The Psychology of Organized Spaces: How a Custom Closet Can Boost Wellbeing

“Cluttered space, cluttered mind.”

This saying has been used to encourage organization and tidiness in many different spaces, from office desks to living areas. It’s been challenged by some of the smartest people in history (Albert Einstein, for one, suggested that if a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, an empty desk would be the sign of something else far less flattering), but psychology does show that clutter and disorganization have a real psychological impact on wellbeing. Physical clutter does contribute to mental stress, and high stress levels can increase cortisol levels, resulting in a host of physical symptoms.

Is the opposite of clutter emptiness, as implied by Einstein? Or is the opposite of cluttered clear. Clear doesn’t imply vacancy or emptiness, but rather a clean space that can encourage mental clarity and a calm environment that is primed for physical and mental health.

The Wrong System Can Increase Stress

You want to be organized. You know that living in a cluttered space isn’t good for your mental health and you want your home to be a well-organized sanctuary, not a mess. You decide to take the plunge and head to a big box store to stock up on systems that promise a solution to all your organizational problems – your closets, your pantry, your garage, your basement. Yet when you try to make them work in your home, you find that these “storage solutions” are adding to your clutter problems, not solving them. Sure, you can put your clutter in a pretty box, but if it’s not organized, it’s just clutter. You still can’t find things, you feel overwhelmed by stuff, and now you feel even worse about your ability to keep on top of your space. Since you can’t find what you need, you buy it again, and the cycle continues. The clutter causes stress, the stress increases your cortisol levels, and instead of a restful home, you feel edgy, tired, embarrassed, and frustrated.

Organized Spaces Improve Mood, Focus, and Daily Routines

A clean and organized home can make you happier. When you aren’t surrounded by clutter and disorganization, your home will feel restful and restorative. If your home is organized, your mind will be organized as well. Studies have been shown that the more clutter you have, the higher your stress levels. While there is likely an argument for minimalism, the reality is that most homeowners aren’t able to embrace a truly minimalist lifestyle. Instead, they need to be purposeful about organization. When your home is organized – purposefully organized, not simply “contained” – you will know what you have and can always find what you need. Instead of digging through pretty boxes for something you know you have but can’t put your hands on, you will know exactly where to look. A visually appealing home has been proved to have a calming effect. An aesthetically pleasing space can give you a sense of calm and order.

Custom Closets Provide Tailored Storage Solutions

You don’t need a bigger house, a bigger closet, or another pretty storage box. You need a custom closet solution. Working with a closet professional means that you will have a personalized system that works with your home, your family, and your belongings.

Custom solutions can be a true game changer. You’ll begin the process with a consultation that will help you inventory everything you need to store along with the exact dimensions of the space you have. Then a storage system can be designed to fit your exact needs, even if your home has unique features, such as sloped ceilings, tight corners, or narrow closets. Some of the other advantages of a custom closet include:

• High Quality Materials

Mass produced storage solutions aren’t built to last. If you really look at the construction of what’s available at the big box stores, you’ll find pressboard and weak construction. With a custom closet solution, you’ll have your storage designed with premium materials that are designed to hold up to heavy use. Instead of replacing your storage system every year, you’ll have something that’s built to last.

• Personalized, Optimized Storage

Every inch will be optimized for exactly what you need to store. Instead of trying to make your belongings fit into an existing system, the system will be designed for you, down to the personalized accessories. Everything is fully customizable for every space in your home.

• Professional Installation

High quality materials don’t mean much if they aren’t installed correctly. With professional installation, you’ll have durability, stability, and a flawless final finish. If you are incorporating lighting, built-ins, and overhead storage, you need a professional to make sure things are done right.

• Increased Value

A custom closet has a higher up front cost when compared with a DIY solution from a big box store. However, when you factor in long-term cost and the value that a custom closet solution provides to your home, the math works in favor of the custom solution. Rather than spending money every year on products that don’t work, don’t last, and don’t deliver, you’ll make one investment for something that works. Not only will the custom solution work for you, it can also increase the resale value of your home.

If you are ready to improve your mental and physical health by eliminating clutter from your life, a custom closet solution is a great idea. Contact Custom Storage Solutions to book a consultation.