Clutter has a way of taking over a home. As time goes by, items that are not stored or discarded when they have lost their utility can gradually take over a space, creating a claustrophobic, cluttered feeling that can affect how people feel in their homes.

Clutter is not something to be taken lightly. A 2010 study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who characterized their living spaces as cluttered or marked by unfinished projects were more likely to experience fatigue and depression than women who described their homes as restful and restorative. Although clutter is often discussed in terms of removing it, there are also ways to prevent it in the first place.

- Schedule weekly cleaning sessions. Cleaning is a chore few look forward to, and that reluctance may be a byproduct of infrequent cleanings. The less a home is cleaned, the longer cleaning sessions take when individuals get around to it. Weekly cleaning sessions can help prevent items from piling up and creating a cluttered look.

- Discard items when they are no longer used, as holding on to these items will eventually contribute to the buildup of clutter. That is a lesson parents know well, as kids outgrow toys, they can then pile up and contribute to overcrowded toy chests and play rooms. Adults also have a hard time discarding their own toys, including old devices. As kids outgrow toys, let them choose which ones to discard before they are replaced with new items. The same goes for adults, who can delete their data from old devices like tablets, smartphones and laptops and discard them once replacements have been purchased.

- Make it easy to find stored items. When revamping storage systems, people may consider clear, stackable drawers. Storage containers that are not transparent should be labeled so it's easier to identify what's inside.

- Donate clothing. Just as toys and electronic devices should be discarded when they are no longer used, old clothes can be donated to create more storage space and prevent the buildup of clutter. Clutter is often described as something visible to the naked eye, but clutter can also build up in dresser drawers and behind closet doors. Periodically go through closets and dressers, and remove items that are no longer worn, donating them if they are still in good shape and discarding them if they are not.

Clutter can quickly take over a home. A proactive approach that emphasizes clutter prevention can make for a more relaxing and restful home.