Decluttering Your Junk Drawer: A Path to Better Mental Health and Simplified Living
- Kendra Horne
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Introduction
This past weekend, I found myself elbow-deep in our kitchen junk drawers (which had expanded from one to four over the last five years), sorting, purging, and honestly enjoying myself!
I found myself asking, why is it that when my mental health is challenging, I get the urge to organize and declutter when I am struggling to maintain many other aspects of my life?
This isn't the first time this has happened. Last year, during one of the most challenging and depressive seasons of my life, I tackled our office closet, created a filing system for all of our personal files (shredding hundreds of old and redundant documents), and organized our powder room closet. This didn't feel hard; it felt enlightening, like a breath of fresh air. I felt accomplished, despite a time when I struggled to wake up and shower in the morning; I was tackling major home projects, à la The Home Edit.
Why is this? Is it just an excuse to spend a little extra money on Amazon, or is there something deeper going on here? My curiosity led me to Google, and it's true: numerous resources confirm that decluttering and living more simply can have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being.
Wow, it wasn't just me; I had been underestimating the benefits this brings during some of my darkest days. So, I had to dig in!
Decluttering as a Form of Self-Care
Decluttering can be seen as a form of self-care because living with less gives us more time and space for other things, helps reduce stress, and provides order in a time of chaos. It offers something tangible and achievable to do and can provide a sense of accomplishment during difficult times. While clutter can increase stress levels, make it difficult to focus, and may take a toll on relationships, according to an article from Verywell Mind.
Benefits of Decluttering and Living More Simply
Decluttering and embracing a simpler lifestyle can have profound benefits for mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. Here's why less can truly be more:
Stress Reduction
A cluttered space can cause mental overload, making it more difficult to focus and relax. Simplifying your surroundings can alleviate stress and promote balance.
More Time & Energy
Less clutter means less time spent cleaning, organizing, and searching for things. A streamlined space allows you to focus on what truly matters.
Greater Financial Flexibility
Decluttering can help you be more intentional with your purchases, reducing impulse spending and saving money over time, as well as preventing unnecessary expenditures on items you may already own.
Increased Flexibility & Freedom
Owning less means fewer obligations, less maintenance, and more room for experiences. A minimalist approach fosters greater adaptability and ease.
Improved Mental Health
Studies show that decluttering reduces cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, and improves mental clarity and emotional well-being.
How to Get Started on Your Decluttering Journey
✅ Start small, with one drawer, one closet, one category at a time. If you are struggling with your mental health, don't put pressure on yourself to finish the task in one go; give yourself time and space to work on it over a few days
✅ Use this as an opportunity to donate items you may not want or need. Sort items into keep, donate, and toss piles as your first step
✅ Focus on creating a space that supports your mental health and wellbeing
Conclusion
So it turns out, it's not just me; many of us would benefit from some decluttering in our lives. If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that my family and I live with too much stuff. We have spent years overindulging, collecting, and accumulating, and I have underestimated the impact it may be having on my mental health and well-being.
This is me, making a change. Will you join me? Will you tackle the next project, however large or small, and find some additional space in your life to breathe and take note of all the good things that surround you?
So what's next in my house? My closet may be too ambitious, but I think I can handle my daughter's closet. What decluttering project are you tackling next? Could you drop me a comment below or email me at driftingtowardssimplicity@gmail.com?
Additional Reading on Drifting Towards Simplicity
Additional Delcuttering for Mental Health Resources
The content on Drifting Towards Simplicity is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment—please seek support from a licensed professional if needed.
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