What are the health benefits of minimalism and decluttering?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Health Benefits of Minimalism and Decluttering
Minimalism and decluttering have gained significant attention as lifestyle choices that can enhance overall wellbeing. This article synthesizes research findings on the health benefits associated with these practices, focusing on key areas such as emotional wellbeing, mental space, and life satisfaction.
Emotional Wellbeing and Positive Emotions
Flourishing and Reduced Depression
Minimalism, characterized by deliberate low-consumption and living with fewer possessions, has been shown to positively impact emotional wellbeing. Research indicates that minimalism enhances flourishing, a state of positive emotion and mental health, while simultaneously alleviating symptoms of depression2. This is achieved through behavioral practices such as clutter removal, cautious shopping, longevity, and self-sufficiency, which collectively contribute to a more sustainable and emotionally fulfilling lifestyle2.
Positive Emotions and Mental Space
Individuals practicing minimalism report experiencing increased positive emotions and mental space. The reduction of physical clutter and the simplification of one's environment can lead to a clearer mind and reduced stress levels. This mental clarity is often associated with feelings of autonomy and competence, further contributing to overall happiness and life satisfaction1.
Life Satisfaction and Meaning
Autonomy and Competence
Minimalism fosters a sense of autonomy and competence, as individuals make conscious choices about their possessions and lifestyle. This deliberate approach to consumption and living can lead to a greater sense of control over one's life, which is closely linked to higher life satisfaction and a sense of meaning1. The practice of minimalism encourages individuals to focus on what truly matters, thereby enhancing their overall sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Awareness and Personal Relationships
Living a minimalist lifestyle also promotes greater awareness and mindfulness. By reducing distractions and focusing on essential items and activities, individuals can cultivate deeper personal relationships and a stronger connection to their values and goals. This heightened awareness can lead to improved personal relationships and a more meaningful life1.
Wellbeing and Home Environment
Clutter and Wellbeing
The relationship between clutter and wellbeing has been explored in various studies, highlighting the negative impact of clutter on quality of life. Conversely, decluttering and maintaining an organized home environment are associated with significant improvements in wellbeing. Research shows that subjective clutter, or the perception of clutter, is a strong predictor of wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of a tidy and organized living space3.
Home Self-Extension
The concept of home self-extension, which includes subjective clutter, objective clutter, home self-expression, and declutter habits, plays a crucial role in determining an individual's wellbeing. A well-organized home that reflects one's personality and values can enhance feelings of comfort and security, thereby contributing to overall mental and emotional health3.
Conclusion
In summary, minimalism and decluttering offer numerous health benefits, including enhanced emotional wellbeing, increased life satisfaction, and improved mental space. By fostering a sense of autonomy, competence, and awareness, these practices can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Additionally, maintaining an organized home environment is crucial for overall wellbeing, highlighting the importance of decluttering as a key component of a healthy lifestyle.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Towards a Theory of Minimalism and Wellbeing
Minimalism provides various wellbeing benefits, including autonomy, competence, mental space, awareness, and positive emotions, with potential implications for various fields.
Observational StudyMinimalism as a sustainable lifestyle: Its behavioral representations and contributions to emotional well-being
Minimalism, a sustainable lifestyle characterized by clutter removal, cautious shopping, longevity, and self-sufficiency, enhances flourishing and alleviates depression.
Observational Study
Highly CitedHome and the extended-self: Exploring associations between clutter and wellbeing
Home self-extension, particularly subjective clutter, significantly predicts wellbeing in adults.
Observational StudyDe-Cluttering of Lifestyle Through Self-Control: The Most Needed Track to Health Attainment
Decluttering one's lifestyle through self-control, including physical activities and psychological strategies, can improve overall health and quality of life.
Effectiveness of a ‘Workshop on Decluttering and Organising’ programme for teens and middle-aged adults with difficulty decluttering: a study protocol of an open-label, randomised, parallel-group, superiority trial in Japan
The workshop on decluttering and organizing effectively reduces clutter and improves quality of life for teens and middle-aged adults with difficulty organizing.
RCT
Rigorous JournalTidying Up: Good for the Aging Brain.
Decluttering living environments can help older adults feel accomplished and in control, reducing stress and life dissatisfaction.
Consumer Minimalism
Consumer minimalism is characterized by few possessions, sparse aesthetics, and mindfully curated consumption, with the Minimalist Consumer Scale effectively measuring these dimensions.
Highly CitedThe cultural practice of decluttering as household work and its potentials for sustainable consumption
Decluttering can potentially start a shift towards sustainable consumption, but more research is needed to determine if it actually leads to more sustainable behavior.
The “Joy of Letting Go”: Decluttering and Apparel
Decluttering, influenced by emotional well-being, can improve wardrobe maintenance and increase positive feelings, but responsible disposal practices are needed.
Limited, considered and sustainable consumption: The (non)consumption practices of UK minimalists
UK minimalists practice sustainable (non)consumption by limiting consumption, using up what they own, and focusing on intentional, considered, and ethical consumption, often motivated by ethical or environmental concerns.
Try another search
What are the health implications of chronic exposure to noise pollution?
transformer
The potential of nanobots in targeted drug delivery and disease treatment.
The safety and efficacy of electronic cigarettes as smoking cessation tools.
the quality of human resources
What are the health implications of microplastics?