Declutter to destress: 6 tips for a serene home

Where we live should be a safe haven – a calm, restful place where we can unwind after a long day. But if an overabundance of stuff is cluttering up our households and our minds, spending time in our houses can actually add stress to our lives. Keep reading for six simple decluttering routines that will help you come home to a serene sanctuary every day. 

Decluttering is not just about having more space in your closet or making it easier to find a clear place on your desk to set down your coffee mug. The thing about accumulated junk is that it takes up more than just our physical surroundings – it takes up mental, emotional and spiritual space. If we get rid of the piled-up stuff that is weighing us down, our homes and our minds will become more peaceful. To help you develop a clutter clearing habit that you can stick to, here are six simple yet powerful tips.

Tip #1: Pair decluttering with a routine you never skip

With busy schedules that clamour for our attention, starting a decluttering routine can seem tough. If you’re struggling to find time in your diary to sort out your belongings, pair it with a habit you never skip. Take a few minutes to clear up your countertop when you make your morning tea, take out the trash when you set out for your evening walk, or deal with incoming mail and other papers right before indulging in your Sunday bath.

Tip #2: Make your bed

Making your bed in the morning may seem like a small, insignificant thing to do, but it can affect your daily life tremendously. By taking a few minutes to straighten the sheets and fluff the pillows, you’re setting yourself up for a productive, positive and more meaningful day. According to science, bed-making can even make you happier. Plus, a nicely made bed brings a feeling of calm and peace to your bedroom – just the sight of it will relax you.

Tip #3: Clean out your closet

A clutter-free wardrobe will make getting dressed in the morning a stress-free, even enjoyable part of your routine. Just imagine being able to reach into your closet and immediately find what you’re looking for – every time you open the door. Do good while you lighten up by donating everything you haven’t worn in a year to charity. Don’t fall for the “just in case” trap ­– let go of pieces you no longer need, want or fit. Another thing to keep in mind is that a good wardrobe is about quality, not quantity. When shopping for new clothes in the future, look for pieces that are timeless, durable and versatile.

Bonus tip: check out our Soulwear collection for a gorgeous line of high-quality wardrobe essentials.

Tip #4: Only keep daily essentials in your bathroom

Bathrooms are usually the smallest rooms in our homes, and they’re also often the messiest. To give yours a calm, spa-like feel, limit the products you keep in your bathroom to the ones you use on a daily basis. If you store items you don’t use daily in areas of the house where you have more room, you’ll have plenty of space for your essentials—even if your bathroom is tiny. Rather than cluttering up your bathroom with lots of different products, invest in a few good skin care essentials shower & bath products and makeup basics that match your needs perfectly.

Tip #5: Infuse your space with soothing fragrances

Home fragrances not only make your place smell good, they also spread soothing vibes that give your home a truly relaxing ambiance. Use scented candles, fragrance sticks or incense to infuse your space—and your life—with calm.

Tip #6: Ten minutes a day keeps the clutter away

It’s important to realise that sticking to your new decluttering routine doesn’t have to require a lot of time or effort. Even if you spend 5 or 10 minutes on clearing  up each day, you’ll come home to a clean, calming home where there’s no room for stress or clutter.