Clutter. It means something different to everyone. The famous adage ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ is perhaps the most apt way of looking at the idea of clutter. To someone who is extremely neat and organized, even a single pen left out on a desk could be seen as clutter. But, to a whimsical artist working on many pieces at once, all their clutter is instead a system of organized chaos.
But, no matter what philosophy you subscribe to with clutter, it does get to a point where it is too much. And most people aren’t aware that a cluttered home can have a serious impact on your health. Both your mental and physical health. Today we are going to be walking you through exactly how clutter can impact your health. As well as offering you some solutions to declutter your home and create a more healthy environment.
Trash Vs Clutter
The most obvious example of how clutter can impact your health is when it isn’t actually clutter. Too many times I have gone to someone’s home to see the trash piled up like a small mountain in the corner. And this is one of the most dangerous things you can do. If trash is not properly disposed of regularly, it can lead to a number of issues.
The biggest concern is rodents and pests. Trash to you is a feast to all sorts of animals and insects. Roaches, mice, fruit flies, ants. All of these can easily get into your home if they have reason to. And piles of trash give them a reason. These pests are vectors for a number of harmful diseases. They will spread germs and dirt throughout your house. And this could lead to some serious repercussions down the line.
The trash itself can also be a vector for diseases. Rotting food especially is a serious risk. It can produce mold which could spread. Mold spores can easily spread throughout your home and be inhaled by you or your family. This can lead to very serious health issues. So it is important that you take out the trash regularly. As well as clean out the old food in your fridge as soon as it expires.
A Cluttered Mind
Studies have shown that our surroundings have a more direct impact on our mental health than we realize. It’s why we feel so relaxed when we are out in nature. Researchers have shown a direct correlation between a cluttered environment and the brain’s ability to process information. Simply put, a neat, tidy environment will allow you to better focus your thoughts and pay more attention.
People who suffer from depression often find it difficult to clean up their homes. And this leads to a spiraling effect. As the clutter builds it has a negative impact on their mental health, making the situation worse. A lot of medical professionals and therapists recommend decluttering as a technique for improving one’s mental health.
A good place to start is by renting a storage unit and putting anything you don’t need in storage. Throwing items away can be tough, especially if they have sentimental value. So storing them is the better alternative. And, if you ever need to get rid of your storage unit companies like Selfstoragecashbuyers will buy them off you hassle free. Meaning you don’t have to worry about the financial implications either.
Keeping a clean home is also useful if you are working from home or trying to study. An organized workspace is extremely conducive to a productive day’s work. It reduces the amount of visual distractions around you and encourages the mind to stay focused on the task at hand.
Physical Danger
One of the most obvious risks presented by clutter is physical injury. People have the amazing ability to never think an accident will happen to them. This unconscious ignorance plays a huge part in allowing your home to gradually become more cluttered.
The most obvious danger is trip hazards. Too much clutter on your floors can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself. This is especially true if you have children who leave their toys everywhere. Sharp objects like pens, pins, sewing needles, and knives can cause serious damage if they are left lying about unattended.
The most serious consequence of a cluttered home is fire. Modern homes are filled with fire risks. And we aren’t just talking about the technology within your home. Flammable objects like stacks of old magazines and wooden toys present a huge risk. A small fire that could have been easily dealt with can very quickly spiral out of control in a cluttered home. When a fire occurs people tend to panic. And if your home is cluttered you could run the risk of injuring yourself before you can get to the fire extinguisher.
I’m Dr Justin Boey, an Aesthetic Doctor in Singapore. I believe in open sharing of knowledge and skills to patients, blog readers and fellow doctors alike.
