If you’ve ever tried to relax at home after a long day but were held back by piles of clutter and accumulated dust, know that you’re not alone.
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Relaxing in a disorganized house can feel impossible — but cleaning and organizing experts reveal that small, low-impact tasks are ideal for calming the mind and reducing stress caused by mess.
Below, discover 5 practical activities that help soothe your mind and create an immediate sense of order and tranquility at home — even if the rest of the space is still in disarray.
How to relax when your home is a mess
1. Redefine your relaxation spot
Before settling down to rest, reorganize a small, accessible space to relax more comfortably.
Sofia Martinez, cleaning expert and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin, recommends: “Instead of cleaning the entire living room, focus on your immediate space. Wipe down the side table, fluff the pillows, and fold the blanket you’re using.”
This quick action prepares your brain to relax and sends a clear message of safety and calm to your environment. Plus, caring for just one area reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and helps manage mess in a practical way, especially if you’re dealing with stress or health issues.
2. Choose a frequently used area to clean
The simple act of cleaning a specific spot that you see all the time can work wonders for your mindset.
“It could be the bathroom mirror, your laptop screen, or the stove,” says Sofia. “Pick a ‘visual stressor’ and clean it quickly. The feeling of control comes back instantly, without much effort.”
For this, choose non-toxic products like Attitude’s multi-purpose spray (EWG approved), found at Walmart, and pair it with a microfiber cloth for greater efficiency and sustainability.
3. Tidy up what’s in plain sight
Visual clutter directly affects your level of fatigue. To improve your sense of well-being, Mabel Heitmeier, KonMari consultant and founder of Spark Joy in MI, advises: “Start with what’s in your line of sight — countertops, tables, and visible floors, not cabinets or drawers.”
She suggests walking around with a laundry basket or bag and asking yourself, “What doesn’t belong in this room?” Place the items in the basket without worrying about putting them away right then. This immediately brings lightness and clarity to the space.
4. Let the air circulate
Improving your home’s natural ventilation is a simple action that directly impacts your well-being.
Heidi Ganser Lang, organizer and owner of Juniper Organizing, states: “Natural light and fresh air boost mood and renew the energy in a space. Even in extreme cold or heat, open the windows for a few minutes to feel the difference.”
If opening windows isn’t an option, consider a good air purifier. The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX, from Best Buy, is recommended by experts, features a washable filter, odor-reducing technology, and covers up to 130 m².
5. Use strategic storage to hide the mess
Organizing doesn’t always mean putting everything in perfect order — sometimes, simply hiding items neatly is enough.
Gerrit Jan Redinders, CEO of BOXIE24, advises: “Use a tray, basket, or small box to gather loose items like cables, remotes, or pens near where you rest. This reduces visual clutter and gives the space a sense of intentionality.”
Two great options are the woven tray from Walmart or the memory box from Target, with a lid to keep your essentials organized and out of sight.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
