Are messy people more creative? Here’s what science really says
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Do you have a friend who makes no apologies for their messy home? Maybe you walk into their place only to find clothes on the floor, dishes in the sink, and papers strewn over their desk — and they just shrug it off and say, “It’s no big deal. I’m just really creative.”
And maybe they are. Or maybe they just need to be better about putting away their things.
Either way, this little phrase has become the unofficial battle cry of every cluttered genius and chaotic innovator. We’ve been fed the story that creative brilliance requires some kind of beautiful disaster, but is this true? Are messy people actually more creative?
Let’s explore what the research says — and maybe find new ways to embrace a little disorder every now and then.
Can being messy actually benefit you?
There is some evidence that mess can boost your creative thinking. In a 2013 study, people were tasked with finding new uses for a ping-pong ball. Those working in messy rooms came up with more original and unconventional ideas than those in tidy ones.
This might be because mess helps to disrupt routine patterns. When your environment is in slight disarray, your brain doesn’t necessarily feel pressure to color inside the lines.
But while mess can be creatively freeing, it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and mentally noisy, especially if you’re already running on empty. Romanticizing clutter can be detrimental. Instead, aim to notice when it’s helping you and when it’s quietly working against you.
Why are messy people more creative?
Creative people tend to be messier because their brains may work a little differently. They may question rules, blur boundaries, and follow their curiosity instead of instruction manuals. Also, messy people aren’t necessarily locked into seeing things the “right” way, and that flexibility can be great for innovation.
This links to something psychologists call cognitive disinhibition, which basically means your brain’s filter for “unimportant” information is a little more porous and may lead to more unexpected connections and surprising insights.
Creative people also tend to be more comfortable with ambiguity. They don’t need to solve problems before they start exploring it. They can sit in the mess—literally and metaphorically—while something new begins to take shape.
How to embrace your mess: 8 tips to help you spark creativity
Mess can be magic, but it can also be mayhem. Striking a balance is key. Here are eight ways you can embrace a bit of chaos in your space to help spark creativity.
1. Create a creativity corner, not a clutter canyon
Pick a small area where your mess is allowed to be. It could be a desk, a rolling cart, or even a countertop you only use for notebooks and doodles. This allows you to spread out without allowing the mess to take over your entire home.
💙 Creative Inspiration with Tamara Levitt may be just what you need to come up with your next big idea.
2. Mess with purpose
There’s a difference between intentional clutter and forgetting to take the trash out for a week. Make sure your mess is purposeful, like leaving your supplies visible or scattering sticky notes around your workspace.
3. Use the “creative sprint, clean reset” method
One method you could try is to dive into your work, make a glorious mess, and then give yourself 10 minutes to reset after.
This can be weirdly satisfying and can help give your brain a moment to shift gears, which can also help boost problem-solving.
4. Rotate your chaos
You don’t need to have everything out all the time. Try to cycle through your “stuff.” Pull out different art supplies or inspiration boards every few weeks to keep your space fresh and remind you of the awesome things you already own. Also, use trays, bins, baskets, or open shelving to keep the chaos accessible but not all-consuming.
5. Embrace the brain-dump journal
Keep a notebook nearby so you can unload all your half-baked ideas, concepts, and shower thoughts as they come to you. Try not to judge what goes in there. If you’re finding that hard, here are five exercises that can help you practice self-compassion.
6. Work in “creative layers”
Start your process in a messy way. Sketch, brainstorm, word-vomit, and then move to structure. Let the mess be your jumping-off point and not the entire process. Creativity tends to love flow, but it also loves a good edit.
💙 Consider listening to Creativity with Tamara Levitt to help get your juices flowing at the beginning of your process.
7. Develop a “tidy-ish” habit
Just enough organization of your creative space can help keep it functional without killing the vibe. If you’re not someone who loves tidying, consider doing micro-cleanups. You could do five minutes at the end of every day or just one drawer per week.
8. Check in with your nervous system
Some people thrive in visual clutter, while others totally lose it. If your mess makes you anxious, overstimulated, or avoidant, this is probably your sign to dial it back.
Are messy people more creative FAQs
What can I learn from messy people?
People who are messy can help you change your relationship with control. They can remind you that mess has its perks, and sometimes, ideas can come when you’re elbow-deep in art supplies or smack in the middle of a multitasking meltdown.
Messy people tend to live more in the “flow” than the “framework.” They’re more likely to take risks and make connections others might not see. Learning to tolerate a little disorder, both around you and in your thinking, can help expand your creative capacity in many different unexpected ways.
Are there scientific studies on messy people being more creative?
There are scientific studies on messy people being more creative. This research suggests that a little mess may help nudge your brain into more creative thinking. A study from the University of Minnesota found that participants in a messy room came up with more original ideas in a creative task than those in a tidy room.
However, the study doesn’t say that being messy makes you creative, just that being in a messy environment can help stimulate unconventional thinking.
Can a messy space lessen my creativity?
For some people, a cluttered space doesn’t do anything but spike their cortisol. If your mess makes you feel overwhelmed or anxious, it’s not helping your creative process. It’s hurting it.
Creativity usually needs some mental space to roam. If all your brain can focus on is the mystery smell coming from the fridge, then your creativity is most likely taking a backseat
How can I be creative if I prefer to be tidy?
You don’t have to be messy in order to be creative. Plenty of wildly creative people thrive in minimal or organized environments. There are many designers, coders, architects, and authors who can’t even think until their desk is spotless.
A tidy space helps create a sense of calm that can let your ideas surface more easily. If you love order, lean into it. Use clean lines and empty surfaces to build a space where your brain feels safe enough to take risks and explore.
Your creativity just needs room to breathe. As much as possible, try to follow whatever works for you.
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