Let’s face it. Life is full. Between work, family, unexpected chaos (why do devices only break during busy weeks?) And the general daily juggling, it can be difficult to have the feeling that you will ever be something on top. But here is the secret that I have learned more than two decades to help people calmly bring them to their homes: when your house is organized, life feels lighter.
I am Jo Jacob, founder of Benella Home Organization. For more than 20 years I have worked with families, busy professionals, downsizers and those who navigate through life after loss. I helped people by digging for years of junk, cleaning up houses after mourning and setting quiet, functional spaces after moving. And what I have seen time and time again is this: a mess -free, well -organized house gives your breathing space – not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
So today I share some of my best proven tips to help you create that calmness, without overwhelming. Here are my 8 top tips for stress -free life:
1. Start small and stay consistent
If you stares at your house, you think: “Where the hell do I start?”, Start with this: one drawer, one board, one surface. That’s it.
Try not to tackle the entire house in a weekend – that is a one -way ticket for Burnout. Instead, I love what I call a “kettle books tidy-up”. While the boiler cooks or cooks the dinner, take five minutes to make a small area on. You would be amazed what you can withstand in those small bags of time. If you have a boiling water tap and prefer music, turn on your favorite playlist and 1 – 2 songs from Clearing.
2. Set systems that for works You
It’s not about making your house look like a Pinterest sign (unless it brings you joy!). It is about setting up systems that make your daily life run more smoothly.
That can mean:
- A tray at the door for keys and mail
- A labeled basket for everyone’s shoes
- A drawer only for collection menus, batteries and candles (yes, it is allowed to exist if it is intentional!)
When everything has a place, you will spend less time searching and more time on life. When other members of the household also know where the place is – the less you will hopefully be called to answer: “Where is my …?”
3. Give yourself permission to let go
One of the greatest emotional roadblocks that I see is guilt. Debt for throwing away gifts that you do not use, for releasing baby clothes from your teenagers, or for cleaning up inherited items that you don’t like.
Here is your permission slip: you are not a museum.
Your house must reflect your present and support your future – not just holding your past. Keep what you bring joy or serves a goal. Let go of the rest, with kindness. I am not a Marie Kondo -cup, but you can say the item ‘Thank you’ if you go if that works for you.
4. Meal plan to minimize daily stress
It is not only cupboards and cupboards that need to be organized. The dinner dilemma is real. Planning your meals for the week can reduce the stress en masse, save money and prevent it from stare at 5 hours of fridge session.
Take 10 minutes every Sunday to note the dinners for the week and make a shopping list of it. I even include a clean -up prompt in my downloadable meal planner to tidy up gently when you go (think: clean up the spice rack while something is simulating on the hob!).
5. Create a quiet zone
Even if the rest of the house is a bit chaotic (real life happens!), Make a small quiet zone. Maybe it’s your bedside table, a corner of the kitchen or your favorite reading chair. Keep it clear, mess -free and beautiful.
Just have One space That feels calm can be enough to center if everything else feels a bit much.
6. Don’t wait for the perfect time
Spoiler alert: there is no such thing. Life will not suddenly slow to give you the ideal moment to be organized. Start imperfect. Do a drawer today. Tomorrow a cupboard. It’s all true.
Progress over perfection, always.
7. Use the right tools
You don’t have to spend a fortune for stress -free life, but a few important items make a huge difference.
- Clear pots – with labels (great for snacks, pasta, everything)
- Velvet pendants – slim, strong and fantastic
- Wicker baskets – for hiding clutter while you look stylish
- A simple weekly planner – to keep you focused
If you need a lead, I have many printable tools and checklists available in my Etsy Store.
News warning – Do not buy storage before you are tidy! It will just be a pile of junk in the corner, so always first free, first find what you can reuse and then buy what you need.
8. Treat the organization as self -care
We often think of cleaning up like a chore, but it can be an incredibly caring act. You create space for the life you want. You let your house work for you. You give your future a little more peace.
You earn that.
Last thought
An organized house does not mean a perfect one. Mine is certainly not. But it does mean a space that feels good to be in, that supports your busy life, and that you welcome at the end of a long day.
When you are ready to embrace stress -free life, to feel lighter and calmer, starting smaller, stay consistent and above all – be nice to yourself along the way.
Author bio
Jo Jacob is a professional organizer with more than 20 years of experience in helping busy professionals, families and home movers to regain order in their lives. Her expertise varies from cleaning up houses and organizing paperwork to the management of sentimental dwenskens and photos. She specializes in the home movement and shrinking.
Jo shares tips and tips and tricks for home and living on her social media platforms.
