How Clutter Affects The Brain And Body
Is Your Home Secretly Stressing You Out?
Ever walk into a room and instantly feel your shoulders tense? Maybe it’s the overflowing laundry basket, the scattered papers on the kitchen counter, or that one closet you’ve been avoiding for months. You are not alone, and it’s not “just in your head”! Clutter has a very real effect on your mental and physical well-being.
Research shows that a disorganized environment can increase stress levels, lower productivity, negatively impact mood, and decrease self-confidence. In one well-known UCLA study*, women who described their homes as “cluttered” had higher cortisol levels, the stress hormone, than those who saw their spaces as organized. In other words, our surroundings play a major role in how we feel.
Clutter = Cognitive Overload
You may not realize it, but your brain likes order. When you’re surrounded by clutter, your brain is forced to work harder to process the chaos. Visual clutter competes for your attention, leaving you feeling distracted or overwhelmed. This mental drain can make it harder to focus, finish tasks efficiently, or feel a sense of calm. Think of it like too many browser tabs open at once—it’s exhausting!
Mood and Motivation Take a Hit
A messy space can subtly wear away at your mood. When things feel out of control on the outside, it can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, or anxiety on the inside. Over time, this emotional clutter can create a loop: you feel bad about the mess, which makes it harder to tackle, which makes you feel even worse.
Disorganization and clutter can also negatively affect self-esteem. It’s tough to feel confident or capable when your home or workspace doesn’t reflect the life you’re trying to lead. Even small wins, like clearing a countertop or organizing a drawer, can help rebuild momentum and confidence.
Physical Effects You Might Not Expect
The stress that clutter creates doesn’t just stay in your mind, it can also show up in your body. High cortisol levels have been linked to disrupted sleep, weight gain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. When clutter leads to avoidance behaviors, like putting off tasks such as dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming, it can impact your physical health over time.
So, What Can You Do?
The good news: change is possible, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! At Fresh Start Organizing, I believe that clearing clutter is more than just “tidying up”; it’s an investment in your well-being. When your space is aligned with your lifestyle, routines become easier, stress levels drop, and your home starts to feel like a true place of rest and renewal.
You don’t need to aim for perfection. You just need a fresh start—one step, one drawer, one room at a time.
Ready to experience the difference an organized space can make? Let's clear the clutter and create a space that supports you!
Check Out Additional References Below
*UCLA News: The Clutter Culture
Stanford University BeWell News: A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, How Less Clutter Can Reduce Stress
YaleNews: Visual Clutter Alters Information Flow In The Brain