Have you stopped inviting friends to your home, because you are embarrassed by its cluttered condition? If people drop by unexpectedly, do you try to think of an excuse to avoid letting them come in? Is it easier to buy an item that you need rather than try to find it in your home, even though you know you have it somewhere?

A stressful home is not a healthful home, and if your house is cluttered, it causes stress. When you cannot find things because of the disorder, you become anxious, frustrated and tense. Some people try to relieve frustration by snacking — causing weight gain and even more stress.

If you are living with clutter, do something about it. It is possible to create a more organized and less stressful environment. You may think that you do not have time to straighten out the mess, but you will feel better if you do. And, after your home is organized, that not only does your health and clarity improve, but you’ll have more time which will ease the stress even more.

Don’t worry this isn’t a reality show. You don’t have to do it all in one day! Start small by changing a few habits and over time, your home and health will naturally improve. Here are some simple tips to get started.

When you finish using something, put it away immediately. Do not fall into the habit of putting things down and thinking you will take care of them later when you have more time – take care of them now. Those things pile up, and you will wish that you had dealt with them right away when you see the stack you created – one item at a time. You will find that if you make the effort to take care of things at once, your life will run more smoothly, and you will feel more calm, collected and unhurried.

A place for everything and everything in its place is a good motto to use. It will only take an extra minute, and you will feel good about it when it is done. Set a good example for the rest of your family, and when they see you cheerfully putting things away, they may join you and help to keep your home neat.

If things have gotten out of hand, deal with only one small section at a time. Try beginning with the dining room table or that catch-all shelf by the entrance way. Organize that one area first without looking at the big picture –before you even think about the next one. You’ll find this approach is much less overwhelming.

Get some storage boxes and bags and use them. You can even find space saving boxes that fit under the bed. There are storage bags that you can use for bulky linens and clothes. They vacuum seal, so not only will they will fit in small spaces, but the oxygen-free environment will help your fabrics last longer. Mark any boxes and storage containers plainly, so you can easily locate your stored items when you need them. Things that you do not need to use very often can be stored in the garage or basement. If you haven’t used something in more than a year, consider giving it to charity.

When your house is neat and orderly, you will feel good about yourself and it will be easier to relax. In your new calm and clutter-free environment, you’ll find that clean living can lead to many wonderful health benefits.

Dr. Karen Kim is a Long Beach Chiropractor at Chiropractic Neurology Center in Southern California. Her holistic healthcare treats the mind-body connection to help patients attain and maintain optimal health. Learn about her natural chiropractic services online at neurochiro.com.