Hey girl, let’s just have a real talk. You ever notice how when your home is a mess, your mind feels just as chaotic? Like, you’re trying to focus on work or relax on the couch, but all you can think about is the laundry pile staring at you from across the room or the kitchen counters covered in yesterday’s takeout boxes.
It’s exhausting—physically, mentally, emotionally.
But here’s the good news: you’re not stuck in this cycle. Your home can be your sanctuary, and getting it there is not about perfection; it’s about creating a space that supports your peace of mind and your well-being.
Let’s dig into it.
Your Messy Home Is Talking—What’s It Saying?
First, let’s get real about what a messy home does to us. It’s not just about aesthetics. A cluttered environment can create stress, increase feelings of overwhelm, and even mess with your sleep. Science backs this up—clutter literally makes it harder for your brain to process information. It’s like your space is competing with your thoughts, and guess what? Your space is winning.
But it’s not just mental; it’s physical too. A messy home can lead to poor eating habits (hello, DoorDash again) and less movement because, let’s face it, who wants to work out when they can’t even find their yoga mat under a pile of random stuff?
So, what do we do about it?
Let’s start small—because small shifts lead to big changes.
Step 1: Give Yourself Grace
Before you pick up a single item, let’s just pause.
You’re not a bad person because your house is messy. Life happens.
Maybe you’re juggling work, kids, relationships, and everything in between. Or maybe you’ve just been in a funk—and that’s okay. The first step to fixing your home and your mindset is to let go of the guilt.
Guilt doesn’t clean kitchens, girl.
Step 2: Start With the “Hot Spots”
Every home has those spots where chaos seems to gather.
For me, it’s the kitchen island and the entryway. For you, it might be the living room or your bedroom.
- Pick one spot—just one—and tackle it first.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes and do what you can in that time.
- Trash goes in the bin, dishes go to the sink, and anything out of place gets put back where it belongs.
You’ll be amazed at how much you can do in just 15 minutes. And the best part? That little win will give you the motivation to keep going.
Step 3: Create “Zones of Peace”
Even if your whole house feels like a tornado hit it, you can create one or two little zones that feel calm and inviting.
Maybe it’s your bedside table or a cozy corner of your living room.
- Clear it off
- Add something that makes you happy (like a candle or a plant)
- Make it a space where you can breathe.
These little zones will remind you of what’s possible for the rest of your home.
Step 4: Decluttering—But Make It Fun
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so let’s keep it light.
- Turn on your favorite playlist or a podcast that makes you laugh.
- Grab a trash bag and walk through one room.
Your mission? Toss anything that’s broken, expired, or doesn’t spark joy (thanks, Marie Kondo). Don’t overthink it. Just toss.
If letting go of stuff feels hard, remember this:
you’re not just making space in your home; you’re making space in your mind.
And that’s priceless.
Step 5: Make Cleaning a Ritual, Not a Chore
What if cleaning your home could actually feel good?
Hear me out.
Instead of thinking of it as a dreaded chore, think of it as an act of self-care.
- Light a candle
- Diffuse some essential oils
- Put on a playlist that makes you feel like a boss.
- Set a timer and clean for 20 minutes.
When the timer goes off, you’re done.
Boom!
No marathon cleaning sessions required.
Step 6: Bring in Some Nature
There’s something about bringing nature into your home that just instantly makes everything feel calmer.
- Add a few plants (low-maintenance ones if you’re not a plant mom yet)
- Open the windows for some fresh air
- Put a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter.
These little touches can make a big difference in how your space feels.
Step 7: Involve the Fam (or Not)
If you’ve got kids or a partner, get them involved.
Give everyone a small task or create a family cleaning playlist to make it fun.
But…
If involving them feels like more stress than it’s worth, don’t be afraid to do it solo.
Sometimes cleaning can be a great way to get some “me time” and clear your head.
Step 8: Prioritize Your Bedroom
Your bedroom is your sanctuary.
It’s where you rest and recharge, so keeping it clean and clutter-free is essential.
Start with the basics:
- Make your bed every morning
- Clear off your nightstands
- Put laundry away.
- Add soft lighting
- Add fresh sheets to make the space feel extra inviting.
Trust me, a peaceful bedroom can do wonders for your sleep and your mood.
Step 9: Don’t Aim for Perfect—Aim for Progress
Let’s be real: no one’s home looks like a Pinterest board 24/7.
And that’s okay.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating a space that supports your well-being.
If you’ve made even a little progress today, celebrate that.
You’re moving in the right direction, and that’s what matters.
Step 10: Maintain the Momentum
Once you’ve made some progress, the key is keeping it up without feeling overwhelmed.
Try the “one-minute rule”: if something takes less than a minute to do (like hanging up your coat or wiping down the counter), do it right away.
These little habits add up over time and make a big difference.
How Your Home Transforms Your Mind and Body
When your home feels calm and organized, it’s like a weight is lifted off your shoulders.
You’ll:
- Think more clearly
- Sleep better
- Feel more in control of your life.
You might even notice you have more energy for things like cooking healthy meals or working out.
It’s all connected, girl.
Your home is the foundation, and when it’s in a good place, you will be too.
One Last Thing
I know this isn’t easy.
Life gets busy, and sometimes it feels like there’s just too much to do.
But remember, you don’t have to do it all at once.
- Start small.
- Celebrate the little wins.
And know that every step you take is a step toward creating a home—and a life—that you love.
You’ve got this, sis
And hey, if this helped you feel a little more inspired, come back next time for more tips and real talk.
Whether it’s about your home, your mindset, or just getting through the chaos of life, we’re in this together.
See you soon!
Xoxo,
Yaneph (@onechiclook)
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