Let’s face it: life can feel overwhelming. With work, family responsibilities, unexpected chaos (why do appliances always break down during the busiest weeks?), and the daily grind, it’s tough to feel like you’re on top of things. However, after two decades of assisting individuals in restoring peace to their homes, I’ve discovered one crucial truth: an organized home makes a lighter life.
I’m Jo Jacob, the founder of Benella Home Organisation. For over 20 years, I’ve collaborated with families, busy professionals, downsizers, and those navigating life’s challenges after loss. My experience includes helping people clear years of clutter, organize homes after grief, and create serene, functional spaces following a move. Time and again, I’ve witnessed that a clutter-free, well-organized home offers not only physical space but also mental and emotional relief.
Today, I’m excited to share my top 8 tips for creating that calm ambiance without feeling overwhelmed:
1. Start Small and Be Consistent
Feeling lost about where to begin? Focus on just one drawer, one shelf, or one surface. That’s all it takes.
Avoid attempting to declutter your entire house in a single weekend; that’s a surefire path to burnout. Instead, try what I call a “Kettle Boils Tidy-Up.” While you wait for the kettle to boil or dinner to cook, use five minutes to tidy one small area. You’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish during these brief moments. If you prefer music, put on your favorite playlist and declutter for 1-2 songs!
2. Establish Effective Systems for You
Organizing isn’t about making your home look like something out of a Pinterest board (unless that truly makes you happy!). It’s about creating systems that streamline your daily life.
Consider setting up:
- A tray near the door for keys and mail
- Labelled baskets for everyone’s shoes
- A drawer dedicated to takeaway menus, batteries, and candles (it’s perfectly acceptable to keep this if it’s intentional!)
When everything has its place, you’ll spend less time searching and more time enjoying life. When everyone in your household understands where things belong, you’ll decrease the number of times you hear, “Where is my…?”
3. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go
One major emotional hurdle many face is guilt—guilt over discarding gifts you never use, releasing baby clothes from your now-teenagers, or clearing out inherited items you don’t cherish.
Here’s your permission slip: you are not a museum.
Your home should embody your present and support your future, rather than merely store remnants of your past. Keep what brings you joy or serves a purpose, and let go of the rest with kindness. While I’m not a strict follower of Marie Kondo, if it helps, you can express gratitude to the item as you part with it.
4. Meal Plan to Reduce Daily Stress
It’s not just closets and cabinets that need organization; meal planning is crucial as well. Strategically planning your meals for the week can significantly lower stress levels, save money, and eliminate that 5 PM fridge stare-off.
Each Sunday, spend 10 minutes outlining your dinners for the week and crafting a shopping list. I even include a declutter prompt in my downloadable meal planner to help keep things tidy as you cook (for instance, clean out the spice rack while something simmers on the stove!).
5. Create a Calm Zone
Even if the rest of your home is chaotic (because, well, life happens!), it’s beneficial to establish one small calm zone. This could be your bedside table, a corner of the kitchen, or your favorite reading chair. Keep this area clutter-free and inviting.
Having just one space that feels serene can help ground you when everything else seems overwhelming.
6. Don’t Wait for the Perfect Moment
Spoiler alert: the perfect moment doesn’t exist. Life won’t slow down to offer you an ideal opportunity to get organized. Start imperfectly—tackle a drawer today, a cupboard tomorrow. Every little bit counts.
Always prioritize progress over perfection.
7. Utilize the Right Tools
You don’t need to break the bank to live stress-free, but investing in a few essential items can make a significant difference.
- Clear jars – with labels for snacks, pasta, and more.
- Velvet hangers – sleek, sturdy, and stylish.
- Wicker baskets – perfect for concealing clutter while looking good.
- A simple weekly planner – to help keep you organized.
If you need a head start, I have plenty of printables and checklists available in my Etsy store.
Just a reminder—don’t purchase storage solutions before you declutter! Otherwise, you risk creating another pile of clutter in the corner. Always clear first, see what can be repurposed, and then buy what you truly need.
8. Consider Organization as Self-Care
We often view decluttering as a chore, but it can be a wonderfully nurturing act. You’re making room for the life you want, ensuring your home works for you, and gifting your future self a bit more serenity.
You truly deserve that.
Final Thought
An organized home doesn’t necessitate perfection; mine certainly isn’t. Instead, it means having a space that feels good, supports your busy lifestyle, and welcomes you at the end of a long day.
If you’re ready to embrace a stress-free existence, just remember to start small, remain consistent, and above all—be kind to yourself throughout the process.
Author Bio
Jo Jacob is a professional organizer with over 20 years of experience helping busy professionals, families, and those moving homes regain order in their lives. Her expertise ranges from decluttering homes and organizing paperwork to managing sentimental keepsakes and photographs. She specializes in home transitions and downsizing.
Jo shares valuable home and lifestyle tips across her social media platforms.
