Cleaning Your Home is Good for Mental Health

Isn’t it true that when your home is cluttered, messy and grubby you feel the burden of overwhelm? You can’t seem find anything you are looking for, you may feel embarrassed about the state of your home, you don’t want people coming over and you feel helpless and don’t know where to begin. Cleaning your home is good for your mental health because it’s directly linked to your health and well-being.

In this article we’re going to share some cleaning and organising hacks that will promote a bright, clean, organised and happy home environment. A home environment that supports peace, happiness and living life as it should be lived.

Why a Messy Room Is Bad For Your Mental Health

When you see a photo or image of an organised home, bookshelf or room do you feel an unexplained sense of satisfaction? Let’s face it we’re all busy so we sometimes overlook the fact that keeping your home clean and tidy is actually good for you. Leading research has correlated clutter with stress and anxiety, so it’s really true, cleaning your home is good for your mental health!

Join us as we take you through each room of your home…

The Living Room

This is one area of the home that you probably invite your guests into so make it as welcoming as possible. You’ll want to hang out there more often too if the space is inviting and uncluttered.

• Vacuum or clean your sofa and couches.
• Dust all hard surfaces including furniture, TV, window sills, etc.
• Fluff up your pillows and use some throw rugs to create a warm environment.
• Have a basket or stacking boxes for kids toys and pack them up daily or weekly.
• Use a coffee table with storage to store away smaller items such as remotes, drink coasters, magazines and books.
• Incorporate some indoor plants to add a sense of peace and lushness. You may want to read our article on The Benefits of Indoor Plants.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a place where families come together to share a meal and some family time. Make the area as clean and stress free as possible and get everyone, including your kids involved in sharing the joy of cooking (and cleaning up afterwards).

• Clear out your pantry, throw away any expired foods and group together similar items to keep things organised and neat.
• Declutter and wipe down benches so that you have room for food preparation and it also makes it easier to clean once you’re finished cooking.
• Give you fridge a good clean. Empty everything out, wipe down shelves and throw away any food items that have passed their use by date.
• If you’re feeling up to it clear out drawers and reorganise your plates, glasses and pots and pans. Chances are you’ll find things you’d forgotten about.

The Bedroom

There’s no better feeling than having a great night’s sleep. Here’s a few things you can do to make your bedroom the blissful and peaceful room it deserves to be:

• Change your sheets
• Make your bed every day
• Open windows frequently
• Put dirty clothes in the wash and put away any clothes that are lying around
• Dust your bedroom furniture and windowsills
• Tidy your wardrobe and donate any clothes you no longer want to charity
• Use small organisers or boxes for your trinkets and group together any other items that you have around such as perfumes, books, etc.

The Bathroom

There’s no greater satisfaction than a clean bathroom, particularly when it’s sparkling clean. You won’t want to leave!

• Use a natural cleaner for your glass, mirrors, vanity, bathtub and floors.
• Tidy the benchtops and shower spaces by grouping items together.
• Use baskets or drawers to store personal items such as toiletries, perfumes, make up, etc.
• Replace used towels with fresh clean towels.
• Incorporate an indoor plant to add a sense of lush and freshness.

The Study

When you’re in work or study mode the last thing you want is distractions. If your desk or study area is messy then chances are you will be unable to focus and have the clarity to get through your tasks. Give your study and desk a tidy up and you’ll be more productive!

• Dust furniture, desk and windows.
• Group similar items together such as pens, books, stationery.
• Use magazine racks or trays to keep paperwork or bills together.

Getting Started

If it’s overwhelming start with one room and work your way through your home. Once you get started you’ll build momentum and realise the connection between cleaning your home and good mental health. There have been studies which show that decluttering and housekeeping reduces cortisol stress levels and also extend to your physical well-being.