Did you know that studies show that organized people are less stressed, have increased productivity and efficiency, are less frustrated, and suffer less from depression?
Okay, so if you naturally feel a jump in your step and are okay with a little disorganization, you’re well within your rights to continue on. However, if you want to reduce stress and increase productivity, you may want to consider the benefits of organizing.
Benefits of Less Clutter
Being organized can help one regain a sense of control which results in higher self-esteem and confidence. Organized people tend to be more conscious about their choices and decisions too, typically setting up systems to handle routine tasks and know when to say no to more “stuff.”
How Clutter Affects Us
When a room is full of disorganized belongings, including countertops full of paperwork, this can unconsciously create anxiety and uneasiness. Even if we attempt to overlook the clutter or ignore it by placing it in a room and closing the door, our subconscious still knows it exists.
Whether it’s piled up mail, waiting to be sorted, photos needing a home, a medicine cabinet that resembles a small pharmacy, or a garage that holds an accumulation of stuff—it’s all clutter. And that’s just the physical kind.
Today, an overabundance of mental clutter exists too. For example, an attempt to remember everything that needs to be done instead of writing it down. Add to that emotional clutter—unresolved issues with family members or close friends, or fears we continue to run from instead of facing—daily life can become exhausting.
Cutting the Clutter
Knowing where to start can be challenging and even frustrating. Decluttering and organizing is a process. It takes time to accumulate clutter, and it will definitely take time to eliminate the excess.
Begin by setting a goal. Decide to declutter and organize one room at a time, instead of the entire house.
Set up a staging area with large containers labeled Donate, Consign, Trash, Go Home (these are items that go elsewhere in the home), and Return (items that belong to other people or that need to be returned to a store). U
Formulate a plan and break it down into manageable steps. For instance, turn the “junk” room into an office and guest room. Next, determine the zones, or areas, for particular activities such as sleeping, reading, computing, and storage. Draw a rough schematic of the furniture layout before moving heavy items. Once the exact location has been determined, items from the “Keep” box can be placed into the relative zone.
Freedom from Clutter
An uncluttered environment is calming and peaceful, allowing the subconscious to be free to focus on what one wants to do—as opposed to what one should do. A clutter-free space also results in ease of movement and it’s much easier to zip through and clean. Essentially, when living in an uncluttered environment, one is focusing on the present, which can increase life’s enjoyment!
For more information on the specifics of room-by-room organization, check out the GOPACK Method of organizing.
