Habit Library
Learn more about healthy habits, habit building and how Munay can help you stay healthy.
Tidying Up
Munay
Tidying Up
Gain an insight into how keeping your space clean and organised helps you feel calmer, focused, and more in control. Learn how to build this healthy self-care habit with Munay.
Why it matters
In our fast-paced, modern lives, it’s easy for our living spaces to accumulate clutter—whether it’s paperwork, clothes, or miscellaneous items that we don’t have time to organize. However, an untidy environment can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and stress. Tidying up, on the other hand, is an act of self-care that helps restore balance, clarity, and calm. It’s about more than just making your space look good - it’s about creating an environment that fosters peace, productivity, and well-being.
When we tidy up our surroundings, we give ourselves a mental break. A clean and organized space allows us to focus better, feel more at ease, and experience less distraction. Whether it’s picking up scattered clothes, organizing cluttered shelves, or putting away dishes, tidying up can have a profound impact on our mood and sense of accomplishment. It is a mindful activity that can help us slow down and be more present in the moment, creating an opportunity for relaxation and reflection.
What is tidying up?
Tidying up involves organizing and decluttering your environment, making sure that your living or work space is clean, functional, and harmonious. This could mean putting things back in their proper place, sorting through unused items, or simply keeping your surroundings neat and tidy. The act of tidying up can extend to various parts of your home or workspace, including the kitchen, bedroom, office, and living room.
The process of tidying is not just about aesthetics - it’s about creating a space that works for you, reduces stress, and supports your lifestyle. By adopting a regular habit of tidying up, you ensure that your environment is in a constant state of flow, which in turn supports your mental clarity and emotional balance.
Science behind it
There is growing research that suggests a clean and organized environment can positively impact mental health. It indicates that people who maintain tidy environments report feeling less stressed and more in control of their lives. Clutter has the potential to distract us from tasks and even contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Tidying up has also been linked to increased productivity and focus. Research found that individuals working in tidy environments were more focused, motivated, and productive. The act of organizing can enhance our cognitive function by minimizing distractions, creating a more conducive environment for work, relaxation, or creative thinking.
Moreover, tidying up has been shown to improve sleep quality. Research revealed that individuals who have organized and clean bedrooms experience better sleep compared to those in cluttered environments. This connection highlights how tidying up can contribute to your overall well-being, supporting both your mental and physical health.
Benefits for your health
Tidying up offers a range of benefits that can improve both your mental and emotional well-being. First, the most immediate impact of tidying up is stress reduction. A cluttered space can make us feel overwhelmed and anxious, while a clean, organized space promotes a sense of control and calm. Tidying up helps to clear mental clutter, allowing you to feel more relaxed and focused.
Second, tidying up encourages a sense of accomplishment. Even small acts of organising - such as making your bed or cleaning off your desk - can provide a sense of pride and achievement. This sense of control and accomplishment can boost your self-esteem and motivate you to take on other tasks, fostering a positive cycle of productivity and well-being.
Furthermore, maintaining a tidy space can promote better mental clarity and focus. When your environment is free from clutter, your mind can operate more clearly, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. A tidy environment also creates a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to relax and recharge, which is essential for emotional balance and overall health.
Lastly, tidying up can also promote healthier habits. When your space is organized, it’s easier to maintain good routines, such as cooking healthy meals, exercising, or getting enough rest. A well-organized home can be a reflection of a well-organized life, contributing to a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes health, wellness, and happiness.
How to build this habit
Building the habit of tidying up can be a simple yet powerful way to maintain a balanced and harmonious life. Here’s how you can get started:
- Start Small: Don’t try to tidy everything at once. Begin with one small area, like your desk, a single shelf, or the kitchen counter. Gradually expand your efforts as you become more comfortable.
- Create a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day or week to tidying up. This could be 10 minutes in the morning to straighten up your bedroom or a quick tidy-up session before bed. Consistency is key to making this habit stick.
- Use the “One In, One Out” Rule: To prevent clutter from building up again, follow the rule of getting rid of one item for every new item you bring into your home. This can help maintain a clutter-free environment and avoid unnecessary accumulation.
- Set Clear Goals: Break down large organizing tasks into manageable chunks. For example, rather than saying “I’ll clean the entire house today,” focus on specific tasks like “I’ll organize the kitchen cabinets” or “I’ll fold and put away the laundry.”
- Let Go of Items You Don’t Use: Take time to declutter your home by donating or discarding items that no longer serve you. This will not only clear up space but also help you focus on what truly matters in your environment.
- Incorporate Tidying into Your Daily Routine: Make tidying up a regular part of your life, just like brushing your teeth or eating meals. It doesn’t have to be a huge task—simply putting things back in place throughout the day can help maintain an organized and calm space.
Conclusion
The habit of tidying up is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress, boost mental clarity, and improve your overall well-being. By maintaining a clean and organized environment, you create a space that supports your emotional and physical health. Tidying up helps clear both mental and physical clutter, making room for calm, focus, and productivity.
Build this habit
Start building the habit of tidying up with Munay, your intelligent habit companion. Go to Get Munay to download the app or visit Munay App to learn more about it.
Sources
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- Icht, M., Zukerman, G., Zigdon, A., & Korn, L. (2023). There is more to cluttering than meets the eye: The prevalence of cluttering and association with psychological well‐being indices in an undergraduate sample. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 58(6), 2022-2032. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12917
- Kondo, Marie. Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up. Ten Speed Press, 2016. https://shop.konmari.com/collections/books. Accessed on April 1, 2025.
- Kondo, Marie. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Ten Speed Press, 2014. https://shop.konmari.com/collections/books. Accessed on April 1, 2025.
- Leavitt, F., & Katz, R. S. (2011). Development of the mental clutter scale. Psychological Reports, 109(2), 445-452. https://doi.org/10.2466/02.07.14.22.pr0.109.5.445-452
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- Roster, C. A., Ferrari, J. R., & Jurkat, M. P. (2016). The dark side of home: Assessing possession ‘clutter’on subjective well-being. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 46, 32-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2016.03.003
- Tsuang, M. T. (2000). Genes, environment, and mental health wellness. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(4), 489-491. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.4.489