How to Declutter Your Home for Mental Clarity

I’m a Virgo, so being hyper-organized is a skill that runs intensely through my veins. I like to think that although often overlooked, organization is an act of self-care. And when I say organized, I don’t just mean cleaning out your attic or making sure your Rolodex (who even has one anymore?) is up to date. It’s the little things, too. Think a medicine cabinet, a drawer, or your daily pill case for wellness routines.

We’re not all Virgos and organization doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so we enlisted a pro: Andrea Wolf is the founder of Organize Detroit and has been helping clients systemize their homes, spaces, and, well, life for over 15 years.

Andrea believes in functionality first and foremost so to learn more about how to kickstart and maintain an organized home for mental clarity, I spoke with the organization expert about some practices to put into place.

“Do not pick the largest area in your house to start organizing,” says Andrea. “The reason why I always tell people to start small with a drawer or a medicine cabinet is that the goal from start to finish is to have it turn out really well so you have the motivation to keep going and start another project in the house. It could be another area that might be bigger and more complicated.”

Andrea notes that when donating or throwing away items you no longer want or need, don’t buy the bin that will help to house things you’re keeping. Purchase the container when you’re finished.

Andrea admitted that clients can get uncomfortable when she begins to purge some of their items, but she notes that there’s always a round one and round two. “It takes some learning and comfortability to get rid of stuff, whether it’s donating or throwing out,” she says. “I believe that your surroundings impact your mental health and daily focus. When we do a playroom, for example, we always talk about having too many toys. It’s not necessarily beneficial. Truly less is more.”

Whether it’s a kitchen pantry, bedroom closet, or drawer, Andrea believes in bringing everything out so you can reimagine your space. “The more you can reimagine a space and you don’t have stuff in it,” she says, “you can start to put back the things that you use most and give it prime real estate.”

I have a daughter who has struggled with depression before, and hands down, I know if she’s struggling. One of the first things I’ll say is, do you want to go clean your room? When somebody is struggling and they want to have control, whether it be their life, their emotions, or whatnot, having a clean and organized space, to me, is the first step to feeling like you’re in control.”

Whether it’s medicine, oils, or supplements, it’s all about accessibility, making it easier to take or apply. “I like everything off of my counter, but when it comes to starting a routine that’s important to you, have it somewhere you will remember to do it. You can be organized, but still have stuff on your countertop. The function of it matters more than anything.”

“With wellness products, people try a lot of different things,” she says. “They stay on it for three months, six months, eight months, whatever it may be and they’re always searching for the next. So people will often have stuff that they are keeping out that they may not be using anymore. I always try to keep that stuff in rotation, no matter what it is, pills, supplements, facial products, whatever is currently in rotation should get the prime real estate so you use it daily. Train yourself to keep up a healthy habit; don’t have stuff out that you’re not using.”

Want to keep your pill case organized all year? Use AndAgain and AndAround daily to stay consistent with your wellness routine.