LET’S face it, there is nothing more irritating, if not downright infuriating, than coming home from a hard day at work to find your home—your sanctuary, your haven, your hard-earned precious place to call your own—completely a mess.
Tired and trying to let go of the day’s stresses as you walk through the front door, you can suddenly feel everything turn upside down when, instead of being greeted by a clean and ordered home, you’re faced with a pile of unfolded laundry, dirty dishes in the sink, and a floor that looks like a kid’s sandpit—unraked at that.
And there you have it: instead of domestic bliss, you find yourself steaming harder than grandma’s potatoes. You feel that overwhelming slide into unwanted stress, piled on top of all the other stress that comes with the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Psychologically, studies have shown that disorganisation and clutter significantly contribute to stress and even depression—more so for women (what a surprise!) than men. This leads to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, triggering an endless cycle of frustration. Cluttered, messy environments even reduce one’s ability to focus. The chaos of disorganised spaces packs a punch, particularly as we navigate an increasingly complex and busy world while juggling multiple responsibilities. In fact, the disorder in our physical space can often reflect how we’re feeling internally—and that’s something many of us just don’t want to deal with.
So, the importance of returning to, and living in, an ordered, clean, and clutter-free space isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about ensuring mental peace and fostering wellbeing. And in today’s world, ladies and gentlemen (but mostly ladies), that is more precious than gold. To save your sanity and to foster a sense of well-being, here are some simple tips to help declutter your home, hopefully negate the end-of day mess and protect your peace of mind.
Quick decluttering tips for a peaceful home:
Create a drop zone: Set up a designated area near the door for coats, bags, and shoes to keep things from spreading around.
Tackle small tasks daily: Do one thing each day, whether it’s wiping down counters or folding laundry, to keep clutter from building up.
Declutter in segments: Tackle one room or area at a time, like a kitchen counter or a messy drawer, so the task doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Use storage bins and baskets: Store items out of sight in bins to keep things organised and tidy.
Set a cleaning schedule: If you live with others, create a cleaning routine to share the responsibility.
Simplify belongings: Less stuff means less mess. Take time to declutter and donate things you don’t need.
Mindful organisation: Organise spaces in a way that’s both functional and visually appealing to reduce stress.
Let in natural light: Open the blinds or curtains to make your home feel brighter and more inviting.
