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Reality of clutter: Is your mess a trauma response?

What if your messy room isn't a sign of laziness—but a sign of pain? This heartfelt guide explores the emotional psychology of clutter, revealing how trauma, depression, ADHD, and PTSD often manifest as chaos in our homes. With personal stories, practical tips, and loving questions, this isn’t just an article—it’s a mirror, and maybe even a lifeline.

First published on 25/05/2008 01:08

Is your messy room more than just mess? Could it be the echo of emotional wounds or an act of quiet protection? This powerful guide explores the hidden psychology of clutter—where trauma, mental health, and chaos intersect. Through stories, research, and reflection, discover how to reclaim your space, your peace, and maybe even, your sense of self.


Could clutter mean more than laziness?

I want to start with a confession, Aanchal shared with me: "There was a time in my life when I stopped letting people visit me at home. Not because I didn’t want the company—but because the sight of the clutter made me feel like I was failing at life. And worse, I believed it was because I was lazy."

But that was a lie. A lie so many of us carry quietly.

The dishes piling in the sink? They weren’t laziness—they were fatigue from carrying unspoken pain. The laundry baskets overflowing in corners? They weren’t a moral failing—they were a form of emotional triage. I was choosing survival over socks.

In a culture obsessed with minimalist perfection and Pinterest-worthy homes, mess has been equated with shame. We're taught from a young age that a clean room reflects a clean mind. So when our spaces become cluttered, it's easy to internalise that as a personal defect. But what if that assumption is wrong?

Reality of Clutter: Is Your Mess a Trauma Response?

What if clutter isn't about laziness, but about layers?

Layers of grief we never unpacked. Regret we shoved into drawers. Old identities we were afraid to throw out.

Research backs this up. In a study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as "cluttered" or "unfinished" were more likely to be depressed and fatigued than those who described them as "restorative." Clutter doesn’t just reflect our emotional state—it impacts it.

And when we're already struggling—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—clutter can feel like both a shield and a mirror. A shield from vulnerability. A mirror to pain.

So, no—clutter is not about laziness.

It’s about what happened to you.


Is emotional chaos hiding in the piles?

Let me ask you this: What’s the story behind your most chaotic drawer?

Go ahead—open it (at least in your mind). What’s inside? Receipts from five years ago? Birthday cards you couldn’t bear to throw away? A broken bracelet from an old love?

We hold onto clutter not because we’re forgetful—but because we remember too much.

Every object has a story. That coffee mug? It reminds you of mornings before everything changed. That box of wires? It holds dreams of projects you never had the energy to begin. That cluttered shelf? It’s not just dust—it’s grief in disguise.

Clutter becomes emotional camouflage. It helps us avoid hard truths. If the outside is chaotic, maybe we don’t have to sit with the chaos inside.

Psychologists refer to this as emotional clutter—when our homes become storage units for the things we haven’t emotionally processed. And just like emotional wounds, clutter doesn't heal on its own. It festers. It overwhelms. It steals our energy and fogs our minds.

But here's a truth I’ve learned both personally and professionally: emotional clutter always has a reason. Always.

When we begin to ask why we hold onto things—not just what we hold onto—we begin to untangle the emotional knots behind the mess.

Here’s a loving exercise for you: Pick one object you’ve held onto for too long. Sit with it. Ask:

  • What memory does this carry?

  • What part of me still needs healing around this?

  • Is keeping this object helping me, or hurting me?

And when you're ready, gently release what no longer serves you.

Because healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means honouring the past while creating room for who you are becoming.


Why does mess sometimes feel… safe?

This might sound strange, but have you ever felt safer in a mess?

I remember a client once said, “I feel more relaxed when things are a little messy. Like if everything’s too clean, I can’t breathe.” That stuck with me.

It turns out, clutter can be a subconscious form of emotional regulation. Chaos can be familiar. Predictable. Even comforting. Especially for people who grew up in homes where love was conditional, or emotions were unsafe.

Here’s how it works: If life has taught you that stability can suddenly fall apart, your nervous system may begin to expect chaos. So you recreate it—through mess, through disorganisation, through clutter. Not because you want to suffer, but because your body believes it's safer than calm.

It’s called trauma adaptation.

For trauma survivors, a perfectly clean, quiet room might actually feel threatening. Stillness feels foreign. And so, mess becomes a buffer—a way to create emotional noise that matches the internal noise.

Clutter also acts as an excuse. If your space is messy, then you don’t have to invite anyone in—literally or emotionally. It's an armour. A defence. A fortress built out of piles of papers and unopened boxes.

But the sad thing is: while mess can feel safe… it also keeps love out.

It keeps spontaneity out.

It keeps you out—from your own life.

So what if, little by little, we taught our nervous systems that peace can be safe too? What if we allowed a little clear space, and sat in it—not with fear, but with curiosity?

Let’s stop judging the mess, and start listening to it.


How does trauma alter your ability to organise?

Have you ever stared at a cluttered shelf and felt physically paralysed?

You’re not lazy. Your brain might just be overwhelmed.

Trauma, especially complex trauma, changes how our brain works. It shrinks the prefrontal cortex (which handles decision-making), weakens the hippocampus (memory), and over-activates the amygdala (fear). This neurological cocktail makes even small tasks feel insurmountable.

Organising isn’t just about boxes and labels. It’s about executive functioning—our brain’s ability to plan, prioritise, and act. And trauma hits that function hard.

Some signs your clutter might be trauma-related:

  • You often feel frozen when trying to tidy.

  • You start one area, then get distracted, and spiral.

  • You feel like organising your space is pointless or overwhelming.

  • You’re attached to items even if they no longer serve you.

In these moments, it’s essential to practice compassion over criticism.

You wouldn’t yell at someone with a broken leg for not running a marathon. So why are we so hard on ourselves for not keeping up with a Pinterest-perfect home while carrying invisible wounds?

Try this instead:
Pick one tiny area. A single drawer. A single pile. And let that be enough for today. Organising while healing is not a sprint—it’s a sacred act of reclaiming control.

And remember: your worth is not tied to your productivity. Or your pantry. Or your wardrobe.


What’s the connection between mental health and clutter?

Clutter doesn't just reflect your mental health—it actively affects it.

Studies have found that visual clutter increases cognitive overload, stress levels, and anxiety. In fact, UCLA's Center on Everyday Lives of Families found that the more stuff a person had, the higher their cortisol levels. Yes—your clutter might literally be stressing you out.

Conditions like Depression, PTSD, and ADHD have strong ties to chronic disorganisation.

  • Depression saps your energy, making basic tasks feel like mountains. Clutter builds when energy runs out.

  • PTSD can create avoidance patterns. You don’t tidy the room that holds the painful memory. You don’t sort the box from “before everything changed.”

  • ADHD involves executive dysfunction, impulsivity, and object permanence issues. You forget what’s out of sight, so everything stays in sight.

If you live with any of these, the clutter isn’t your fault. It’s a byproduct of a mind doing its best with the tools it has.

This is why traditional cleaning advice—“just get organised!”—falls so flat. It’s not about bins and colour-coding. It’s about healing the nervous system. About regaining a sense of internal order.

Interactive Question:
What area of your home do you find most challenging to keep organized, and why?
Reflect on it—or explore it more deeply in this article: Can Decluttering Your Home Heal Your Life?

Can healing begin with micro-clears?

The phrase "start small" is often thrown around like a motivational poster—but when it comes to clutter and trauma, small isn’t just nice. It’s necessary.

When your brain is wired for overwhelm, the idea of cleaning an entire room can feel like being asked to swim across an ocean. This is where the magic of micro-clears comes in.

What’s a micro-clear? It’s the decision to tidy one corner, one item, or one surface—and let that be a win.

I had a client who couldn’t touch her living room. It held too many memories of her late mother, and every object felt soaked in grief. So we picked just one thing: a mug. That’s all. She washed it. Put it away. That was the session.

But something shifted.

That tiny act told her nervous system: “I’m not trapped.” And from there, she cleared one photo frame. Then a box. Healing began—not with a makeover, but with a mug.

Micro-clears help in 3 key ways:

  1. Reduce Decision Fatigue – Instead of “What do I do with all of this?” it becomes “Just this one thing.”

  2. Boost Dopamine – Completing small tasks rewards the brain, which increases motivation to keep going.

  3. Rebuilds Trust – You begin to trust yourself to take small, loving actions—even on hard days.

Here’s a simple challenge:
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Choose a single surface or drawer. Breathe. Begin. When the timer stops, you stop.

That’s healing. That’s enough.

And yes— big healing always begins with tiny, imperfect acts of care.

Want more? Try this soul-cleansing guide: 24 Things to Declutter Before 2024 Ends


Does a clear room = A clear mind?

The popular mantra “clear space, clear mind” sounds catchy—but does it actually work?

The answer, backed by both anecdotal and scientific evidence, is a resounding yes.

Our brains are visual processors. When we walk into a room overflowing with clutter, it doesn’t just sit there innocently—it bombards our senses. The brain has to process every item in our visual field, whether we're consciously focusing on it or not.

This phenomenon is called visual overload.

It creates stress. Increases irritability. Slows our ability to focus or make decisions. In fact, researchers at Princeton Neuroscience Institute found that people surrounded by clutter performed worse on tasks and were more easily distracted. It’s not about aesthetics. It’s neurology.

Here’s where it gets powerful: Even small reductions in clutter can lead to noticeable shifts in how we feel.

Long-term mental health benefits of reducing clutter include:

  • Lower cortisol levels (your stress hormone)

  • Improved quality of sleep

  • Greater self-efficacy (believing you can do hard things)

  • Enhanced focus and cognitive clarity

  • More space for joy, play, and creativity

But even more than the science, there’s the lived truth:
A clear room can represent an internal exhale. A pause in the noise. A place where your nervous system says, “Okay. Maybe we’re safe now.”

One reader once told me, “When I cleared off my nightstand, I felt like I gave myself permission to dream again.” That’s the power of environment.

So no, you don’t need a minimalist mansion to feel peace. You just need enough clarity to breathe. To think. To be.

Start with one corner. Let the stillness expand.


Can you learn to love your space again?

If your home has been a battleground, it might feel strange—wrong, even—to treat it like a place of love. But I promise you: no space is too far gone for redemption.

In fact, healing begins when we stop seeing our homes as shameful and start treating them as sacred.

That means letting go of the “clean to impress” mindset and shifting to “clean to express.”
Not perfection. Protection.
Not aesthetic. Energy.

What if you lit a candle not for guests, but for you?

What if you placed a soft pillow where you often dissociate—to remind yourself that softness is allowed?

What if your home was less about function and more about feeling?

This is what I call reparenting your space. You become the safe parent your inner child never had. You create a room that whispers, “You’re safe now. You don’t have to be on guard.”

Some practical tips to love your space again:

  • Add softness: Blankets, light, music. Make it sensory-rich and nervous-system-soothing.

  • Use symbolic objects: A seashell that reminds you of calm. A photo that grounds you.

  • Clear with intention: As you declutter, thank each item. Speak aloud: “I release this. I choose peace.”

Remember: your space doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy. It just needs to feel like a place where your soul can stretch.

Let your home be your co-therapist. Your sanctuary. Your permission slip to rest.


What if you’re ashamed to let people in?

Let’s talk about something we don’t talk about enough: home shame.

That sinking feeling when someone says, “I’ll stop by,” and your chest tightens in panic. You make excuses. Cancel plans. Avoid relationships. All because of clutter.

You’re not alone.

In a 2023 survey, 58% of people said they avoided inviting others over due to embarrassment about their home’s appearance. It’s not just mess—it’s the meaning we’ve attached to it. That if our home isn’t presentable, we aren’t either.

But let me say this with love: Your clutter does not cancel your kindness. Or your warmth. Or your worth.

Shame thrives in silence. And silence thrives in isolation. So the antidote is this: connection.

One reader told me they started letting one safe friend over—even with the mess. That friend didn’t judge. They just listened. And in that acceptance, healing began.

If you’re carrying home shame, try this:

  • Choose one person you trust.

  • Invite them in—not after you’ve cleaned, but as is.

  • Let their presence remind you that love isn’t tied to tidiness.

Because true connection happens not in the perfectly vacuumed corners—but in the messy, honest middle.

When you let someone see your mess, you also let them see you.

And you are worth seeing.


How can you know if clutter is a coping mechanism?

Here’s a bold question: What if the clutter isn’t random… but strategic?

We often think of mess as mindless. But in truth, chronic clutter is often chronic coping.

It gives us something to focus on other than our pain. It protects us from feeling empty. It allows us to hold onto identities, versions of ourselves we haven’t fully let go of.

That’s why I created the “Clutter as Coping” self-assessment—a gentle, introspective way to explore the emotional roots of your mess.

Clutter as Coping – Self-Assessment
Answer Yes/No to the following:

  1. Do you feel emotionally attached to items others would discard?

  2. Do you avoid decluttering because it stirs up sadness or guilt?

  3. Do you feel a spike in anxiety when trying to organise?

  4. Is there a specific time in your life (a loss, breakup, trauma) linked to when clutter began building?

  5. Does your clutter keep people (or emotions) at a distance?

  6. Have you bought new items to avoid dealing with the old ones?

If you said “yes” to 3 or more, your clutter may not be clutter at all—it may be grief, protection, or unresolved emotion.

And that’s okay.

Awareness isn’t blame—it’s the beginning of change.

Try journaling through these:

  • “What part of me feels safer surrounded by things?”

  • “What am I afraid will happen if I let go?”

  • “What would healing look like in this room?”

And when you’re ready, let your next act of decluttering be an act of self-trust—not self-punishment.

What’s the story behind your most chaotic drawer?

Everyone has one. That one drawer.

You know the one I mean.

It’s the drawer that resists order. The one where batteries, old letters, takeout menus, and tangled cords live in noisy coexistence. But if you look closer, it’s never just about disorganisation. It’s a story in disguise.

One reader once told me that her chaotic drawer contained a pregnancy test from five years ago, expired medication, and a receipt from the last dinner she shared with her dad. She wasn’t lazy. She was grieving—and the drawer was holding the weight she hadn’t yet faced.

What’s in your drawer?

Don’t just organise it—listen to it.

Clutter isn’t just clutter. It’s time paused. Emotions shelved. Sometimes, it’s where we store the parts of us we’re not ready to fully process.

So instead of attacking the drawer with shame and judgment, approach it like an archaeologist. Carefully. Curiously. With reverence.

Ask:

  • What memory does each item carry?

  • What chapter of my life does this drawer represent?

  • What part of me is still holding on?

Then—here’s the key—release with ritual, not haste.

Burn the letter. Breathe with the bracelet. Keep one item as a memory, and let the others go as a gesture of closure.

One drawer. That’s all it takes to begin rewriting your relationship with your home—and with your pain.

It’s not about perfect homes. It’s about honest healing.


How would it feel to not be overwhelmed by your own room?

Close your eyes. Imagine waking up in a room that feels like a soft sigh. No piles demanding your attention. No shame waiting by the door. Just a space that says: You’re safe. You’re held. You can rest.

Now open your eyes. That dream? It’s not far away. It’s just… on the other side of a few small steps.

When trauma rewires your brain for survival mode, the nervous system starts to expect overwhelm. So when your room is chaotic, it matches that expectation. It confirms the inner panic. But if we change the environment—bit by bit—we send new signals to the brain: You don’t have to stay on high alert. You can heal.

So let’s make it simple.

Baby steps to build a room that heals you:

  1. Create a “Calm corner” – Choose a single area. Add something soft, something scented, something that feels like you. This is your sanctuary.

  2. 5-Minute night tidy – Each night, pick up for five minutes. Not to impress. Not to punish. Just to tuck your space in like a child.

  3. Affirm wwhile you clean – Whisper while you tidy: “I’m creating space for peace.” “I deserve a room that loves me back.”

Small doesn’t mean insignificant. Small means sustainable.

Consistency, not intensity, is what rewires the nervous system.

Your room is not just four walls. It’s an extension of your inner world. When we care for it, we start to care for the parts of us we forgot were worth loving.

Still not sure where to begin? Try revisiting the treasures hidden in your own story here: Rummaging Through Hidden Gems


Want to begin your healing journey?

If this article feels like a mirror, and you're seeing yourself clearly for the first time in a while—breathe. You’re not broken. You’re brave.

And you don’t have to do this alone.

Sometimes, we need someone to sit with us in the rubble. To gently ask the questions we’re afraid to face. To help us remember who we were before the mess and who we still can be.

That’s why I invite you to take the next step and book a personalised consultation with me, Tushar Mangl.

Together, we’ll explore:

  • The emotional roots of your clutter

  • Practical, tailored rituals to restore harmony in your space

  • Ancient Vastu wisdom and modern healing tools that align with your lifestyle

It’s more than coaching—it’s sacred space-holding. A journey to bring your soul back home.

Book your healing session now and take the first real step toward peace.

Also, if you’re still wondering how deep the rabbit hole of clutter can go, don’t miss this perspective-shifting article: Shocking Facts About Clutter That Will Change How You See Your Mess


Can we learn to see clutter with kind eyes?

Let me whisper something radical:
You are not your clutter.

You are not the unwashed dishes.
Not the dusty shelves.
Not the drawer full of tangled grief.

You are the one surviving. The one feeling. The one healing.

Clutter is just a coping mechanism—an echo of all the ways you’ve tried to stay safe in a world that didn’t always feel safe.

And now? You get to write a new story.

Not one where you throw everything out in a frantic purge. But one where, piece by piece, you release what no longer supports you—and honour what does.

One where your home becomes your ally.

One where your heart stops skipping a beat when someone says, “Can I come over?”

One where you wake up and think: This is mine. And I love it.

So go gently. Go slowly. Be consistent.
Let this journey be one of rediscovery. Not punishment.

And when you look around your room, may you finally see—not shame, but proof. Proof that you survived. And that you’re healing.

Declutter your space, declutter your mind: What’s the psychology behind tidying up?

Have you ever walked into a freshly tidied room and felt a subtle shift inside you? As if your mind took a deep breath?

That’s not just relief—it’s science. The state of your external space directly impacts your internal state. It’s not a metaphor. It’s a mirror.

When our surroundings are chaotic, our brain processes them as ongoing, unresolved tasks. A pile of unfolded laundry isn’t just fabric—it’s a silent whisper of “you’re behind.” A cluttered desk doesn’t just hold papers—it holds pressure. Pressure to catch up. To sort out. To be someone who has it all together.

And so, physical clutter becomes mental noise.

There’s a term psychologists use: “cognitive load.” It refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in your working memory. Clutter increases this load dramatically. When your brain is constantly filtering through irrelevant visual stimuli, it has less space for clarity, creativity, and calm.

And in trauma survivors, this is even more intense.

When someone’s brain is already running at high stress levels, clutter isn’t a minor inconvenience—it’s an overload. It triggers the nervous system, heightens anxiety, and leads to shutdown or emotional numbness.

This is why, for some people, simply walking into a messy room feels like being ambushed. The mind doesn’t know where to start, so it doesn’t. Not because you don’t care—but because your brain is too busy surviving.

So what’s the antidote?

Not shame. Not perfection. But small, consistent acts of clarity.

Because when we clear the table, we clear our heads. When we open space in a drawer, we open space in our hearts. When we tidy up with tenderness—not punishment—we begin to heal.

And that’s why tidying up isn’t shallow. It’s revolutionary.


What are the psychological effects of clutter—and why do they hurt?

Living in clutter doesn’t just look messy. It feels heavy.

It feels like tension in your shoulders before you even open your eyes. It feels like exhaustion by 10 a.m. because everywhere you look, something needs you.

Psychologically, clutter affects people in a handful of deep, consistent ways—and each one takes a toll.

1. Chronic Stress & elevated cortisol

Clutter increases our levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. One UCLA study found that women with cluttered homes had consistently higher cortisol levels throughout the day. Not just after cleaning—all day long.

That means your home could be actively stressing you out, even when you think you’ve tuned it out.

2. Anxiety, Irritability, and Sleep Disruption

A messy space creates mental chaos—unresolved, scattered, anxious thoughts. You feel like you can’t relax because the space around you is always demanding your attention. That leads to irritability, emotional exhaustion, and even difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Ever tossed and turned because your room “didn’t feel right”? That wasn’t just discomfort. That was overstimulation.

3. Guilt and low self-esteem

People internalise clutter as personal failure. They start to believe things like:

  • “I’m just a messy person.”

  • “I can’t keep up with life.”

  • “What’s wrong with me?”

That guilt turns into shame, and shame turns into paralysis.

This creates a toxic emotional cycle:
Mess → Guilt → Avoidance → More mess → More guilt.

But the most dangerous effect? Disconnection. From self. From others. From the present moment.

You stop inviting people over. You stop believing you’re worthy of peace. And you slowly detach from the hope that things can change.

But here’s what no one tells you: you’re not your mess. And your clutter is not a character flaw.

It’s an emotional symptom. A response. And like all symptoms, it’s trying to tell you something.

You’re tired.
You’re hurting.
You’re doing your best.

And maybe, just maybe… you’re ready to start healing.

What are the benefits of decluttering—And can It Really change your life?

Let’s pause and imagine something gentle:
A home where your shoulders drop the moment you walk in.
A room where everything has space to breathe—and so do you.

That isn’t fantasy. That’s what intentional, soulful decluttering makes possible.

While most people focus on decluttering for practical reasons (less stuff, more space), the emotional and mental health benefits run much deeper. The truth is, decluttering can transform your inner world—not just your wardrobe.

Here’s how:


🧠 1. Improved focus and productivity

Every object in your space competes for attention. Fewer items = fewer distractions. Studies have shown that people perform better on cognitive tasks in clean environments. Less visual noise allows your brain to focus and flow.


💡 2. Boosted Creativity

Creativity thrives in open space. A clutter-free room invites ideas, inspiration, and imaginative thinking. Writers, artists, and creators often describe their most productive seasons as those when their environment felt clear and calm.


💓 3. Emotional Clarity and Healing

Clutter often carries emotional weight. By decluttering, you release old narratives, outdated versions of yourself, and stored grief. Each object you release is an invitation for healing—and for reclaiming emotional energy.


💪 4. Enhanced Sense of Control

When life feels chaotic, regaining control of your space can be empowering. It reminds your nervous system: you are not powerless. Even one organised drawer can become a symbol of agency.


😌 5. Reduced Anxiety and Better Sleep

Less clutter equals lower stress. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience linked disorganised spaces to increased anxiety. People who sleep in clean, minimal bedrooms report better rest, deeper dreams, and calmer mornings.


🌱 6. Personal Growth and identity reset

Decluttering creates space—not just on your shelves, but in your identity. You’re not the same person you were when you bought that shirt five years ago. Why let your space reflect an outdated version of yourself?

And for those drawn to deeper, spiritual healing through simplicity, there’s an entire movement around Sacred Minimalism—a soulful practice of clearing out not just stuff, but noise and spiritual heaviness. Explore that philosophy here:


Decluttering isn’t just about making room. It’s about making room for you—your peace, your presence, your becoming.


What decluttering strategies actually work (and don’t overwhelm you)?

Alright. You’re convinced. You’re ready.

But… where do you begin when every corner feels like it’s shouting?

You don’t begin with the whole house.
You don’t begin with guilt.
You begin—with grace.

Here’s a step-by-step gentle guide that works for even the most overwhelmed heart:


📍 Step 1: Choose One Zone (Not a Whole Room)

Don’t say, “I’ll clean the kitchen today.” Say, “I’ll clear the kitchen counter.”
Smaller goals = dopamine wins = motivation to continue.


🕰 Step 2: Use a Timer (The 10/10 Rule)

Set a timer for 10 minutes. Tidy. Then stop.
Take a break for 10 minutes.
Repeat. This rhythm trains your nervous system to tolerate effort without collapse.


🗃 Step 3: Use Three Bins – Keep, donate, unsure

Too many decisions freeze the brain. Simplify with three bins. The “Unsure” bin lets you move forward without immediate pressure.


🪞 Step 4: Ask Emotional Questions

When stuck, ask:

  • “What memory is tied to this item?”

  • “What identity am I holding onto through this?”

  • “Does this reflect who I am now—or who I used to be?”

This isn’t just organisation. It’s self-discovery.


🧽 Step 5: Clean While Listening to Affirming Audio

Put on calming music or podcasts that inspire healing. Let the soundscape hold you. You’re not doing this alone.


🔄 Step 6: Build a Maintenance Ritual

Once a week, choose a Clarity Corner. Spend 15 minutes resetting just that space. This prevents emotional pile-up and builds consistency.


🌼 Step 7: Celebrate every victory (Even the Tiny Ones)

One drawer? That’s transformation.
One trash bag? That’s grief released.
One shelf of space? That’s hope.

Give yourself credit. Document progress. Share with a friend. Let this be joyful.


🧘 Remember: Decluttering isn’t punishment. It’s a slow return to self. You don’t have to finish everything in one weekend. You just have to start—and keep showing up.

You’ve survived so much.
You’re still standing.
Now let your space reflect that strength.


FAQs

 Can clutter really be caused by trauma?

Yes. Clutter is often a coping strategy for unresolved trauma. It serves as emotional armour, a distraction from pain, or a way to recreate familiar chaos.

What mental illnesses are linked with chronic disorganisation?

Depression, ADHD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders are strongly linked to chronic clutter due to cognitive overload, executive dysfunction, and emotional fatigue.

How do I stop feeling guilty about my messy home?

Start by replacing guilt with curiosity. Ask what purpose the clutter is serving. Be compassionate and begin with small, consistent steps. Healing is more important than speed.

Are there therapeutic benefits to decluttering?

Absolutely. Decluttering can reduce stress, increase clarity, restore self-trust, and create a healing environment. When done with intention, it’s deeply therapeutic.

 What’s a quick way to start decluttering when I feel paralysed?

Start with a “micro-clear”—one drawer, one corner, or one item. Set a 5-minute timer. Focus on consistency, not perfection.

For more inspiring insights, subscribe to the YouTube Channel at Tushar Mangl or follow on Instagram at @TusharMangl


Author

Tushar Mangl is a counsellor, Vastu expert, and author of I Will Do It and Ardika. He writes on topics like food, books, personal finance, investments, mental health, Vastu, and the art of living a balanced life. He seeks to create a greener, better society. Blogging at tusharmangl.com since 2006.

“I help unseen souls design lives, spaces, and relationships that heal and elevate—through ancient wisdom, energetic alignment, and grounded action.”

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Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...

Ramayana in Indonesia: A Timeless epic across borders

The Ramayana, an epic saga originating from India, has transcended borders, weaving its influence into the cultural, spiritual, and artistic fabric of Indonesia. Here, Rama becomes a secular icon revered by Hindus and Muslims alike, showing how mythology unites diverse communities. This article explores how the Ramayana journeyed through time, embracing new interpretations while retaining its core values of righteousness, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. Introduction: Why is Ramayana everywhere, even in Indonesia? When I first heard of the Ramayana thriving in Indonesia, I was captivated. How could an Indian epic be so embedded in a predominantly Muslim country? The answer lies in history, adaptability, and shared human values. The Ramayana's journey from Indian shores to the Indonesian archipelago is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange, adaptation, and enduring relevance. How Did the Ramayana Travel to Indonesia? The Ramayana arrived in Indonesia during the early c...

Does India need communal parties?

I think, it was Tan's post on this blog itself, Republic Day Event, where this question was raised. My answer. YES. we need communal parties even in Independent, Secular India. Now let me take you, back to events before 1947. When India was a colony of the British Empire. The congress party, in its attempt to gain momentum for the independence movement, heavily used Hinduism, an example of which is the famous Ganesh Utsav held in Mumbai every year. Who complains? No one. But at that time, due to various policies of the congress, Muslims started feeling alienated. Jinnah, in these times, got stubborn over the need of Pakistan and he did find a lot of supporters. Congress, up till late 1940's never got bothered by it. And why should we? Who complains? No one. But there were repercussions. The way people were butchered and slaughtered during that brief time when India got partitioned, was even worse than a civil war scenario. All in the name of religion. And there indeed was cr...