Having a messy room might actually mean you’re a genius

Ever wondered what a messy room says about you? Apparently, it could mean you’re secretly a genius. Einstein once said that ‘If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?’ Preach, Albert.

After having been scolded our whole lives for this problem, we thought we’d do some digging to see whether there is any benefit to being a neat freak. After perusing too many scientific journal articles, we found a surprising amount of evidence that suggests we should stick to our messy, messy ways.

The 2013 Pyschological Science study by Kathleen Vohs and her team of researchers found that after completing questionnaires about their working environments, participants who had messy desks were generally more creative and had more inspired ideas than those whose desks were tidy. They also discovered that a messy workspace wasn’t necessarily indicative of an inherent creative intelligence; people’s creativity could be boosted when put in a messy situation, as it encourages more divergent thinking and unconventional ideas to arise.

On the flip side, there was some love for those with neat desks. Research found that those people are typically more healthy in their habits, generous, and rule-abiding. Makes sense, though: a clean, orderly environment would promote conventionality and tradition. As much as there’s great merit in having a decluttered office or wardrobe, we’ll take our messy trait any day. Now, how’s that for your KonMari Method of Tidying.