Clutter contributes to poor air quality in the home.
The air that we breathe in our homes is very important to our health, and if you think that the air inside your home is the safest air to inhale … You may be very surprised. When you hear the words “air pollution”, most people tend to think of smug, auto pollution, factory smoke and other pollutants that are so widely known and publicized. However, according to most experts, indoor air is some of the most heavily polluted and extremely dangerous to our health if left unmanaged.
Clutter contributes to poor air quality in the home. The more stuff in the home, the more surfaces and crevices for dust to accumulate in. Fifty percent (50%) of all illness is caused by indoor air pollution. The American Lung Association states: “ Indoor air pollution is wide spread. You are more likely to get sick from pollution in your home and office than from pollution in the air outside.”
Clutter holds mass amounts of dust mites, pet dander, dust and is a perfect habitat for cockroaches. The presence of clutter makes it hard to clean the home and get rid of dust. The dust associated with clutter contains endotoxins that are substances shed by bacteria. Endotoxin in the home is related to higher rates of asthma. Toxins produced by the bacteria may trigger asthma symptoms whether the person suffers from asthma or allergies or not. Other factors such as how long and when a person is exposed to bacterial toxin as well as genetic factors may contribute to the development of asthma.
Clutter creates conditions for the accumulation of triggers for the development of asthma and for asthma attacks.
Clutter increases the amounts of dust and dust mites in the home. It also provides a perfect habitat for cockroaches.
Clutter in the bathroom can increase the likelihood of mold and mildew due to water trapped beneath multiple shampoo and other bottles.
Reducing clutter in the home is an important part of reducing asthma triggers and improving air quality.
Assess rooms in the home for clutter e.g. objects piled up on floors, furniture, flat surfaces, in bathroom shower stalls, and in damp areas such as basements.
Ways to reduce clutter:
Sort it out putting stuff in separate piles e.g. clothes, shoes, etc. Separate those items that are no longer used and decide how to dispose of them.
Find a home for items that are still used e.g. shoes & clothes arranged in closets. Store items in the room in which they are to be used.
Cover items by putting them in drawers, closets, or plastic containers with tightly fitting lids to minimize dust collection and reduce risk of cockroach invasion. Label boxes/bins with contents.
Do not store newspapers in the home. Put them in a recycle bin.
Discard unused corrugated cardboard immediately. The crevices are ideal habitats for cockroaches.
Clear exterior clutter from around the house.
Make a plan to return items to their proper storage place after use.
Eradicate cockroaches and keep clutter to a minimum. Piles of dirty clothes are an ideal environment for mildew, mold, and mites; piles of paper attract cockroaches. Keep things clean to keep these offenders away.
Shivani Gulati, Declutter and Organizing coach from Minimize-to-Maximize offers professional services to help you get rid of your clutter.
