In the early days of quarantine, I frequently exchanged enticing images of pristine, organized spaces with a close friend. Our snapshots of clutter-free kitchens and tidy play areas, tagged with #OrganizationGoals, sparked joy and alleviated anxiety in both of us. His enthusiasm for my photos of an orderly living room filled me with satisfaction, even as we both knew that this state of serenity wouldn’t last long.
Fast forward to today, and it feels like I’ve been living in a cluttered environment for an eternity. The mess seems overwhelming, and I often find myself walking through the house grumbling about the sheer volume of belongings we have. It makes me wonder if early pioneers were constantly frustrated with their children leaving toys scattered throughout their homes.
I can hardly recall the last time I captured a truly organized picture. Instead, my photos resemble chaotic scenes that reflect my mental state, leaving me nostalgic for the structured living and working environment I had before the pandemic. In those pre-pandemic days, dropping the kids off at school or camp provided me with a brief window to tidy up and create a focused workspace. Now, however, distractions abound, with the persistent weight of ‘COVID clutter’ hanging over me. If you feel the urge to purge your home, know that you are not alone—and there is scientific backing for these feelings.
Research indicates that a disorganized home or workspace can chemically impact our brains, leading to heightened anxiety and distraction. While some individuals thrive in chaos, I am not one of them. Visual clutter diverts my attention from tasks, leaving me mentally exhausted. As noted by psychotherapist and professional organizer Linda Carver, “Order is comforting because it allows our brains to function more efficiently.”
The pandemic has exacerbated the sense of instability, amplifying my need for order and certainty. Clutter triggers cortisol production, a stress hormone that, when elevated over prolonged periods, can lead to detrimental health effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Living in constant disarray keeps us in a state of heightened alertness, which is harmful to both mental and physical well-being. Consequently, we may resort to escapism—sleeping, overeating, or binge-watching shows—as coping mechanisms.
Moreover, it’s noteworthy that gender dynamics play a role in how clutter affects us. A study from UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives of Families revealed that women reported greater stress from household clutter than their male counterparts, who often feel detached from the responsibility of maintaining a clean home. This reflects deep-seated societal beliefs about gender roles, which need to be challenged and changed.
Regardless of gender, if clutter heightens your anxiety, it hampers your ability to unwind. For me, it’s impossible to concentrate with a sink full of dirty dishes or a desk piled high with papers. Ignoring the mess only leads to guilt and a sense of obligation. Instead of fostering creativity and productivity, I find myself spiraling into feelings of being overwhelmed and unfocused.
Digital clutter compounds the issue as well. The endless stream of Zoom meetings, emails, and notifications creates additional mental noise that can lead to overstimulation. Many of us are stretched thin, juggling the stresses of a pandemic, work, and the chaos of our homes.
To combat this, it is essential to cultivate regular decluttering habits to prevent overwhelming messes. However, given the current circumstances, we are often confined to our homes, which now serve as offices, classrooms, and play areas. My friend and I lament the lack of others who share our appreciation for tidy environments, feeling baffled by those who appear unconcerned by the disorder around them.
As this pandemic drags on, resembling a persistent ailment, I’ve resolved to focus on not feeling guilty about the chaos I navigate daily, especially as I retreat to my organized bedroom to work. I will continue to indulge in the visual delight of organized spaces on social media, seeking solace in the beauty of #OrganizationGoals.
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Summary
The phenomenon of ‘COVID clutter’ significantly impacts mental health by increasing anxiety and stress. Clutter, both physical and digital, can overwhelm our senses and hinder productivity, especially during these challenging times. Understanding the psychological effects of disorder and addressing them through conscious decluttering practices can help alleviate some of the stress we face in our homes.