Your front room looks like a bomb went off, and your desk is buried under a mountain of paperwork, sure, but that doesn’t make you lazy.
There are actually a bunch of reasons why some of us are naturally messier than others, and it’s got nothing to do with a lack of motivation. Here are 14 things that could be contributing to your inability to keep things tidy.
1. You have a creative mind.
A messy desk or workspace might actually be a sign of a creative mind at work. Research suggests that a bit of clutter can actually boost creativity, as it encourages unconventional thinking and new ideas. So, those piles of books and random objects might be fuelling your next big idea.
2. You’re overwhelmed and stressed.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it can be hard to find the energy or motivation to tidy up. Your mind might be focused on other things, and cleaning up might feel like just another task on your never-ending to-do list. In this case, a messy environment might be a sign that you need to take a step back and start looking after yourself.
3. You have a different sense of what’s “messy”.
What looks messy to one person might be perfectly organised to another. Maybe you have a unique system for finding things in your clutter, or maybe you simply have a higher tolerance for mess than others. As long as you can find what you need and your mess isn’t causing any harm, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
4. You have too much stuff.
If you have too much stuff, it’s no wonder your space feels cluttered. It can be hard to keep everything tidy when you’re constantly running out of storage space. In this case, decluttering might be the first step towards a more organised environment.
5. You have difficulty with executive function.
Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that help us plan, organise, and manage our time. If you struggle with executive function, it can be harder to stay on top of chores and keep things tidy. This doesn’t mean you’re lazy; it simply means you might need to find different strategies to manage your environment.
6. You have ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can make it difficult to focus, follow through on tasks, and stay organised. If you have ADHD, you might find that your messiness is a symptom of your condition. There are strategies and tools that can help you manage your ADHD and create a more organised environment.
7. You grew up in a messy household.
If you grew up in a messy household, you might have simply learned that mess is normal. You might not have developed the same organisational skills as someone who grew up in a more tidy environment. It’s never too late to learn new habits and create a space that feels more comfortable and functional for you.
8. You’re a sentimentalist.
If you’re a sentimental person, you might have a hard time letting go of things that hold emotional value. That pile of old birthday cards, the ticket stubs from your first concert, the worn-out teddy bear from your childhood – they might all have special meaning to you. It’s okay to hold on to things that are important to you, but it’s also important to find a way to organise and store them so they don’t take over your space.
9. You’re easily distracted.
If you’re easily distracted, you might start tidying up, only to get sidetracked by something else. Before you know it, you’re down a rabbit hole of unrelated tasks and the original cleaning mission is forgotten. It’s helpful to break tasks down into smaller chunks and set timers to help you stay on track.
10. You prioritise other things.
Maybe you’re passionate about your work, your hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. While these are all important, they might take precedence over keeping your space tidy. It’s okay to prioritise the things that bring you joy and fulfilment, but it’s also important to find a balance so that your environment doesn’t become overwhelming.
11. You’re a visual learner.
Source: Unsplash Some people need to see things in order to process them. If you’re a visual learner, you might find it helpful to have things out in the open where you can see them. This doesn’t mean you have to live in chaos, but it might mean that you need to find creative ways to organise your belongings so that they’re both visible and tidy.
12. You have a busy lifestyle.
Source: Unsplash If you’re always on the go, it can be hard to find the time to tidy up. Between work, socialising, and other commitments, cleaning might fall to the bottom of your priority list. In this case, it might be helpful to schedule specific times for tidying up or to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
13. You struggle with perfectionism.
Source: Unsplash If you’re a perfectionist, you might have a hard time starting a cleaning task because you’re afraid you won’t be able to do it perfectly. You might get overwhelmed by the idea of tackling a big mess, and so you avoid it altogether. It’s important to remember that done is better than perfect, and that even small steps towards a tidier space can make a big difference.
14. You’re simply not bothered by mess.
Let’s face it, some people just aren’t bothered by a bit of clutter. They might find it cosy or comforting, or they might simply not care if their space isn’t perfectly tidy. If this sounds like you, then there’s no need to stress about it. As long as your messiness isn’t causing any problems for you or anyone else, embrace your unique way of living.
