Clear Clutter, Find Calm: How to Clean and Create a ZenSanctuary
Home is where the heart is. However, if your home is feeling more chaotic than calming at the moment, you’re not alone. Research conducted by home storage experts, Hammonds,reveals that over a quarter of people struggle to find peace in their own space. The problem isn’t just clutter – it’s the way your home works for you and your family. So, what’s getting in the way of turning your home into your own restful, zen sanctuary?
Create A Minimalist, Clutter-Free Home
Mess piles up quickly, and before you know it, your family home feels overwhelming rather than inviting. A minimalist approach creates a sense of calm that makes daily life feel more effortless. Hammonds research shows that 60% of people feel that clutter makes them feel stressed in their homes, preventing them from feeling zen.Which makes the first step to finding calm in your home, clearing out what you no longer need.
Start with your wardrobe, a cluttered closet makes daily decisions harder, while a streamlined one makes getting ready effortless. Investing in bespoke storage ensures that everything has a place, whether that’s pull-out shoe racks, tailored shelving or built-in drawers. If you’re unsure where to begin, a capsule wardrobe can help refine your collection to timeless essentials.
Next, tackle forgotten spaces. Kitchen cupboards hide expired spices, bathroom shelves collect half-used products, and junk drawers filled with things you thought you might need but never did. Clearing these out instantly frees up space and stops daily simple tasks into sources of stress.
Decluttering before you clean makes the job far easier, allowing you to refresh your décor and reorganise with intention. As Kirsty Oakes, Head of Product and Marketing at Hammonds Furniture, explains:”Here at Hammonds, we are big believers that storage is key to creating a zen home. After all, if everything has a place and can be safely tucked away in organised drawers and cupboards then that reduces clutter, which as we saw from our survey is a cause of stress for a lot of people.”
A home that feels good starts with what you choose to keep – and where you choose to keep it.
Spring Cleaning Your Home Efficiently
A well-planned approach makes spring cleaning less of a chore and more of a refresh to find the calm in your home. Tackle one room at a time with a checklist, this way, you won’t waste time wondering what to do next, and each space gets the attention it deserves.
Hidden areas collect more dust and germs than you might think. Skirting boards or door handles see daily use but rarely get a proper wipe down. Giving them a quick clean instantly lifts the feel of a room. The same goes for windows–freshly cleaned windows enhance natural light, while freshly washed curtains clear away hidden allergens.
Your furniture also deserves care. Mattresses and sofas absorb dust over time, so sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit, and then vacuum thoroughly for a fresher feel. A clean home isn’t just about appearance – it benefits your well-being too. Research suggests that an organised, fresh space can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Creating A More Zen Home
Lighting has a powerful impact on how a space feels. Harsh, artificial light can make a room feel cold and uninviting, while soft, warm-toned bulbs or candlelight create a calming atmosphere. Maximising natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer curtains, which can also help lift your mood and improve productivity.
Dennis Relojo-Howell, the founder of mental health and wellbeing platform Psychreg, shared his advice:”A wealth of research has shown that sunlight through large windows, as opposed to fluorescent bulbs, has been proven to encourage productivity, better moods, and increased concentration.”
Scent can also transform how a space feels. Essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus instantly make a room feel more serene, whether through diffusers, candles or linen sprays.
Colour is possibly the most important change you can make in creating a calming space.The research from Hammonds found that white, duck egg, pale sage, pale grey and beige are the most calming shades for a home, while dark walls prevent 28% of people from feeling truly at ease at home. Dr Relojo-Howell also adds:”What colour you paint a room can have a huge impact on your mood too, but this is something a lot of people don’t think about when deciding on what colour to paint the walls; they just go with what they think will look best.”
A thoughtful approach to décor, light and scent can turn any space into a sanctuary, helping you feel truly at home.
