Clutter Could Be Killing Your Relationship, Survey Finds

If you think leaving laundry on the floor is harmless, think again. A new national survey by The Storage Center finds that clutter might be doing more than just crowding your space — it could be crowding out your relationship.

Messy Homes, Messy Hearts

The survey of 1,000 people in relationships found that more than one-third admit a partner’s clutter has made them feel less attracted to them. For many, the biggest complaint is simple: they just want their partner to clean up without being asked.

Women, it seems, are more likely to be driven crazy by chaos. 62% of women say their partner’s mess frustrates them compared with 50% of men. When the piles start growing, most don’t wait around — 59% of women and 47% of men confess to cleaning up after their partner just to restore order.

But the impact runs deeper. 61% of couples say clutter sparks regular arguments, and nearly 70% admit to holding onto clothes that don’t even fit anymore “just in case.”

When Laundry Becomes a Love Language

Coming home isn’t always relaxing for couples living amid chaos. The survey found that 30% of respondents live surrounded by dirty laundry, while 19% deal with socks and underwear scattered throughout the house. Another 19% said their partners wear “outside clothes” on the bed or couch — a top-tier annoyance.

It doesn’t stop at mess. Nearly 4 in 10 adults admit they’ve secretly thrown away a partner’s belongings, while 35% of men confessed to “accidentally” breaking things just to get rid of them. Among engaged couples, those numbers climb even higher — nearly half admit to covertly tossing items.

The “Ick” Factor

The consequences of clutter extend beyond relationships. One in four Americans say they’ve decided not to date someone after seeing their messy home, with 38% of Gen Z calling a chaotic space the ultimate “ick.”

And while a few have used cleanliness as leverage — one in five Gen Zers admit to withholding affection or attention to get their partner to clean — most married couples say they’d never go that far. Still, the message is clear: mess is a major romance killer.

Cleanliness as Chemistry

As previously reported by The Post, more than half of Americans say seeing a partner tackle household chores is attractive. According to experts from Homeaglow, even small acts like doing the dishes can reignite a spark.

Behavioral scientist Zelana Montminy suggests that when one partner isn’t pulling their weight, the solution might be as simple as shifting the mental load. “Tell them to take the mental lead on this one,” she advised — in other words, hand over responsibility and let them steer.

Ultimately, clutter may be silent, but its impact on love is anything but. From dirty socks to secret cleanups, the message is clear: cleaning up could be the key to keeping the spark alive.