Winter is often overlooked for home organization, but it’s an ideal time. Here’s why it’s better to declutter now than waiting until spring.
“Winter can be ideal for decluttering because we generally stay indoors more due to the cold,” explains Jennifer Rusk, a behavioral health case manager with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “It’s also a time to see what items you use more frequently and give them priority space over less-used items.”
Why it’s important to declutter
Jennifer Rusk: Our minds account for everything that’s in our space, whether consciously or unconsciously. When there’s clutter, it not only takes up physical space, but it also takes up mental space. Our brains go into overdrive to make sense of everything they’re taking in. This can create stress and feelings of anxiety.
Think of the difference between going to your sock drawer and finding a pair of clean socks versus digging through a pile of laundry to find those same socks. This causes us to spend more energy on smaller tasks, which leaves less energy for others.
How to get started without feeling overwhelmed
Jennifer Rusk: Set the expectation that you’re not going to organize your whole house in one day. Think of one drawer at a time or a corner of a room. Set a timer and see how much you can get done before the timer goes off. Then, celebrate small victories.
What are strategies for effective decluttering?
Jennifer Rusk: Create a system before you start, such as three piles: keep, donate, trash. When finished, take the trash out and donate items immediately so you can see the benefits of your hard work.
Here are practical approaches for different spaces:
Medicine cabinets and pantries: Get rid of anything that’s expired or you’re not going to use. For food items that are still OK for consumption, but you’re not going to use, consider boxing them and donating them to a local food pantry. Take note of things that you don’t use to prevent future waste.
Closets: Turn your hangers backward and only turn them forward when you use an item and hang it back up. Over time, it will give you a better understanding of items you’re using and what you can donate.
Remember that anything that takes up space in your home comes at a cost. If something isn’t being used, it’s taking up real estate that could be repurposed for something else. If you haven’t worn an item of clothing for a year, you are more likely to not wear it again.
Mental health benefits of decluttering
Jennifer Rusk: Decluttering has both physical and mental health benefits. Remember, the fewer things you own, the less time it takes to find things and to clean. This frees up time for things you enjoy, like spending time with family and friends or hobbies.
Common mistakes to avoid
Jennifer Rusk: People get overwhelmed while decluttering because they try to take on too much at one time. The clutter didn’t appear in one day, and it would be unreasonable to expect it to disappear that quickly.
Another mistake is that people feel shame for having clutter. This can lead to thoughts such as “I’m messy” or “I’m lazy.” Having some level of clutter is normal and it does not make you lazy or bad. It’s a set of habits built over time. Don’t feel guilty about it.
“Sometimes it helps to declutter with a friend,” Jennifer says. “Take turns at each other’s house going through things together and encouraging one another. It can be a time to strengthen your friendship while helping each other move towards a less stressful and more productive lifestyle.”
More from Jennifer Rusk on WellTuned
Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.