Clutter can be a subtle & significant source of psychological distress…Yet it is rarely recognized. Whether it is junk lying on your bedroom floor or junk in your mind, clutter steals time and energy because it represents delayed decisions and actions — it is a visual form of procrastination.
Procrastination leads to disorganization which then leads to conflict either internal, external or both. If you live alone, every time you walk in your front door, you likely have an inner battle with yourself about finding time to tidy up your mess.
1. Clutter distracts you...
by drawing your attention away from what your focus should be on. In fact you become overwhelmed in trying to figure out your priorities are and the sequence of tasks at hand.
2. Clutter makes you anxious...
You're never sure what it's going to take to get through to the bottom of the pile. This may lead to feeling inadequate and just giving up all together.
3. Clutter frustrates you...
by preventing you from locating what you need quickly. e.g. keys swallowed up by the clutter, important documents, medication or clothes.
4. Clutter creates feelings of guilt...
- ("I should be more organized") and embarrassment, especially when others unexpectedly drop by your home or work space.
5. Clutter inhibits creativity and productivity...
by invading the open spaces that allow most people to think, brainstorm, and problem solve. You become a captive of your own mess and disorganization causing stagnation.