or tidying a high-traffic area of the home (for example, the [...] ‘For some, it’s very soothing to look at ordered things.’
“As a clinician, you try and help highlight the positive coping mechanisms, like taking a walk or uncluttering home spaces,” Rodriguez says, rather than the more negative ones, such as drinking too much alcohol or repeatedly staying up too late.
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alliancehealthequity.org
article
https://alliancehealthequity.org/why-getting-organized-is-good-for-your-menta…
Research has demonstrated the negative impact of clutter and the positive impact of cleaning on mental health. Citing studies from Princeton University and others, Verywell Mind states that clutter may contribute to anxiety, depression, and higher levels of cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) in the body. Per the report, “Clutter and mess is linked to negative emotions like confusion, tension, and irritability while an organized home tends to produce more positive emotions like calmness and a [...] Keep a to-do list, but don’t try to complete everything all at once. Instead, focus on one area or task at a time before moving on to the next. Pace yourself, and if possible, enlist the help of friends and family to help divide up the work. This approach makes cleaning and organizing more manageable and less overwhelming. [...] Random clutter can also be an overwhelming distraction, making it difficult to focus and think clearly. A clean and organized home, on the other hand, gives you some control over your environment. It’s a simple way to calm the chaos that surrounds you. Sharing the health benefits of decluttering, Shape notes that repetitive actions like cleaning and organizing engage the mind and can have a meditative effect. Essence calls these tasks “organic mood boosters” that contribute to a lasting sense
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usu.edu
research
https://www.usu.edu/today/story/ask-an-expert--the-mental-health-benefits-of-…
Relieves anxiety. When things are not organized or clean, it can bring on anxiety. You may feel constantly stressed, worried or afraid of accumulating more clutter. To allow your mind to find peace, decluttering can lift that anxiety and help you think more clearly and feel calmer.
Consider these tips to remove the clutter in your life. [...] This can help you feel happier, less anxious and more confident. Decluttering also offers the following mental health benefits: [...] According to a study by Princeton University, researchers discovered that the environment can positively or negatively impact your ability to complete tasks and your overall mental health.
If the physical space around you feels scattered, it’s likely your mental space will feel the same.
A study by the University of Connecticut found that by removing or controlling clutter, you can directly reduce the stress that stems from the mess.
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columbiadoctors.org
news
https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/reduce-stress-through-decluttering
Cleaning and organizing our space may feel overwhelming in the moment, but it’s actually something we have the ability to control, assuming there are no physical limitations or other similar issues preventing us from doing so.
## How do you help clients figure out what stuff to toss or give away?
Many people feel stuck when it comes to deciding what to part with. They may hold onto things that don’t have any practical or sentimental value because of anxiety or fear of moving on. [...] Whether someone is dealing with depression or is simply overwhelmed, we often use a technique called behavioral activation, which involves purposefully engaging in achievable activities to improve mood. This approach has been borne out in research; one study even suggests that cleaning can help alleviate stress, even when the stressor has nothing to do with the clutter. Spring cleaning is a great example of behavioral activation. [...] “When our living environment becomes unmanageable for a period of time, it can be a symptom of depression or anxiety,” says Michael Carollo, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Columbia University.
We asked Dr. Carollo to explain how clutter can impact mental health—and how activities like spring cleaning can help.
## How does clutter affect our mental health?
Some research has suggested that extensive clutter can have a negative impact on well-being.
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reddit.com
article
https://www.reddit.com/r/declutter/comments/1ie5yrz/those_with_anxiety_did_de…
Yes. It helped SO much because there's less things to take care of / manage and a clearer place to put things. Clutter and cleaning both stress me out.Read more
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wllw.eco
research
https://wllw.eco/blogs/journal/home-organization-for-mental-health
Organization and mood are closely related. While light disorganization can hinder basic cognitive capabilities, overwhelming clutter can evoke emotions such as shame and guilt, hindering the motivation needed to tackle the mess. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes that cultivating an organized living space helps reduce stress, feelings of anxiety and depressive symptoms. For those battling a period of intense stress or depression, a cluttered environment can enhance these [...] The process of organizing goes beyond just tidying up; it's about creating a sense of control, clarity and efficiency in your life, which in turn decreases stress levels and improves mood. Here’s how.
###### Michael Verheyden Studio’s suede boxes. Photo courtesy of Michael Verheyden Studio
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| | [...] can enhance these feelings, making the task of cleaning and organizing feel impossible.
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mindsolsarasota.com
article
https://mindsolsarasota.com/spring-cleaning-for-the-mind-declutter-for-mental…
Mar 20, 2025 — By taking the time to declutter, we create a sense of order that helps reduce stress and fosters a more calming atmosphere.