Why Your Messy Room Might Be Causing Your Stress—And What to Do About It

Do you ever wonder why a cluttered countertop makes you feel overwhelmed, or why waking up to a sink full of dishes sets you off? You’re not alone. The truth is, everyone experiences this. It’s no coincidence that toys scattered across the floor drive you crazy or that piles of laundry make you want to scream.

So, why do you feel this way?

Numerous studies show a direct correlation between increased cortisol levels—also known as stress—and clutter in your home. When your brain encounters clutter—a messy sink, papers piled on the countertop, or an overflowing kids' craft corner—it triggers stress. But here’s the bigger issue: you might not always feel this stress immediately because we adapt to our environment. This constant state of stress can eventually lead to burnout, which many of us moms just chalk up to "surviving motherhood" or use as an excuse to indulge in a glass of wine at the end of the day. While enjoying a glass of wine isn’t inherently wrong, relying on it to cope with daily stress is problematic.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Believe it or not, motherhood can become more manageable. There will still be tough days—after all, we’re raising the next generation.

So, how do we fix this?

You might be surprised, but simply purging and organizing won’t solve the problem entirely. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Acknowledge that something needs to change. Whether it’s a closet or your entire home, stop and assess what needs fixing. Make your homework for you, not the other way around.

2. Identify your biggest pain point and start decluttering there. I recommend not starting with sentimental items or your clothing. If you’re overwhelmed by your entire home, begin with an area where decisions are easier, like the bathroom or pantry.

Once you decide on an area to tackle, follow these tips for successful decluttering:

• Declutter for just 15-20 minutes a day. This approach prevents decision fatigue, often occurring when we attempt to declutter large areas in one go. Taking small, consistent steps helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and makes it easier to continue. Remember, any progress is progress. You’re always improving the space, even with small efforts.

• As you go through items, ask yourself these questions:

  • Would I buy this again?
  • If my dog pooped on this item, would I clean it off to save it? (This question is surprisingly effective!)
  • How much time do I want to dedicate to this item?
  • Will I use this item in the next 90 days, or have I used it in the last 90 days?
  • Did I even know I had this? If not, it’s a good indicator to let it go.
  • Is this item useful or beautiful?

Choose one or two of these questions to guide your decluttering. This process helps you customize your home and create a peaceful environment filled with items you truly love or need.

After successfully decluttering an area, reward yourself before moving on to the next. Repeat these steps to continue transforming your space.

Remember, decluttering is like a muscle—the more you work it, the easier it becomes.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step plan with guidance to help declutter your home, check out "The Art of Minimalism." This course provides a blueprint for effective decluttering and creating a simplified, peaceful home with personalized help. Click the link below for more information.

Join now!