You see the fancy Instagram posts with the people who have perfectly pristine homes and you wonder why you can’t have that. No matter the type of lifestyle they seem to have on their Instagram account, it’s hard for you to imagine that there is ever a worry about clutter in their homes. I want to shed a little light on this with you and tell you some things to know about clutter that could help you in this mindset space you are in.

Firstly, if these Instagram picture-perfect people are causing you to doubt yourself and your abilities, you should probably unfollow them or delete your Instagram account altogether. Comparing your home to theirs is unfair to you and is hindering your mental health.

Secondly, I want you to understand that you are not alone in this. Clutter affects everyone at one point or another in their life. It’s not as simple as “Just clean up your house”. There is a whole other level of clutter and how it impacts people’s lives which makes it a complicated subject. There are things to know about clutter that can change your relationship with yourself, your home, and with your life.

5 Things to Know About Clutter

These mind-blowing realizations about clutter can be enough to spark some positive thinking in you. Read on to begin feeling inspired.

Clutter Doesn’t Discriminate

It doesn’t matter who you are, how much money you make, your marital status, or how old you are, clutter does not discriminate. Clutter can happen to anyone and everyone, even to those who try their best to prevent it. For some, clutter happens over time and it sneaks up on you. For others, clutter can happen overnight if you aren’t careful. No one is immune to clutter.

Clutter Happens in Seasons

I don’t mean weather seasons here; I am referring to seasons of life. There will come a point in everyone’s life when clutter has taken over your living and/or workspaces. Sometimes life gives you an abundance to handle at one time. Therefore, the tidying up falls by the wayside.

There are also seasons of having young children in the home. They are like mini tornadoes going from room to room. Cleaning up the clutter after they have just blown by seems pointless. Whatever season of life you are in, remember that clutter doesn’t define you even if you feel like it is taking over right now. Read more about how you can organize and declutter if you are in that space where you are ready to take action.

Life Changes Boost Clutter

Life happens to everyone and it is unpredictable. Sometimes life sends a tsunami (literally or figuratively) that prevents us from being able to keep up with the clutter like we usually do. If this is you and you just don’t have the mental capacity right now to clean up or prevent the clutter, it is okay!

There are times when you are just going to have to accept where life has you right now and be in the moment with the things you can handle. Clutter doesn’t need your immediate and undivided attention. When you have so many other moving parts in your life that need your attention more, clutter can wait. Again, clutter doesn’t define you.

Mental Health Impacts Clutter

It’s scientifically proven that mental health affects many areas of our life. When there is a trying period in your mental health, it can seem too draining to focus on cleaning the clutter. Your mental state can have an impact on the clutter in your life.

Some experts suggest that having a cluttered space is a symptom of a mental health disorder. This could be disorders such as depression or anxiety. If you feel like that is the case for you, then it is time to seek additional help from a mental health professional.

Clutter is Challenging for ADHD

People who have been diagnosed with ADHD have experienced challenges with decluttering and organizing. This is because it can be difficult for an ADHD individual to focus on the process without feeling overwhelmed. This leads to not being motivated to continue.

If you are someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD or has ADHD tendencies, this could be a big piece of the puzzle for you as to why clutter may be taking over your life. Luckily, I have a helpful guide that can help people with ADHD. Get the tools you need to organize your home with ADHD.

Clutter Doesn’t Define You

Now that you know the top five things about clutter, hopefully, you can allow yourself some grace when your home seems to be full of clutter. The biggest takeaway here is that you aren’t defined by clutter and having clutter doesn’t make you a bad person.

Consider your life circumstances and where you are putting your energy. If it takes time for you to move through certain seasons of life, then so be it. If clutter is a symptom of a deeper mental health issue, then it’s time to address it.

Overall, no one escapes clutter and it happens to the best of us. You are not alone. If you feel like you are ready to take action to get the clutter out of your life, but you don’t know where to start, let’s begin with a complimentary chat to make a game plan for you. I offer professional organizing services both in-person and virtually. Let’s get you to a healthier state of mind, a peaceful home, and a decluttered life.