Does A Cluttered Home Affect Your Health?

There’s real psychological and physical reasoning behind why we feel this way when confronted with an unorganised environment. 

A study undertaken by the University of California analysed 30 couples to try to understand the effect of a messy house on their stress levels. The couples that described their homes as messy or chaotic had increased levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland in response to stress. The same study also found that women were more affected by mess than men. Conversely, those who describe their environments as ‘restful’ and ‘restorative’ had higher levels of happiness and mental wellbeing. 

Clutter affects mental health as well as physical 

As well as negatively impacting on your physical health, cluttered homes have an adverse effect on your mental health too. A study by Dr Beckmann found that mess and clutter have a direct impact on a person’s mood, reporting that 90% of those surveyed feel an untidy environment makes them unproductive and unhappy.

According to other research, how clean and tidy we keep our homes reflects our state of mind. Those in orderly spaces tend to be more productive whereas those living with mess and disorganisation often get less done as the clutter acts as visual distraction. Indeed, such distractions can actually impair the brain’s ability to process information and leave us with a feeling of agitation. As we are less motivated to clean when surrounded by mess, the problem can escalate and start to affect our physical and mental wellbeing in earnest. 

Tips for improving your home’s cleanliness & organisation

So, with this in mind what can you do to improve your happiness and calmness at home? Here are some tips to help.

• Tidy up 3 things when you get home from work each day. These could be small tasks such as clearing the post or straightening the sofa cushions, or bigger ones like cleaning the bathroom or emptying the dishwasher. 
• Invest in built-in furniture to give yourself much more storage room. 
• Have a clear out of your home once a month to help keep clutter and mess down.
• Assign everyone in the household with a task they are responsible for.

At Custom Made Furniture we provide bespoke, made to measure furniture for your home to maximise your existing space, from wardrobes and kitchens to home offices and living rooms. With lots of fantastic features and personalisable options, your gorgeous new fitted furniture will reflect your impeccable taste and style perfectly. To learn more or to book your design consultation, contact us today on 01202 737555.