Home Organization is Self Care
We hear a lot about self-care these days—bubble baths, face masks, and the occasional Netflix binge all get thrown into the mix. And while I won’t say no to a good skincare routine, I’d argue that real self-care isn’t just about the occasional treat. It’s about creating an environment that supports your well-being every single day. That’s where home organization comes in.
Your Space, Your Energy
There’s actual science behind the way clutter affects our brains. Studies from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute show that physical clutter competes for our attention, making it harder to focus and process information. Ever notice how it’s almost impossible to relax when there’s a pile of laundry staring at you? That’s your brain being overloaded by visual stimuli. When we clear the clutter, we also clear mental space for peace, creativity, and joy.
And it’s not just about mental clarity. A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who described their homes as ‘cluttered’ or ‘unfinished’ were more likely to have higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). In contrast, those who saw their homes as ‘restful’ or ‘restorative’ had lower cortisol levels. So, basically, your messy kitchen counter might be stressing you out more than you realize.
Organization as an Act of Self-Compassion
A lot of people tell me, “I should be able to do this myself,” or “I should just get my act together.” But what if we flipped the script? Instead of seeing organization as a chore or a failing, what if we saw it as an investment in ourselves? Shira Gill, who I absolutely love, often talks about how decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. It’s about making sure your home reflects your values and supports your life, rather than draining you.
If you want to be someone who enjoys cooking, but your kitchen is so disorganized that making dinner feels overwhelming, organization becomes an act of self-care. If you crave a peaceful morning routine but your closet is so packed you can never find what you need, simplifying your wardrobe is self-care. The goal isn’t to create a magazine-perfect home. It’s to create a home that actually works for you.
Small Steps, Big Impact
If organizing your whole home feels like a massive project (because, let’s be real, it is), start small. Tidy up just one drawer. Clear off one surface. Set a 15-minute timer and see what happens. Every little bit of progress adds up, and each step makes your home feel lighter, calmer, and more you.
And if you need help? That’s okay, too. Hiring a professional organizer isn’t admitting defeat—it’s prioritizing your well-being. Just like you’d hire a personal trainer to help you with fitness, an organizer can help you create a home that supports your best life.
The Bottom Line
Self-care isn’t just what we do for ourselves in fleeting moments—it’s about creating a life that feels good to live in. And since our homes are where we spend so much of our lives, they should feel like a place of peace, not stress. Organizing isn’t just about stuff. It’s about setting yourself up for the life you want, with a space that helps you breathe easier and live more fully.
So, next time you’re looking for a self-care practice, maybe skip the face mask (or do both!) and take a few minutes to clear a space in your home. Future you will thank you.
Hey! I am Aubrianne, and I love my job—I’m a professional home organizer in Logan, UT. I travel all around the Cache Valley (from end to end…and side to side) and beyond (like Garden City and Ogden!) clearing clutter from people’s homes. No matter where you’re starting—I can help you. We can declutter, organize, and give you systems to make sure you can keep it up once I’m gone.
Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation with me to talk about how you can feel peace and happiness and no stress in your home!
