Cultivating Tranquility: A Guide to Creating a Calm and Organized Home Environment

Christmas is over, the holiday craze is gone, it's time to put the decor away if you haven’t already! As sad as it is to see the sparkly ornaments and cozy atmosphere go, the breath of fresh air I feel when my house is clutter free, clean and back to organized is unlike any other. It’s what sets up the start of the year, and for me, my home is where I can unwind, recharge and refocus. Creating a calm and organized home environment is not only about aesthetics but also about fostering a sense of tranquility that positively impacts our well-being.

Declutter and Simplify:

I love doing this to my husband and my closet (though I don't think he likes it!) This is best done in my book at the start of a new season. I don’t usually do all four seasons, but rather just doing it when it's time to break out the long sleeve shirts and sweaters, or when it's short sleeve weather. If you didn't wear something the last time it was sweater weather then it has to go (obvious occasions aside like pregnancy, etc.) Clutter can contribute to feelings of chaos and stress. You gotta Marie Kondo the crap out of your house. You don't have to do this all in one day either! Getting rid of stress in your home should not make you stressed. This could last half of the year for all I care, as long as it gets done and something is more organized by the end, you served your purpose. Take the time to assess and identify items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.

https://www.marthastewart.com/how-to-organize-your-closet-7629195

Organize with Purpose:

Once you've decluttered, focus on organizing your space with intention. It’s all the rage right now to buy organizing bins and space dividers. If you want to go that route that's great! Amazon and container store are your friends. If you don't want to spend a lot or anything at all, you can still organize. Take the extra second each time you fold and put away your laundry to place items in a nice spot instead of just throwing them in a drawer or on a shelf in your closet. A key step in this department is the fridge! Again storage bins are perfect for this space, but if you don't have them you can still place things in an orderly fashion. Line up matching drinks and designate a “drink” spot in your fridge. Mine is the top right shelf, that's where all sodas, energy drinks and capri suns are located. They're out of the way, and nicely aligned with each other. When adding in leftovers, don't just fit them in “where ever theres room” that can clutter up REAL quick. Use tupperware or glass containers to store leftovers and stack items together. That way you can store these on one shelf or two and they are kept close by each other. An organized home enhances efficiency and contributes to a peaceful atmosphere.

https://designthusiasm.com/easy-drawer-organizer-projects/

Establish Routines:

Establishing routines helps create a sense of order and predictability, contributing to a calm home environment. With all of us back into the swing of work and school drop offs, our routine is coming back, and let's face it, we always kind of miss the mindfulness of knowing how our day is going to go. Holiday parties and surprise gatherings are THE BEST, but there's something about that sweet schedule that makes us happy, am I wrong? Planning out a day or time to get certain household chores, self care or relaxation in, sounds easier said than done, but can help lower stress levels. I’m a list maker, and I put EVERYTHING on it. If there is a day, holiday or vacation coming up and I need to get stuff done I put it on a list. From “make the bed” and “shower” to “vacuum upstairs”, “put away laundry” or “hair appt”, it helps me to not forget anything and feels super satisfying to cross literally anything off!

Create Comfort Zones:

Designate comfortable and inviting areas within your home for relaxation and contemplation. Consider adding cozy reading nooks with soft cushions and throws or creating a meditation corner with floor cushions and calming artwork. Meditating makes me nutty, too much going on in my head to turn it off (that's probably why I should do it!), but if you're able to do it then create a space for it! Having specific areas for relaxation can help you unwind and detach from the stresses of the day.

https://snugandcozylife.com/your-10-step-guide-to-creating-a-calm-home/

Digital Detox:

Our world is technologically driven, it's crucial to make time to unplug. It’s ok to sit in the car and not look at Instagram, or to sit on the couch and not scroll TikTok. You don't always have to go as far as deleting the app, sometimes it's just getting on less during the day. With teenage kids, encourage a break from screens and establish a rule for no devices when eating dinner with the family, or during a movie.

Transforming your home into a calm and organized haven requires a mindful approach to your environment. By decluttering, organizing, and incorporating different choices, you can create a space that nurtures your well-being and fosters a sense of tranquility for you and your family. Embrace the process, and know it won't always get done in 2 hours or sometimes in 2 days, and that’s ok, there's no race. Everybody organizes differently, so do what makes sense for you and your family and enjoy the space you create!

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