Decluttering can be good for you

It took me a while to learn that.

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In a Nutshell I'm a child of parents who like things — and holding onto them —– so naturally, I grew up clinging to items, too. Over the last few years though, I've been leaning into the practice of letting go of my belongings. Before my last move, I gave away maybe 30% of my stuff. I was able to fit everything in a smaller U-Haul, and friends or strangers scored things they wanted or needed for free. Win-win! It took time to get to this point, but I can confidently say that it feels good to downsize and soften the grip on material objects. And as it turns out, there may be real health benefits to decluttering. Learn how to go about it below. • Ways to level up your next walk with weights • 11 best ways to naturally improve your digestion • Signs and symptoms of too much stress Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota May 15, 2024 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing Lighten your load. It can be freeing Like most other rooms in my parents' house, my childhood bedroom was packed. Furniture lined the perimeters, and there wasn't a spot on the wall left uncovered by drawings, posters, or pages ripped out from my favorite magazines. Being surrounded by things was all I ever knew.️ Over time, things changed. Moving almost 20 times in 10 years meant I had to decide (over and over again) what I wanted to keep or chuck. I eventually realized that lighter moves were less stressful moves, and I could get rid of things I hadn't used in a while to benefit someone else more than me. If I need it again in the future, I can buy it (instead of clinging to it for dear life in hopes that someday it'll serve a purpose).️ What's my downsizing strategy? More expensive items that I use less often, like my blender or air conditioner, stay. And I still cling to sentimental things of all sizes. But I can easily part ways with extras, like spare curtains, glasses, and plates that take up more storage space than I'd like. I donate any clothes that I haven't worn in over a year, too. I also recall Marie Kondo asking if an item sparks joy, and if it doesn't, I let it go.️ My unsolicited and unprofessional advice: Consider getting rid of some things! Let's call it spring cleaning. The state of your home can affect your health in a number of ways, including your stress levels, and decluttering is linked with a sense of accomplishment and being in control. ️ Not sure where to give stuff away? Consider these options: ️ Goodwill Salvation Army Habitat for Humanity Facebook buy and sell groups thrift stores friends family neighbors I definitely still like having stuff, even random tchotchkes, but not to the same extent as when I was a kid. Now I know that letting go of even just one thing can feel a lot better than hanging on. For me, it's like clearing physical and mental space. Maybe it'll do the same for you. ️ signs of hoarding OCD

Great finds You "knead" this       Baguette-Shaped Keyboard Wrist Pad One thing I can't let go of: This baguette-shaped memory foam wrist pad. My friend sent it to me as a silly gift 2 years ago, but she had no idea how much I'd actually love it. It's been on my desk supporting my wrists while I work ever since, and I don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon. SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

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Thanks for reading! I'd love to know: How do you decide what to keep, toss, or donate? Share your strategy with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com.

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