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Lisa Boehm

Clutter & Mental Health with Jessica Dunn

Updated: Jul 16


Clutter expert Jessica Dunn

Insights and Strategies for Midlife Moms


Clutter is a common issue that can significantly impact our mental health, especially for midlife moms juggling various responsibilities. In a recent episode of the Rising Strong podcast, we highlighted the connection between clutter and mental well-being. Our guest, a seasoned realtor with 16 years of experience, shared valuable insights on how clutter can affect us and offered practical tips to manage it. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation and some strategies to help you declutter and improve your mental health.


The Psychological Impact of Clutter


Our guest emphasized that clutter often leads to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. As a realtor, she frequently helps clients declutter their homes to prepare for listings. She notes that once the clutter is gone, homeowners often express a sense of relief and calm. They wonder why they hadn't been living clutter-free all along, highlighting how much lighter and more at home they feel without the excess stuff.

For midlife moms, the accumulation of clutter can be particularly challenging. Between managing work, household responsibilities, and caring for both children and aging parents, it’s easy to overlook the growing piles of belongings. Additionally, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, making it harder to deal with clutter.


The Clutter Epidemic: Why Midlife Moms Struggle


Clutter tends to build up over time, often without us noticing. Our guest likened this to becoming "nose blind" to odours in our home; we become blind to the clutter around us. Midlife, typically defined as ages 40 to 60, is a period filled with numerous responsibilities and changes. From career demands to family obligations, there’s a lot happening, and clutter can accumulate as a result.

Furthermore, our consumer-driven society bombards us with advertisements encouraging us to buy more. The average household has around 300,000 items, which need to be managed and maintained. This excessive consumption contributes to the clutter problem and can significantly impact mental health.


The Mental Health Tipping Point


Clutter can reach a tipping point where it becomes unmanageable, leading to increased stress and anxiety. For some, especially those with ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions, clutter can be overwhelming. Our guest mentioned that organization is a significant challenge for individuals with ADHD, as their brains struggle with executive functioning tasks. This often results in decision paralysis and the inability to start or complete tasks, further contributing to clutter.


Practical Decluttering Tips:


  1. Start Small: Begin with non-sentimental areas like a junk drawer, Tupperware cabinet, or your car’s console. Completing small tasks can build confidence and momentum.

  2. Focus on Your Belongings: Concentrate on decluttering your own items before tackling family members’ belongings. This sets an example and reduces potential conflicts.

  3. Create Designated Spaces: Ensure every item has a designated home. This makes it easier to maintain organization and reduces the chances of items becoming clutter.

  4. Involve the Family: Encourage your children to participate in decluttering. Show them where donated items go and how they help others, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.

  5. Break Tasks into Chunks: For individuals with ADHD, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can be helpful. Gamify chores to make them more engaging and rewarding.

  6. Let Go of Guilt: Understand that emotional attachments to items often stem from the memories associated with them, not the items themselves. Find meaningful ways to honor those memories, such as creating a photo book or shadow box.


Conclusion


Clutter is more than just a physical inconvenience; it has profound effects on our mental health. By taking small, manageable steps to declutter, you can create a more peaceful and organized living environment, ultimately improving your mental well-being.


For a more in-depth discussion with clutter expert Jessica Dunn plus additional strategies to manage clutter and its impact on mental health, listen to the full episode HERE and start your journey towards a clutter-free, stress-free life today.

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