What Clutter Does To Your Mind

The Psychology Of Letting Go of Clutter

Why Decluttering Isn’t Just About Cleaning — It’s About Feeling Better
We all know how satisfying it feels to walk into a clean, organized space. But have you ever noticed how clutter can make you feel anxious, distracted, or even irritable? There’s actually a scientific reason for that — and it’s one of the biggest motivators behind why we love helping people clear out their homes across Hudson, Stillwater, and Woodbury.

The Hidden Stress of Clutter
Researchers at UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives of Families found that clutter directly increases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, especially in women (Saxbe & Repetti, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2010).
In simple terms: the more stuff you see piled up, the more stressed your brain feels.

Clutter overwhelms the senses. It constantly signals to your mind that there’s unfinished business — things to clean, fix, or organize. Even if you’ve “tuned it out,” your subconscious hasn’t. Over time, that can quietly drain your energy and focus.

How Letting Go Frees Up Mental Space
According to Dr. Sherrie Bourg Carter, author of High-Octane Women, clutter competes for your attention, making it harder to concentrate and process information. By removing it, you free up mental bandwidth — literally giving your brain room to breathe.

Think of decluttering like resetting your mind.

• Your stress levels drop.
• You feel more productive and creative.
• Your home feels lighter — and so do you.

It’s not just “getting rid of junk.” It’s self-care.

Why Decluttering Can Be Emotionally Hard
Of course, knowing that doesn’t make letting go easy. We attach memories and meaning to our belongings — especially items tied to people or special moments. Letting go can feel like losing a part of ourselves.

That’s why at Hauling It Away, we don’t just toss things in a truck.

We help you:

• Sort and separate items that can be donated or consigned, not wasted.
• Recycle responsibly, keeping usable items out of landfills.
• Handle emotional transitions — from downsizing to estate cleanouts — with care and respect.

Our goal is to help you move forward without guilt, knowing your items are handled with purpose.

The Ripple Effect: A Clear Space Creates a Clear Mind

Decluttering doesn’t just make your home look better — it can genuinely improve your mood and wellbeing. Studies published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people with cleaner, more organized homes tend to be happier and healthier overall (Tucker et al., 2013).

When your physical space feels calm, your mental space follows. You think clearer, sleep better, and even experience improved relationships with others in your home.

Start Small — Or Call in Reinforcements
If the idea of decluttering feels overwhelming, start with one drawer, one shelf, or one room at a time. Or, if you’re ready for a clean slate before the holidays, let Hauling It Away do the heavy lifting.

We serve Hudson, Stillwater, Woodbury, and the entire St. Croix River Valley — helping homeowners and families simplify life with:

• Junk removal for home and business.
• Consignment partnerships through Garage Sale Titans for resale-worthy items.
• Dumpster rentals for larger renovation or cleanout projects.

Ready to Let Go (and Feel Better)?
If your home — or your mind — feels cluttered, let’s clear some space together. Call 715-549-3040 or visit haulingitaway.com to schedule a free quote.

You’ll be surprised how much lighter life feels when you finally let go.

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