Keeping a home organized, clean, and cozy actually takes a lot of work. (Especially during the holidays.) Here are some tips to help you create a comfortable space for life to unfold.
Homes are not naturally comfortable and relaxed. The nature of a busy home with kids is chaotic, messy, disorganized, and grimy. The activities and daily events leave aftermath that are not pretty. Keeping a home organized, clean, and cozy actually takes a lot of work. (Especially during the holidays.)
Often our culture says:
- Who cares if a home is organized or decorated?
- Should we spend our time on “more important” things?
- A clean house does not make a difference, does it?
- Why does a cozy home environment matter?
Today I am pushing back on those ideas with some simple solutions.
We have all walked into a living room and immediately felt uncomfortable or uneasy. In this post, I will explore what changes can we make in our homes to create a more comfortable and relaxed space.
The planning and thought that goes into a home has several areas:
- Organization
- Keeping things Clean
- Comfort (also called Hygge)
- and the Rhythms / Routines in your family
Organization
Clearing clutter brings me an inner sense of calm, a peace that comes from knowing everything is in its place. When I let go of things I no longer need, I create space for what truly matters and recognize the season of life I’m in. I often end up with not only a cleaner closet (or drawer) but also a refreshed perspective.
Stuff has a pull on us. It holds emotional power and the weight of unmade decisions. When I go through a space to declutter and organize, I essentially choose to make tons of delayed decisions all at once. It is invigorating and freeing.
I truly believe that we are all designed by God to bring order from chaos. We have a Creator that shows off with beauty and organized design. It is what we are naturally drawn to. I want that in my home as well.
Everything should have its place.
What is getting in the way of enjoying relaxing in your living room?
Clean
I develop cleaning routines and lists to manage the demands of my busy household and maintain a level of cleanliness that feels comfortable to me. My home is rarely completely clean all at once; instead, I tackle tasks throughout the week to ensure that everything is “mostly clean.”
I follow a rhythm of housework so that all the tasks get done about once a week or every two weeks. I want my home to be a place where my family and guests feel welcomed, safe, and appreciated. The household tasks that I do communicate that love and care for my people. So I choose to sweep floors, clean toilets, and remember to scrub the kitchen sink.
If you turned on some music and speed cleaned for the next 15 minutes what would you clean?
What is bothering you right now? Start there!
Comfort / Hygge
Hygge is defined as a cozy feeling that creates calm and closeness with those around you. It is textures that are warm and inviting. A hot drink on a cold day.
Tips to Create Cozy Spaces:
- Light a candle that smells like Christmas time.
- Have soft blankets tossed onto the couches and ready to curl up with.
- Play music that reminds you of Christmas from your childhood or from your favorite artist.
- Enjoy foods that take a long time to cook and make the kitchen smell good.
- Change your morning routine to add some cozy slowness.
- Use the fireplace and enjoy the crackling of the wood burning (or the digital one on Netflix).
- Browse cookbooks and find some new recipes to try this week.
- Put on a sweater and enjoy sitting on the front porch at sunset. Talk about the day.
What is comfortable and cozy to you?
What textures make you feel at home and welcome in a space?
Your Rhythms and Routines
To truly understand our families, we must observe their needs and plan for a cozy environment that nurtures them. This effort is worthwhile.
While tracking daily rhythms and making changes can be challenging, our rituals and routines significantly impact our long-term goals. These small daily decisions shape our lives, whether we are intentional about them or not. They ultimately influence our family dynamics and well-being.
What is an intentional action you can take to make your space more enjoyable?
Are there any bad habits that need to change to enjoy this space?
Do we need to have everything perfect and Pinterest-worthy?
No – definitely not.
We can create a remarkable shift in our home’s atmosphere. Everyone becomes more relaxed, and we relish our time together, celebrating joyfully. This is what I aim for in this season, and I wish the same for you.
No matter your style, I believe that you can make your space more comfortable for your unique family. And when you do, send me a photo. I would love to see it!
🏡Happy Homemaking! – April
check out this episode on homemaking
Cover Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash