Why getting your home organized matters!
Why bother?
There are many people who derive immense benefits from organizing and tidying up their homes. Author and professional organizer, Marie Kondo, uses the Japanese philosophy of “less is more” with her clients. She has made it her mission to help folks remove clutter and chaos from their homes by only keeping items which “spark joy.” In return, clients discover and live in new and peaceful life-transforming environments. Like Kondo’s clients, by decluttering and keeping only what’s valuable, you may also share in the immense benefits of an organized home.
Remarkable reasons to strive for an organized home. It does the following:
- Demonstrates that you care for yourself and others.
- Reduces risks of allergies, infections, and pests.
- Reduces risks of clutter-related accidents.
- Enables you to locate and put things away easily, saving time, energy, and money.
- It increases the functionality/usefulness of space.
- It reduces stress and frustration while increasing focus and productivity.
- It creates a happy and healthy home.
Physical/mental health benefits
The benefits of organizing extend far beyond what the eyes can see. There are tremendous physical/mental health advantages to gain from decluttering and living in a tidy space. Per WebMD, publisher on human health and wellbeing, “In one study, women who described their homes with positive language had a lower level of the stress hormone cortisol than women who described their homes as cluttered and unfinished.” This is significant as higher levels of cortisol can be harmful to health.
To maximize benefits, should I use a professional service or DIY? Either is a fine choice, but it depends on your motivation level, physical capabilities, emotional level, and other factors.
Hiring a professional organizer
A professional organizer (PO) helps people declutter, sort, and arrange their things. They help people of all ages and walks of life to get their homes in shape. A local PO shares, “Getting rid of possessions is challenging for many people. Giving them the tools to recognize what’s needed verses unneeded is part of our duties.” He expounds, “We work with a lot of individuals who can’t physically remove clutter themselves and want to get their homes in order. They simply need help to get the job done.” When discussing benefits of using a PO, he shares, “Not only do we help clients solve immediate concerns, but we also guide them to develop long-term and doable strategies to maintain clutter-free environments.”
DIY (Do-it-yourself)
DIY is another option, especially for those who are fully capable of organizing on their own. There are tips to make the process go successfully. First, starting small is key for newbies and for those who have a hard time decluttering. This means beginning in one small space and creating a system that works and can be built upon. Rather than tackle a giant room, start with a small junk drawer. A second tip is to ask trusted friends for help. This is particularly beneficial to people with physical limitations or those who seek positive encouragement. Third, focus on decluttering and keeping only what you love, need, and use. Release all other things. Click here for Tips to donating clothes. (Internal link needed)
The profound impact of an organized home
Regardless of whether you hire a professional or DIY, organizing the home improves physical well-being and safety. It can also have profound impact on mental health by:
- Fostering self-resilience and mental clarity
- Promoting relaxation and harmony
- Removing mental distractions that negatively affect how we think and act
- Providing a sense of relief, pride, and accomplishment
It’s worthwhile!
Decluttering and organizing the household might feel like a burden or a chore, but it can transform how you feel about yourself and the way others see you. People who have disorganized households tend to:
- Make excuses for the mess
- Not socialize in their homes
- Feel depressed/overwhelmed/embarrassed
- Be sick or unwell more often
- Lose things and feel frustrated
An organized household affords you:
- Freedom to enjoy your space and valuable items
- Ability to entertain at home and partake in the company of others without embarrassment
- Increased inner/outer peace
- The power to be in control
So many great benefits!
As you can see, there are a great many benefits of an organized home. When you declutter your household and get things sorted, you open your space and mind to many new opportunities that can transform your life for the better. It’s a total win-win!