How Clutter Messes with Your Mind (and How to Tidy Up for a Happier You)
- Citrus Velvet
- Jan 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 10
Let’s be honest—clutter happens to the best of us.
Whether it’s that pile of papers on your desk, the clothes strewn across your bedroom chair, the kitchen counter that’s somehow become an unofficial junkyard, or kids (ughhhhhhhh don't even get me started on their toys...smh in utter defeat over that), clutter has a sneaky way of taking over.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just your space that’s getting messy—your mind and emotions might be feeling the strain too.
The good news?
You don’t have to live with the chaos. In fact, a little tidying up or practical storage solutions could do wonders for your mental clarity, productivity, and overall happiness.
Here at Citrus Velvet Interiors, we may joke around and have a little fun (especially within our blog posts [mostly to feel something lol]), but in all seriousness we approach each subject with the intention of helping you become the best version of yourself. You don't have to do any of these things if you don't want to. Hell, you could even hate what we have to say (that's cool too!). However, we do believe that creating the best version of yourself does start in the space that you live in.
We want you to just feel good about yourself.
So now that've said that, let’s talk about how clutter really messes with your brain (it’s not just about looking messy), and then dive into some super easy, practical ways to get your space—and your mind—back on track.
How Clutter Affects Your Mental and Emotional Health
Sure, that pile of laundry on the couch might seem like no big deal. But what if we told you it could be silently causing stress, anxiety, and even brain fog? It’s true — here are some ways on how clutter can mess with your mental and emotional health:
Clutter = Stress
Ever walked into a room and felt your shoulders tense up because of the mess? Yeah, it’s not just you. Clutter has been shown to increase cortisol levels—the stress hormone. When there’s too much going on around you, your brain perceives it as a problem to solve (and honestly don't we have enough problems to solve already — maybe the house doesn't even have to be one of them). Cue even more stress to add on into your already stressful life. No thanks!
Focus? What Focus?
Feeling a little like Dug from Up? A cluttered space makes it harder to focus. Your brain has to process everything around you, and when there’s too much stuff vying for your attention, it becomes harder to zero in on the task at hand. Whether you’re working from home or just trying to relax, all that visual noise can make concentrating feel like a game of Whack-a-Mole.
Guilt, Shame, and That "I’m-Not-Doing-Enough" Feeling
Ever feel like your mess is a reflection of your life? Like if only you could "get it together," everything would be fine? That nagging sense of guilt can weigh you down. It’s not just about the clutter — it’s about the emotional burden we put on ourselves because of it.
Spoiler alert: you’re doing better than you think, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.
Hello, Sleepless Nights
Ahh welcome to insomnia or just not being able to sleep! Not only does it make for an awkward Instagram photo or happen during pregnancy (no post scheduled for that one - I don't even want to talk how I was up at 3:00am each night during the pregnancies), but it can happen with a cluttered home.
When your mind is filled with all the stuff you should be doing, or all the things you need to organize, it’s hard to relax. And a lack of sleep? Well, that’s a whole different ballgame..........
Mental Fog: Is It the Clutter?
Your brain has to work harder when there’s clutter around you. It’s like trying to think with a bunch of distractions pulling at your attention. This mental overload can lead to that "foggy" feeling where you can’t quite focus or think clearly.
5 Fun and Easy Ways to Reduce Clutter (and Boost Your Mood)
Okay, so we mentioned the doom and gloom. Now that you know some ways (there's a lot more ways, but the list is too long) how clutter can affect you, let’s get to the good stuff: how to tackle it! These tips are simple, practical, and (dare we say) kind of fun! Let’s dive in:
Here's the list of the 5 things if you just want to skip to certain sections:
Start Small — Like, Really Small
Don’t try to declutter your whole house in one go (it works for that one day and then never again). Also, that’s a recipe for burnout. Screw burnout.
Start with one small area — maybe your desk, your entryway, or even a drawer that’s been accumulating mystery items for months. Set a timer for 15-25 minutes, and just focus on that one spot. You’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish in a short burst of energy.
Pro tip: you could try the Pomodoro timer method, which is a timing method that uses 25 minute intervals to focus on whatever work you need to finish. Fun fact: Francesco Cirillo (the creator of this method), used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to track his work intervals when developing the method, which is why it's called the Pomodoro Timer. Go ahead nerd it out.
Pro Pro tip (and putting this at a much larger font for the people in the back): When you finish, take a moment to bask in your success. Seriously, give yourself a mental high-five. A little accomplishment goes a long way in motivating you for the next area.
The "One In, One Out" Rule
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating because it works! For every new item you bring into your space (whether it’s a new shirt, a book, or a gadget you definitely don’t need), commit to getting rid of something old. That way, your space stays fresh and tidy, and you won’t end up buried under a mountain of stuff.
Pro tip: Maybe because this is an interior design studio, but donating furniture or even clothes is my go to. I just cannot throw them away (not that I want to keep them - I just have this thing about throwing them out). Don't even get me started on the materials within the Interior Design industry and sustainability. Anyway, you can always donate furniture on Facebook marketplace. If you don't have time, ask someone else to do it. As for clothes, I love to give to women's shelters (even baby clothes) and the yellow clothing bins that are around, but they don't take everything. That's why I also like to use the The Take Back Bag (they are $20/bag). They are a for profit company so if you're against that, then I wouldn't recommend them. They do take everything though - especially those mix-matched socks that never seem to find their partner again.
Pro Pro tip: It’s like a mini celebration every time you donate something. Plus, it’s always fun to find out someone else might be loving the things you no longer need!
Declutter for 5 Minutes a Day
Consistency is key. Set aside five minutes every day to tackle a tiny corner of your home. It’s almost like brushing your teeth—just a quick habit that keeps everything in check. Whether it’s clearing off your kitchen counter or sorting through your mail, just make it a part of your routine.
Pro tip: If five minutes feels too easy, challenge yourself to see how much you can do in that time. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done with a little time pressure (and no guilt!).
Tidy by Category, Not Room
Instead of tackling room by room, declutter by category. Gather all your books, clothes, or kitchen gadgets in one place and go through them.
Honestly, love me the box method! This is where whatever is on the floor, you put in a box of your choosing (usually you need a bigger box than you think). Then go through the whole box to determine what you need. You’ll be shocked by how much of the same thing you have. Plus, it helps you think more strategically about what you truly need and love.
Pro tip: Put on your favorite playlist and treat it like a mini sorting party. Who says decluttering can’t be fun? Bonus points for dancing while you work!
Get Everyone Involved
If you live with others, make decluttering a family affair. It’s way easier (and more fun) to tackle mess together. Assign tasks to each person—maybe your partner handles the closet while you focus on the kitchen or vice versa. Or make it a challenge to see who can clear their area the fastest. You’ll finish faster, and the teamwork will make it feel less like a chore to everyone involved.
Pro tip: Make a game of it—set a timer for a "declutter race" and see who can clean their space the fastest.
Pro Pro Tip: If you have kids, this is a great way to get them involved. It may not last long depending on how old your kids are, but hey it's something!
And on that note...
Clutter doesn’t just mess with your space—it messes with your mind, mood, and productivity. But with just a few simple, fun changes, you can turn your space (and your mind) around. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your approach.
And remember, tidying up isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space that feels good for you. So go ahead, take the first step. Your mind—and your home—will thank you!
How do you tackle clutter in your life? Do you have any favorite tips or tricks for keeping things tidy? Share with us in the comments—we’d love to hear your ideas!
If you have any questions or comments (or just want to chat), don't be afraid to ask us!
x Citrus Velvet Interiors
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