During the fall of each year I find myself in a state of gathering and nesting. Like the rise of the tide, throughout the winter months stuff accumulates. This time of year, as we naturally start to shed layers, I feel the urge to purge.
Not only the urge to purge, but the urge to reorganize. Lao Tzu says: "Thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, character becomes your destiny." What are the behaviors that are defining your destiny? I take the phrase “set your house in order” as a literal guide to self improvement.
The weight of over-accumulated things cannot be seen, but it is absolutely felt. When your daily surroundings at home include clutter and disorganization, as natural as breathing, your body automatically responds to these stimuli in your physical environment.
A disorganized environment triggers the body’s stress response by:
Increasing your Heart Rate and Blood Pressure – Clutter activates the sympathetic nervous system, our “fight or flight” response, leading to an increased heart rate and blood pressure. This puts the body into a mild but persistent state of stress.
Cognitive Overload and Impaired Focus – Neuroscientists at Princeton University found that too many visual stimuli (like clutter) compete for attention, making it harder for the brain to focus and process information efficiently. This can lead to mental fatigue, irritability, and reduced productivity.
Poor Sleep Quality – Research published in the journal Sleep indicates that people who sleep in cluttered bedrooms are more likely to experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. The subconscious awareness of mess and disorganization can keep the brain in a heightened state of alertness.
Increased Anxiety and Avoidance Behaviors – A UCLA study found that mothers living in cluttered homes had higher stress hormone levels throughout the day, leading to heightened anxiety and a tendency to avoid spaces that felt overwhelming, rather than addressing the mess.
When you start your day digging through unfolded laundry, untangling flat iron cords, rummaging through the bathroom vanity drawers for your favorite comb, or find your electric toothbrush or personal groomer battery dead, that sets the tone for the rest of your day.
By organizing our space, we’re not just tidying up—we’re giving our bodies and minds a chance to breathe, reset, and find calm. A tidy home provides space for new possibilities and personal growth. And isn't that precisely what a home should do?
Our lives are continuous acts of improvement and like life, a tidy home is a journey, not a destination. There are loads of organization books with step by step guides available and often local service providers to help. Start small and continue the actions as they will become habits, ultimately leading you to a greater destiny!
Jessica Soldner
