Let’s be honest. Life is full on. Between work, family, unexpected chaos (why do appliances only break during busy weeks?) and the general day to day juggle, it can be hard to feel like you’re ever on top of anything. But here’s the secret I’ve learnt over two decades of helping people bring calm to their homes: when your home is organised, life feels lighter.
I’m Jo Jacob, founder of Benella Home Organisation. For over 20 years I’ve worked with families, busy professionals, downsizers and those navigating life after loss. I’ve helped people dig through years of clutter, clear out homes after bereavement, and set up calm, functional spaces after moving house. And what I’ve seen again and again is this: a clutter free, well organised home gives you breathing space – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
So today, I’m sharing some of my best tried and tested tips to help you create that calm, without overwhelm. Here are my 8 top tips for stress free living:
1. Start Small And Stay Consistent
If you’re staring at your home thinking, “Where on earth do I even begin?”, start with this: one drawer, one shelf, one surface. That’s it.
Don’t attempt to tackle the whole house in a weekend – that’s a one way ticket to burnout. Instead, I love what I call a “Kettle Boils Tidy-Up”. While the kettle’s boiling or dinner’s cooking, take five minutes to declutter one small area. You’d be amazed what you can get through in those little pockets of time. If you have a boiling water tap and prefer music then put your favourite playlist on and 1 – 2 songs of clearing.
2. Set Up Systems That Work For You
It’s not about making your house look like a Pinterest board (unless that brings you joy!). It’s about setting up systems that make your day to day life run smoother.
That might mean:
- A tray by the door for keys and post
- A labelled basket for everyone’s shoes
- A drawer just for takeaway menus, batteries and candles (yes, it’s allowed to exist if it’s intentional!)
When everything has a place, you’ll spend less time searching and more time living. When other members of the household also know where the place is – the less you will hopefully be called to answer “Where is my…?”
3. Give Yourself Permission To Let Go
One of the biggest emotional roadblocks I see is guilt. Guilt for throwing away gifts you don’t use, for letting go of baby clothes from your now teenagers, or for clearing out inherited items you don’t love.
Here’s your permission slip: you are not a museum.
Your home should reflect your present and support your future – not just hold your past. Keep what brings you joy or serves a purpose. Let go of the rest, with kindness. I am not a Marie Kondo convert however you can say “thank you” to the item as you it go if that works for you.
4. Meal Plan To Minimise Daily Stress
It’s not just cupboards and wardrobes that need organising. The dinner dilemma is real. Planning your meals for the week can massively reduce stress, save money and prevent that 5pm fridge staring session.
Each Sunday, take 10 minutes to jot down dinners for the week and create a shopping list from it. I even include a declutter prompt in my downloadable meal planner to gently tidy as you go (think: cleaning out the spice rack while something simmers on the hob!).
5. Create A Calm Zone
Even if the rest of the house is a bit chaotic (real life happens!), create one small calm zone. Maybe it’s your bedside table, a corner of the kitchen, or your favourite reading chair. Keep it clear, clutter free and lovely.
Having just one space that feels calm can be enough to centre you when everything else feels a bit much.
6. Don’t Wait For The Perfect Time
Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing. Life won’t suddenly slow down to give you the ideal moment to get organised. Start imperfectly. Do a drawer today. A cupboard tomorrow. It all adds up.
Progress over perfection, always.
7. Use The Right Tools
You don’t need to spend a fortune for stress free living, but a few key items make a huge difference.
- Clear jars – with labels (great for snacks, pasta, anything)
- Velvet hangers – slim, strong and fabulous
- Wicker baskets – for hiding clutter while looking stylish
- A simple weekly planner – to keep you focused
If you need a head start, I have lots of printable tools and checklists available in my Etsy store.
News alert – don’t buy storage before you have decluttered! It will just become a pile of clutter in the corner so always clear first, find what you can repurpose and then buy what you need.
8. Treat Organisation As Self Care
We often think of decluttering as a chore, but it can be an incredibly nurturing act. You’re creating space for the life you want. You’re making your home work for you. You’re gifting your future self a bit more peace.
You deserve that.
Final Thought
An organised home doesn’t mean a perfect one. Mine certainly isn’t. But it does mean a space that feels good to be in, that supports your busy life, and that welcomes you at the end of a long day.
If you’re ready to embrace stress free living, to feel lighter and calmer, start small, stay consistent, and most importantly – be kind to yourself along the way.
Author Bio
Jo Jacob is a professional organiser with over 20 years of experience helping busy professionals, families, and home movers reclaim order in their lives. Her expertise ranges from decluttering homes and organising paperwork to managing sentimental keepsakes and photographs. She specialises in home moving and downsizing.
Jo shares home and life tips and tricks across her social media platforms.