Social distancing has forced us, rightfully so, to stay at home. This has a big impact on our society; one that is usually non-stop and on the go. For many of us, our home is now our office, playground, restaurant, and gym. 

While an organized home is always important, I believe that, now more than ever, we need to have a surrounding that makes us happy, comfortable, and relaxed. Why not use this additional time to declutter your home and create a space that brings you joy? 

Why it is beneficial to create a joyful and peaceful home? Here are five things to think about:

1) Clear mind 

In this current time, it is a human reaction to be uneasy about the uncertainty. Our mind is running and afraid of the outcome. Physical clutter increases stress and anxiety to our mental health and distracts our brain. An organized surrounding gives us an immediate sense of calm. It helps you to think clearly and with less distractions. A lot of items that we no longer need, or don’t spark joy, can trigger anxious thoughts and discomfort.

2) Productivity

Most people are working from home during the COVID-19 crisis. It can be challenging to stay focused with our home being cluttered. Our brain tends to feel overwhelmed with the extra stimuli which has a psychological effect on our concentration. Once you have decluttered your external space, you will find that it helps you feel more focused and less stressed. This is the key to success. If your work place is organized, you can concentrate on important tasks. 

3) Financial benefits 

Businesses are closing down and work hours are being cut. Many people are losing jobs during this difficult time. Decluttering your home can have benefits to your financial situation. Items to be discarded can be sold or you could find cash or gift cards during the tidying process. Once clutter is removed, you can create an additional space in your home that may be rented out. Over the long term, you could even think about downsizing to a smaller house with less costs. 

4) Easier cleaning

If clutter is spread around our home, it can be challenging to keep the space clean. It automatically creates an obstacle in your mind that leads to procrastination. The fewer belongings we have, the easier it is to keep a home clean. The KonMari Method™ recommends to have a designated place for every item. When people don’t put things away where they belong, mess is created. 

5) Gratitude

When you have less stuff, it makes you aware of what you actually own. If these are all items that spark joy, or have an important function, you want to take care of them. When we know what we have, we value and appreciate them more. Living in this isolated time brings us a whole new awareness of appreciation and gratitude. Why not feel calm and excited about our home when we get to embrace it 24 hours a day?