Could decluttering make us happier?

20 Mar 2018 Could decluttering make us happier?

The secret to a happy and fulfilled life could lie in having a clean and tidy home.

Today (March 20) is the International Day of Happiness and it seems the key to becoming content might just be clearing out your clutter.

Organised by the United Nations along with charity Action for Happiness, the event focusses on looking at ways to increase people’s wellbeing and morale all over the world.

So how does decluttering make us happy?

  1. Tidying up helps clear busy minds

    Our hectic lifestyles can often leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and drained. If you’ve been busy all day, returning to an untidy and chaotic home can raise your anxiety levels and make it harder to relax. A study by UCLA found women living in messy homes were likely to have high levels of cortlsol - often known as the ‘fight or flight’ hormone, which is linked to stress and other health issues. In an organised and orderly home, it is easier to find things you need when you need them and everyday household tasks are less of a chore. Space promotes calmness and tranquillity, which in turn can make us feel more content.

  2. Cleanliness is good for your health

    Keeping your home clean and dust-free can be very beneficial to your health. Although cluttered homes are not necessarily dirty, they are more challenging to keep clean. Clear surfaces are much easier to wipe down with germ-busting products to cut the risk of spreading bugs and viruses. Reducing the number of ornaments and knick-knacks in your home will also help keep the dust levels down in your home, which is particularly important if you suffer from allergies, asthma or any respiratory illnesses. Good health helps us to feel positive about our lives and boosts feelings of happiness.

  3. Letting go of the past makes it easier to embrace the future

    Having a good sort out allows us to draw a line in the sand and let go of the past. Getting rid of items which are no longer needed or used can represent a fresh start and help people feel rejuvenated and excited about the future. Donating some of your items to charity or giving them to someone who needs them more than you do will also give you a feeling of satisfaction.

Once you have decided you want to declutter, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are our top five tips to set you on the road to a tidy home and a happy mind:

  1. Set yourselves 15 minutes a day

    If you try and declutter your entire home in one day, you will soon lose enthusiasm and motivation. Set aside 15 minutes every day where you devote yourself completely to decluttering. Perhaps choose a particular cupboard or shelf and set a timer to make sure you stay on task. If you find you are on a roll, you can always spend longer on the job in hand.

  2. Take advantage of self storage

    If there are things in your home that you can’t decide what to do with, consider putting them into storage until you have time to come up with a long term plan. Self storage is also an ideal place to keep treasures that you can’t bear to part with but which don’t really have a place in your home. Putting boxes into storage can also allow you to enjoy the benefits of a decluttered home quicker - just make sure you remember to go through them properly in the future. Andrew Porter Ltd’s Self Store offers a convenient and affordable way of storing your belongings on a timescale to suit you.

  3. Start with rooms you spend time in

    While you might be tempted to tackle the under-stairs cupboard or spare room first, prioritise the rooms you spend the most time in. You will feel much happier once you have a living room and bedroom you can really relax in.

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