When life gets busy, clutter can easily sneak into our homes and workplaces. Piles of papers, overflowing closets, and cluttered countertops aren’t just unsightly—they can seriously affect your mental health. Research has shown that excess clutter increases feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression.

At My Stack Box, we believe that reclaiming your space is a powerful step toward reclaiming your peace of mind. Whether you’re preparing for a move, a renovation, or simply decluttering, our portable storage solutions make it easier to clear the chaos and create a more serene environment.

Let’s explore what clutter really does to your mental health—and how you can start fresh today.

The Hidden Toll: How Clutter Affects Your Mind and Mood

Clutter doesn’t just take up physical space; it occupies mental space, too. Studies have consistently found that cluttered environments can trigger increased levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

Professional organizer Jen Robin of Life in Jeneral explains it perfectly:

“Clutter isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional. It can make you feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. Every item is silently demanding your attention, which can be incredibly draining.”

When your home or office is disorganized, your brain struggles to filter out distractions. This can make it harder to focus, reduce your productivity, and leave you feeling mentally exhausted—even if you haven’t done much physically.

In short, clutter isn’t just inconvenient. It’s a constant reminder of unfinished tasks, which can fuel guilt, shame, and a sense of failure over time.

Clutter and Your Overall Well-Being

Beyond immediate stress, clutter can impact your general sense of happiness and connection to your home. It can create emotional distance from your environment, making it harder to relax or feel truly “at home.”

Organizer Susan Stewart of Perfectly Placed shares:

“A cluttered home represents a cluttered mind. The more clutter there is, the harder it is to concentrate.”

For people living with ADHD, anxiety, or depression, the effects can be even more profound. In many cases, clutter exacerbates existing mental health challenges, creating a frustrating cycle that’s tough to break.

But here’s the good news: You can break the cycle. Small, consistent actions, combined with practical solutions like portable storage, can help you transform your space—and your mindset.

Step 1: Get to the Root of the Problem

Before you start clearing away the clutter, it’s important to understand what’s behind it. Sometimes clutter is just a result of a busy schedule. Other times, it might reflect deeper emotional attachments or difficulties letting go.

If you notice that clutter is causing significant distress, or if you’re holding onto items for sentimental reasons even when they no longer serve you, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional.

Recognizing the emotional aspect of clutter is the first step toward real, lasting change.

Step 2: Start Small—and Make It Manageable

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. When faced with a messy home or office, it’s easy to freeze up and not know where to start.

Kathleen Crombie, cognitive behavioral coach and founder of Order to Organize, suggests starting with the basics:

“Remove broken items, trash, and recycling. Then remove things that don’t belong in the space.”

Focus on small wins. Pick one drawer, one cabinet, or one section of a room to tackle at a time. When you clear even a small area, you build momentum—and that feeling of success propels you forward.

At My Stack Box, we recommend using our portable storage containers to create temporary “staging areas.” Load up a container with items to donate, with things to keep, and with belongings you want to store safely away. This method keeps your home clean as you organize and prevents new clutter from piling up during the process.

Step 3: Address Areas That Affect You Most

Decluttering isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Think about the spaces that cause the most stress in your daily life.

Professional organizer Jen Robin points out:

“The space that affects you most will depend on your routine and what you cherish most.”

If your morning routine feels hectic, focus on your kitchen or bathroom first. If you love relaxing in your living room but can’t find a clear spot to sit, prioritize that space. Tailoring your efforts will yield faster emotional benefits, which keeps motivation high.

Step 4: Let Go—and Give Back

It’s not always easy to part with things, even if you haven’t used them in years. But remember, clearing space isn’t just about throwing things away—it’s also about giving your items a second life.

Consider donating gently used clothes, books, and household goods to local charities. Not only will you free up your space, but you’ll also experience the mental health boost that comes from helping others.

Step 5: Ask for Help When You Need It

You don’t have to go it alone. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can make a world of difference, especially when sentimental attachments make decisions difficult.

Professional organizers or even trusted friends can help you stay objective and focused. Stewart explains that,

“For clients struggling with depression, having a professional come in and help clear a space can be incredibly empowering.”

When the project feels too big, use My Stack Box to segment the work into smaller, more achievable steps. Our containers let you declutter one space at a time without creating new messes elsewhere.

Step 6: Establish a Clutter-Free Routine

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s important to keep it from coming back. Setting up simple daily routines can help maintain the calm and order you’ve worked so hard to create.

Some tips include:

• Spend 5–10 minutes each evening tidying up.

• Adopt a “one in, one out” policy for new items.

• Use labeled storage containers to keep categories of belongings separate.

• Set limits for certain areas (e.g., one shelf for books, one basket for toys).

My Stack Box can be your partner here, too. Our storage containers are perfect for seasonal decor, archived paperwork, and rarely used items. Keeping non-daily essentials out of the way frees up your living areas—and your mind.

Step 7: Stay Positive and Celebrate Your Progress

Decluttering is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small victories and be kind to yourself if progress feels slow.

Therapist Kathleen Crombie recommends using affirmations to stay motivated:

• “I am working on the issue.”

• “Progress, not perfection.”

• “I am focusing on keeping items for my life now.”

By changing the way you talk to yourself about clutter, you can shift from guilt and frustration to pride and empowerment.

Why Choose My Stack Box for Your Decluttering Journey?

At My Stack Box, we’re passionate about helping you simplify your life. Our portable storage containers are durable, weather-resistant, and designed to make moving, organizing, and decluttering easy and stress-free.

When you use a My Stack Box container, you get:

• Flexibility: Store your items on-site or at one of our secure storage facilities.

• Convenience: No need to rent a truck or rush through a move—our team delivers and picks up on your schedule.

• Security: Our containers protect your belongings from weather and theft, giving you peace of mind.

Whether you’re decluttering your home, preparing for a big move, or simply reclaiming your space, My Stack Box is here to help you take control—one container at a time.

Clear the Clutter. Clear Your Mind.

Decluttering isn’t just about making your home look nicer—it’s about creating a space that supports your mental well-being. With a little planning, a lot of compassion for yourself, and practical solutions like My Stack Box portable storage containers, you can reclaim your environment—and your peace of mind.

Ready to make a change?
Contact My Stack Box today and see how easy it can be to clear the clutter and start feeling better.