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How Cleaning Out One Drawer Can Shift Your Entire Mindset

February 28, 2026

If you’re kicking off the new year determined to feel a little more in control, you might not need a new planner or a strict morning routine. You might just need a trash bag.

It turns out that clearing out clutter in your physical space can have a real impact on your mental space too.

“Clutter can create a sense of chaos in the background of our lives,” says Marissa Sicley-Rogers, PsyD, a Well-Being Manager in Hartford HealthCare’s Well-Being Department. “When your environment feels disorganized, it can increase stress and make it harder to focus.”

Luckily, a few small changes can help. Here are five decluttering habits that can make a noticeable impact on your mental health.

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1. Clearing visual clutter can reduce stress

You might be trying your best to ignore it, but one messy counter can make it feel impossible to focus.

“When your brain has to constantly filter out clutter, it uses up mental energy,” Dr. Sicley-Rogers explains. “Removing excess items helps reduce that cognitive load.”

A calmer environment often leads to a calmer mind. Even a quick 10-minute tidy can make your space feel less distracting.

2. Decluttering small areas can build motivation

It’s easy to feel paralyzed when you think you need an entire weekend — or an entire team of house cleaners — to tackle your home. But you’re probably better off starting small.

“People often underestimate how far small steps can take them,” Dr. Sicley-Rogers says. “Decluttering a single drawer or shelf creates momentum, which makes it easier to continue.”

Think micro-projects, not whole-room transformations.

3. Letting go of items can ease guilt

From unused gifts to sentimental clutter, many people hold onto things because they feel guilty throwing them away.

“Decluttering can be an opportunity to understand the emotions attached to your belongings, which can help you make a choice to keep or let them go.,” Dr. Sicley-Rogers says.

Her advice? Keep what supports your life now. Give yourself permission to let go of things that no longer serve you. And letting go does not always mean throwing stuff away – it could be donating to those in need, which also boosts positive emotions and reduce stress.

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4. A tidy environment can support better focus

Trying to work from home or create new routines? When your space is clear, everything becomes a little easier.

“Clutter pulls your attention in multiple directions,” Dr. Sicley-Rogers notes. “By simplifying your surroundings, you make it easier to stay on task.”

So if you’ve been struggling with productivity, this might be the easiest fix you try.

5. Decluttering can support emotional well-being

A more organized space doesn’t just help with stress and focus — it can improve your emotional state.

“For instance, you may feel lighter or more in control after decluttering,” says Dr. Sicley-Rogers. “And for some, the process itself can reduce anxiety.”

The key is to take it at your own pace. Your space doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to make you feel grounded.

A fresh start, one small step at a time

Small, consistent decluttering habits can noticeably improve your mood, focus and sense of control.

“Think of decluttering as an investment in your mental health,” Dr. Sicley-Rogers says. “Meaningful changes to your environment can help support your well-being rather than compete with it.”

And the best part? This is a resolution that can grow with you. One cleared drawer can become a room, and eventually your whole space feels calmer.