Let's talk about personal space, clutter and how it can affect us. Now there are three kinds of people in this world.
The kind of person I am trying to be: Clean and organized, those people who have their shit together (at least they seem like it). The person that I actually am: cluttered, not dirty, but not at all organized. And then... well we all know that other kind of person. They're kinda just.. gross. No offense. Usually they're bachelors. They can't help it. And really as long as people are not wallowing in filth that can spread disease, that's okay.
But let's face it, most of us would love to have color coded closets, and completely minimalist empty tables and bookshelves (or movie shelves) that are alphabetized and whatnot. Which would be great. And it's a totally realistic idea, if you don't have kids, and if you have lots of time, and the means to maintain it. Which means everything is literally not touched unless it's being dusted.)
I don't know about you guys, but I don't live that way. Plus I've got a one year old, and she dominates everything within her grasp. And as soon as she learns how to walk without holding onto furniture (she's barely one), I have a feeling my house is going to constantly be a state of "Toddler Was Here."
Which is ok. Because I have taken action. Proactively. To teach her to be organized and clean as she grows up. You see. My childhood, I was raised with a mom... who was a bit of a hoarder. And not like in the show "Hoarders" kind of way. It was more like clutter - Keep the plastic containers of yogurt and sour cream because we can reuse them. Or Hey! We can make something out of this pretty glass bottle! Recycling is great - but there came a point where it became too much.
And honestly it kind of stressed me out as a kid. And I took the habit with me as an adult. It wasn't until recently when I had kind of a break through. I don't have to KEEP those containers to recycle. And I don't have to keep all of the old clothes I don't wear any more to make anything out of them. I could you know... just donate them. Or turn them into cleaning rags.
And so I purged. I purged my closet and purged my house. And now I'm mostly rid of trash. Things I don't want. And the funny thing is I needed to do that anyway. Because I'm remodeling you know. you can't remodel with a bunch of crap laying around. And the weird thing is... I super enjoyed the purging process. I ended up watching a bunch of Marie Kondo's "Tidying Up." I learned new things.
And then I did research on the psychological affects that tidying up could have.
The effects of clutter can stress someone out. It can make you lose sleep. It can heighten anxiety. Depression can be amplified or even manifested. It can cause tension within family members in the home. It can do the same for children too - except a little bit worse - they're psyche is a little more fragile than an adults after all.
And... I honestly can say it's true. From PERSONAL experience.
First and foremost. I've slept better. Just knowing that I dont have a shit ton of CRAP to sift through in the morning to find something to wear. And I don't have to worry knowing that everything has it's place. I will admit, I'm still working on it, but I'm only human. Besides its way easier to clean someone else's house then your own. And again I'm remodeling.
But my depression since I have started to do a total clean out my house has lessened. My anxiety the feeling of being overwhelmed the minute I walk into my house has gone - and while my house is still not perfect - it's a progressing work in progress.
So if you are feeling any of these things. You may need to de-clutter and get rid of excess things. You may just need a little bit more space.
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