Clutter-Free Summer: The Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering
Ever feel like you’re doing laundry all day, every day—and somehow nothing else gets done?
There’s a snack wrapper on the counter, a half-folded pile of laundry on the couch, and a bag of hand-me-downs by the door that’s been waiting to go to a friend’s house for weeks. The Goodwill pile is growing. The toy bins are overflowing. And the FYP page on your social media keeps telling you to create a rotating toy system, build a minimalist capsule wardrobe, and organize your pantry with clear bins for your kid’s mental health.
It’s exhausting.
And even though this clutter might seem like just "stuff," it’s doing more than just sitting there. It’s crowding your nervous system. It’s silently stressing you out, even if you don’t realize it.
When your brain sees chaos, it mirrors it. Visual clutter can increase stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. It becomes harder to focus. It’s harder to rest. Your brain stays in a low-level state of overwhelm—constantly scanning, constantly stimulated.
Here’s what clutter can do to your well-being:
● Brain fog and trouble concentrating
● Increased irritability, anxiety, and short fuses
● Feeling overstimulated and under-supported
● Difficulty relaxing or falling asleep
● Emotional fatigue from seeing reminders of unfinished tasks
You’re not failing. Your nervous system is overloaded.
The good news? Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, all-day event. In fact, the best resets often start with just one drawer. One shelf. One car cupholder.
What is 1 thing you can do today, to move the needle by 1%, to help you tomorrow.
We’re not here to shame anyone into a Pinterest-perfect house. At CCH, we believe in real-life wellness—especially for parents, caretakers, and anyone juggling a million invisible tasks.
Here’s how to make decluttering part of your mental health routine:
Start small. Pick one 10-minute area and set a timer. A junk drawer, your nightstand, the front seat of your car—no project is too small.
Check in with your body. Notice how you feel before and after. Does your breath deepen? Do your shoulders drop? Your nervous system responds to clarity.
Let go without guilt. That shirt you haven’t worn in three years? The pile of magazines that you’ve planned on skimming, now crammed in the junk drawer? It’s okay to release it. Let your space reflect who you are now—not who you were five years ago.
Make it sensory-friendly. Play calming music. Open a window. Light a candle. This helps regulate your nervous system as you reset your space.
Celebrate progress—not perfection. A cleared kitchen counter is a win. An empty laundry basket is a win. One less pile on the stairs is a win.
Why it matters:
When your environment feels calmer, your body can start to relax. You can hear your own thoughts again. You remember what you needed when you walked into the room. You feel more like you.
And if you’re deep in the chaos, just know—you’re not alone. We see you. We work with moms, caregivers, and overwhelmed humans every single day who are carrying too much. Decluttering is just one of the small, meaningful ways to support your mental health this season.
Need more support?
At CCH, we offer whole-person care that helps your nervous system exhale. Whether you’re overwhelmed by clutter, burnout, or life’s daily chaos, we’re here to walk with you.
🧠 Explore therapy, somatic care, nutrition counseling, and more—designed for the real-life pace of parents, caregivers, and anyone trying to do it all.
📍 Located in Edina, MN | Telehealth available
💫 Not sure where to begin? Start with our free Holistic Health Quiz to find the best next step for you.
✨ When you're ready to reset, book your personalized wellness session—your nervous system will thank you.
