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Creating Your Sanctuary
After years of living in spaces that felt chaotic and cluttered, I finally created a home that feels like a true sanctuary. Here’s how I did it—and how you can too.
The Philosophy: Less Is More
Before organizing anything, I decluttered ruthlessly. The truth is, you can’t organize clutter—you just move it around.
The Questions I Asked
For every item, I asked:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does it bring me genuine joy?
- Would I buy this again today?
If the answer wasn’t a clear yes, it went.
Room by Room Transformation
The Entryway
This sets the tone for your entire home. I added:
- A console table with a tray for keys and mail
- Hooks for bags and jackets
- A small plant for life
- Good lighting
The Living Room
My rules:
- Every item must have a home
- Surfaces stay mostly clear
- Cozy textures everywhere (throws, pillows)
- Plants in every corner
The Bedroom
This room is for sleep and rest only. I removed:
- The TV
- My work laptop
- Exercise equipment
- Clutter on the nightstand
I added:
- Blackout curtains
- Quality bedding (linen sheets changed my life)
- Soft lighting (no overhead at night)
- A diffuser with lavender
The Kitchen
The heart of the home deserved special attention:
- Clear countertops (appliances live in cabinets)
- Everything in matching containers
- A dedicated coffee station
- Fresh flowers or herbs always
The Bathroom
Spa vibes on a budget:
- White towels (hotel-style)
- Minimal products displayed
- Candles and plants
- Organized under-sink storage
The Systems That Keep It Tidy
Daily Habits
- Morning: Make bed, quick kitchen tidy
- Evening: 10-minute reset before bed
- Weekly: One room deep clean
The One-In-One-Out Rule
For every new item that enters, something must leave. This prevents accumulation.
A Place for Everything
Every single item has a designated home. This makes tidying quick and mindless.
Affordable Upgrades That Made a Difference
Not everything requires a big budget:
- New hardware on cabinets ($50)
- Matching hangers in the closet ($30)
- Good lighting via lamps ($100)
- Plants everywhere ($50)
- Quality basics like white towels and sheets ($150)
The Unexpected Benefits
Since creating my sanctuary:
- I sleep better
- I’m more productive working from home
- I actually enjoy hosting
- My anxiety has decreased
- I spend less money (I’m more intentional about what I bring in)
Starting Your Transformation
If you’re overwhelmed, start small:
- Choose one drawer — Declutter and organize it completely
- Feel the satisfaction — Let that motivate you
- Move to a cabinet, then a room
- Maintain before expanding — Don’t move on until systems are working
What’s your biggest home organization challenge? Let me know!