Throwing Everything I Own Away: The Mental Health Benefits of a Clean House”
Welcome to Motherhood Simplified, where we talk about the real-life struggles of being a mom and the incredible transformation that comes when you declutter your home. Today, I want to share something that might sound extreme but changed my life—throwing everything I own away.
Now, I know that phrase, “throwing everything I own away,” can sound a little dramatic. Truth be told, I love a little drama in my life to keep it fun. But I’m here to tell you that in 2013, as a family of five, we did exactly that. We packed up a single suitcase for each of us and moved from Alaska to Florida, leaving behind all the clutter. It was a monumental shift for my family, one that I had no idea would lead to such profound mental health benefits.
Let me walk you through how we did it, why we did it, and what it changed for me, especially as a mom.
Prefer to listen or watch? Here you go!
The Overwhelm of Motherhood and Clutter
Motherhood is the highest purpose for us once we have our kids here, but if we’re being honest, it can also feel overwhelming. When I became a mom, I had all these big dreams of bonding with my kids, creating amazing memories, and being the kind of mom who is always present. But the reality? It felt like I was constantly bogged down by a never-ending cycle of tasks—feeding, changing diapers, cleaning up messes, and doing it all again the next day. It was exhausting, and I felt like I wasn’t living up to the vision I had for motherhood.
And then there was the clutter.
The clutter made everything so much harder. Science shows that clutter can spike cortisol levels, making us feel stressed and overwhelmed. As moms, this can hit us even harder. For me, the clutter in my home kept me in a constant state of chaos. It wasn’t just about the physical mess; it was the mental clutter too. I was stuck in this exhausting cycle of trying to catch up, but never really getting ahead.
Luckily for me, in 2013 my husband and I decided to move from Alaska to Florida with only one suitcase each – one of clothes, and one of toys for our kids and we got a clean break from our clutter.
The Mental Health Benefits of a Clean House
The transformation that came from decluttering my home was far greater than just having a tidy space. It gave me back my mental peace. As moms, we carry the mental load of keeping the house running, making sure everyone is fed and taken care of. But when the clutter is gone, something amazing happens.
I started waking up with time—time to connect with my kids, to be present, to play, to relax. Suddenly, the day wasn’t just about keeping up with the mess anymore. There was less to clean, less to manage, and my kids were happier too. A decluttered home is not just easier to clean; it creates a peaceful, calm environment that sets the tone for the whole family.
What Changed for Me
The most significant change was how I showed up as a mom. With all that clutter gone, I could finally focus on my kids and myself in a way I hadn’t been able to before. I was no longer drowning in dishes, laundry, and toys. I had the bandwidth to work on improving my mental health, my relationships, and my personal well-being.
When you declutter, it clears up so much mental space. All of a sudden, you have the time and energy to tackle things that truly matter—whether it’s improving your finances, focusing on your health, or spending quality time with your family. I know it sounds like a miracle, but I’ve seen it time and time again with the moms I work with in my courses.
Decluttering simplifies everything. You don’t have to throw away everything you own like I did, but trust me when I say that getting rid of the clutter can transform your life and your motherhood.
Life Before Decluttering
Before decluttering, I remember feeling like I was constantly on the go, but always behind. I would go to bed every night exhausted, knowing that I had been busy all day, yet the house was still a mess. I was behind on laundry, dishes, and spending time with my kids. My weekends became marathon cleaning sessions, and even then, I never felt caught up.
Our closets were overflowing, toys were everywhere, and there was always something that needed organizing. It was a miserable existence. I was so focused on keeping up with the house that I didn’t have the energy to focus on what really mattered—my family.
Life After Decluttering
Once we made the decision to throw everything away and start fresh, the change was immediate. Suddenly, I had time. I could wake up in the morning and spend time with my kids instead of scrambling to clean up yesterday’s messes. There was no more frantic rush to get the dishes done before breakfast or find clean clothes before school. Life was simple, and it was freeing.
Our home became a place of peace and retreat, not just for me but for my entire family. My kids thrived in the calm environment, and I finally had the mental capacity to focus on bigger things—like working on my mental health, strengthening my relationships, and being the mom I always wanted to be.
You Don’t Have to Throw Everything Away
Now, I know that not everyone is going to throw away all of their stuff and start fresh. And that’s okay! You don’t have to. But what you can do is start decluttering in a way that works for you. If you want help with that, I’ve got courses and resources that will guide you through the process, step by step.
Decluttering isn’t just about having a clean house. It’s about freeing up your time, energy, and mental space so you can focus on what truly matters—your family, your health, your happiness. The mental health benefits of a clean house are undeniable, and it all starts with letting go of the clutter.
If you’re ready to take that step and experience the freedom that comes with a decluttered home, I’m here to help. You don’t have to do it alone, and you certainly don’t have to throw everything away like I did. But trust me, even small steps can lead to big changes.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter and want to experience the mental health benefits of a clean house, check out my courses or dive into some of my other resources. You’ve got this, mama! Let’s get started on the path to a simpler, more peaceful home.
This post is infused with personal experience and expert advice to guide you through the process. If you liked this, share it with a friend and let’s keep decluttering together!
