How to Create a Happy Home

This is easy. To create a happy home, there are only three steps. First, get rid of things that don’t make you happy. Second, fill your home with things that do make you happy. Finally, fill it with the people you love. That’s it. That is the three step process to creating your happy home.

Start by decluttering to create a happy home

The first step is to declutter. I was lucky enough to meet Marie Kondo and to learn from the decluttering queen herself. Marie Kondo’s main tip: only keep the items that spark joy.

Decluttering your space is the first step.

In terms of technique, you’ll want to begin by organizing everything by category. For example, let’s say you decide to declutter your clothes. Divide it into even smaller categories: long-sleeve shirts, short-sleeve shirts, dresses, suits, etc. Now, spread everything out on your bedroom floor so you can see it all at the same time. When you see eight black tank tops next to each other, you’ll think, “Hmmm. Maybe I don’t need every single one of these.” It’ll be easier to put some into the donation pile.

Donation weekend is a family event at our house. For a detailed look into how we declutter toys at our house, check out these posts about the life-changing magic of decluttering with kids or decluttering before the holidays. Basically, I make it fun. We create a bookstore or a toy store and the kids “shop” to keep the things that make them happy. You can do the same for your things as well. You’ll feel a wave of relief as those unwanted items make their way out the door and you can even make some money.

Surround yourself with joyful items

What colors, sounds, smells, and textures make you smile?

Now it’s time to fill your home with things that make you happy. This shouldn’t require spending extra money. Simply by decluttering, you will be better able to see and find the items you love. Focus on the things that you adore. Consider what makes you smile when you go to your favorite restaurant or coffee shop. Is it something about the lighting or the smells or the sounds? Think about whether you’re more of a visual person or whether you prefer touching each item as you walk through a store.

Think about all of the things that make you happy in your house. Do you gravitate more to the feels, sights, sounds or tastes and smells of your home? Once you’re aware of what inspires you, you can fill your home with your favorite colors, textures, and scents. Remember to add a little hygge into your life, which I’m pretty sure is just an excuse to wear cozy socks and eat chocolate.

Make the people in your life a top priority

Make your home cozy for the people you love.

If I had one life motto, it would be that it’s all about the people. In the end, that’s what matters. So, how do you design your home to incorporate the people that bring you joy in life? If you’re new to a city, you may not know too many people yet. Therefore, think of how you would like to incorporate people into your life in general.

Do you like to host big cocktail parties, game nights or Sunday brunch at your house? Maybe you prefer to have a friend over for a cup of tea in your backyard or a glass of wine on your terrace. Is your ideal night snuggling on the couch with your kid and your dog while you watch a movie? Whatever brings you the most joy, focus on making that a main part of your home.

Each room in your house should bring you happiness

You can create an oasis in every room.

One benefit of moving is that you get to start with a clean slate. Use that to your advantage. Create a special nook or oasis in each room in your dream home. That could mean putting a chair by a window with a stack of books nearby or putting your desk in a corner with a scented candle on it. If you love baking, make your kitchen tools easily accessible and on display. To create a happy home, find ways to bring the things you love front and center in every single room. It will feel like being on vacation, but even better because you don’t need to pack anything.

How did you create an oasis in your home? I’d love to hear your ideas!