Feel Happiest At Home

By Hadley Watson

In our last article, we covered how home organization is a practice, not a destination. Starting a home organization practice can be both transformative and liberating. It creates a harmonious living space, reduces stress, and enhances productivity. The journey begins with commitment and an understanding that organization is an ongoing process.

As with all practices, you will begin with intention. Consider what you want to achieve through home organization. Do you want to create a smoother morning routine? Have a designated homework or craft area? Make cleaning and tidying more efficient? Defining clear goals will motivate you when the process becomes challenging. 

Work with your natural habits. If you drop items at one of your entrances, then create an orderly drop zone there. If you are always searching for your electronics, designate a charging station spot for them. Maximize your existing routines to set yourself up for success. 

Make your practice a team effort and develop shared responsibilities with your family and housemates. Involve them in creating organizational systems so they are more likely to assist in maintaining them. Have the kids mimic their school tasks at home—hanging their coats and backpacks, putting away their toys, etc.

Recognize that regular maintenance is fundamental to your practice. You may think an organized home does not need that, but that is not the case. Daily five-minute tidying sessions prevent accumulation. Weekly routines might include processing mail or a pantry review for meal prep. Monthly or seasonal reviews help you recognize organization systems that are no longer working. But stay flexible and understand that there will be days when your routine gets disrupted, and that’s okay. Simply pick up where you left off and continue to strive for a more organized and peaceful home.

And finally, embrace imperfection. Aim for progress. The true measure of successful home organization isn’t aesthetic perfection but how it enhances your daily life. When you are able to find what you need without frustration, when your space supports your activities, when maintenance feels manageable rather than overwhelming—that’s when you know your practice is working. Start small, be consistent, and watch how organized spaces create more time and peace in your life. 

Feel Happiest At Home is a monthly column that shares insights into home organization best practices. We will touch on specific areas of the home, digital clutter, paperwork, objects, purchasing with intention, downsizing, and feeling happiest at home. There will be how-tos and tips to keep yourself on track, and what to do when none of it is working. Visit our website www.HomeGirlNC.com and Instagram @athomeinblowingrock to see us in action.

Hadley Watson is a Professional Home Organizer with NAPO. She is the founder of Home Girl, offering home organization, move management, and downsizing services, and At Home in Blowing Rock, a home interiors boutique. She strives for everyone to “Feel Happiest At Home”.