Decluttering for Mental Clarity: The psychological benefits of tidying up your space

As we age, we come to realise that possessions aren’t the be all and end all. In our younger years, we tend to accumulate things, believing they’ll bring happiness or reflect success. But over time, we learn that the real value in life is in experiences and relationships, not in the things we own. This shift in perspective can be freeing, but it also requires patience and compassion as we navigate the process of letting go.

Growing up, I experienced firsthand how clutter can take over a space—and a life. A family member hoarded for years, filling entire rooms to the point where you couldn’t even sit down. That experience left a deep fear in me that my own home could end up the same way: cluttered, chaotic, and overwhelming. Even though I try to stay on top of things, that anxiety still lingers. For me, clutter is more than just a mess; it’s a reminder of how easily life can feel out of control.

The science behind decluttering shows that it’s not just about having a tidy home—it’s about improving our mental health. Research has shown that clutter overstimulates the brain, leading to increased stress and difficulty concentrating. Clutter acts like visual noise, constantly reminding us of unfinished tasks and overwhelming our minds. When we clear physical clutter, we make space for mental clarity, allowing us to breathe easier and feel more in control.

I’ve discovered that having a clear, uncluttered workspace, especially my desk, makes a real difference in how I feel. When my desk is clear, with just a few essentials and minimal ornaments, I notice that my mind feels clearer too. Now, I’m not saying this automatically makes me more productive, but it does improve my overall wellbeing. A tidy desk seems to create a mental environment where I can focus better, and I feel far more effective in my work. Whether or not this is backed by hard evidence, I know that for me, it creates a sense of calm and control.

One decluttering method I’ve recently found helpful is the “Swedish death clean.” While the name might sound grim, the concept is quite the opposite. It’s about gradually simplifying our belongings so that we—and eventually our loved ones—aren’t burdened by an overwhelming amount of stuff. It’s a gentle, thoughtful way of decluttering over time.

I’ve found that starting small is key, especially when the idea of tackling an entire room feels overwhelming. Whether it’s sorting through one drawer or spending just 10 minutes tidying up, these small actions add up. Each step brings a sense of accomplishment and relief, helping to ease the anxiety that clutter can create.

Here are a few simple steps that have helped me along the way:

Start with a small space. Pick one drawer or shelf to organise instead of trying to declutter an entire room at once.
Sort items into categories: keep, donate, discard. Be honest about what you truly use and what’s just taking up space.
Set a timer for 10 minutes. This helps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensures you make steady progress without burning out.
Adopt a “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, let go of something you no longer need.
Use the Swedish death clean mindset. Ask yourself whether you’d want your loved ones to deal with this item if you weren’t around.

Be gentle with yourself as you go through this process. Decluttering can bring up emotions, especially when you’ve lived with clutter or fear that it could take over. But each small step towards creating a clearer space, both physically and mentally, is a step towards a lighter, more peaceful life. And that’s a gift worth working towards.