Let’s not beat around the messy bush: Clutter can clog your physical, mental, emotional, and creative pathways. Look around you. Are things in their place, with enough space for energy to enter and flow? Can you take a deep breath and feel good about your surroundings? Or do you feel a pit in your stomach, because everywhere you look, there is a barrier of one type or another? Do you feel annoyed with yourself or others when you see the disarray?

Studies show that when our surroundings are orderly, we have lower levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. When our surroundings are chaotic, we feel more stressed overall, not just about the clutter.

HOW CLUTTER AFFECTS YOU

There are several ways that clutter affects you physically and mentally. If you tend to live with clutter, you may have difficulty with time management, tend to procrastinate, have a short attention span, leave tasks unfinished, be easily sidetracked, and have trouble stopping and starting projects because they’re not perfect.

What’s more, when you are exposed to clutter, you tend to experience more anxiety. Chaotic surroundings can also cause sleep disorders, affect concentration, lessen productivity, and even lower self-esteem.

However, don’t let the idea of decluttering cause you even more stress. If you’re thinking you don’t know where to start, the beauty is, it doesn’t matter. Just like you eat an elephant one bite at a time, you can declutter your life in small manageable piles.

 WHERE TO START

Start with one sock drawer in the bedroom, a kitchen utensil tray, or a closet or cabinet shelf. Take everything out and put it on the counter or table. Sort the stuff into what you actually use and what you don’t. What you use can go back into the drawer. Everything else should be sorted into trash and donate piles.

Create one medium-size box for donations. You probably have an old Amazon box hanging around in all that clutter. Make sure the box isn’t too large and is easy to carry even when full. You should add to the donate box each time you sort a new area.

Your goal is to fill that box, so you can donate it to people who need and will use your clutter. If you don’t have a box, use a hefty bag or old pillowcase you’ve been meaning to get rid of. Remember: Each drawer or cabinet is an achievement. Each box or bag you fill and donate will not only give you a sense of accomplishment, but also the joy that comes from helping others who need it.

Make it fun with your favorite music or TV show and play Beat the Clock with yourself. Can you organize that drawer, closet, cabinet, or desk in the time it takes to watch one episode or one movie, listen to three songs or an entire Broadway soundtrack? Or make it meditative. Listen to your favorite guided breathing meditation or enjoy a sound bath or nature sounds. Alternatively, you can try it in silence and give your brain a rest, or make it educational by watching a documentary, listening to a podcast, or practicing another language.

 WORK THROUGH THE OBSTACLES

• Ask friends and family to help with large items, like electronics and furniture that you need to get rid of. Call local donation centers and see if they do pickups. Talk to local social service agencies and volunteer organizations. Ask your local church or college if they know people who may want to make a few dollars and would be willing to help. If you want to make a few dollars, consider a consignment shop.

• Give things away to loved ones or to someone who will love whatever it is. Are you emotionally attached to your stuff? Does clutter bring you more joy than freeing up space and reducing your mental load? Consider what you are attached to and if you can live without it.

• Let go of the need for perfection. Don’t let an all-or-nothing mentality stymy you. Embrace the idea that even small changes can have a huge impact. In fact, clearing just one area will make you feel accomplished and get you motivated.

 FIND PEACE OF MIND

When your surroundings feel peaceful and organized, your relationships—and your sleep—may improve, you’ll suffer fewer allergies from dust and other allergens, you’ll have more energy and be more productive. So ask yourself, is keeping your clutter worth it? If there is even the chance that decluttering—small pile by small pile—can increase your happiness, you know it isn’t. In your new orderly expanse, perhaps you will find peace of mind and room to dance.

Everyday Order

Inspired Closets of Vermont  owner Kerri Salls shares how her team helps homeowners declutter and create lasting storage solutions.

BOB: What storage problems do clients bring to you?

KS: The biggest issues depend on the season. In muddy or snowy weather, mudrooms become a problem spot—families end up with jackets, boots, and backpacks piled by the door. In summer, garages fill up with kids’ balls, pool toys, and bikes, making it hard to even park the car. Closets are a year-round challenge, with people struggling to find what they need amid piles and disorganization.

BOB: When do people reach out for help?

KS: Most clients contact us after trying DIY solutions that only work for a short time. They’re frustrated because the clutter keeps coming back and nothing seems to have a permanent home. That’s when they realize they need a professional to create a solution that truly fits their needs.

BOB: How does the process work?

KS: We start with an in-home consultation to talk through the client’s pain points and goals—even if they can’t picture the solution themselves. Some want cubbies, others prefer shelves, baskets, or everything hidden behind doors. Our designers tailor the plan to each family.

BOB: Can clients see examples?

KS: Absolutely. We have examples in our showroom and on our website, plus our designers bring portfolios of local projects. Seeing real-life solutions from nearby homes helps clients imagine what’s possible in their own space.

BOB: How long is the wait?

KS: Design consultations can usually be scheduled within a week or two, depending on the client’s availability. Once a design is chosen, installation is typically three to four months out due to high demand and our project backlog.

SIDEBAR PHOTOS COURTESY OF INSPIRED CLOSETS OF VERMONT