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When our living spaces are clean, tidy, and clutter-free, we often feel more relaxed and at ease. There’s a noticeable difference between a space that feels organized and one that’s chaotic. In fact, studies show that maintaining a clean and organized home can have significant benefits for our mental health. However, it can be tough to stay on top of tidying up, especially when we’re feeling overwhelmed or dealing with a mental health slump. If you or someone you know is struggling to clean because of a larger mental health problem like depression or hoarding, connect with a professional who can assist — it’s okay to ask for help and get the treatment you may need. This article’s goal is to offer practical baby steps and tips to help you create and maintain a space that nurtures your well-being and is easy to sustain.
Prices are accurate as of February 14, 2025. Subject to change.
Table of Contents
- First, Declutter
- Sell or Donate
- Get Better Storage
- Give Everything a Home
- Find Passive Cleaning Solutions
- Reframe Cleaning
First, Declutter
The first stage of cleaning and organizing is removing items from your space that aren’t used regularly. This step typically falls into two categories: Storage or Donation. As you go through your belongings, you can look to the organizing gurus like Marie Kondo and The Home Edit and ask yourself a few key questions to help determine the best course of action for each item:
– When was the last time I used this?
– Does this item bring me joy or serve a practical purpose?
– Would I miss it if it were gone?
– Is it worth the space it takes up?
By sorting through your things with these questions in mind, you can make more mindful decisions about what to keep, store, or donate, leading to a more functional and peaceful living space.
Sell or Donate
For items that fall into the donation or recycling category, there are many online resources to help you find the best options. If you have clothing in good condition, consider using services like ThredUp that will sell your clothing for you. For clothing and textiles that are past their prime, look into recycling programs like the Take Back Bag, which rewards you for recycling textiles.
If you have larger home goods, consider donating to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores. For pantry items that are just taking up space, check out local food pantries for donation opportunities. Animal hospitals and shelters often accept old pillows and towels, even if they’re torn or worn out. These donation options not only help clean up your space, but they also benefit your community and the environment. Plus, participating in these acts of goodwill can have a positive impact on your mental health, as studies show that helping others and supporting the earth can improve overall well-being and self-esteem.
Get Better Storage
For the items that you want to keep but don’t have the space for at the moment, consider solutions like vacuum compression bags and large bins that will keep possessions safe in a storage locker or garage. Clear storage solutions are great for creating room where bulky items once took up precious real estate, while still giving you a visual of what’s inside — you won’t have to make a mess every time you go to look for something.
I use smaller clear bins for closet organization of medicine, toiletries, makeup, and stationery. Breaking items down into categories and storing accordingly will also help contain mess and make it easier to remember where things are. The thing to remember is the less stuff that’s out, the cleaner the space will feel.
Give Everything a Designated Home
Not knowing where things are is one aspect of a messy space that can feel overwhelming. Constantly searching for your keys or wallet can be stressful, making daily life feel like a race against the clock and often leaving you late or without the items you need. These small, frustrating moments can take a toll on your mental well-being. By creating designated spots or “homes” for frequently used items — whether in drawers, on hooks, or in bowls — you can streamline your routine.
This might seem simple, but it’s something I personally struggled with. Adding a tray by the door for my wallet and keys, a small catchall for my jewelry on my nightstand, and even a basket for my remotes has helped me stay organized. Now, I know exactly where to put things when I’m done with them, making it easy to tidy up quickly and find them when I need them next time. Baskets, bins, trays, and dishes are a great solution for this, especially since there are so many stylish options available. These also act as a visual anchor and can make spaces more aesthetically pleasing and calming.
For those with anxiety or ADHD, these techniques are simple solutions that will allow for less distractions in your home. Setting a timer for five to 10 minutes to put everything that is out back in its home is a quick way to clean and doesn’t require much thought. If you don’t have time to tidy everything, you can even designate one bin the “to-do” basket, where you can place items that you don’t have time to put away properly.
Below are a few items that can work in a variety of situations to provide homes and anchors for your favorite and most used items.
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Find Passive and Automatic Cleaning Solutions
Keeping a clean and tidy space can feel like a never-ending chore, but there are some great options to help make life easier. Robot vacuums, toilet cleaner stamps, self-cleaning litter boxes, and air purifiers let you maintain a clean space with just the click of a button or one-time setup. A clean home isn’t just about looks, it’s about how it makes you feel. Keeping the air fresh and surfaces clear can create a calming environment that helps reduce stress. Add an oil diffuser and use cleaning pods for your dishwasher, disposal, and washing machine to keep things smelling fresh without lifting a finger. These passive cleaning methods take the daily pressure off, allowing you to focus more on your mental well-being.
Reframe Cleaning
Finally, reframing how you view cleaning can have a positive impact on both your mindset and your mental health. Instead of seeing it as a dreaded chore or judging yourself for not keeping a space as tidy as you’d like, try using cleaning as a way to release anxious energy or as a moment of mindfulness. Turn it into a time to listen to a podcast, your favorite music, or an audiobook, allowing it to become something you look forward to rather than something you avoid. If you are able to treat yourself, even every so often, consider outsourcing and hiring a professional to come clean and tidy your space.
You can also use it as an opportunity to practice gratitude by appreciating the space you’re creating for yourself. Think of cleaning as a small, yet meaningful act of self-care that not only improves your environment and space but also supports your mental well-being. This shift in perspective allows you to feel more in control, reduce stress, and create a calm, inviting space that promotes peace of mind.
There are moments when it can be a challenge to keep a space tidy. We live in a world where the narrative is that everything needs to be perfect and aesthetic all the time. If your space gets a little messy from time to time, don’t beat yourself up about it. People live and lead busy lives. Be kind to yourself if cleaning has fallen to the back burner.
Featured Image Credit: Damian Lugowski/ Shutterstock
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Betsey Goldwasser is a writer with a focus on beauty, fashion, mental health, and holiday content. When she’s not working as a therapist, you can find her behind the camera or writing at her computer. In her downtime, she loves to watercolor, collage, and bake. Whether in her art or everyday life, she’s always finding ways to bring creativity into everything she does.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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