UBCNews - Business - Cluttered Closets Increase Your Stress Levels—Here’s How Accessory Towers Help

Episode Date: November 16, 2025

Have you ever opened your closet door and immediately felt overwhelmed? You're definitely not alone. Today we're exploring something that affects most of us but we rarely talk about - how cluttered closets are actually increasing our stress levels, and what we can do about it. John Louis Home City: Fenton Address: 1305 North Highway Drive Website: https://www.johnlouishome.com/

Have you ever opened your closet door and immediately felt overwhelmed? You're definitely not alone. Today, we're exploring something that affects most of us, but we rarely talk about how cluttered closets are actually increasing our stress levels and what we can do about it. It's fascinating how much our physical environment impacts our mental state. A study by Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that clutter can impact how people focus on tasks,

making it more difficult. The more you're exposed to clutter, the more distractible you become. That's incredible. So this goes beyond aesthetics. There's real science behind this? Exactly. Clutter can contribute to the release of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety. When you think about it, the constant visual stimulation from a messy closet can be draining, leaving you feeling physically exhausted even when you haven't done anything strenuous. I mean, that explains why I feel tired just looking at my own. my overstuffed closet sometimes. But here's what I'm curious about. Why closets specifically?

Well, closets are this daily touchpoint in our lives. Research shows that people spend a significant amount of time each day in their closets trying to figure out what to wear. When that space is chaotic, it sets a stressful tone for your entire day. That's actually a lot of time when you added up over weeks and months. So what happens when we flip this around? What are the benefits of having an organized closet. The transformation is remarkable. An organized closet can significantly reduce tiredness by simplifying daily choices. It frees up mental energy that you can use for more important decisions throughout the day. Plus, it directly impacts your self-esteem, making you feel more capable of tackling other challenges. Right. So it's like giving your brain a break from

decision fatigue. Absolutely. You avoid duplicate purchases because you can actually see what you have. Your clothes last longer when they're properly stored and maintained. And honestly, it just makes getting ready so much more streamlined, unless you're one of those people who enjoys staring at their closet for 20 minutes like it's going to magically reorganize itself. Ha! Guilty is charged. Now, for those of us dealing with smaller spaces, which seems like everyone these days, how do we tackle this? I know vertical space is essential, but what does that actually look like? Vertical storage is absolutely essential for small closets. You want to think from floor to ceiling.

Over-the-door organizers are fantastic because they don't take up any floor space. Hanging closet organizers and stackable bins help you maximize that unused height. I had a client with a tiny studio apartment, and we transformed her three-foot-wide closet using just vertical solutions. She went from seeing maybe half her clothes to having everything visible and accessible. That point about maximizing vertical space sets up our next piece. Accessory towers. But first, a quick word from our sponsor.

Tired of closet chaos? Accessory towers can transform your closet organization. With adjustable shelves, drawers, and doors, you can create the storage solution that works best for you. At John Lewis Home, we offer high-quality closet organizers made from solid wood, from accessory towers to drawers and shelving. Visit us at john lewisholm.com to learn more. Picking up on maximizing vertical space, how do you handle those finishing touches,

the belts, scarves, jewelry, all that stuff that tends to create scattered chaos? That's where accessory towers really shine. They're specifically designed to hold all those finishing touches to your everyday outfit. Instead of having items scattered everywhere, you have a dedicated space that keeps everything visible and accessible. Right.

Because if you can't see it, you're not going to wear it. I've heard this called the 80-20 rule, which suggests that most of us only wear about 20% of our wardrobe regularly. That's exactly right. And this is largely due to disorganization. When your accessories are properly organized in towers or similar systems, you'll actually use more of what you own. It becomes your personal shopping assistant,

helping you avoid duplicate purchases and make better use of existing clothes. Mm-hmm. Makes sense. Now, beyond the immediate benefits, are there longer-term advantages to investing in proper closet organization? Definitely. A well-designed closet system can significantly increase your home's value. Custom closets are becoming increasingly popular household trends, particularly among younger homebuyers. Plus, research shows that getting organized is one of the best ways to support your mental health and overall well-being.

Clearing clutter results in better ability to focus. and process information, as well as increased productivity. So we've established that organization affects everything from our stress levels to our productivity. For everyone listening, what would you say is the first step someone should take if they're feeling overwhelmed by their closet situation? Start small and think vertically. You don't need a complete makeover to see results. Even adding one accessory tower or organizing system can make a significant difference. focus on creating designated spaces for your most used items first,

because small changes really can lead to big improvements in how you start each day. Perfect advice. The key takeaway here is that closet organization goes beyond looking neat. This is really focused on reducing stress, saving time, and actually improving your daily quality of life. Thanks for breaking this down with us today. Thanks for having me. Remember, an organized space clears up the mess, and makes it easier to maintain,

both your closet and your peace of mind. For more information on quality closet organization solutions, check out johnlooshoom.com. Until next time, here's to clearer closets and clearer minds.