The Link Between Clutter and Depression

Dishes in the sink, toys throughout the house, stuff covering every flat surface. This clutter not only makes our homes look bad, but makes us feel bad, too.

Several studies over the past 10 years have connected clutter with behavioral and mental health issues. Research from health care heavy hitters — think Mayo Clinic, Princeton University, and UCLA — have found that clutter can increase the stress hormone cortisol and cause lower productivity, insomnia, weight gain, procrastination, and depression.

Studies may outline the results of clutter without offering solutions. The good news? You can do some simple things, like making these five small changes, to declutter your home and raise your spirits.

Adopt the Rule of Five

Every time you get up from your desk or walk through a room, put away five things. Or, each hour, devote five minutes to decluttering. At the end of the day, you’ll have cleaned for an hour.

Be Ruthless About Your Kitchen Sink

Pledge to clear and clean your kitchen sink every day. It takes a couple of seconds more to place a dish in the dishwasher than dump it in the sink. A clean sink will instantly raise your spirits and decrease your anxiety.

Put Photos Away

Return to yesteryear, when only photos of ancestors or weddings earned a place. Put snapshots in a family album, which will immediately declutter many flat surfaces.

Unburden Your Refrigerator Door

Researchers found a correlation between the number of items stuck to the fridge door and the amount of clutter throughout the house. Toss extra magnets and paper, like calendars or take-out menus, that you can easily find on your phone.

Test Whether You'll Miss It

Fill a box with items you don’t love or use. Seal the box and place it in a closet. If you haven’t opened the box in a year, donate it (unopened!) to charity.