The Connection Between a Cluttered Home & Controlling Behaviors!

 

Clients frequently inquire about the connection between a cluttered home and controlling behaviors. The answer is yes, a cluttered home can be linked to controlling behaviors. 

Living in a disorganized environment can cause stress, anxiety and a feeling of being overwhelmed, potentially leading individuals to try to exert control in other aspects of their lives, including relationships. This need to regain control may manifest as controlling behaviors towards others.

While decluttering can be beneficial, it's essential to recognize that controlling behaviors often stem from complex underlying issues like insecurity, fear, past trauma or learned patterns. Individuals may resort to controlling tendencies to manage anxiety, insecurity or a sense of powerlessness. Addressing both the physical clutter and these underlying emotional factors can be a crucial first step in addressing controlling behaviors.

Clients also often wonder why it's so challenging to let go of unused or disliked items. Three primary factors contribute to this difficulty:

Loss Aversion: People are often more sensitive to potential losses than equivalent gains. The fear of needing something later or an emotional attachment to an item can make discarding it challenging.

'Just in Case' Mentality: Many individuals keep items, even if unused for years, believing they might be needed in the future, particularly when there's a fear of waste or perceived future needs.

Hoarding Tendencies: Excessive clutter can sometimes indicate hoarding disorder, characterized by an inability to discard possessions, leading to distress and daily life problems, including a strong need to oversee and control others' actions.

Decluttering extends beyond simply tidying up and promotes a shift in perspective. It encourages prioritizing emotional liberation rather than a desire to control external factors or others. 

Clients consistently express a profound sense of physical and emotional release after decluttering their homes. They often report being more attuned to the positive aspects of their lives, feeling less judgmental and genuinely more content.

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Green Interior Designer
Decluttering & Organizing Expert
Lavender Design + Cuisine

 

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