Clear clutter, reduce stress, and make space for better health

A well-organized home can make everyday life easier—and healthier. From reducing allergens and indoor toxins to lowering anxiety and improving sleep, small changes in how we manage our spaces can support both physical and mental well-being.
We asked experts to share how transforming your environment can transform your life. Whether you’re working from home, raising a family, or craving more peace of mind, these simple home-organization strategies can help you feel better inside and out.
“Clutter is basically unmade decisions and easily brings on feelings of depression, stress, and overwhelm,” says holistic interior designer and feng shui teacher Lisa Morton. “The items in your home might represent security or safety. However, when we look at it through an energetic lens [such], we can see how that might be limiting us.”
When you’re in a chronic state of stress, your body’s immune system takes a hit and it becomes harder to fight off colds, sleep well, and feel motivated to take care of yourself. When your home feels calm and organized, your nervous system is more likely to relax, which can have significant ripple effects.
Trista Best, RD at Balance One Supplements, explains that cluttered spaces, particularly in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, can even contribute to poor dietary habits. “Avoid food waste, cross-contamination, and anxiety while simultaneously improving your diet by organizing your refrigerator,” Best says.
Many natural health practitioners suggest aligning your cleaning and organizing efforts with your body’s circadian rhythm. Mornings, when cortisol is naturally higher, are ideal for tackling clutter and big organizational tasks.
Bonus: According to the American Psychological Association, a tidy space may help reduce stress, boost focus, and improve mood.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to tackle your entire home in one day. Start with a small area like your bedroom or kitchen, then make simple changes from there.
“The biggest mistake we see is people trying to tackle it all at once, quickly leading to overwhelm and a paralyzing feeling that bars you from making progress,” says holistic interior designer Gala Magriñá. “Instead, we recommend taking small, gentle strides—start with a closet.”
Even something as small as an overflowing junk drawer or a crowded front closet can subtly affect your energy. Taking just 10 minutes to clear a single area can lead to a greater sense of mental clarity and less stress.
Naturopathic doctor Renee Young recommends taking things one day at a time. “Start with the kitchen or entryway to create order in the most-used parts of your home,” Young says. “A clean, intentional entryway sets the tone for calm and order in the rest of your home.”
A well-organized space supports healthy habits. For example, you could designate specific areas for daily wellness routines, such as a meditation corner, reading nook, or supplement station in the kitchen.
“Arranging your space is not about perfection or beauty, it’s about intention,” Morton says. “With pure intention, the care you provide to your home can ripple out to every area of your life.”
You don’t need to invest in fancy furniture or equipment; all you need is to find a spot where you feel calm and consistent. Consider creating visual cues to remind yourself of healthy habits, such as placing a yoga mat near your bed or keeping a basket of herbal teas by the kettle.
Try ending your day with a short tidy-up ritual by putting things back in place, clearing dishes, or wiping down counters. These small acts can signal to your body and brain that the day is winding down and that it’s time for sleep and reduced stress.
Your home reflects your inner world, and transforming it can help transform how you feel.
“Our homes reflect to us how we feel about ourselves,” explains Morton. “The centre-most area of the home connects to health and well-being. By tidying up and clearing clutter from our home, we are giving ourselves a little bit of love.”
This is especially true in times of stress or seasonal change, when we spend more time indoors and are more prone to low mood or fatigue. Making your home a space that supports (not saps) your energy can make a big difference.
“Home design should be leveraged as an essential self-care tool, demanding the same care and attention as we put into exercise and diet,” adds Magriñá.
Research suggests that taking small, intentional steps to organize your space will help you not only tidy up your home but also help you build a foundation for better health, mood, and peace of mind.
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white vinegar |
a natural disinfectant and deodorizer |
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baking soda |
fantastic for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and ovens |
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castile soap |
a versatile, biodegradable soap for multiple surfaces |
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reusable cloths |
ditch the paper towels and reduce waste |
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glass spray bottles |
perfect for mixing your own eco cleaning solutions |
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essential oils (such as lemon, lavender, or tea tree) |
add natural fragrance and antimicrobial power |
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eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner |
choose brands with nontoxic ingredients and minimal packaging |
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natural dish soap |
look for plant-based, biodegradable formulas |
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compostable sponges |
swap out synthetic sponges for ones that break down naturally |
This article was originally published in the January 2026 issue of alive magazine.