4 Reasons to Clear the Clutter and Increase Productivity

I have problems with being productive. Often, I find myself engrossed in whatever is on the TV, or I get caught up in social media–especially Pinterest. OMG. Let’s not talk about the dreaded email trap. There are other times when I just cannot focus on my To-Do list. 

Do you ever feel like that?

Like you just can’t focus enough to get anything done? 

Clutter could be part of the issue. 

When you’re surrounded by stuff, knick-knacks, and things you don’t use anymore, it’s difficult to feel serene in your own space. This makes it difficult to get into a flow state and do effective work. 

Here are four reasons clearing out your clutter will improve your mental clarity and your ability to get more done: 

1. Clear Surroundings Equal a Clear Mind

People thrive in clean, spacious, and organized environments. I know I do. It’s hard to relax in a room that feels cramped and disordered. Having lots of odds and ends lying around is stressful, not to mention unsightly. Whether you realize it, clutter takes up your mental bandwidth. Cleaning up allows you to get into a calm and focused state of mind. 

2. Goodbye Clutter Goodbye Mental Stress

A cluttered space can leave you feeling as if your life is a little out of control. Important things get lost, papers get misfiled, bills that need to be paid risk becoming overdue. Clutter can become a never-ending cycle. Designate a place and “train” others in your household to return items to their proper place. Paring back your belongings and keeping them neatly sorted will help you find everything you need, right when you need it. 

3. Declutter to Improve Your Health

When you declutter, your mind enters a more positive state, and that can-do frame of mind carries over into other areas of your life. You’re more likely to take care of your body if you take a few minutes to tidy up your space. People feel more optimistic and have more energy when they spend time in a clean, non-cluttered environment. If your surroundings make you feel better on a day-to-day basis, you’ll make more of an effort to exercise and cook healthy meals instead of ordering takeout and watching TV. 

4. A Sense of Control

Humans need a sense of control over something to be happy. I think we all understand we cannot control everything in our surroundings. But we can control the amount of clutter in our homes, our cars, and our office space(s). Keeping your personal space clear and clutter-free gives you a sense of happiness and pride. 

I feel better able to handle the day’s tasks when I take a few minutes to organize and put away the myriad of papers and other things that seem to find their way to my desk. 

Takeaway 

Decluttering is an effective technique for improving your life in several ways. One major benefit is that it can help you focus better. When you make it a habit and a regular part of your life, you’ll find you’re getting more done at work and adopting healthier habits at home and at work. Your surroundings influence your mind, so why not declutter to set yourself up for success?