Think about the last time you unstuffed a packed closet or de-junked your junk drawer. When you were done – how did it feel?
If you felt an amazing rush of sweet, sweet satisfaction, you’ve just experienced the magical benefits of cleaning your home.
But decluttering does more than leaving you feeling like you’re on top of a tidied-up world. Did you know it can actually make you healthier? Here’s how:
A Clean Home Lowers Stress
One of the most obvious downfalls of a messy home is the toll it takes on your stress levels. In fact, 1 in 3 Americans has experienced “extreme anxiety” due to a messy home. And it’s not just staring at piles of papers that gets you worked up. It’s also:
- Frantically throwing things in closets or under beds if a surprise guest shows up
- The frustration of always trying to find space to do your crafting or in-home yoga
- The nagging, constant reminder of all the work it will take to get it cleaned up
Having a spick and span home feels great, but it does take effort. So, look for ways you can do a little bit each day so you’re not left with cleaning everything all at once.
A Tidy House Helps You Be More Productive
We’ve already talked about how clutter drains you of energy and can make you tense, but did you know a messy home also wastes your time?
If your home is disorganized, chances are that you’re spending extra time looking for lost or misplaced items. Finding that lost set of keys or the right pair of shoes becomes a frustrating game of Where’s Waldo when it should be a very simple task.
Imagine being able to:
- Know exactly where your keys are so you can make that appointment on time
- Instantly grab the right shoes so you can head out for that fun date
- Have immediate access to your charger so you’re not running around your house, looking for a spare
When your home is organized, you can spend less time searching for things and more time living life.
A Spotless Casa Means You Get Sick Less Often
Allergens and dust build up in places like your carpet, upholstery, and bedding. And let’s not forget what’s on your counters and in your fridge! Over time, this can cause environmental allergies and asthma to flare up.
However, when your home is clean, there are fewer places for bacteria and germs to hide. But cleaning goes beyond vacuuming and dusting – make sure you also tidy up your kitchen and bathroom countertops and furniture surfaces so that you have fewer items to worry about.
Busting Clutter Helps You Sleep More Restfully
If you’re struggling to get enough shut-eye, you’re in good company. Roughly 1 in 3 American adults aren’t getting enough sleep, and when they do sleep, it isn’t always restful. There are many reasons for this, and one of them has to do with how messy your bedroom is.
It’s no secret that clutter creates stress. When you clear out all the stagnant stuff from your room (especially what’s hiding under your bed), you’ll feel less stressed in the place where you need it the most – right where you sleep.
But improving your sleep goes beyond clearing the clutter. It also extends to making your bed. Those who make their beds every day or almost every day are 19% more likely to report sleeping better. Instead of untangling sheets, crawling into a made bed can help you fall asleep more quickly and rest better during the night.
Clean up Your Home for Better Health
Transforming your home into a clean, beautiful place you love doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to start with a few simple tasks and do a little more each day. Those baby steps can build up into major momentum and before long, you’ll have a sparkling home in no time.
Plus, your health will thank you!