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A library book that needs returning, another book that needs reading, a congratulations card my preschooler made for her Dad, a few hair ties, a water bottle with no lid, and several loose doggie doo bags.

This is the clutter in the front of my car. I won’t bore you (or horrify you!) with what’s in the backseat and boot.

But this clutter is a weight on my already overloaded brain. I feel a perceptible spike in my anxiety every time I hop in the car.

The relationship between clutter and anxiety

For me, clutter and anxiety go hand in hand. They are like lovers that shouldn’t be together. Codependent and terrible for each other. And almost impossible to separate.

Many people don’t get the level of anxiety that clutter and mess cause me. They can sit in a messy room, not bothered by the washing strewn across the couch or the lego making a trail from the bedroom to the living room. But I just can’t relax until most things are in their proper place.

And I was so incredibly relieved and grateful for the research released in 2012 that showed the clear and tangible links between clutter and anxiety.

I am NOT crazy! (Phew.)

Researchers found that a large number of possessions, and the management that this requires, is strongly related to an increase in women’s cortisol levels (these are the ones responsible for making us feel stressed).

And yes, they found this effect just for the women.

Your home doesn’t have to look like an episode of Hoarders for this to be true either.

Some of us are just more wired than others to be affected by external stimuli.

Clutter might cause more anxiety if you are highly sensitive

About five years ago I discovered I was what Dr. Elaine Aron calls a “Highly Sensitive Person”.

About 20% of the population are highly sensitive. Generally speaking, Highly Sensitive People are easily overwhelmed by loud noises, and bright lights (we often have to withdraw into darkened rooms). We have a rich, complex inner life, and have sometimes been mistaken for being shy or even rude.

And it’s the external stimuli that really affects me. Loud noises, messy floors, a sink full of dishes, and chaotic environments are directly linked to anxiety for me.

I’ve always been very sensitive to things being out of place. And while having children and pets has forced me to let go of my perfectionism to some degree, I still require some sense of order to… well, I’m gonna just come right out and say it – keep my sh*t together.

Coping with anxiety

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with some degree of anxiety. Ranging from mild to debilitating, where I suffered from insomnia and severe stomach pain.

In my early twenties, after weeks of pain and no sleep, I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and prescribed antidepressants.

I’m incredibly grateful for this drug and the part is played in my life so far. But over the years I’ve managed to decrease my dose by over half by learning and implementing other ways to cope with stress and anxiety.

I’ve learned how to meditate and to use my breath to create space in my body and mind. I’ve learned to enlarge my capacity for the unknown. I’m much better at saying no, and far less likely to overcommit.

And I’ve learned to declutter my life.

Decluttering as medicine

Decluttering has become a very important tool in my self-care toolbox. It has become a sort of ‘medicine’. An activity that done regularly, helps to keep a lid on my anxiety.

Having less, and letting go of physical things has always made me feel very good. There is a definite endorphin rush that comes with clearing your closet and dropping the bags at goodwill. I always feel cleaner and lighter.

But knowing the clear link between clutter and anxiety, I approach decluttering with more intentionality than ever before.

Take my pills, clear a drawer. Hand in hand, those two things help ease my anxiety and stress. Together we work to have a healthier me.

You can do this too!

I’m sharing my story with you in the hopes that it will help you if you are triggered by clutter too.

And I am so convinced of the benefits of minimalism and keeping a clutter-free home that I’ve been writing about it for over 3 years.

Here are some tips, and places you can start your journey to less clutter;

• Remember that decluttering is a life-long project. It’s unlikely you’ll ever ‘finish’, especially if you don’t live alone.
• Take baby steps. Don’t try and tackle the whole house in one day. Check out this post by my friend Rachelle, for a solid strategy.
• Try this game by The Minimalists and work up to decluttering your house over 30 days.
• Read this post if you are highly sensitive.
• Be mindful when making future purchases. Shopping is often used for the wrong reasons.
• Take a course. Accountability and community are helpful. There are loads of courses on decluttering. Uncluttered is the only one I recommend.

P.S. Registrations for Uncluttered have just opened for the Spring 2022 intake. I participated last year and can highly recommend it. And I also happen to be able to offer you a sweet discount! If you use the code FF25 at checkout you will get 25% off the price.