Declutter Your Home, De-Stress Your Life

Was one of your New Year's resolution to lose weight or get healthier? Or maybe simply to get more organized? If so, we've got good news - decluttering your home can not only help you get organized, but may help you shed pounds, lower your stress levels and improve your overall health as well!

First, a cluttered or disorganized home simply makes it harder to find what you need, and more likely to misplace your keys or wallet - causing stress and wasting time. Studies have also found that simply being exposed to a chaotic or messy environment makes you more likely to overeat sweet or fatty foods, which can result in weight gain. Other research has found that if overeat sweet or fatty foods, which can result in weight gain. Other research has found that if you find your home environment stressful, you're more likely to feel depressed and to have higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is linked to a higher risk of poor health.

That's the bad news. The good is that making even some small changes to declutter your home will make it more organized and more restful, decreasing stress and improving your health. The accompanying infographic, The Organization Diet: Cut the Clutter & Improve Your Life, presents proven practical tips will help you streamline your home. Give the "organization diet" a try. Chances are you'll shed not only unnecessary clutter but stress and extra pounds as well, setting the stage for better overall physical and mental health.

Consider hosting a garage sale to keep your cluttered home more organized, and lower your stress.

Graphic created by Closet Works.