Is Clutter Harming Your Physical Health? [Pt 6 of the Empowering Life Series (Ep 268)]

Clutter can do more than stress you out, it can damage your physical health.

In this eye-opening episode of Wannabe Clutter Free, Deanna continues her Clutter F.R.E.E.D.O.M. series by focusing on Resilience, or how clutter impacts your physical health.

You’ll learn how clutter increases your stress hormones, disrupts healthy habits, and even leads to hidden dangers like mold, pests, and poor air quality. Deanna shares a personal story of returning from a month-long trip to find mold in her closet—and how minimalism saved her time, energy, and sanity.

Plus, she walks you through five practical ways to declutter your home so it actively supports your physical health and wellbeing. Whether it’s making your kitchen easier to cook in or clearing airflow zones to help with allergies, this episode delivers quick wins and long-term relief.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why clutter raises your cortisol levels (and what to do about it)
• How to avoid tripping hazards and health risks in your home
• The link between clutter and poor air quality
• What happened when Deanna came home to mold (and how she fixed it)
• 5 actionable ways to declutter for better physical health
• Why a 10-minute daily decluttering habit can do more than a weekend binge

Challenge of the Week:

Take 10 minutes to declutter one space that physically stresses you out. Notice how your body feels afterward.

Resources Mentioned:

• Burnout by Emily Nagoski
• Dehumidifier Bags
• Full show notes: wannabeclutterfree.com/268

Follow Deanna Yates, the host of Wannabe Clutter Free on:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wannabeclutterfree/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wannabeclutterfree/
• All Podcast Episodes: https://wannabeclutterfree.com/podcast
• Join the Wannabe Minimalist Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wannabeminimalist

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Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s exciting guest: Gretchen Rubin!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Episode Teaser 00:55 Today's Topic: Clutter and Physical Health 04:24 The Impact of Clutter on Physical Health 10:19 Real-Life Story: Mold and Clutter 17:50 Five Practical Tips to Declutter for Better Physical Health 27:57 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

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Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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