Experts Say These Tiny Daily Habits Can Make Your Home Feel More Peaceful
These small shifts can lead to a more serene space.
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After I started working from home a few years ago, I quickly learned how important it was for my home to feel like a sanctuary. Our homes have become makeshift offices, gyms, entertainment hubs, and the boundary between work and living space has blurred. Whether you work from home or you commute to your 9-5, at the end of the day, we want our homes to feel peaceful and welcoming. The secret to a serene home isn’t necessarily about expensive decoror minimalist overhauls; it’s in the micro-rituals we perform each day.
Peace may be found in the thirty seconds spent watering plants, the intentionality of clearing your countertops before bed, or the simple act of opening a window to reset the air. By shifting our focus from big, overwhelming chores to smaller, more manageable routines, we can transform our living quarters from a source of visual clutter into a welcoming space. We talked to two experts, Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, and Lauren Taylor, founder of the cleaning brand Alter: Bio, about tiny habits that can make your home feel more peaceful.
Open the blinds or curtains each morning
Taylor says the first thing you should do every morning is open your blinds or curtains. “Each morning, I prioritize light exposure,” she says. “This simple ritual of letting in sunlight invites in the energy of the natural world before the work day begins.” Beyond giving you a personal energy boost, this flood of morning light can make your home feel inherently calm and alive.
Wipe down high-traffic spots in the kitchen
After a long day of work, dinner prep, and shuttling kids to their after-school activities, sometimes the last thing we want to do is clean the kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be a full-scale operation. Instead, Taylor says to tackle high-touch areas before turning in for the night. “Before bed, I spray down the high-traffic spots in the kitchen, specifically the refrigerator handle, the sink basin, and the faucet,” she explains.
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Organize your counters
Counters are also high-visibility areas that can easily get cluttered. Instead of waiting for a weekend clean-up, Taylor says to make an effort to organize your kitchen and bathroom counters daily to keep clutter to a minimum. “Before going to bed, I'll lightly organize the kitchen counter, so when I wake up, there's space to prep my breakfast,” she says. Starting the day with a clean slate can reduce morning stress and ensure your first few waking moments are spent in a calm space.
Declutter daily
Many of us wait for a big event like spring cleaning, a big move, or a renovation to get rid of things that we don’t need, but Kelman advises making it a daily habit. “One of the best ways to feel peaceful in your home is to declutter,” she says. “You don’t have to wait to get rid of the things you no longer need.” By turning your decluttering sessions into a daily task, you gradually strip away the physical and mental weight of unnecessary items, leaving behind a home that finally has room to breathe.
Charge or store devices outside of your bedroom
Many of us stare at screens all day long, and Kelman recommends storing devices outside of our bedrooms at night. “At the end of the day, designate certain areas within your home that remain tech-free; the more tech and noise that exists, the less peaceful things can feel,” Kelman says. This habit can transform your bedrooms into peaceful sanctuaries, which is especially beneficial if you have young kids and teens.
Tend to house plants
Having plants in your home can enhance your home's look, and caring for them every day creates a peaceful routine. “To make your home feel more peaceful, I recommend getting some house plants, as they can provide a calming and peaceful feeling, especially as you care for them,” Kelman says. Houseplants can also soften the hard edges of a room, creating a space that can naturally lower stress levels.
Set aside technology-free time
One way to create a peaceful home is to make it a place where you create positive memories without the distraction of technology. “Do things by yourself or with your family members that represent peaceful feelings, whether that be reading, cooking, or playing board games,” Kelman says. “This connection can help your home feel peaceful.”
Light a candle
When we walk into a room, the first thing we usually notice is the scent. “Think of yourself walking into a spa and how you instantly feel calm,” Kelman says. “The colors are warm, the sounds are peaceful, and there might be a faint smell of soothing massage oil. You can incorporate a signature scent into your home well.” Adopting a familiar, soothing fragrance can signal to your nervous system that your home is a safe place for relaxation.
Mariette Williams is a freelance writer living in South Florida. She covers topics such as travel, culture, books, and wellness, and when she's not traveling, she's lost in a good book.
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