Psychology of Decluttering: Why Less Really Can Be More

Professional home organizer Tara Bremer has built her business on tackling large-scale clutter in Birmingham, Alabama, but she finds that small organizational projects often yield the most enthusiastic responses from clients, according to a New York Times report.

Bremer recently reorganized a teenager's perfume collection as part of a larger bedroom project. "They kept coming back and looking at the under-sink area," she said. "They were so happy."

These mini-overhauls can provide the sense of control and satisfaction many seek when attempting to organize their living spaces. Bremer suggests focusing on manageable tasks, such as organizing a single junk drawer, to achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Stephanie Preston, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, warns against turning small organizational tasks into overwhelming projects. Preston cautions against turning a simple task into a grand mission: "You start out thinking 'I'll tackle some paperwork for an hour' and suddenly it's 'I must become the world's most organized human.'"

Some folks love a full-on decluttering blitz, while others prefer to take it slow and steady. Preston notes that personality differences can influence how people approach organization, comparing it to how some prefer the challenge of abstaining from alcohol for a month while others opt for a more moderate reduction.

If you're not up for a massive clean-out, the pros say to start small with goals you can actually achieve. Maybe clear off that dining table so you can finally have people over, or wrangle the toys so you can vacuum without tripping.

Don't try to overhaul your whole house at once. Pick a few doable tasks and stick to those. Tackling bite-sized projects lets you see results without losing your mind in the process.

The point isn't to create a perfect home - it's about making your space work better for you and feeling less stressed. They suggest starting with areas that cause the most frustration or impede daily activities.

As people continue to seek ways to manage their living spaces effectively, professional organizers and psychologists alike recommend a balanced approach that considers individual preferences and lifestyle needs.