Clear space, clear mind: The mental health benefits of a tidy home

A healthy mind is related to positive emotional, social and psychological well-being. The state of your mind can affect how you respond to stressful situations and how you interact with others.

Multiple factors can lead to mental health challenges and, according to the NHS, 25% of adults experience at least one mental health problem a year. To achieve a healthy state of mind, you might choose to take time out for self-care, participate in talking therapies, engage in physical movement or explore nature. Your environment can also play a part in supporting your mind or, if it is not fit for purpose, the environment can have a detrimental effect.

For many people, there's a clear link between clutter and mental health and your surroundings can directly affect how you feel.

Mess and the mind 

You may feel your mess is ‘organised chaos’ but even if you thrive in an untidy environment, it can still negatively impact your mind.

Clutter can spike anxiety and stress levels, and a messy environment can cause distractions which might mean you're less likely to focus on work or family. It can also cause you to feel overwhelmed and unable to prioritise tasks.

Feeling out of control is also common and it can be difficult to switch off and relax, especially if you don't have a comfortable, tidy space to retreat to.

On the other hand, a clutter-free environment can have a positive effect on your mental health. Clear spaces promote peace and calmness and enable you to carry out tasks with ease. Tidy surroundings improve efficiency at work as an organised space makes it easier to find documents, which, in turn, reduces work stress. A clear space can also help in social situations, promoting an inviting environment that lends itself to entertaining.

In the bedroom, clutter-free surroundings aid longer, deeper and more restful sleep which has a host of knock-on benefits including improved concentration, physical and emotional well-being and better mood.

How to declutter your home and create a clean slate 

To help achieve positive mental health, it's a good idea to get rid of any clutter and streamline your possessions. Decluttering your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming either, especially if you tackle it one room at a time.

Get smart with storage

If you’re constantly tripping over things, it’s time to get smart with storage. Use under-bed storage for items like out-of-season clothes or spare blankets and add over-the-door organisers in small spaces for shoes, cleaning supplies or even pantry snacks. Labelling your storage containers makes everything so much easier to find (and put back!).

Understairs storage solutions can maximise space and are useful for housing items such as coats, shoes and bags. Alternatively, shelves, drawers or cabinets can fit snugly into the space, giving you a neat and seamless way to store small items like books and board games.

Focus on the bedroom

Start by clearing out your wardrobes and storing away seasonal items that you don’t currently need. Keep only essentials like your lamp, book or water on the nightstand, and stash away everything else to keep your environment clutter free. If you’re short on space, consider multi-purpose furniture like a bed with built-in drawers or a bedside caddy.

Choose calming, cool colours and good lighting to promote good sleep and a relaxed atmosphere so it's easier to unwind at night.

Stick to a cleaning schedule

Make a simple weekly cleaning schedule to ensure your home remains free of clutter. Dedicate 15-20 minutes a day to a specific area. The key is progress over perfection and by decluttering and organising bit by bit, you’ll create a space that’s functional, cosy and a joy to live in. This, in turn, can help you feel less overwhelmed which contributes to positive mental health.

Create a dedicated workspace

If you regularly work from home, a dedicated area can help you focus and remain productive when you need to get tasks done. Even if you only have a small area, ensure you keep it organised and functional and try not to blur the boundaries between work and home life.

Achieve a clutter-free space with Hammonds  

At Hammonds, we have a range of home storage solutions to suit your space. Book a free design visit and find out how we can help you achieve a tidy home with our understairs storage options. Request a free brochure for inspiration and start organising your home.