The Chinese concepts of feng shui and qi have long drawn a link between a well-organised, clean living space and positive energy. We also know that our homes can reflect our personalities and interests. Similarly, living conditions reflect our state of mind. An immaculate, structured layout suggests order and discipline, while a tangle of belongings indicates turmoil and dysfunction. For untidy individuals, the cycle of chaos and negativity continues as long as the mess remains. Read on to learn just how clutter can affect your life.
Draining
Imagine that you have just returned home from a tiring day at work, only to be greeted by a huge pile of jumbled clothes and papers, coupled with a stack of unwashed dishes. What would be your reaction? Sagging shoulders, a sense of gloom and a deep sigh? This is the reality of clutter. It drains the life out of you just by looking at it.
Inability to Concentrate
From fiddling with a paperclip to suddenly discovering a bill you need to pay, clutter can be an excellent distraction for a bored, wandering mind. The sheer volume of the mess can also make it hard to concentrate; knowing that a clean-up is required can be like an itch or a niggling thought at the back of your mind. End the procrastination and guilt by ditching the untidiness once and for all.
Daily Functions are Affected
The adverse effects of clutter are not just emotional; they can also be physical. When mountains of possessions block your path or affect your ability to use appliances and fixtures, it’s easy to feel stressed or overwhelmed. Is part of your morning routine shuffling items around just so you can make breakfast or use your bathroom sink? A lack of space can also result in claustrophobic feelings, a serious problem for some people.
Social Isolation
Owners of untidy or dirty homes often avoid entertaining guests because they are ashamed and afraid to be judged by their friends and family. This natural withdrawal leads to loneliness and self-loathing, and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
Stuck in the Past
Clutter has also been linked to an inability to move forward and look to the future. Being attached to our possessions is normal, but there is always a point where we need to let go in order to make room for new items. More physical space means more mental space and remember, reminiscing is healthy when done in moderation.
What do you think? Is it time for a spring clean? If you can’t bear the thought of throwing away some of your possessions, start by moving them into a storage facility, such as Fort Knox Storage or Access Self Storage. While the cleaning process can be difficult to initiate and even harder to maintain, you will see and feel the results once you banish the clutter. Feel free to share your thoughts or tips by commenting in the box below.