The Hidden Cost of Clutter: How to Reclaim Calm in Your Home and Life (Ep 282)

If your home feels heavy or chaotic lately, you’re not imagining it. Studies from UCLA and Harvard show that clutter increases stress hormones, drains focus, and fuels burnout, especially for women. In this final episode of the EMPOWERING Life series, Deanna breaks down how clutter blindness sneaks in, why “stuff” silently steals your energy, and how to finally feel at ease in your own space. You’ll walk away with six practical ways to reclaim your calm, one corner at a time and a few mindset shifts to help you release guilt and redefine what “home” really means. You’ll learn: What clutter blindness is and why it happens How science proves clutter raises stress levels Why decision fatigue starts at home The simple 15-minute habit that changes everything Six practical ways to reclaim calm and reset your space How to let your home evolve with you 📌 Resources Mentioned: Full show notes:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.wannabeclutterfree.com/282⁠ UCLA Study Harvard Study Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/⁠⁠ Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist⁠⁠⁠⁠ Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome + Series Wrap-Up 02:50 What “Home Environment” Really Means 04:45 Clutter Blindness Explained (and the science behind it) 06:00 UCLA Study: How Clutter Raises Stress 07:10 Harvard Research: Decision Fatigue & Mental Load 10:00 Why Clutter Competes for Your Attention 12:00 Client Story: Rachel’s 15-Minute Reset 15:30 Mini Home Peace Assessment 18:00 Six Practical Ways to Reclaim Calm 26:30 Permission to Redefine Home 28:30 Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Episode Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps me create more content to inspire and motivate you to live with less. Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices