Is clutter making you feel bad?Is clutter making you feel bad?
All In The Mind
When was the last time you decluttered? Was it a satisfying process, or did it fill you with dread? Where you sit on the clutter spectrum differs person to person, so today, we investigate if decluttering is worth the hype. Why can it be so hard for some people? Could there be a way to reduce clutter before it builds up? And what's the relationship between hoarding disorder and clutter? If you want to hear more about our relationship with objects, check out Why do we love collecting? Guests: Professor Melissa Norberg Psychologist Macquarie University Professor Jessica Grisham Psychologist University of New South Wales Dr Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee Professor and Associate Dean of Engagement & Inclusion Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University Dr Omar Fares Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Business University of New Brunswick Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite More information: Understanding 'underconsumption core': How a new trend is challenging consumer culture Breaking up with belongings: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an unguided web-based program to reduce overconsumption Nudging society toward more adaptive approaches to material possessions: Harnessing implicit approaches to reduce overconsumption and excessive saving
29:39•16 Aug 2025
Is Your Clutter Affecting Your Mood?
Episode Overview
- Decluttering can improve mental clarity and wellbeing.
- Emotional attachments make letting go of objects difficult.
- Hoarding disorder is more common than many realise.
- Minimalism can sometimes add stress due to societal pressures.
- Reflecting on personal values can guide decluttering decisions.
“If you declutter and can easily find what you need, then that is going to be good for you and the people around you.”
Ever wondered if your cluttered living space is affecting your mood? The latest episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into the complexities of clutter, decluttering, and the psychological impact of having too much stuff. Hosts Sana Khadar and Rose Kerr explore whether decluttering is worth the hype, featuring insights from psychologists Professor Melissa Norberg and Professor Jessica Grisham.
They discuss why some people find it hard to let go of their belongings, even when they start to feel overwhelmed by them. Could it be emotional attachments or perhaps underlying mental health issues like hoarding disorder? You'll hear about the fascinating relationship between hoarding disorder and clutter, and why it's not as simple as just throwing things away.
The episode also touches on the moral judgments surrounding minimalism and how social media's portrayal of a clutter-free lifestyle can sometimes add pressure rather than relief. It's a deep dive into why we hold onto things and how decluttering might just offer more than a tidy space—it could be a pathway to better mental health. If you've ever found yourself surrounded by piles of 'stuff' wondering where to start, this episode might just be the nudge you need.
Discover whether you're a collector or a minimalist at heart, and find out how you can strike a balance that works for you.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.