Clutter in the home can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, contributing to heightened stress, anxiety and depression while decreasing productivity and exacerbating procrastination, according to psychological insights.
Research has consistently shown that disorganised environments place an additional burden on mental resources. The brain prefers order, and constant visual reminders of chaos can drain cognitive capacity, making it harder to focus. A notable 2010 study of dual-income families found that individuals who perceived their homes as cluttered experienced elevated cortisol throughout the day, a pattern associated with chronic stress.
Nook Home, a modular furniture company handmade in Britain, has launched its Shibden storage booth range in response to these findings, collaborating with psychologist Dr Sarah-Jane Khalid and psychotherapist Georgina Sturmer to explore the impact of clutter on mental health.
Dr Sarah-Jane Khalid said: “Research shows that clutter and disorganisation can create a cumulative effect on the brain. The brain prefers to have order; when there is chaos or clutter it can lead to constant visual reminders of disorganisation and this then drains our cognitive resources leading to an inability to focus. Research has further shown that clutter can also lead to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which can trigger stress, anxiety and depression. It can also exacerbate procrastination.”
Georgina Sturmer added: “Physical clutter can add to the mental load that we are carrying, leaving us feeling stressed or anxious. Decluttering can positively impact mental health by regaining control, tackling overwhelm, and creating space. Small spaces or limited storage can make people struggle to keep items and spaces organised, and therefore more efficient organisation is needed in order to mitigate these issues.”
Experts note that the relationship between environment and mental state is bidirectional. Clutter can heighten stress, yet improved organisation may foster better habits and emotional resilience. Evidence from environmental psychology supports the value of ordered spaces for cognitive performance and mood regulation.
The Shibden storage booth range comprises four modular components that can be combined into various seating layouts. Each seat lifts via a concealed fabric handle to reveal a hidden storage compartment, making it suited to small kitchens and restricted spaces. The range is available in 18 colours across four fabrics, namely woven, velvet, luxe chenille and faux leather, with two upholstery finishes of plain or fluted.
Nook Home’s non-storage Malham range offers over 9,000 configuration options across six modules, with three upholstery finishes of plain, fluted or button, and three trim options of black, oak or walnut.
Design Director Gaël Blake commented: “Decluttering, tidying, cleaning, and tackling other life admin tasks will all be top of people’s to-do lists this Spring, so we’re so pleased to share that we have launched a range of booths that include intelligent storage solutions to help keep things spick and span.”