In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our homes can often become cluttered, chaotic, and heavy. It’s easy for our spaces to reflect the stress and busyness we feel, but our homes should be sanctuaries—a place where we can relax, rejuvenate, and feel at peace. How can we achieve this? It’s not necessarily about doing more, but doing less. Here are 14 things I stopped doing that made my home feel lighter, and they could do the same for you.
1. Buying Impulsively
I used to love the thrill of a spontaneous purchase, but all too often, these items ended up as clutter. I’ve learned to be more deliberate about what I bring into my home, which has resulted in a more organized space and less stress about storage. Now, I make a list before I go shopping and stick to it. I also try to wait at least 24 hours before making a purchase to avoid impulse buys.
2. Neglecting Minor Repairs
A broken tile, a leaky faucet, a squeaky door—all these minor issues can create a sense of disorder and heaviness in your home. I’ve found that tackling these small repairs promptly not only makes my home feel better maintained, but it also prevents minor issues from turning into major headaches down the line. So, keep a running list of minor repairs and try to address them as soon as you can.
3. Keeping Unfinished Projects Around
Nothing weighs a space down like unfinished projects. They’re constant reminders of tasks to be done, creating mental clutter. I’ve learned to either complete these projects or let them go. If a project has been sitting unfinished for months, I ask myself if it’s really worth my time and energy. If not, I discard it and move on.
4. Holding Onto Unnecessary Paperwork
Paper clutter can quickly make a space feel chaotic. I used to keep every bill, receipt, and document “just in case,” but I realized that most of these papers were unnecessary. Now, I’ve gone mostly digital with my paperwork and regularly recycle old documents that I no longer need.
5. Overloading Surfaces
I used to love decorating every inch of my home, but I realized that too many items on surfaces create a visually cluttered space. Now, I follow the “less is more” approach, keeping only a few key pieces on display and storing the rest. This has made my home feel more open and less chaotic.
6. Ignoring the Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for the entire home. If it’s cluttered and disorganized, it can make the whole space feel heavy. I’ve learned to keep my entryway tidy and inviting, making a positive first impression when I walk through the door.
7. Keeping Broken or Unused Items
Broken items and things we no longer use can take up valuable space and add heaviness to our homes. I’ve learned to regularly purge these items, either repairing, donating, selling, or recycling them. This not only frees up space but also makes my home feel more functional and organized.
8. Holding Onto Sentimental Clutter
It’s easy to hold onto items for sentimental reasons, but these can quickly pile up and create clutter. I’ve learned to be selective about what I keep, choosing only a few special items to represent my memories and letting go of the rest.
9. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential for a light, fresh-feeling home. I used to put off cleaning until my home was a mess, but now I stick to a regular cleaning schedule. This keeps my home feeling fresh and inviting and prevents messes from building up.
10. Ignoring Natural Light
Natural light can make a home feel airy and spacious. I used to keep my blinds closed for privacy, but I found that letting in natural light made my home feel lighter and more open. Now, I keep my blinds open during the day and use sheer curtains for privacy without blocking the light.
11. Using Heavy, Dark Colors
Dark colors can make a space feel smaller and heavier. I used to love rich, dark hues, but I found that lighter colors made my home feel more open and airy. Now, I stick to a neutral color palette with pops of color for interest.
12. Overstuffing Closets and Drawers
Overstuffed closets and drawers not only make it hard to find things, but they can also make your home feel cluttered and heavy. I’ve learned to regularly declutter and organize my storage spaces, keeping only what I need and use regularly.
13. Keeping Old Electronics
Old electronics can take up a lot of space and create clutter. I used to hold onto old phones, computers, and other gadgets “just in case,” but I’ve learned to recycle or sell these items when I upgrade, freeing up space and reducing clutter.
14. Ignoring Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality can greatly affect how your home feels. A dusty, musty home can feel heavy and uninviting. I’ve learned to regularly clean my air vents, use an air purifier, and open windows to let in fresh air. This has made my home feel fresher and lighter.
Remember, decluttering and lightening your home is a process, not a one-time event. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the journey towards a lighter, more peaceful home.