Sneaky Ways Clutter Impacts Your Health And Wellness

A few years back I was chatting with a friend of mine, and nurse practitioner, about the extraordinary ways that our environments and, in particular, our clutter impacts our health and wellness. One of the four cornerstones of her practice focuses on a person's environment, which I, of course, found interesting. 

I was remembering that conversation recently and my mind went down a rabbit hole of ways that our environments impact our health, both directly and indirectly. One of those ways, of course, being through our clutter. That's what I want to focus on today. It's actually overwhelming all of the ways that our environments impact our wellbeing but focusing on something small and manageable, like clutter, can make a huge impact.

So, here are some ways that clutter impacts your health and wellness in a very real, physical way.

Clutter hides germs and bacteria

It’s not always just other clutter that’s hiding under clutter. Your clutter might actually be housing some living stuff too. Clutter, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Kitchens

In kitchens, when you're handling raw meat, bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can be transferred to nearby surfaces. If these areas are cluttered, the bacteria can easily find a place to settle and multiply. You don't have to be at hoarder level for this to become a problem. The layout for many homes is to have the kitchen right at the garage entry. And so the kitchen can easily become a dumping ground for bowls and trays of loose change, mail, and random clutter. 

These surfaces can become contaminated without you even realizing it, and the clutter makes it harder to clean thoroughly. Plus, there's the issue of cross-contamination. If you use a cluttered area to prepare other foods without proper cleaning first, you're risking transferring these harmful bacteria to your meal.

Bathrooms

In bathrooms, where personal hygiene is a priority, clutter can create an environment ripe for bacteria to thrive. These areas are often warm and moist, ideal conditions for bacterial and mold growth. Everyday items like damp towels or toiletries, if not properly stored, can become breeding grounds for bacteria. In a cluttered bathroom, it's challenging to maintain the level of cleanliness needed to keep these bacteria at bay.

The items that get regular use are less of a problem because they're being moved around, maybe even spayed with fresh water in the shower, or more easily accessible when cleaning. It's the unused items (the real clutter) that poses the biggest threat here. The unmoved hairspray from 5 years ago that's now gunked to the shelf or the old makeup sponges that have been lost in the bottom of the drawer for years. Dishes of random collections that are often added to but never removed. 

Pest Infestations

Clutter can attract and hide pests such as rodents and insects. These pests can carry diseases and create unsanitary conditions. Plus, clutter can make it harder to notice and address these situations.

Hygiene Issues

Clutter can interfere with regular cleaning and maintenance of a home, leading to hygiene issues. When spaces are cluttered, it's harder to clean surfaces effectively, which can result in the accumulation of dirt, grime, and bacteria. 

This means that even if the visible surfaces are cleaned, the cluttered and hidden areas may still harbor germs and bacteria. Over time, these uncleaned areas can become significant sources of contamination. Simply put, less clutter means fewer places for bacteria to hide and a healthier living environment.

Allergies and respiratory problems

Clutter may or may not be the cause the multitude of allergies and breathing problems that we suffer from but it definitely can be a contributing factor.

Accumulation of Dust and Allergens

Cluttered spaces tend to accumulate more dust, which is a common allergen. Items like books, fabrics, carpets, and upholstery can trap dust and are often found in cluttered areas. These items, if not regularly cleaned, can significantly increase the amount of dust in the environment. 

Mold Growth

Clutter can obstruct airflow and create areas of dampness, particularly if items are stacked against walls or in poorly ventilated areas. This environment is conducive to mold growth. Mold spores are known to cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, especially in individuals with mold sensitivities or asthma.

Pet Dander 

In homes with pets, clutter can trap pet dander (tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds, and other animals with fur or feathers). This can be a significant issue for people with pet allergies, as the dander can accumulate in cluttered spaces and is not easily removed without thorough cleaning.

Difficulties in Cleaning

Clutter impedes regular cleaning routines. It's challenging to dust, vacuum, or clean surfaces effectively when they are cluttered. This leads to allergens settling in these areas for longer periods, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions.

Reduced Air Quality

Clutter can block air vents and reduce the efficiency of air filtration systems, leading to poorer indoor air quality. This can exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Hidden Allergen Sources

Clutter can hide other sources of allergens, like old newspapers, magazines, or fabrics, that may not be immediately visible. These materials can harbor dust mites, another common allergen, contributing to respiratory discomfort. 

Impact on Immune System

Constant exposure to allergens in a cluttered environment can put a strain on the immune system, making it more susceptible to other illnesses and reducing overall health.

For individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, maintaining a clutter-free environment is particularly important. Regular cleaning and decluttering can significantly reduce the presence of allergens and improve indoor air quality, thereby reducing the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory problems. 

Safety hazards

Clutter can be physically treacherous and create some legitimate safety hazards in your living space. 

Tripping Hazards

Things left or stored on the floor or near walkways can be a significant tripping hazard, especially for anyone without perfect balance. This is particularly risky for elderly folks or anyone with mobility issues, especially after a surgery. Falls can lead to serious injuries like fractures or head traumas. Even in a well-lit room, small objects or unevenly stacked items can cause someone to trip and fall. 

Falling Objects

Overstuffed shelves or cabinets can lead to items falling out unexpectedly. Think of crammed storage closets that you wish you could deadbolt closed or boxes stacked up in the garage. This is especially dangerous if heavy objects are stored in high places, as they can cause serious injuries if they fall on someone.

Obstructed Exits

Most of us don't consider emergency exits or routes inside of our own homes (I certainly don't). But if something like a fire, a gas leak, or an earthquake were to happen, we'd all wish we could get out sooner. In a cluttered home, exits can become randomly blocked- that may not be where you store things, but in crowded spaces, things often end up where they end up. 

Compromised Structural Safety

Dangerous Conditions for Children

Cluttered spaces can be particularly hazardous for children who love running around without regard and have limited stability, depending on the age. They might not recognize the dangers of unstable piles of items or sharp pieces lying around. This increases the risk of cuts, bruises, or more serious accidents 

Fire Hazard

Clutter can increase the risk of fire. Accumulated papers, fabrics, lint, old flammable aerosol sprays, items inching closer and closer to space heaters. Materials can easily catch fire, and clutter can impede efforts to extinguish fires quickly. Clutter can also block access to fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

Hidden Dangers

Mind, emotions, and energy

Clutter = stress

Sure, stress is usually seen as a mental thing, but it shows up in your body too. Think headaches, tense muscles, feeling wiped out, and even your immune system taking a hit. These aren't just annoyances; they're signs your body's feeling the pressure.

I have an entire article about the psychological effects of clutter that goes deep into the research and science behind how clutter impacts our mind, stress being a major factor in that.

Mental health

Both anxiety and depression can be exhausting. When you're surrounded by clutter, your brain is always trying to process the excess stimuli, which can be tiring, making the exhaustion worse. This mental fatigue often translates into physical tiredness, making you feel sluggish and drained. It's as if you're carrying an extra load all the time. Depression and clutter often operate as a feedback loop. When you're feeling low, you might not care much about tidying up, which leads to more clutter, but being in a messy space can make you feel even worse. It's a tough cycle. 

Sleep Disturbances

Clutter in sleeping areas messes with your sleep patterns, and bad sleep can lead to a bunch of health issues. We're talking a weaker immune system, putting on weight, high blood pressure, and even upping the risk of chronic diseases. You might find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia or disrupted sleep.

Our environments directly impact our energy

The space around you directly affects your energy. It's instant. Your room can either lift you up or bring you down, kind of like how different you feel in a relaxing spa compared to a spooky haunted house.

One moment you're chilling out, and the next, your heart's racing. That's the power of your surroundings. And when the clutter is yours, it carries extra weight because you look at your home and see a reflection of yourself, your abilities, and what you're allowing. If your space is full of things you don’t really like or need, it's hard to feel positive and energized.

Is clutter making you sick?