When creating this website and through my other writings I often come across ideas, suggestions, and ways of thinking about decluttering and our possessions. I group these ideas, under the broader category of the psychology behind organising.

My definition of the psychology behind organising would be as follows:

Going through an internal process prior to being able to change our physical spaces. This applies to when we cull our belongings and organise the items we want to keep.

If you have done some organising and decluttering before. You probably realised, that getting organised is about much more than arranging items neatly on a shelf or ensuring every room looks like a magazine spread. It involves delving into the depths of our minds, uncovering our emotions, and confronting our belief systems. The psychology behind organising plays a crucial role in determining how, why, and when we embark on the journey of decluttering and creating order in our lives.

Understanding the Psychology Behind Organising

The psychology behind organising refers to the internal processes we navigate before we can effectively change our physical spaces. Decluttering and arranging items are not merely external acts; they reflect an intricate dance between our emotions, relationships, habits, and unique personalities. As we sift through our belongings, we encounter memories, beliefs, and emotions that influence how we perceive our possessions and their value.

For example, when holding onto an old souvenir, you might hear an internal dialogue: "Should I keep this? It reminds me of a wonderful trip, but do I need it?" This internal conversation stems from your emotional connection to the item. The psychology behind organising involves recognising these thought patterns and deciding whether they align with your current life and goals.

The psychology behind organising: the Emotions and Beliefs in Decluttering

One of the most significant psychological barriers to getting organised is our emotional attachment to items. These attachments often stem from:

Nostalgia: Items may remind us of cherished memories, making it challenging to let go.
Guilt: Gifts from loved ones or expensive purchases can evoke guilt if we consider discarding them.
Fear: We worry about needing the item in the future, even if it hasn’t served a purpose for years.

Understanding the psychology behind organising requires acknowledging these emotions without letting them dictate our decisions. By focusing on the value an item brings to your present life, you can make more objective choices.

The psychology behind organising plus the Role of External and Internal Circumstances

External factors, such as life stages, family dynamics, and living spaces, significantly influence how organised we can become. For instance, a single person living in a small apartment will face different organisational challenges compared to a family of five in a large house.

Simultaneously, our internal world—our mindset, habits, and determination—shapes our approach to organisation. The psychology behind organising teaches us that we must be mentally ready to embark on this journey. If you’re overwhelmed by stress or juggling numerous responsibilities, taking on a major decluttering project may feel insurmountable. Recognising these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them.

The psychology behind organising - Creating Sustainable Systems

Many people mistakenly believe that getting organised is a one-time effort. However, the psychology behind organising emphasises the importance of maintenance. Developing habits and routines is essential for sustaining an organised life. For example, spending just 15 minutes a day tidying your living room can prevent the accumulation of clutter and save hours of effort later.

Investing time is the most critical component of staying organised. No fancy gadget or trendy organising product can replace the commitment to regularly evaluating and maintaining your spaces. By making time to organise, you create a string of habits that fosters long-term success.

“If you want to get organised, you only need to make 1 big investment. Invest time to learn the skill of organising and decluttering, then use it.”

— Sabine Straver

The psychology behind organising - Why People hit an organising hurdle

Even with the best intentions, many people encounter psychological roadblocks during their organising journey. These obstacles often stem from:

Perfectionism: The desire for everything to be "just right" can delay progress.
Decision Fatigue: Making numerous decisions about what to keep or discard can be mentally exhausting. You will note that most organisers’ suggest you don’t do more than 4 hours of decluttering and organising per day.
Overwhelm: Large-scale organising projects can feel daunting, leading to procrastination.

To overcome these barriers, break tasks into manageable steps. Start small—organise a single drawer or shelf—and gradually work your way through larger spaces. The psychology behind organising encourages focusing on progress, not perfection.

The psychology behind organising a Link Between Mind and Space

Organising is not just about physical tidiness; it’s also about mental clarity. A clutter-free space can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Conversely, a disorganised environment can contribute to feelings of chaos and anxiety. The psychology behind organising highlights the reciprocal relationship between our minds and our surroundings: when we organise our spaces, we also organise our thoughts.

Practical Tips utilising the psychology behind organising

To harness the psychology behind organising, consider the following strategies:

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your organising efforts. Whether it’s creating a more functional workspace or simplifying your wardrobe, having a goal keeps you motivated. In the secret to organising I help you with this.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: a key thing through being aware of the psychology behind organising is to pay attention to the feelings that arise while decluttering. Instead of ignoring them, use them as a guide to make thoughtful decisions, do you need to rest, give yourself a reward or push through?
Adopt a Minimalist Mindset: Focus on keeping items that add value to your life. Let go of things that no longer serve a purpose. To make this easier you can start with “visual minimalism” this means that you move items out of sight (maybe even box them up as the minimalists suggest).
Schedule Regular Maintenance: Set aside time each week for tidying and evaluating your spaces. Consistency is key to staying organised, you can do this at the same time and same day or when you have time at home and notice things are starting to get off track.
Put things away: the more you put items away when you have just finished using them the less you have to do in your regular maintenance sessions. Those 30 seconds and 3 minutes here and there add up. Try and be proactively lazy, this is a ninja move regarding the psychology behind organising and your future self will thank you.
Seek Support: If you find it challenging to declutter alone, enlist a friend, family member, or professional organiser. They can provide encouragement and perspective. Need help? In the secret to organising I give you a mini-course and worksheets that will help you answer the question on where do I start organising? I will guide you to the answer of this question which will be unique to you and your space.

**If you like this topic**

You’ll enjoy my book “Organising Unpacked” which talks about the skillset and mindset of organising.

Get the Book

The psychology behind organising visualise the Rewards of Organisation

The benefits of getting organised extend far beyond a tidy home. By addressing the psychology behind organising, you can:

Enhance Productivity: An organised space reduces distractions and makes it easier to focus on tasks.
Boost Emotional Well-being: Decluttering can be a cathartic process that brings a sense of accomplishment and relief.
Strengthen Relationships: A well-organised home fosters a harmonious environment for family and friends.

A great way to think about the rewards of organisation is to visualise your space, maybe make a vision board, write a journal entry in which you clearly describe how your home will look like and feel like. These things have immense influence on our subconscious, use it.

Wrapping up the psychology behind organising

I am hoping this is a useful discussion. A train of thought that you can work with to find the best ways to stay organised in your life. Learning how to organise yourself is a multidimensional process, the fact that you are here means you are well on your way. The psychology behind organising is a multifaceted process that intertwines our emotions, beliefs, and habits. By understanding and addressing the mental aspects of decluttering, we can create lasting systems that bring order and clarity to our lives. Remember, a key thing for the psychology behind organising is not about achieving perfection; it’s about making intentional choices that align with your current needs and goals.

So, take the first step. Start small, stay consistent, and embrace the journey of getting organised. As you transform your spaces, you’ll also transform your mind and life—proving that the psychology behind organising truly holds the key to lasting change.