Psychological Effects of Clutter

Learn all about the psychological effects of clutter (according to science!) and how it might be impacting your life right now. Get nerdy with me about the link between our stuff...and our mind.
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[@tanithbramhill7431]

Living at home with my mum who likes to call it her "comforting clutter" actually really impacts my mental and emotional health, and I wish she had more awareness of it. I'm trying to learn more about where it stems from, so thank you for explaining.

[@1kennylo]

Emotional attachment I assume

[@tomaszwyszkowski2253]

The best thing ever happened to our family is decluttering/minimalism. We are on that journey for 4 years now, with 5 growing children is never ending process, but it's sooooo much more easier to keep up when we only have things we use.

[@docmast4959]

Thank you. But Eeee. This is stressing me because you may be right and now I have to take action. Thanks.

[@MiaDanielle]

You got this!

[@neo5kali]

Actually, the reason my home is such a bloody mess is because I work in private industry and every spare moment and the weekends for the past 2-3 years has been devoted to work so much so that I barely showered or even washed my face or did laundry. I had no longer cooked and just grabbed takeout, then went to my computer to get more paperwork done sometimes burning the midnight oil since many of us work remote. This is the reality for many people who work in private industry. Then, because California is an at-will contract state and when my company's task order had been completed with no more money left in the budget, I was recently laid off. I'm now into my second week of layoff. The first week I got sick and laid in bed exhausted and was knocked out from a bad cold which I'm still recovering from. Now, I am decluttering and taking care of all the disrepair which I hadn't been able to deal with due to lack of time. My work had been impeccable, but my home life wasn't. And the imbalance I blame all on the modern way of life with employers dumping more work on their employees rather than hire more people to assist with the work overload.

[@katharinadavis9474]

Oh Mia you did a phenomenal job explaining the psychology behind it! Other you tubers only touch on it. I do feel defeated by clutter even though I regularly sort things out and stopped buying and bringing stuff I to the house years ago. I am now downscaling to a minimalist level. During the pandemic I got an overwhelming feeling of “needing space” - physical, emotional, mental. I do not want to take care of so many things anymore and spend less time cleaning. I also have ADD and get frustrated by a messy environment. Have you heard of the “Silent to do list” by Fumio Sasaki? Please keep posting. I love your videos!

[@MiaDanielle]

Thank you so much for these kind words and ideas! I have not heard of the 'Silent to do list'- is it good? I'm always looking for fresh ideas :)

[@melissahoneybee8493]

@@MiaDanielle Fumio Sasaki is the author of the book Goodbye Things, in which he talks about the “silent to do list”. It is all of those projects, hobbies, repairs, maintenance that our possessions require of us such that even if they’re out of sight in a cupboard, we are aware that they are there and needing our attention. It’s particularly powerful for dealing with “fantasy self” ideals. I highly recommend it.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Great information and comments here. I have a cluttered space and part of the reason for that is there's simply too many things to do and to think about --- and I'm tired. Still I can deliberately take blocks of time to tidy up and put things in their places as I go along. Space and time management are a help. --- I particularly like the part in the video in which it was mentioned the brain can focus on only one thing at a time. I don't know who said it, maybe Joshua Becker, but someone said that multi-tasking is really multi-distracting. It's not good for us. --- Yes. Children are affected by the clutter of the adults. I recall a "Hoarders" episode in which a man was hoarding while his wife's sister was encouraging a divorce; hurting rather than the helping the situation. Turns out the wife was a hoarder too and a big part of the clutter came from her. The couple had a son who was only three years old and the child was using a toy broom trying to bring some order to his environment. How sad!

[@jamesdaceyjr8857]

Excellent video Mia !! Great insight and yes I too, enjoy just looking at the cleared-out clean organized closet, kitchen, and living room, there is so much peace in seeing so much less in my home. Love your videos.

[@quidagis33]

Thank you for making this clip!

[@MiaDanielle]

You’re welcome 😊

[@theresewalters1696]

I agree with you. Exactly what I've thought for a long time. This is the best way to begin. Unfortunately I live with someone who is not motivated as I am.

[@MiaDanielle]

That can definitely be challenging

[@amy2284]

Same here but I’ve just been clearing my space - ie closet and certain rooms. My hubby is a bit messy for sure but there is very few things around that he began putting stuff away too in the drawers. I made it as easy to put away his shaver and shaving cream as it is to keep it out. Plus it takes me 5 seconds to throw it myself in. Ahhh clear counters

[@MiaDanielle]

I actually released a video last week on how to get your partner on board with decluttering if you haven't checked it out yet!

[@kimberlyguillen7324]

I have been looking for this answer to my Why is my place such a mess when I know how to clean? I had to know I wasn't losing my mind and all that you say in this video let me know that I was right the whole time. I feel a little better knowing that I am not alone going through this. I thank you for this and have order your starter kit and also will have the checklist to use until I get you starter kit. Thank you so much for saving my mind from stressing out.

[@MiaDanielle]

I love seeing this, Kimberly! So glad you stopped to share and you are most definitely not alone ❤️

[@vivianhudacek1556]

Enjoyed this video!

[@MiaDanielle]

Awesome, thank you!

[@viviangautier2160]

I am in the process of decluttering and it feels so good when I see the pile of things and the empty spaces in closet and drawers.😍

[@MiaDanielle]

Love it!

[@claudiamunoz7143]

Good morning, God bless you and your family. I want to thank you for helping and giving advice to people like me with the challenges we have in our minds. I thank you for giving us support encouragement and confidence. Thank you 🙏🏻 because it’s making me cry of knowing that I can and helping me to change. Our minds are strong and important enough to make us change our lives in many ways. Thank you 🙏🏻 for helping our minds brains to change.

[@surdogal]

Very well explained, thank you. I feel motivated to make a start now I understand what the benefits will be 😊

[@MiaDanielle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariadionisiodionisio3062]

Great advice so many people need help I’m helping people with too much stuff and no one is happy, thanks ♥️♥️♥️

[@MiaDanielle]

Thanks Maria- good luck!

[@COKER6969]

Wow this is the best video ive found on this subject. This is exactly what I needed to work up the motivation to set things in order. Everything else ive found has just been so frustrating and lacking in an actual explanation.

[@lisamedeiros7581]

Very interesting. Makes sense. Thanks for sharing

[@MiaDanielle]

Thanks for watching!

[@WildKraftyAotearoa]

Wonderful!!!

[@vikkienos8030]

Very useful information - thank you.

[@MiaDanielle]

Of course, thank you :)

[@ropehorses617]

AWESOME VIDEO

[@MiaDanielle]

Rope Horses thank you 😊

[@jessicalatorraca8507]

My habitat... 😂 Love it. Thanks for all the science & psychology!!!

[@MiaDanielle]

Right? it is your habitat 😂

[@CaseyGCreates]

Good to know! Thanks for the translation of that quote 😂

[@MiaDanielle]

Casey G. Creates haha yeah, it’s a long one!

[@irmabronder]

Interesting Mia. Thank you for this lovely video. ❤

[@MiaDanielle]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@connie_comb2455]

Great video

[@MiaDanielle]

Thank you :)

[@indyd9322]

Insightful video on clutter! Thank you

[@MiaDanielle]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed :)

[@aowens2790]

Thank you 😊

[@MiaDanielle]

No problem :)

[@song8777]

Even though our house wasn't cluttered, growing up, I remember one year my brother asking if we could make the house look better, instead of going on vacation. Things were so mix-matched, we kids would notice feeling stressed/anxiety from it.

[@MiaDanielle]

Wow, that’s pretty mature of your brother!

[@miaschu7614]

I have too much materials for creative crafts. I'm not going to get rid of them yet, as I feel desperate to create. I don't because there's too much clutter! So, I'm getting rid of the clutter that won't make me feel happy, so that I can start creating. Clothes that don't fit, or I don't feel comfortable wearing, books I don't want to read, gifts that I'll never use (although I was very happy to receive

[@raquelmartinsMe]

Crying a lot watching this video!!!!🥺

[@viviangautier2160]

Hi Mia! love your channel ❤️ suggestion 😊 you should show the spaces of your house that you talk about, like your closet. I would love to see what you do with your different spaces so I can use some ideas! 😉 Do you have a home tour video? I was looking for it but I did not find it.

[@MiaDanielle]

I'm in the process of working on that right now actually! It was planned to be last month but then we started making some changes and so it's still on the docket. :)

[@kathyorourke9273]

I LOVE watching Netflix and eating Cheetos on the couch! In fact, my couch (sofa) is Cheeto colored. I understand your points though. Thanks.

[@catfish9539]

How did you know I literally text a friend saying I was at breaking point. I cleared the lounge well the floor the other day for a tree that will clutter it even more soon. My family came home and in 24 hours it’s trashed. Stuff all over the floor and chairs. Every room in my house has piles and stuff that is around the edge and clutter everywhere. My family are so untidy too. I’m so over it.

[@MiaDanielle]

Hang in there❤️

[@barbarahatfield8027]

Y’a I’m working on my pj . I mostly take out my clothes out the day before

[@sharonjohanna7261]

Amazing video. How do I start??.

[@MiaDanielle]

Hi Sharon! Thanks for reaching out 😊 You can start by taking tiny little steps each day to reduce the clutter, you can optin to some of my freebies to help give you a starting place (there's also several years worth of helpful videos on my channel), or if you're ready to go all in and transform your space (and by default, your life), you can jump into my course, Clutter Cure! Let me know where you're at and I can point you in the right direction.

[@dannydimes289]

Just discovered you after losing my temper with my son about how his room gets trashed out with food rappers, clothes under bed, floor covered with everything and anything. However my bathroom has clothes all over it, the kitchen sink and counters are filled with dirty dishes, kitchen table filled with several projects. Work full time and am a single mom am very busy then spend weekend cleaning and being angry. How does this stop? Can't keep up. Exhausted and angry and feel sorry for my son.

[@thefictionkitten]

I got called out in this video HARD. But that’s okay, I’m here to learn and to take action! I’ve been really stressed and depressed for a long time and watching your videos lately has been helping me discern a real pattern of behavior!

[@MiaDanielle]

Hey, awareness is the first step right?! Happy to have you here :)

[@24muneca3]

I always thought if i had to get up and move i don't want to have to drag hella baggage

[@MiaDanielle]

Totally agree

[@amy2284]

So helpful thank you…definitly neuroplasticity is true… our neuro pathways change when we change our environment

[@MiaDanielle]

I could talk about that all day!

[@itsallaboutnothing2672]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@koko137591]

🖐🏼🙂

[@tynishabradley8233]

I’m trying to figure out why I have a tendency to clutter and then feel overwhelmed and defeated, difficult to motivate to clean up

[@MiaDanielle]

Well, I'll have a LOT of videos starting the year about that :)

[@zoilo87]

My mom and dad buy things that are not necessary like big round tables,trays,multiple chairs that our house only 200sqm floor size. This is the most stressful thing that i suffer everyday everytime that i declutter it sparks conflict. What should i gonna do?!

[@MiaDanielle]

That does sound stressful. I think how you handle it really depends on your family dynamics. I think a conversation is always a good place to start though

[@zoilo87]

@@MiaDanielle WHAT DO YOU DO IF THEY WONT LISTEN TO YOU?

[@seemedecrazymuse]

I need to get back to doing cursive more... I thought the video was "The psychological effects of butter" first glance, lol

[@MiaDanielle]

😂

[@reneenicole3366]

Me too! Lol

[@amy7494]

Can I give this video 100 likes? 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@oneofakindlifestyle]

I love this video. Im showing this to my teenage kids (17/16) ASAP! Ive been trying to tell them but obviously they think I just want em to do chores 😂 This video is for all stages of life. 🤍

[@MiaDanielle]

I'm so glad! hope it goes over well :)

[@oneofakindlifestyle]

@@MiaDanielle It did, I paused every so often and explained some things. They realy enjoyed it and have even quoted some things. Im so happy. Thank you, keep making these amazing videos 🥳😘🧡