Lighter & Brighter Series 03: Your Tips for More Enjoyable “Home-Care”

This essay originally appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 6/28/21.

It’s somehow the last Monday of the month (cannot believe July starts on Thursday!), which means it’s time for the next installment of the Lighter & Brighter series. In case you are a newer reader (welcome!), the Lighter & Brighter Series is like a monthly book club discussion… but sans books and with simple “happiness hacks” instead. If you’re interested in more, you can read past discussions here.

At the end of last month, I wrote about ways to approach all things home organization, home decorating and home maintenance, and put a request out for your tips on how to make “keeping house” more enjoyable. I don’t know about you, but the state of my environment often mimics the state of other parts of my life too. When I’m stressed or overwhelmed, it’s not uncommon for my room to also be messy. And on the flip side, tidying up the mess, getting rid of things and putting everything in its place can also make me feel a bit more calm and centered, even when other things are swirly. My life may be in disarray, but I get a small amount of satisfaction from seeing all the clean dishes put away or clothes neatly folded in a drawer (anyone else??). 

My first apartment in Chicago was a tiny, 300-square-feet studio that I rented. Even though I knew it was only temporary, I loved that little studio. I remember the mood boost I would get whenever I kept things clean, decorated, or rearranged the furniture for a better flow (as much “flow” as you can have in a little shoebox!). It was never going to be my forever home, but nonetheless, it was my home for a time period. It was the place I started and finished my day, and taking time to maintain it in a way I liked made me happy. 

As I read through the great tips submitted over the course of this month (thanks to all who shared!), I began to think about the parallel between “keeping house” and Mondays. So often, when we want to change something about our lives or just feel happier, we think big, sweeping shifts are required – and sometimes they are. But also, we often underestimate the big impact small shifts can have too. Without fail, every week will begin with a Monday. And Mondays may never be your favorite day, but knowing you’ll always have a Monday, what if you did just one small thing for yourself to make the day a bit more bearable? Stack all those small things up over time and Mondays might just move from your least favorite day to tolerable! Similarly, you might not be in your forever home right now or you might not have the budget to redecorate, but you can make your bed, buy inexpensive flowers from Trader Joe’s for a pop of color, or display your favorite photo at your desk. Small enhancement after small enhancement transforms just another space into a lived-in, energizing environment. 

So tell me: Just like I ask above about one thing you can be excited about on this Monday, what’s one small, mood-boosting thing you can do for your home today? 

Okay, now onto your tips! So excited to pass these along this morning – read on for more 🙂 

Lighter & Brighter Series 03: Your Home-Care Tips 

• I take everything off my walls and tables/shelves every few years and put it all back but in different places…that way you get a fresh new look without spending any money! 
  • I love this one! Reminds me of how author and designer Ingrid Fetell Lee has written previously about how simply moving things around disrupts the process of hedonic adaptation, or the decline in joy we find when things are consistent for a long period of time.
• Get rid of those cleaning products that you aren’t using and splurge a bit on the products that smell really good. It will make the experience more enjoyable! Oh, and make sure your cleaning products are easily accessible. If you have to dig through a crowded or messy area, you’ll be so less likely to clean on a regular basis. 
• For those who move to a new city or find themselves with more time on their hands (for example, you start a new job, a friend moves or you go through a breakup), think about decorating as a “hobby.” You can make a weekend out of finding cool antique sales or sourcing items from budget-friendly stores. Plus, you are cultivating a home that will make you happy in a time when you might need it! 
• As a way to stay on top of clutter, I am very wary of taking any free “gimmes” or handouts (like pens, hats, etc.). If I’m not thrilled about it or can’t think of where it will go, I politely decline. I don’t know why it’s like this for me, but once something is in my home, it’s so much harder for me to get rid of it. 
• I read this article and started doing chores on Friday night (or during the workday if I have time since I’m working from home). Not only is it so nice to wake up to a clean apartment on Saturday, but then my whole weekend is free from needing to clean (or debating when I should clean). 
  • This is such a great example of identifying something that is an annoyance (spending weekend time cleaning) and setting up a system to combat. Decide once on something that works for you (cleaning on Fridays) and free up mental space and energy! 
• Set aside a place where you put things to give away, and as soon as you realize you want to get rid of something, put it there. 

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