The Research is Clear: An Organized, Clutter-Free Home is Good for the Soul!
- Claire Dickson
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 19
When a friend first suggested I share my passion for an ordered, uncluttered space by starting my own organizing business, I was hesitant. Not because I didn’t see the value in it. Not because I doubted how much I could help change people’s lives for the better. And not because I thought there wouldn’t be a market for it. Honestly, it was because what I'd seen of "professional organization" seemed more focused on the look than the function.
Instagram and TikTok are full of perfect-looking homes touting final products of professional organization, and something about that didn't resonate with me. If the goal was simply to create a pretty, Pinterest-worthy space, that wasn't necessarily the heart behind my passion.
But, after digging in and learning more, I was able to delineate between organization and design: while they go hand-in-hand, they have different functions. I’m not saying I don’t love a perfectly spaced row of matching decanted containers with custom vinyl labels (or a rainbow-ordered bookshelf) as much as the next girl. What I am saying is that organization is so much more than a look.
While the design aspect is always a fun and welcome addition, the true goal of home organization isn’t about how it looks - it’s about how it feels. More importantly, how it makes you feel.
HOW DO YOU FEEL IN YOUR HOME?
Do you walk into your home after a chaotic day and feel a sense of peace? Does your nervous system relax? Are you able to focus, be present, think creatively, and truly rest?
Or does it feel like you have 50 tabs open on your internet browser, someone’s ringing the doorbell nonstop, your kid needs a bandaid, and there's a smell coming from the kitchen that smells suspiciously like burnt plastic - all at the same time?
Let’s be honest, all of those things might actually be happening (because we’ve all had that day), but I’m talking metaphorically here - specifically about the stress that can come simply from our physical surroundings. People don’t often make the connection, but our environment has a direct impact on our mental health and brain function.
Clutter doesn’t just make a space feel chaotic - it makes our minds feel “cluttered” too. When we’re surrounded by visual distractions, our brains have to work overtime. The result? It’s harder to focus, think clearly, find the keys, or even remember why we walked into a room in the first place.
An important note: We don't all have the same organizational style - what feels like visual clutter to one person might feel easily accessible and comfortable for another. It really depends on personality and needs. Learn more about the 4 Styles of Organizing here.
THE RESEARCH
A growing number of studies show a clear link between disorganization, clutter, and mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and stress. Research shows that a simple task like clearing off your desk can free up mental resources and increase concentration, decrease stress, and optimize productivity. But this one really hammered the point home for me: multiple studies have found that people living in cluttered environments actually experience rising cortisol levels (the stress hormone) throughout the day. Meanwhile, those living in more organized spaces see their cortisol levels naturally decrease as the day goes on. Mind officially blown.
All that to say, living in a space that feels open and uncluttered can make a HUGE difference in how you feel and operate in your day-to-day life. The benefits are countless but can be summed up with a few key outcomes:
1) Less stress and anxiety
2) Improved focus
3) A boost in creativity
4) Better sleep
5) Feeling more confident
6) Less irritability
7) Improved relationships
Enter the reason I started this business: I want to help people experience all the benefits that come with having an organized space, free of clutter and full of only things we need and use. Your home can truly become your zen zone - a place that fosters and restores calm, clarity, and balance in an otherwise hectic world.
So, while I'm so for creating a space with a design that makes you feel right at home (and truly enjoy ensuring my work complements an existing aesthetic and looks beautiful), my first priority is creating a space that solves your pain points and all0ws you to free up that mental energy you need for so many other things!
READY TO GET ORGANIZED?
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding a sustainable system that fits you, your family, and your lifestyle. And I would love to support you in creating a space that frees you to spend your time and energy in ways that are truly life-giving. Let's connect to schedule your complimentary consultation, walk through your space, and brainstorm personalized solutions for your home and needs.
SOURCES
Ready to dig a little deeper? Check out some of the sources I used to learn more about the scientific link between organization and mental health:
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