The Restorative Powers of Moving Your Room Around
The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment. - Marie Kondo
I am a chronic room-reorganizer. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt the overwhelming urge to move my furniture or reorganize my closet at least once every 6 months. Sometimes, I’ll even turn to repetitive motions like folding and moving clothes between drawers as a stress-reliever; much to the chagrin of my mother with whom I shared a bedroom. There’s nothing quite like Moving Your Room Around and having a brand new space! And - for me at least - I don’t need new things for my surroundings to feel novel. All I need is a plan, some muscles, and an afternoon.
Fresh Space, Fresh Thoughts
The main reason I get the sudden need for redecoration is an overcrowding of my brain. Everyone is susceptible to a more negative headspace when their surroundings are uncomfortable or messy, so small changes can make a huge impact. This doesn’t have to do with the amount of things in your room or how big it is; we are solely changing orientation! Move. The. Room. Around. You would be surprised how much of a weight is lifted mentally when you are excited about the space you’re in. You can even adjust the task you give yourself based on what you need. Feeling stuck? Maybe make your bed face a different direction. Feeling overwhelmed? Maybe organizing your desk space makes a difference. These projects don’t have to have an aim or desired final product to begin with and sometimes you surprise yourself with how things turn out!
The Proof is in The Sofa
Multiple sources have cited the impact moving your furniture or belongings can have on your mental health. Of course, for some, the process can be overwhelming or anxiety-inducing, but many people have found significant improvement in their mental health after a quick room refresh. At its most basic, moving furniture takes muscle coordination and energy which can help shift your thoughts from your inner world back into your body. Most specifically, people with ADHD have found Moving Your Room Around to be beneficial because we thrive on the opposing needs of novelty and order. Moving your bed 10 inches to the left could be enough for a shot of dopamine! You’re also, most likely, going to wind up putting a few things away which gives the added bonus of visually decluttering the room; calm the exterior to calm the interior. No matter what, a physical change can precipitate a shift in perspective, and that may be all we need sometimes. Additionally, you could invite a friend and make it a fun hang out!
What Does Moving Your Room Around Even Do?
Everyone can benefit from doing a bit of reorganizing, but I find Moving Your Room Around to be especially helpful for neurodivergent folks. It provides some much needed change and a boost of happy chemicals that our brains desperately crave. This is also a great practice for those who want to live a more minimal lifestyle; you can’t lose anything to a closet or designated junk spot if you move things all the time! If nothing else, it gives you another tool for days/times you aren’t feeling your best and need a mental adjustment. At best, you turn into me and get a brand-new feeling room every few weeks.
