It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more is better. Before you know it, every inch of your home is filled with clothing, electronics, books, toys, and more.
The result? A home that feels more cluttered than calm.
And when you’re cooped up inside because it’s the middle of winter, all that stuff can really bring you down.
The Psychological Benefits of Decluttering
First, let’s define what clutter actually is: Anything you do not use or love.
- Most of us know intuitively that clutter makes us feel bad, but let’s take a look at what science says about it:
- Researchers at Princeton University found that clutter actually competes for attention, with whatever our brain is trying to get done, making it difficult for us to focus and stay on task.
- Another study, done at UCLA, observed 32 families in the Los Angeles area. It found that all of the mothers’ stress hormones spiked during the time of day when they had to deal with clutter.
- A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that “noisy, crowded homes” make it harder for children to regulate their emotions.
Donate Household Goods to Charity
It’s easier than ever to donate items these days. In many communities, you can schedule a time for The Salvation Army to pick up items from your home, including bags of clothing, books, household items, and even furniture pieces like chairs or couches.
Dropping off your donation at a place like Goodwill Industries is another great option. In 2017, the nonprofit helped find employment for nearly 300,000 people. Check out this donation calculator to see the impact of what you’re giving. Donating just three pairs of jeans, for example, allows for someone to receive 28 minutes of on-the-job training.
About StorageMart
Sometimes, clutter is caused by simply having too much stuff. But there are also times when it’s caused by simply not having enough space.
The good news is that there’s a solution that’s a lot easier—and more affordable—than buying a bigger house. Renting a self storage unit can give you the extra space you need, without any kind of long-term commitment. At StorageMart, all of our units can be rented on a month-to-month basis—and they’re always clean, well-lit, and easy to use. Need more info? Check out our storage unit guide or rent a unit online today.