How can you beat constant mess and the stress it causes?

A messy house is not a pretty picture. Your stuff lies in the wrong place, finding the exact object is close to impossible and the things you have been accumulating for years pile in the shape of the leaning tower of Pisa. Even if you are no cleaning freak, the scene might cause you to sigh in desperation and pull the face. This happens because chaos makes us experience lots of negative emotions and anxiety.

How can you beat constant mess and the stress it causes?

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The feelings we endure while being surrounded by dirt and clutter stimulate our cortisol level to rise extremely high. As a result, we:

– Are not able to concentrate on important things (“how can I finish this report if my closet looks like a rat’s nest?”)

– Get easily distracted (“I’m annoyed with the linen that needs to be ironed”, “I am mad that the floors are dirty again”).

– Feel constant guilt (“what if someone shows up to visit?”).

– Get angry with being unable to get what you need (“will I ever find that hairdryer?”).

– Get obsessed with the perspective of cleaning (“I still have to do it at some point”).

Living happily amidst the constant clutter – is mission impossible. And instead of dealing with the consequences, we propose you stand up against the reason.

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Stop blaming yourself

Do not beat yourself up about being unorganized and sloppy. And instead, encourage even the smallest changes on a way to a cleaner home. It requires a great deal of physical and emotional engagement yet helps to become more positive.

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Stop accumulating things uncontrollably

Every time you purchase an item of clothing, décor, or furniture, ask yourself the same questions – “What do I need this for?”, “How often will I use it”? Impulse buying is the main reason why our once half-empty apartments turn into the storages of random rubbish.

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Have lots? – Give lots

Try to declutter the house at least once a year. Review your possessions, throw away the junk, sell or give away something that you have not been using since the previous decluttering.

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Ask for help

Make cleaning a regular family activity (segregate the duties based on age and abilities). Additionally, you could try hiring a cleaning service (if it is financially acceptable). This would help to battle the current mess and keep the house neat over time.

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Get a unique place for everything

Find a unique spot for every object in your house. Ultimately you will be able to clean the house without even giving it any additional thought, locating the “quitters” and returning them to the positions at once.

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Everyday rituals that make your life easier

Think about what kind of mess annoys you the most. E.g., if you get furious after taking a single glance at the dirty dishes – never go to bed without washing those (otherwise the following morning would be forever ruined). If you cannot cope with a speck of never-ending dirt in the hallway – put a dustpan and a brush in the corner (or place a cordless vacuum), so that you could beat the devil.

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Light cleaning is better than the general one

Maintaining and supporting the order in your home is much better than dealing with the Augean stables every week. See that stain? – Clean it. Noticed the jumper that fell off the rack?- Pick it up. Had your coffee? – Wash the cup right away. Small things only seem to be insignificant. In reality, chaos is nothing else but loads of tiny flaws.

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Think over the storage system

It is quite possible, that the mess is not caused by your profound untidiness, but rather by the fact that your storage system requires an immediate upgrade. Proper closets and shelves might turn any garbage dump into a well-organized house.

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Keep your papers in order

Old bills, receipts, warranty cards, magazines, letters – you can find loads of those in any apartment. Dispose of (recycle) the ones that are no longer needed and neatly store those that might come in handy.

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Cleaning is no enemy

Even if you absolutely hate it, try to add a bit of fun to the cleaning:

– Do not force yourself to clean. If you really do not want to – put it off till tomorrow.

– Do not clean if you are in pain or hungry.

– Play your favorite track, podcast, movie, or audiobook.

– Encourage and compliment yourself for the results you have accomplished.

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Being stressed because your house is a mess – is ok. Stop blaming yourself and try to be a forward-thinker. This could help you clean your home and calm your mind.