Declutter for more productivity and focus
Clutter refers to items scattered around in a disorganised way. Generally, it consists of things people accumulate in their homes that they don't really use but keep anyway. However, research shows that our brains work better in organised environments. Visual clutter drains our cognitive resources, making it harder to focus and process information. Researchers mapped the brain's response to organised and disorganised impulses during tasks. Their findings were clear: decluttering home and office spaces improves focus, information processing and productivity, while also lowering irritability. In 2016, Canadian researchers found that clutter can overload our ability to remember visual information, making it harder to focus. Some people can ignore distractions better than others, but cluttered spaces make it difficult for everyone. Thus, keeping your space tidy can help reduce this stress and improve focus.
Clutter and mental health
Clutter has a significant impact on our mental health. It can increase stress levels, making it hard to relax at home. Clutter distracts our brains, making it difficult to focus and leading to procrastination on important tasks. Additionally, a cluttered environment can make it harder to control impulses and lead to unhealthy behaviours. Research shows that excessive clutter also negatively affects how we feel about our homes, reducing overall wellbeing and life satisfaction.
Create your decluttering plan
To effectively declutter, begin by setting realistic goals for each room and creating a timeline. The aim is to remove items from your house and give them to someone who needs them, such as through donations. Get help from a family member, friend, or professional organiser, as their input can make decision-making easier. Focus on one area at a time during a dedicated timeframe and break the task into small steps to prevent feeling overwhelmed. For items you're unsure about, set an expiration date to decide later, and keep your focus on one task at a time to maintain momentum.