A relative and I used to share enticing images of our freshly cleaned and organized spaces—kitchens, bookshelves, and even our kids’ play areas. His photos of spotless countertops, tagged #kitchenfantasy, brought us both a sense of peace and happiness. He would admire the pictures I sent of open living room areas and neatly folded blankets on the couch. We both knew that this order was fleeting, even in normal times.
Fast forward to what feels like day 7,349 of quarantine with kids and their endless clutter. It’s overwhelming. I find myself wandering through the house, frustrated and muttering about the sheer volume of stuff we have, wondering if early settlers were similarly annoyed by their children’s wooden toys strewn across the cabin floors.
I can’t even recall the last time I captured a photo of a genuinely organized space. Instead, I send snapshots of rooms that resemble a chaotic explosion in my mind, reminiscing about my pre-pandemic living and working environment. Back then, I would send the kids off to school or camp, take a brief 20 minutes to tidy up after the morning rush, and then finally settle into my work. I needed that order to focus. Now, I find myself in a constant state of distraction, grappling with the overwhelming feelings of pandemic clutter. If you’re also contemplating a drastic cleanup, know you’re not alone—there’s science to back us up.
Research indicates that a messy home or workspace can chemically affect our brains, heightening feelings of anxiety and distraction. While some thrive amid chaos, I am not one of those people. Background noise is manageable, but visual clutter pulls my attention away from my tasks and drains my energy. According to professional organizer and psychotherapist Lisa Tran, “A sense of order is comforting because it allows our brains to function more efficiently without the added burden of disorder.”
The pandemic has intensified my craving for stability, manifesting as increased anxiety and panic. Clutter triggers the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, and prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels can lead to various health issues, including increased heart rates and blood pressure. Living in chaos keeps us in a constant state of fight-or-flight, which is detrimental to both our mental and physical well-being. This explains why many of us resort to coping mechanisms like excessive sleeping, eating, or binge-watching television shows.
Moreover, a study by UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives of Families (CELF) revealed that women reported significantly higher stress levels related to household clutter compared to men. This disparity often stems from societal norms that assign cleaning responsibilities primarily to women, which is undeniably outdated and unfair. It’s essential to encourage all individuals, regardless of gender, to participate in maintaining a tidy environment.
Regardless of your gender, if clutter makes you anxious, it detracts from your ability to unwind both physically and mentally. I can’t concentrate on work with a sink full of dishes or a desk cluttered with paperwork. Ignoring the mess only breeds guilt and an overwhelming sense of obligation. When I’m preoccupied with the chaos around me, achieving a productive flow becomes nearly impossible, leaving me caught in a cycle of anxiety and distraction.
It’s not just physical clutter affecting our stress levels; digital clutter plays a significant role too. Zoom calls, endless emails, and constant notifications compete for our attention, stretching our mental resources thin. The cumulative stress from the pandemic, combined with the demands of work and the chaos of our living spaces, can feel insurmountable.
Ideally, we should strive to develop habits for regular decluttering to prevent mess from becoming overwhelming. However, given our current circumstances—where homes double as offices, schools, and play areas—this can be quite challenging. My relative and I often lament the lack of companions who share our appreciation for tidiness, while simultaneously feeling puzzled by those who seem unfazed by their surroundings.
As this pandemic drags on, I aim to let go of guilt regarding the mess I encounter daily. I’ll find solace in my tidy bedroom, where I can work for a few hours at a time, and I’ll continue to scroll through #kitchenfantasy photos on Instagram without shame.
For more insights on coping with clutter and stress, explore other articles on our site, such as this one about decluttering your kitchen.
Summary
The article discusses how pandemic-induced clutter can exacerbate anxiety and stress levels, particularly affecting individuals who thrive in organized environments. It highlights the psychological impacts of disorder and the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining a tidy home.