Does it ever feel like no matter how much you clean, your home still looks and feels messy? You’re not alone! Many Australian households struggle with this issue; the #1 culprit is clutter. That’s right, messy homes aren’t always about dirt or dust; they’re about constantly accumulating stuff.
Why Clutter is Making Your Home Feel Messy
Research shows that clutter is a major problem for Australians, with more than one in four people saying their homes are more cluttered now than five years ago (Choosi, 2023). The biggest offenders? General household items (46%), clothing and shoes (34%), and paperwork (28%). But it’s not just about how things look cluttered; it also affects how you feel.
Studies suggest that living in a cluttered environment can increase stress and anxiety (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners [RACGP], 2023). When your home is overflowing with things, your brain processes it as unfinished business, making it harder to relax or focus. And let’s be honest: When life is already busy with work, kids, and responsibilities, the last thing you need is a home that adds to your stress.
How to Take Back Control (Without Spending All Weekend Cleaning)
The good news? You don’t have to spend hours each day cleaning to maintain a tidy home. Here are some mom-approved, no-stress ways to fight clutter and keep your home feeling fresh:
1. The One-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than a minute, do it right away. Hanging up a jacket, putting dishes in the sink, or tossing junk mail in the recycling, these tiny actions prevent the mess from piling up.
2. The “One In, One Out” Rule
Before you bring anything new into your home, decide on something to get rid of. Got a new pair of shoes? Donate an old pair. This keeps things balanced and prevents clutter from creeping back in (The Spruce, 2023).
3. Create Drop Zones
Set up small baskets or bins near entryways for keys, bags, and mail. That way, you won’t end up with a random pile of things on your kitchen counter (Real Simple, 2023).
4. Declutter in Small Chunks
Instead of overwhelming yourself with an all-day cleaning session, set a 15-minute timer and tackle one area at a time, like a single drawer, shelf, or section of your wardrobe.
5. Maximize Vertical Storage
If floor space is tight, use wall hooks, shelves, and over-the-door organizers to keep things off surfaces but still accessible (The Spruce, 2023).
6. Be Mindful of What You Buy
Impulse purchases are one of the biggest reasons clutter sneaks up on us. Before buying something, ask yourself: Do I REALLY need this? Where will I put it? If you don’t have a clear answer, it’s probably best to skip it (University of Canberra, 2023).
7. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions
Just like cleaning, decluttering should be part of your routine. A quick once-a-month purge keeps things manageable and helps prevent clutter from spiraling out of control (Southern Living, 2023).
The Eco-Friendly Bonus
As an eco-cleaning company, we love solutions that not only make your home cleaner but also help the planet. Instead of tossing unwanted items, consider donating them to local charities, selling them online, or repurposing them in creative ways. Less waste, more space!
Let The Clean Life Help You!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter and cleaning, The Clean Life is here to help! Our eco-friendly cleaning services in Australia are designed to keep your home fresh, tidy, and stress-free. We use pet-safe, non-toxic products that are better for your health and the environment. Whether you need a deep clean or regular upkeep, we’ve got you covered. Book your cleaning session today and enjoy a cleaner, clutter-free home!
References
Choosi. (2023). Choosi Clutter 2.0 Report. Retrieved from https://www.choosi.com.au/news-research/choosi-clutter-2.0-report
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2023). What does clutter do to your brain and body?. Retrieved from https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/what-does-clutter-do-to-your-brain-and-body
The Spruce. (2023). Ways minimalists maintain a tidy home. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/ways-minimalists-maintain-a-tidy-home
Real Simple. (2023). Daily habits that prevent clutter before it starts. Retrieved from https://www.realsimple.com/daily-habits-that-prevent-clutter-before-it-starts
University of Canberra. (2023). 5 tips to declutter your space and mind. Retrieved from https://www.canberra.edu.au/uc-alumni-canvas/canvas-articles/posts/5-tips-to-declutter-your-space-and-mind
Southern Living. (2023). Organizer-approved decluttering tips. Retrieved from https://www.southernliving.com/organizer-approved-decluttering-tips
