When Clutter and Decluttering Cause Anxiety and What We Can Do About It

[@Guammaine]

This is the very reason I began a minimalistic lifestyle 3 years ago. I got rid of literally a 3br houseful of stuff. And the difference has been amazing and peaceful. And I have little kids so it was really scary at first. But ended up being the best decision for us.

[@mariamercado-domagas157]

I get anxious and I want to throw everything OUT But you calm me down😁

[@conshyp]

I feel this. I have a messy wife and kids, and the clutter anxiety really gets to me. And when I find time for decluttering, I just want to toss everything in the trash. But when I start to, I get a guilty feeling that I should be donating this, selling it, or shouldn’t be getting rid of it 😔

[@ellenh278]

Ok so I'm not the only one that gets a racing heart facing certain tasks (usually paperwork and phone calls). Good to know. Makes you feel a little weird.

[@simonanardi4312]

❤️🌸❤️🌸❤️

[@nudibranch1379]

Paperwork and phone calls, the bane of my life. Now I know I’m not alone. Thank you.

[@britzel71]

No, you're definitely not! I thought it was just me... having to make needed phone calls and deal with paperwork etc makes me get shake inside and depending on what it is I'll put it off till this is right or that is right....😖

[@chrissearcher3563]

Some days are better than others. Phone calls are hard. Paperwork is overwhelming.

[@staciearagon5394]

Great video! Why is it that just doing the dishes makes the whole house feel better? Based on the advice to get the dishes done everyday, that is where I started. And slowly over time other areas of my home have gotten better too. I sort of focus on maintenance and not forward progress, however, when I take a look around, the forward progress is happening slowly all on its own. And to think it all started just because I did the dishes daily, even if I did nothing else.

[@lynneanthony168]

There is hope!!

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Great testimony!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Yes!! Thank you for sharing Stacie! It’s those small daily habits that move us in the direction we want to go.

[@Cc-ux9pf]

Good going 👏 I'm gonna try this too

[@maryb3909]

Thank you for saying "we" instead of "you" during the video. I feel like I'm part of a community of like minded people. It's too easy to think I'm the only one with the problem and everyone else has it together, you know?

[@sarahj87]

Wow thank you, I often feel like I have to declutter everything at once or it will never get done!

[@loriwhitbord9860]

Thank you for the permission to go for progress instead of perfection. I am now aware this is where I have been stuck.

[@audreyhertz301]

I love having my dishes done. It is so peaceful even if the rest of my apartment looks like a war zone. I think this weekend after I do laundry, I will see what I can get cleaned up in my bedroom. It is a hot mess in there.

[@karenbaily]

Hi Audrey, I have found that if I treat my bed like the dishes and just make the bed every morning it has the same calming effect in the bedroom as doing the dishes has in the kitchen. 😊

[@audreyhertz301]

@@karenbaily Good to know! I will have to try that. Thanks!

[@kalayne6713]

The main things I got from this are to breathe and that I am not defined by my cluttered house. I am so much more and I can breathe my way through the decluttering process prior to moving house. Going gently is so much better for me than getting the whip out.

[@FrenchTwist]

Retirement equals no routine. That enabled procrastination. Getting out of bed at noon enables me to avoid facing the clutter and chaos. The late start contributes to the lack of progress, productivity and adds to the guilt.

[@marymarvel9078]

I am in the same boat. I thought that after I retired I would have so much time. Before I retired my house was cluttered but clean. Now it’s a complete mess. We stay up until the wee hours and it’s 3 pm before we start moving. By that time I feel it’s too late to start anything. I have given tons of stuff away and have tons more. I never made the connection between clutter and anxiety and depression. I am honestly working on my problems. I never knew that so many people are dealing with this problem. I am so grateful that I stumbled on to this decluttering channel. I love the advice and inspiration. I also love to read everyone’s comments. I don’t feel alone anymore and I feel hopeful that I can accomplish my goals.

[@bearbeitertollhaus8771]

Thank you for all your advice. I started to clean the kitchen before going to bed. And I love getting up and start the new day fresh. Now I try to declutter....not that easy...but I try. Thank you and greetings from across the Atlantic.

[@poodlegirl55]

I needed to hear this tonight. I had 5 surgeries and have been ill for 14 months. I just got the all clear from my Dr. at Mayo clinic one week ago and I am already doing way way too much. I'm stressing myself and my husband out. I need to slow down, it will all get done. Thank you.

[@wam417]

Sometimes i fell overwhelmed with my grand kids and housework. I have to force myself to relax. thank you for the tips!

[@simonanardi4312]

I want to tell you that I feel how much you feel this, how much you have suffered and maybe still struggle. Thank you so much!!!! 🙏 ❤️ 🌸

[@eileenlester4342]

It also depresses me...😪

[@jom6320]

This may be a year old but needed to hear this. At 64 retired nurse i just can't do it all anymore. Cry easily sometimes but do take supplements have to do only one job at a time. Now no longer 6 things at once. One project at a time helps. Great information. Thank you

[@lindasevers5109]

Wow. I have had so many of those feelings you mentioned at the beginning. Now that I am packing to move the overwhelm is so intense. I needed your idea of one peaceful place in my home because every part has been torn apart to declutter and donate and pack. Then I haven't put things back because that's the opposite of packing things up, right? Maybe I need to just finish one room as much as possible and get the boxes out of that space. Rethinking this!

[@lynnfarber6474]

Thank you. This was lovely, kind, caring and a very helpful reminder. I really appreciated it. Cordially, Lynn

[@barbaracardoza9786]

I am almost constantly feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff in my apartment. With limited access to the clubhouse laundry room, I resort to hand washing and drip drying almost all of my clothing. I am grateful for all of your excellent advice.

[@suebowen3077]

Another great video. Clutter definitely makes me feel anxious. I'm slowly decluttering and getting rid of stuff, and its making a big difference to how i feel. I started with my craft room (as that was the messiest! ) It's gone from absolute chaos to tidy and organised, and i feel calm and relaxed in there now. Plus i know where everything is now!

[@celesteg1088]

I can so relate to all you are saying. You must know who I am. 😀 I’m so discouraged and I do feel it will never be done. I’m 54 and feel older. I feel like I won’t be able to do this before my time is up. I do feel paralyzed and the biggest part is letting go of my kids childhood. 🙁

[@lynneanthony168]

I feel exactly the same way. It's overwhelming....I really like hearing how she did it .

[@celesteg1088]

Hi Lynne. I agree. I just found her channel recently. She is a blessing!

[@crazygreenlady7907]

My mum kept things from my childhood and passed them to me...they have been a burden and have brought me to tears because I don't know what to do with them. Witnessing this my teenagers have encouraged me to break the cycle and not keep their old stuff that may burden them in the future. That was a powerful motivation for me to not be sentimental about 'stuff'. If one day I want to play the same game or read the same book to my grandchild I can track it down on Ebay, and in the intervening decades some other unknown children have been enjoying the things I've donated.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

@CrazyGreen Lady - how wonderful that your teens have encouraged you in this way! ❤️

[@MakeupDrShariSmith]

So glad I found your channel! Dealing with depression and anxiety, the clutter has felt paralyzing. Your videos give me hope!

[@barbarahvilivitzky6747]

Excellent content, thanks. My sinks are my passion. If they are shiny and clear/clean when I wake up I keep them that way all day. What a difference it makes. Same with downstairs bathroom, which company would use. I keep this shiny everyday, and the laundry area in there too. A girl friend told me once that she was delighted to see her reflection in the faucet! I appreciate all the advice and encouragement I get here, and from the comments. I do get discouraged when it takes so long!!!

[@sweetteajesus6267]

Thank you for this video addressing anxiety as well as clutter.

[@JJSolitude]

I retrained myself to change my view of certain cluttered spaces as "Happy Piles." I call them happy piles because if I can allow those piles to sit there and not have to solve them, then I'm happier and can learn to let go. One example is, when shoes are cluttered and messy by the front door, I don't need to straighten them and put everything away. I now call it a "happy pile" and leave it alone. It takes some practice but seeing the unkempt areas as purposely constructed untouched training lessons, I can learn to let go, thus finding more meaningful habits to develop. Yes, I eventually will clean up those shoes, or find a better system, but in the mean time I refuse to let that mess control my time of relaxation, or honoring myself by delving in more important endeavors.

[@gabriellemona32]

Beautifully said.

[@momof2momof2]

100% true. Getting fresh oxygen to the brain is so important, as are eating well, exercising and relaxing as you go 🥰💐🌷🌺🌼🌵🌞🏜️💗

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Rachel I so appreciated this video because I think breathing is something many people do not understand when it comes to stress. James Nestor's 2020 book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art speaks to this very issue!

[@dotsyjmaher]

I was really having a bad day...your video popped up and I feel SO much better.. Thank you SO MUCH!❤️

[@Nourishingminimalism]

❤️❤️

[@dotsyjmaher]

@@Nourishingminimalism I woke up last night from a terrible nightmare...I went into the kitchen..THE SINK WAS CLEAN AND SHINY! I was able to calm down and focus I REALLY appreciate your videos... am making slow but steady progress... You are really helping a lot of people❤️

[@annemccabe1714]

Dear Dorothy, we all have good & bad days, I find it feels good when I take something to a charity shop, there is a saying, : a man who removes a mountain, begins by removing small stone's! Yard by yard it's hard, inch by inch it's a cinch! Kind regards 2u hope today is better for you.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Great video!!! You keep getting better and better. I haven't seen this topic addressed so well on any other channel. Thank you. So many great tips. A month or so into my decluttering, I realized I NEEDED, not just wanted, NEEDED a sanctuary space. I gave myself that gift. One room that gets used, but also stays tidied. Honestly, that turned out to be the best thing I could have done for myself to curb anxiety. (The bathroom was already clutter free, but that wasn't really what I had in mind.😂)

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😂 That's so great! And I'm glad your retreat area isn't the bathroom too. :-)

[@arielkhkh3044]

Oh my goodness! This is such wonderful, WISE advice on how to get through the awful feelings of anxiety. Thank you for such a useful and encouraging message!! I can use this in many areas, not just when working on decluttering. ♡♡♡

[@terricarver4873]

I’m so benefited every time I watch one of your videos. This time it was the breathing exercises that I found most helpful. TYSM! 🌹

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Terri❤️

[@nadinefrandsen6087]

I’m very familiar with breathing like this. It’s somewhat similar to getting through labor, as well. I actually get anxiety when I’m trying on clothes in a dressing room. Just breathe.

[@scarletletter2847]

This is wonderful advice for anxiety caused by almost anything. Thanks!

[@maineiacts]

💖👼🌹Thank You Rachel!!!.Spot On! The only challenge is betting the Mr. on board!!! Half the clutter belongs to him!!!!! Big time hoarder👀 Organising would really help, but I don't feel its an extra task to be burdened with... So, here is the basis/ title of your next episode..When Your Spouse Is an out of Control ( OCD) Hoarder and never takes care of it.!! Any flat spot in the house is a prime target, and it bets liked on top of another. I admit, I board books and recyclables thinking I can use the refuse ( cleaned of course) for emergency storage or for crafting I have been finally taking some go the recycle bins..a start at least. But many books we own still sit stacked on the floor. Not getting rid of them. As soon as some other glitter is moved, we need book cases..Little, by little I am working on solutions...and I better all, because our towns annual library book sale is finally happening in a few months!!! 😅😅😅😂😂😎🤔😮 Take Care!!🙋💖

[@catchison8671]

Bless you and thank you for sharing this great video 🙏🏻💙👏🏻

[@qormi1000]

So true. Thank you very much. It's like you were telling my story :)

[@adz5bneweng589]

I find the 5-4-3-2-1 system (from Mel Robbins) extremely helpful!

[@barbaracardoza9786]

I live in a "SRO" (Single Resident Occupancy) studio apartment. No dishwasher and have limited availability to use the clubhouse laundry room (Mondays ; excluding holidays through Fridays from 8 AM until 4:30 PM. Last load of laundry at 2:30 PM

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That’s challenging ❤️

[@susancrawford5927]

Management needs to consider having longer hours for the laundry, until say 8:00pm

[@barbaracardoza9786]

They are not willing/able to acquire staff for longer hours of operation. My neighbors also have piles of dirty laundry.

[@barbaracardoza9786]

Thank you for your channel. I am working to reduce my amount of stuff. I also watch channels with storage "solutions". I need to keep some "joyful" items.

[@ccl005jn]

So helpful. Thank you for sharing.

[@Sonia-zf3ho]

Always wait for ur videos....loved how u explain things in a clear and crisp way...once u told which helped me immensely...that if something is bothering me then that's my problem and I have to do something abt it ..I can't just yell at family members....so whenever I get a lil irritated I think of those words

[@juliesnell2570]

Love your videos! Thanks 😊

[@dianatapia-wrighted.d.4893]

I love that.. a visual to do list.. yes, my anxiety does go up with the mess..

[@homemakingwithdenise]

Hi Rachel, great information. Take a breath. I like it.

[@cadena141]

I always watch videos like this because they are so interesting to me. Lack of what minimalists probably would call clutter actually makes me feel anxious. Just looking at the background of this video makes me sad. But, I still try to have a place for everything - that's what helps me.

[@dancemad1000]

Another spot on video. Thank you!!

[@MindyourMatters]

Excellent video! Thanks for the tips!

[@Z.Creatrix]

Thank you. So much. I immensely appreciate you sharing this.

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Excellent video, Rachel. Thank you very much

[@kristiann9816]

You share such wise words and spot-on recommendations! Everyone can benefit from your advice, not just those of us wishing to declutter. I really appreciate what you're doing here.

[@cottagemommy5116]

Thanks!

[@GradKat]

Great advice as usual!

[@travelwell6049]

I wish with all my heart that people would stop buying me clutter gifts. I’ve just had my birthday and now I’m already feeling super anxious about Christmas that I’ll just have more clutter unloaded on me. I normally immediately donate stuff charity but for my birthday I was given something with my (unusual) name on, so I don’t see how I can donate it to charity.

[@Justno-hm3vk]

Thank you. This helped me today.

[@sharonshmuel3386]

This was excellent thanks lol ❤️

[@simonanardi4312]

I’m asking a question before watching the video: isn’t it the other way round...? For me it feels most like my clutter protects me from something while decluttering, or - even worse - when someone else means to “tidy up” the spaces I use (which for me, by the way, is quite a no-go) feels like fearfully and painfully giving up this protection.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

I think it's both. Clutter causes anxiety and decluttering causing anxiety. There is security with having stuff around us, but it also requires a lot of us. ❤️

[@annemccabe1714]

Think of how much stuff do we really need, is it a want, or is it something that makes us happy?

[@jannajacob219]

I know exactly how you feel. I'm still working on this inside, but I am doing better. For me, some of the mess is because of multiple physical problems, but a lot is from buried issues. When I uncover the floor, or furniture, or closet space it feels like exposing my traumas in an un- natural way by force which then leads to re-creating the clutter and mess seemingly without conscious effort. So, now I work at exposing the traumas to the light and healing them, then it is much more natural to clear out the physical problems in the house. Just this week I spent 3days going to through a lot of stuff in a closet and boxing things up for donation or throwing them out. Every night I had very uncomfortable dreams when I could actually sleep (which wasn't much). However, I do feel better now and will tackle some more next week. I know now that if I am feeling panicky or really uncomfortable about it then I need to let go of the root cause in me that is causing the fear and shame. It's both simple and difficult when you start, but it does get easier. Good luck on your journey and I am sure that you will succeed. Just be kind to yourself and love yourself.

[@PositivelyVibeN]

My issue is with rearranging furniture, there is 1 way I love the look but once its put that way I have deep anxiety and end up moving it back to the way I had it , which doesn't look as nice visually, do you have any tips to possibly help

[@alaskanman825]

I have ADHD and my wife has bad anxiety. Not an easy combo

[@marythomas6543]

🌻❤️🌷🌞❤️

[@shellylen]

Absolutely not. As soon as I open my eyes, its there. The clutter is not me, its them. They DON'T CLEAN.

[@jom9489]

Would you share about your tattoos? There has to be a story.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

There are 10 lines, for all my children. 6 black lines with the first initial of my living children and 4 white lines with hearts representing miscarriages. ❤️

[@jom9489]

@@Nourishingminimalism That's beautiful. Miscarriage is so painful. May your heart be healed. Thanks for all that you do, Rachel.