How to get rid of junk in the apartment and in the head: make room for joy!




Studies show that the excess of things negatively affects not only physical space, but also the psychological state of a person. According to Princeton University, cluttered space reduces the ability to concentrate and increases stress levels. How can we begin the path to freedom from rubbish and find harmony in space and thought?


Psychology of junk: why we store unnecessary
Our attachment to things has deep psychological roots. Researchers highlight several key reasons:

  • Emotional attachment to memories
  • Fear of future need
  • Feeling guilty for spending money
  • Legacy of family patterns
  • Procrastination in decision-making



The method of conscious cluttering
1. Preparatory phase
Start with mental preparation:
  • Define your goals and values
  • Visualize the desired result
  • Set aside a specific time for cluttering
  • Prepare three boxes: “leave”, “give”, “throw away”

2. Practical steps
Category method:
  • Clothing and shoes
  • Books and documents
  • Electronics and gadgets
  • Decorative objects
  • Kitchenware


3. The one-year rule
Ask yourself honest questions about everything:
  • Have I used this in the last year?
  • Does this thing really benefit you?
  • Does it bring joy?
  • Is it easy to replace if necessary?

Digital cracking
In the modern world, it is important to pay attention not only to the physical, but also to the digital space.
  • Clear the Downloads folder
  • Organize an email.
  • Remove unused applications
  • Systematize photos



Mental cluttering
Physical order is closely related to mental state. Studies show that cleansing space contributes to:
  • Reducing anxiety levels
  • Improving sleep quality
  • Increasing productivity
  • Enhancing creativity

Maintenance of order
Daily habits:
  • One Minute Rule – If it takes less than a minute, do it right away
  • Evening ritual of placing things in places
  • Regular review of things
  • Conscious shopping


Getting rid of things environmentally
It is important to take a responsible approach:
  • Hand over things for recycling.
  • Give to the needy
  • Sell through specialized platforms
  • Use things again.

Conclusion
Decluttering is not a one-time action, but a way of life and thinking. Starting with physical space, you’ll notice how your perception of the world changes, with more energy and time for really important things. Remember that the goal is not a perfect order, but to create a space in which you are comfortable living and developing.

By freeing up space from unnecessary things, we make room for new opportunities, ideas and joyous moments. It is a journey to a more conscious and harmonious life, where every thing has its place and purpose.