The Joy of Small Things
Why even a neat and clean room can be a rejuvenating experience
If you ask organising expert Gayatri Gandhi how to improve your mood, her answer is to do some cleaning. “Studies show that straightening out the physical aspects of your life can bring clarity to mental ones,” says Gandhi, the founder of Joy Factory, a professional decluttering and organising service. Hardesh Chawla, interior designer and co-founder of Essentia Environments, could not agree more. “Cluttered spaces cause stress and anxiety. The minute we get rid of clutter, we immediately feel lighter and more relaxed. It is a relief, not just visually but also mentally,” he says.
“Decluttering and organising can help you clear your mind and focus on the tasks you want to accomplish. It is also a way to control your surroundings,” adds Gandhi. “A lot of what happens in the world is not in our control. Taking a small positive step to take charge of our lives, like organising a shelf or a cupboard, can be very reassuring.” Gandhi is also India’s first KonMari consultant, teaching the technique to improve the quality of one’s life, which was popularised by Marie Kondo.
What is intuitive is that a neat and clean room makes anyone feel rejuvenated. “Hold on only to those things that make you happy. Get rid of all the other visual clutter. You will see that you feel calmer,” says Preethi Prabhu, an interior decorator, décor blogger and social media influencer.
The kitchen is often an area that can do with some organising. “It’s important to create organised storage in the kitchen so that everything is out of sight but in its place,” says Monica Chawla, interior designer and co-founder of Essentia Environments. “It also makes it easier to find things.” On the other hand, bedrooms are places of rest and rejuvenation, “so it is important to have a soothing atmosphere that relaxes you. We recommend a clean, clutter-free design and a calm and neutral palette with some accent tones and textures. Stay away from overdecorating and do away with unnecessary stuff.”
It’s equally important to declutter your closet/ wardrobe. Sorting through clothes “also cleanses your mind of emotional baggage that may be connected to those items”, says Gandhi. A visible sense or order is also a calming sight. “Hang the heaviest clothes on the left of your wardrobe, moving to the lightest garments on the right,” she advises. “A wardrobe or closet can usually be tackled in an afternoon or evening, and gives a sense of accomplishment.”
Cleaning and organising, besides making you more productive and things easy to find, can bring a palpable sense of calm and happiness. Try it, today. ■
Happiness Quest: A joint enterprise of India Today and the RPG Group celebrating exemplary initiatives to spread happiness