It’s been proven that clutter leads to stress, overwhelm and anxiety.

We often see this in our work while we are downsizing and decluttering someone’s home and property after years of collecting and storing items they haven’t used in years. As we open up boxes of dust-covered books or sort through bedroom closets of clothes that no longer fit, the physical response to the emotional pain of letting go is very apparent.

Breathing increases as their heart rate goes up; their mouth gets dry and they have a hard time talking; they feel weak and they need to sit down.

It’s all very taxing especially when the amount of stress and overwhelm is very high.

Every-day clutter has a compound effect that triggers very similar responses to stress, anxiety and overwhelm.

Clutter is not only the physical stuff in our lives; it is also the clutter in our schedules because we are being pulled in so many directions, having so much to do with not enough time to do it.

Clutter is the financial strain we feel when we have excess debt or we are struggling to make ends meet financially.

Clutter is also the toxic relationships that tax us emotionally, physically and psychologically.

Clutter is all around us and the cost of the stress it causes can be very damaging.

Here are some known effects of clutter-induced stress:

• Loss of hair
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Muscle and join pain
• Lower back pain
• Nervous tics
• Indigestion
• Ulcers
• Irritable colon
• Skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis
• Mouth ulcers
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Menstrual disorder
• Vaginal infections
• Impotence
• Premature ejaculation

The only way to reduce the effects of stress and overwhelm is to simplify and let go.

1. Simplify your life by eliminating the things in your life that are toxic, that hurt you, that no longer serve you, or that you no longer need, use, or want.

2. Start where it’s easiest and begin letting go. Say no to the things you don’t want and say yes to the things that you do.

You don’t have to continue to live in clutter or having too much of the wrong stuff in your life. Begin to take back control of your life and simplify, let go and move forward.

Need help? Contact us! We are here to help!