In today’s hectic world, finding ways to positively impact both your health and wealth is crucial. Over time, life’s busyness can lead to a loss of interest and energy for keeping things tidy.

However, tidying up your living space can have profound effects on reducing anxiety and boosting your overall well-being. Research shows that living in a cluttered environment can significantly increase stress levels and even lead to worries about cleanliness and organization. Yet, many struggle to take steps to address the clutter and alleviate this stress.

Disorganization doesn’t just affect your mental health — it can also take a toll on your finances. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to make poor decisions, which can have negative consequences for your financial situation.

Here’s how clutter contributes to financial stress:

Wasting time and money: Searching for misplaced items not only wastes time but can also result in missed refunds or late fees on bills.

Storage costs add up: Renting a storage unit may seem like a solution, but it’s a financial drain with no return. Plus, it takes your belongings out of reach, making them even less useful.

Missed bill payments: A cluttered home can lead to distractions, causing you to miss payment deadlines and negatively impact your credit score.

It’s essential to view the clutter in your home as money — each item represents a past expenditure. Just as you wouldn’t leave cash lying around, you should organize and store your belongings neatly to maximize their utility.

Ready to declutter your space and reduce stress? Consider these steps:

Take it one room at a time: Divide and conquer by tackling small areas to make the process more manageable.

Sort similar items: Organize belongings into categories you can manage.

Get rid of the excess: Donate or discard items that are broken or no longer useful to lighten your load.

Sell or consign: Turn clutter into cash by selling unwanted items online or at a garage sale.

Organize important papers: Designate a specific location for bills and important documents to prevent them from getting lost in the clutter.

Decluttering doesn’t have to cost a dime and can even put money back in your pocket by selling unneeded items. By organizing your space, you’ll not only reduce stress but also take a step towards improving your financial well-being.

Learn more at First Bank. First Bank is committed to doing its part to help grow the economy and create value for shareholders and stakeholders. With new branches, markets, products, and technology all under consideration, First Bank is equipped to help you reach your financial goals.