We all know someone (maybe it’s you!) whose living space is a little on the cluttered side. In this instance, clutter is defined basically anything that we really don’t need that could be tossed; or, those things that we need to keep but are not filed, stored appropriately or put in the place where they “belong.”
As Professional Home Cleaners, we really love the old phrase, “a place for everything and everything in its place.” For many of us, the reality of this actually happening falls a little short of expectations. So, what is the harm of living in a perpetually cluttered environment? There are actually quite a few ways this can negatively impact one’s outlook, productivity and yes, even your health. How?
Clutter contributes to stress.
Would you be surprised to hear that science has proven that clutter is linked to higher stress, especially in women? Not surprisingly, the study done by UCLA’s Center of Everyday Lives and Families (CELF) didn’t find the same angst among the male participants, which in itself led to increased stress between battling parties unable to come to an agreement with how this clutter should be managed.
Tired all the time? Declutter your space!
There is actually scientific evidence that a cluttered environment can also negatively impact energy levels, the ability to focus and the degree to which a restful sleep can be achieved. Subjects who were able to rest in an organized and clean space were found to be able to fall asleep and achieve quality rest quicker and at a more sustained rate than were those trying to hit the hay in the midst of clutter. Wanting to sleep better, call Grace Home Cleaning for a free home cleaning estimate 402-769-0774.
Clutter hides many evils, including germs.
It’s hard to scrub a surface clean if you can’t see the surface. As more clutter piles up, cleanliness often falls short. In kitchen areas where food and dishes begin to accumulate, it’s an open invitation to pests to set up housekeeping of their own (cockroaches, anyone?). Clutter in the bathroom? If you haven’t moved that pile of towels for a few weeks proceed at your own risk. Mold and potentially harmful bacterias are multiplying.
If you’re tripping over it, it’s time to declutter.
It may sound far-fetched that your home would be so cluttered it could be a safety hazard. But, one misplaced shoe, the umbrella that didn’t get returned to the closet or the stack of unread newspapers can create the potential for someone to trip and hurt themselves. Can you imagine how horrible you’d feel if your grandmother broke a hip because you didn’t take a moment to put things in their rightful place? It could happen.
Decluttering isn’t hard once you get started. Take one counter, one cupboard, one room at a time and before you know it, your home will be a stress-free, healthier place to live. But, if you don’t know where to start, give Grace Home Cleaning a call to talk about ways our professional services can help you through the process.
Make 2018 the year your home becomes clutter-free. Call us at 402-769-0774.
