Clutter and untidiness can significantly strain relationships, leading to frequent arguments and tension among partners and family members. According to a recent survey, hoarding, clutter, and mess have been identified as the primary sources of disputes within households across the UK. A staggering 21% of respondents stated that clutter was the leading cause of conflict in their homes, highlighting the detrimental impact of disorganisation on personal relationships. The inability to complete chores like cleaning and tidying closely followed, with 20% of individuals attributing this to arguments within their households.
Moreover, the survey revealed that failing to conserve energy by leaving lights and heating on unnecessarily annoyed 17% of participants, while financial disagreements accounted for 16% of the disputes. Other common reasons for domestic conflicts included neglecting to wash dirty dishes (14%), disagreements over cooking responsibilities (11%), and irritation caused by snoring (10%). Surprisingly, seemingly trivial issues like not flushing the toilet (9%) and disputes over electronic devices such as phones and TVs (6%) also contributed to tensions within households.
Living in a cluttered environment not only fosters strained relationships but also leads to psychological stress among individuals trying to navigate through the chaos. Studies conducted by organisational experts at Hammonds Furniture found that more than one-third of Britons (37%) feel disorganised when their homes are untidy, while 36% experience irritability in such environments. The emotional responses to clutter differ between genders, with 40% of women feeling disorganised and 34% of men feeling irritated by mess, indicating a nuanced relationship with tidiness.
Men and women also diverged in their attitudes towards household mess, as 17% of men admitted that clutter did not bother them compared to only 8% of women. Despite the prevalence of regular cleaning practices, with 28% of participants cleaning their homes every other day, a significant portion (16%) still feel that their homes never reach a state of perfect cleanliness and order. To address overflowing wardrobes, organisational expert Melissa Denham suggests adopting the 70:30 rule, allocating 70% of wardrobe space to essential items and 30% to more fashionable pieces.
Psychologist Dennis Relojo-Howell emphasises the negative consequences of living in a cluttered environment, linking it to cognitive overload and reduced mental clarity. He points out that clutter can evoke feelings of anxiety, stress, and guilt, particularly when individuals struggle to meet societal expectations of tidiness. Additionally, differing perceptions of clutter within households can lead to conflicts when individual cleaning habits and values clash, resulting in arguments over cleaning responsibilities and standards.
In conclusion, the survey highlights the critical impact of clutter and mess on relationships and mental well-being. As spring cleaning season approaches, experts recommend adopting strategies like the 70:30 rule and viewing cleaning as a therapeutic and rewarding activity. By fostering a tidy and organised living space, individuals can promote a sense of calm, control, and improved mental well-being within their households.