People around the world stayed inside their homes for much of the pandemic to stay safe. Although the health crisis is behind us, many are still spending considerably more time at home. Remote work remains high, and more children are at home for childcare and homeschooling.
While a flexible schedule and casual routine is appealing, remote work has also led to lower productivity and job satisfaction. People are also socializing less outside the home than before the pandemic.
This all affects people’s general well-being.
In this three-part series on A Healthier Home, you’ll find easy ways to make your home a more peaceful, happier place. This first article discusses keeping physical clutter out of sight and keeping the chaos in check.
One of the best ways to keep the home from feeling too chaotic (other than getting rid of stuff) is to keep it picked up. The hype of organization can be overwhelming, but removing clutter from vision helps to clear both the home and the mind of distraction. Living among clutter is chaotic, and it can be a major source of stress, whether a person realizes it or not: “Mess equals stress.”
A simple way to maximize your quarters is by combining storage space with functionality: furniture can also hold some of your belongings, whether as permanent storage or as a junk-drawer-type stash.
Most people are familiar with the small storage ottoman. They fit into nearly any space and can still hold several throw blankets or toys. They also work well as a last-second “dumping ground” when company is expected. At 15 x 15 inches, the Storage Ottoman from WoneNice is the right height for a footrest, and it’s also sturdy enough to be a seat. They come in both black and in gray, either of which will stand out or blend in with almost any room design.
For something larger, there’s the 30-inch-long storage ottoman from Ben & Otto. Its “smart lift” top makes it easy to reach inside while keeping half of the lid closed. Furthermore, two 30-inch units side-by-side are the perfect size for the foot of a queen bed.
If you’re looking for something more unique, the rustic-style chests from Hobro are highly rated. Their Toy Box is approximately 30 inches wide and 18 inches high. Most Amazon reviewers don’t recommend it for adult seating but say it’s otherwise sturdy. The vintage gray has a rustic but elegant look; the greige is neutral and currently a popular color.
The same company also makes a larger storage chest, which measures 40 inches wide and 20 inches high, making it the perfect size for a coffee table. That way, if papers, remotes, and headphones tend to pile up in front of or next to the couch, they could be stashed away and still be within reach. This storage chest comes in the same vintage gray and greige as the Toy Box.
A decluttered home not only looks more spacious but also minimizes distraction and has an overall calmer vibe.
To read how to adjust your home’s lighting (without touching the fixtures) to promote better sleep, see the second article in this series. And for suggestions about keeping the air in your home healthy, go to the third.
And don’t forget: Mess equals stress!
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