Does thinking about all of the holidays coming up feel exhausting? The calendar quickly fills with family commitments, church ministries, school events, fall sports, and early holiday planning, while piles silently grow on counters and in closets.
Before long, fatigue meets frustration, and we wonder why we’re so tired even after a whole night’s sleep. Friend, it may not be “your age.” Sometimes the root of our fatigue lies in our environment. When our spaces are chaotic, our bodies pay the price.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Why Clutter Drains Energy
Every stack of papers, every catch‑all drawer, every laundry heap represents a choice that hasn’t been made. Psychologists call this the “open‑loop” effect, when your brain keeps tabs on
unfinished tasks, quietly burning energy in the background.
Visual clutter also acts like static on a radio: your eyes must constantly sort and filter, which taxes attention and raises stress chemistry. Multiply that across rooms and weeks, and you’ve got a constant, invisible leak of energy.
God’s Good Order
From the opening verses of Genesis, God demonstrates his principle of order as part of His wisdom and creation.
The virtuous woman, a midlife homemaker, of Proverbs 31, demonstrates order and discipline in her home. She's not frantic; she is prepared and consistent, allowing her to demonstrate generosity and kindness while working to meet her family's needs.
Midlife women often carry heavy loads; besides marriage, children, and ministry, they may also have the added roles of grandmother and caregiver to aging parents. This requires discernment from the Lord to gain wisdom for simplifying and stewarding their homes with joy.
“Let all things be done decently and in order” 1 Corinthians 14:40
The Clutter - Stress Cycle
Clutter breeds stress; stress breeds impulse purchases; new purchases create more clutter. Clutter hides waste, such as duplicate spices, expired snacks, and craft supplies you've forgotten you own.
Think about how many times you are running late because you can’t find an item. These situations often lead to arguments and frustration due to the mental and emotional stress they bring into our homes, which leads to health issues and even relationship issues.
Breaking the cycle requires honesty: What is this item costing me in attention, space, time, and peace? Does it help me love God and serve others well in this season? If not, cast it away.
“A time to keep, and a time to cast away” (Ecclesiastes 3:6).
A Peaceful Fall Declutter Plan
Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Find three sorting bins. Keep (put away), Donate, and Trash. No “maybe” pile.
- Start with flat surfaces. I recommend starting with the kitchen, since it's the hub of the home. Set a 15‑minute timer.
- Sort by category: Papers, pantry snacks, plastics, towels, etc. Keep like with like.
- Surface reset at night: Clear kitchen counters, so tomorrow begins with a visual calm.
Holiday Peace
As you declutter, pause to pray over your home. Ask the Lord to help you cast out what no longer serves you in this season, so your space can bless your family and those who enter in. When we bring order and routine into our homes, we create space for rest, clarity, and renewed strength.
The less clutter, the fewer decisions. Fewer decisions mean calmer hormones. Sleep deepens in a clear room; motivation rises when keys and shoes have a home; and energy lifts when the eyes rest on order instead of chaos.
May the Lord help us to prep our home as a place of rest and ministry, ready for the holidays ahead.
