I used to think that the structure or type of property you lived in made all the difference in creating a home. I believed a home needed to be a stand-alone house with three bedrooms, a backyard, a pet, a large living room flooded with natural light and the perfect island bench. Oh how wrong I was!
Yes – location, structure, size and type can play a role in converting your house into a home, but they are not the only elements.
As Australia’s first KonMari Consultant, I have been welcomed into many beautiful homes of all shapes and sizes. From country estates and large suburban houses to small inner-city apartments, units and townhouses. And I can honestly say that it is not the structure that makes the difference, but how we use our space, how we see and connect with it.
After many years of homemaking, these are the tried and tested tips I rely on to convert a house into a home.
Before madly rushing around your home with a garbage bag frantically throwing things away, or worse still heading to your local shopping mall, take a moment to work out what you want. What is important to you and your family? What kind of life do you want to live? And what type of home will help you achieve that?
For example, after multiple burnouts I have learned that to live the life I want, I need quiet time. I have a naturally active mind and need moments in my week with little distractions so I can rest. I need time to read, meditate or simply sit down without stimulation. Hence I want a home that helps me to regularly find quiet time. I need areas with fewer electronics, screen-free rooms and less visual clutter. I want places conducive to meditation and snoozing. Read 5 Ways You Can Bring Mindfulness Into Your Home.
Our homes should be a happy place, full of things that makes us happy. Removing items that don’t light us up or spark joy to use, wear or see is a great way to make your house feel more like a home. The items you declutter could be things you easily recognise you no longer like, or they could be pieces you used to love but now feel a little underwhelming.
Additionally, now that you know what type of home you want/need you can start to remove items that no longer align with your values.
If you want a clean home ask yourself, what is more important, piles of dusty excess magazines, or clean surfaces?
I recommend using both the
KonMari Method™ of sparking joy and a practical focus to create the home you want. Once you start to remove items you don’t love or no longer need, you will naturally make a space that feels like you at your happiest.
Unsure how to start, check out What is the KonMari Method & How To Use It.
Once those underwhelming items are out of the house, start reconnecting with what you have. Sure, it sounds a little quirky, but all ‘reconnecting’ really means is to appreciate. Ramp up the appreciation you have for your things. Take a walk around your home with fresh eyes noticing the memories your objects hold, mindfully reminding yourself how they serve you and your family.
Maybe the sofa encourages the whole family to squeeze up and snuggle? Or maybe it was your first ‘grown-up’ purchase? Or maybe you love that it’s so old the kids can jump all over it? Whatever it is you love about your objects, ramp it up!
If a home is made by the memories we make inside its walls, then it is important to make memories that are not only dishwashing, ironing and sleeping related. A few of my favourite memory-making activities are:
So there you have it, four easy ways to make your house into a home. No extension or bathroom renovation is required.
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