You Keep Me Sane

Clearing Space, Clearing Stress: The Mental Load of Mess | YKMS

Season 1 Episode 68

Episode Overview:

Ever looked around your home and felt your shoulders tense? You're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Lauren from Perfect Space Home Organisation -  a professional organiser who brings more than tidy cupboards. She brings peace of mind.

We talk clutter, cortisol, and the emotional stories hiding in our cupboards. From junk drawers to inherited guilt, Lauren helps us unpack how physical mess contributes to mental stress, and how small changes can transform more than just your space.

This episode is a warm, honest chat about what your clutter might really be saying… and how you can begin letting go.

Key Discussion Points:

  • How clutter raises cortisol and how it affects women most
  • The mental load of “stuff” and how it impacts your day-to-day stress
  • The shame people feel around clutter (and why we need to ditch it)
  • Why perfection isn’t the goal - "your perfect space" is
  • Lauren’s gentle, judgment-free approach to helping people reset
  • Tips to start decluttering without overwhelm

Listener Takeaways:

  • Clutter isn’t just visual, it’s hormonal, emotional, and deeply personal
  • Letting go of “stuff” often means letting go of guilt, expectations, and shame
  • Start small: five things at a time can be enough
  • Ask: “Would I save this in a fire?” - if not, maybe it’s time to let it go
  • Decluttering isn’t indulgent, it’s emotional self-care

Join the Conversation:

Do you have a cluttered cupboard you’re avoiding? Or maybe a story about inherited items you can’t part with? We’d love to hear it. DM us or drop a voice note - let’s talk about the emotional side of tidying.

👉Follow Lauren at @perfectspacehomeorganisation
👉Check out her Amazon shop + WhatsApp community  via her website:

https://www.perfectspacehomeorganisation.com/

🎧 And don’t forget to subscribe to You Keep Me Sane for weekly chats that help you feel a little lighter—inside and out.

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If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.

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Links:

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.