Today’s post is written by contributor Chelsea Becker, a San Diego native, living and writing in San Francisco. Follow her on Instagram & Pinterest.
I haven’t always considered myself a homebody, but somewhere along my late twenties, I became one. Home is now my favorite place to be, but not just because it’s home. I’ve spent a lot of time and effort to make it as relaxing, comfortable, and honestly, just a happy place to be. And the best part is it doesn’t take a ton of money or even the perfect house (we rent)! It’s all about being intentional about what you fill your space with and what you leave out.
Here are the 10 things that can make your
home more peaceful:
No TV in the Bedroom
This definitely took some sweet talk to my husband, but eventually, I got him to agree to not have a TV in our room. After all, the bedroom is supposed to be one of the most relaxing rooms in the house, and having a TV can not only lead to bad habits, but it doesn’t make the room feel as sacred. Plus, technology is shown to hinder good sleep, so this can make for a better nighttime routine in general.
Diffuse Oils
Essential oils are among my favorite things in the world, mainly because they can leave such a calming presence. Scents like tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender are literally created to calm the nervous system while cleansing the toxins in the air – and that’s pretty peaceful right?
Minimal Clutter
I’ve never been someone who is drawn to clutter, and I think that’s why our home remains so calm. People always comment on how clean and simple our home is (in a good way), and it’s because we don’t invite clutter. Not having a kitchen full of gadgets makes for a more peaceful cooking experience. Less beauty products in the bathroom means less choices when doing a skincare routine, and so on. I’ve found that simplicity is one of the easiest way to get a peaceful living space, so I’d recommend going through everything and seeing what you truly need. Say ‘see ya’ to the rest!
Clean Spaces
Going off the simple home tip, we all know there’s nothing more stressful than a messy house. And believe me, our house gets messy – but I spend about 10 minutes before bed tidying up. It makes such a big difference to wake up to a clean house vs. a mess. Other than that, I do a quick clean up 1x a week (wiping down counters, vacuuming, etc) and a full clean 2x a month. If you hate to clean, think about giving up your monthly mani/pedis for a house cleaner to come! I promise it’ll be worth it for your peace of mind.
Make Things Easy
This might seem like a super general tip, and it is, but a little common sense goes a long way! Instead of leaving opportunity for annoyances in your house, make things easier. Keep your grocery bags by the front door, a music box plugged in if music makes you feel good, the plates you use most on an easy-to-reach shelf, and so on. Make a mental list every time something within your house makes you annoyed and then find ways to fix each.
Light Candles
I know we covered good smells with the essential oils, but there’s something to be said about candles, too. The flicker, the sound, the smell – talk about relaxing! Keep them in areas of your homes that invite relaxation – like your bathtub, next to your favorite chair, and your bedroom. Then, make it a daily habit to light them as you wind down.
Dim the Lights
We don’t have dimmers in our rental, but I love how peaceful a dim room can make you feel. Bright overhead lights can be way too much, especially as you’re trying to relax after a long day. To get around this issue, I’m a big fan of floor and table lamps with special bulbs. Lots of brands now offer different bulbs for different moods (whether dim, bright for work spaces, etc), and they’re pretty cool! Head to the light aisle at Target or even Amazon, and you should be able to find them.
Sleep Machine
My sleep machine is one of my most prized wellness possessions, I swear. It has completely changed my sleep and made my bedroom feel zen the moment I turn it on. I’ll even turn it on as I get into bed and read at night because it instantly chills me out. If you have loud neighbors, a snoring partner, or simply want a soothing sound, I highly recommend!
Create Cozy Corners
Whether it’s a meditation corner or a chair with your favorite blanket, having cozy nooks around your home can make a big difference. A place to drink your morning coffee in the kitchen, a place to read a book in your living room, or a great blanket to sit out in your backyard’s shade. This way, no matter what’s going on in your life, you have personal spaces to come back to.
Have a “Drop All” Area
This might not seem like something that belongs on a “how to make your home peaceful list,” but I’d disagree. How many times have you been stressed to find your keys before an appointment? Or forgot to return something by its late date? If you have a designated area with all of this stuff (ours is by the front door), it reduces stress around those things. We keep our keys, mail, and everyday items like sunglasses in a basket right next to our door. Under that, we have a basket that contains anything we need to return or a place for dry cleaning, etc. It’s your daily reminder of what you need and what’s on your to-do list, instead of these things being scattered around the house.
I’d love to know what makes your home feel peaceful, so please share!
BTW, how to clean your closet in 7 steps, and 10 chic Ikea hacks you can actually complete.
