We all lead busy lives, and sometimes it can feel as though your home-life contributes to your stress rather than being a place where you can relax. There are always jobs on your list that need doing, running costs to stay on top of, and household members that need different things. When it seems overwhelming at home, you need to find some simple solutions. With that in mind, this guide gives you some must-know tips.
Create a feeling of space
Space is not always an easy thing to create in a home, but there are ways to make even the smallest house feel more spacious. If your rooms are small, avoid oversized, heavy or dark furniture as this can take over the space and make a room feel smaller. Another way to make your home feel spacious is to have plenty of storage. Choose cupboards instead of shelving so that you can close the doors for a clutter-free look. If you need more storage, look for the more unusual areas in your home that could be turned into storage areas, such as having drawers within stairs.
Organize
Do you ever feel worried when you get an unexpected bill? Or perhaps you feel like you are always doing household chores, such as cooking and cleaning. Simplifying your routines can make things easier. Being organized isn’t about running your home like a military operation; it is merely about keeping good habits.
Get into the habit of saving a small amount of money each month, even if you can only afford a few dollars. It will quickly build up and provides you with a cushion should you need to buy or replace something in your house.
If you feel you are not keeping on top of chores, set up a system. For example, dedicate half an hour each day to a specific task. It might be vacuuming or cleaning floors, cleaning the inside of your fridge or oven, or tackling your ironing. It is amazing what you can get done with half an hour’s solid effort on one task, and you’ll soon find your home in ship shape with no more than half an hour or work per day.
Lower Costs
Lowering the running costs of your home is another way to live more simply. Take a look at your bills and see where you can make reductions. For example, do you really need that TV package with all of the channels when you rarely watch them? A lower cost package might still give you all your favorite channels.
Saving energy is also a way to lower costs. Consider using your own electricity with homeowner solar panels, such as from Going Solar. Other ways you can reduce power is to make sure you properly switch off appliances and use a smart meter so you can see exactly where the energy is being used in your home.
Living simply helps you to have breathing space where you can clear your mind, and your home becomes a place where you can feel at ease. Simplifying your home can feel like a big task, but when you begin, you will find it a rewarding experience.
Delicia Warren is a freelance writer, passionate about the environment, organic farming and food production. An advocate for a holistic approach to the world’s problems, she has a particular interest in the small changes individuals can make to their lifestyle to minimize their environmental footprint.
