The Powerful Psychology Behind Being Clean and Organised
Why does a well-organised display stand out more and elicit a sense of satisfaction in people? People tend to spend a significant amount of their free time scrolling through blogs to learn how to organise their wardrobes and closets or colour-coding their filing cabinets. Of course, in the current climate, having a COVID-19 disinfectant spray machine would be a good way to clean your property, too.
Studies into the positive psychology behind arranging and rearranging this have unearthed some remarkable facts. For instance, it has been found that cleaning and organising stuff is good for you.
Nicole R. Keith, PhD, a professor and research scientist at Indiana University, led a study that found people with clean homes are healthier than those in cluttered houses. The professor and her colleagues monitored the physical health of 998 participants (African Americans aged 49 – 65, who are considered at a higher risk for heart disease). The participants who maintained clean homes were healthier and more physically active than those with messy houses. According to the study’s findings, cleanliness in homes is more likely to promote physical health than a walk around the neighbourhood.
While the facts suggest a positive influence from staying organised, why is it such a difficult undertaking for many people? Below are some of the common reasons:
1. You Have Too Much Clutter
People often pick up things that they do not necessarily need as they go through life. For instance, a homeowner might still have a bag of fertiliser they bought when they started gardening. Another might have a waffle iron sitting on the kitchen counter but never get around to using it, or might have a stack of old birthday cards. Such things take up space that could be better utilised by your more essential items.
The solution: Ideally, such stuff will be considered as clutter; however, people will have a hard time letting go of some of their belongings. The emotional attachment to objects is the thing to overcome. But you can consider donating it to something that needs it instead of throwing away. You can take photos of them before giving them away to be a physical reminder. Conversely, you could consider alternative storage that will free up more room in your house for better organisation.
2. Lack of Enough Time
Rearranging one room takes time. Giving up at times seems a better option when the prospects of organising the house, top to bottom, feels overwhelming. It can make some people quit even before they start, especially when struggling with the demands of family and their career. Unfortunately, a disorganised home makes the owner and family less effective because they have less free time to handle other things. It is a situation that quickly turns into a vicious cycle.
The solution: Success is a process, something progressive that you do a step at a time. If you can find roughly 30 minutes in your daily schedule to do some cleaning and arranging, then you will have an organised home sooner than you later. If you cannot find 30 minutes, try 15 minutes; if not, then try 10.
3. Forgetting How Pleasant Being Organised Feels
Entering a spotless and organised home can elicit a satisfying feeling. But it is easy to slip back into the bad habits of clutter and uncleanliness once you see nothing needs sprucing up. Habits like leaving the jacket on the couch or floor instead of placing it in the closet or on the coat rack can creep in without notice. Perhaps you might squeeze a book into a crowded bookshelf, thinking, “what will one more book do anyway?”
The solution: Consider organisation porn, no pun intended. Check out a decluttering tips blog. Also, let the tips you have read in this article ring in your mind. Keeping your home clean and organised will play a role in your physical, mental, and emotional health. Therefore, it will be worth the effort.