Keeping a clear space

Wellbeing

ResLife Bath

Posted 17 hours ago

Thu 06 Aug, 2026 12:08 AM

Tidy space = tidy mind!

You'll probably know the phrase "tidy space=tidy mind", and it's very true. An untidy environment can often increase stress, and getting rid of excess stuff and clutter can benefit your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier and more in control.

Benefits of a tidy space 🧠

Here are a few benefits to having a clear space:

Making your bed every morning may help improve your sleep at night. Having a tidy, organised bedroom can create a calmer and more relaxing sleep environment, which can make it easier to unwind and fall asleep.

A cluttered space can be visually overstimulating. That kind of distraction can cause brain overload, foggy thinking, and reduced memory.

Clutter can also be a big cause of procrastination problems. Think of those times you've almost started an activity but stopped due to your space being messy. Reducing clutter will make you feel more motivated to get other things done and not just constantly cleaning.

Having a tidy space can decrease your cortisol levels, a stress hormone that is linked with depression and anxiety.

If you're living in a shared space, clutter can cause problems in relationships. Whether it's someone leaving their notebooks piled up in the kitchen or someone bringing way too many mugs, it may cause a problem between flatmates. It can also prevent you from inviting family and friends over if there's a lot of clutter about.

Tips for decluttering your space 📝

Having a low-stress process for decluttering will make you more eager to maintain a clear space.

Start small: If you pick one space to organise (this could be a messy corner or a cabinet), you'll be less likely to procrastinate cleaning.

If a cluttered space feels like a lot to handle, set a timer for just 10-15 minutes a day to focus on one area. Or you can make a list and prioritise what areas bother you the most. After a few days, you'll be amazed by how much tidying/organising you've accomplished.

Bin or donate items you no longer need: Letting go of items that you rarely use or have never used is the quickest way of getting rid of clutter. If you haven't used something in at least a year and it doesn't hold any sentimental value, it's time to bin it, or donate it if it's in decent condition. Here's a list of charity shops close to campus.

Decluttering doesn't have to be a life-changing process, but it's an important part of taking care of your mental health and wellbeing, as well as just keeping your life simple ❤️

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