Instant Peace: 5 Simple Chores to Relax Your Mind When Home is Chaotic
Taming Clutter and Relaxing in a Messy Home: Low-Lift Solutions
In a quest to instantly tame clutter and relax in a messy home, experts recommend focusing on quick, visible areas rather than hidden spaces. This approach prioritizes small, doable tasks that don’t require deep cleaning or organizing sessions but still provide the psychological benefit of a tidier, more relaxing space.
Mabel Heitmeier, KonMari consultant, organizer, and founder of Spark Joy in MI, suggests focusing on counters, tabletops, and floor space. Clearing these visible areas can create a sense of calm and make the space feel less chaotic without requiring extensive effort.
Another expert, Sofia Martinez, cleaning expert and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin, recommends zoning in on your immediate space for relaxation. This could mean clearing the coffee or side table next to you, fluffing the pillow behind you, and folding the throw blanket in your lap or draping it on the couch.
Micro-decluttering is another effective strategy. Spend 10 minutes focused on one small, specific spot (e.g., a nightstand drawer or bathroom vanity) to reduce clutter quickly and efficiently. This small win can make everyday life easier without overwhelming you.
The Boundary Method is another useful technique. Set clear physical boundaries—for example, containers or drawer dividers—and ensure that only items that fit within those limits stay. Anything else must be removed or donated, which keeps clutter in check with minimal decision fatigue.
Establishing simple habits like putting things in designated "homes" such as labeled baskets or bins for keys, sunglasses, or common clutter items in entryways or living areas can help maintain order and contribute to a decluttered feel with very little ongoing effort.
Investing in air purifiers can be beneficial if you can’t open your windows or worry about allergens. Ventilating the room can improve mood and energy in your space. Cracking a window for a few minutes can make a big difference, even in cold or hot weather.
Containing loose items can help make the space feel more intentional and your mind less disorganized. A wooden keepsake box from Target with a lid can keep essentials such as TV remotes, phone chargers, and eyeglasses easily accessible but out of mind. A small container like a basket, bowl, or tray can be used to contain loose items such as remotes, charging cords, pens, or hair ties.
Opting for non-toxic cleaning products can boost wellness in your home. The EWG-approved Attitude all-purpose cleaning spray, available at Walmart, is perfect for quickly cleaning a frequently used area. The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX from Best Buy was rated 4.5 stars by expert reviewers.
Natural light and air circulation can help clear your head and give your space a little reset. Keeping curtains closed because of feeling overwhelmed or ashamed about the state of your home is unlikely to prevent people from looking in. So, let the light in, open a window, and start your journey towards a more relaxed, decluttered home.
Incorporating elements of science and health-and-wellness, micro-decluttering focuses on spending 10 minutes to reduce clutter quickly and efficiently, providing a psychological boost and helping create a more relaxed living space. Additionally, embracing a lifestyle that includes fitness-and-exercise, home-and-garden can enhance wellness by investing in air purifiers for improved air quality and utilizing natural light for a clearer mind, fostering a healthier and more organized home environment.
