Can you remember the last time you walked into your home and felt a sense of peace and contentment? If it’s been a while, then perhaps it’s time to consider what sorts of things you’re allowing into your living space.
Your home should be a sanctuary, a place where you can relax, recharge, and feel at ease. So, I’ve compiled a list of 15 things that I quit bringing into my house that have significantly contributed to making it a happier and more serene place to live.
1. Excessive Paper Clutter
Like many people, I used to be a bit of a paper hoarder. Bills, flyers, old receipts, junk mail – they all used to pile up on my kitchen counter, making it look messy and disorganized. But then I made a conscious decision to go digital wherever possible.
My bills are now emailed to me, I use e-receipts, and I’ve put a no junk mail sign on my mailbox. I also make it a habit to sort through any paper that does come into my house straight away. This not only reduces the clutter but also saves trees and helps the environment.
2. Negative Energy
You might not be able to see it, but negative energy can have a significant impact on your home’s atmosphere. Whether it’s from a heated argument, a stressful day at work, or a negative news report, these energies can linger and affect your mood and wellbeing.
To keep my home a positive and happy place, I’ve learned to leave negative energy at the door. I take a few moments before entering my home to let go of any stress or negative emotions I might be carrying. This might involve taking a few deep breaths, practicing a short meditation, or simply shaking off the day’s worries.
3. Unnecessary Decorations
Although decorations can make a house feel like a home, too many can make it feel cluttered and chaotic. I used to have countless knick-knacks and ornaments scattered around my house, but I’ve since realized that less is more when it comes to decor.
Now, I only bring decorations into my home that truly bring me joy and have a purpose. This not only makes my house look cleaner and more organized, but it also makes the decorations I do have stand out more and feel more special.
4. Unhealthy Food
The food you bring into your house can significantly affect your happiness and wellbeing. I used to stock up on processed foods and sugary snacks, but these often left me feeling sluggish and unwell.
Now, I make a point of only bringing healthy, nourishing foods into my home. This not only makes me feel better physically, but it also gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I’m taking care of my body.
5. Things That Don’t Spark Joy
Inspired by Marie Kondo’s philosophy, I’ve stopped bringing things into my home that don’t spark joy. This includes clothes, books, decorations, and even certain types of food.
This doesn’t mean that everything in my house has to be expensive or luxurious – far from it. It just means that everything I bring into my house should make me happy and contribute to my overall wellbeing in some way.
6. Unfinished Projects
As a creative person, I used to have a habit of starting projects and then abandoning them halfway through. These unfinished projects would then sit around my house, taking up space and reminding me of my failure to complete them.
Now, I make a point of only starting projects that I know I have the time and energy to finish. This not only reduces clutter but also gives me a sense of accomplishment and boosts my self-esteem.
7. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are not only bad for the environment, but they also create clutter in your home. I used to have a drawer full of plastic bags that I never used, so I decided to stop bringing them into my house.
Instead, I now bring reusable shopping bags with me whenever I go grocery shopping. This not only helps the environment, but it also reduces clutter in my home.
8. Excessive Clothes
Clothes have a way of accumulating without us even realizing it. I used to have a closet full of clothes that I never wore, which created clutter and made it difficult to find the things I actually wanted to wear.
Now, I make a point of only buying clothes that I love and know I will wear regularly. I also regularly go through my closet and donate any items that I no longer wear.
9. Toxic Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. I used to use these products without thinking, but I’ve since realized that there are healthier alternatives.
Now, I use natural cleaning products as much as possible. Not only are they better for my health and the environment, but they also smell better and leave my house feeling fresh and clean.
10. Unwanted Gifts
We’ve all received gifts that we didn’t really want or need. In the past, I used to keep these gifts out of a sense of obligation, but they just ended up cluttering my home.
Now, I thank the person for their thoughtfulness and then donate the gift if it’s not something I will use or love. This makes my home less cluttered and ensures that the gift doesn’t go to waste.
11. Negative Media
Negative media, whether it’s in the form of news reports, social media posts, or TV shows, can have a major impact on your mood and the overall atmosphere of your home.
I’ve made a conscious decision to limit the amount of negative media I consume and bring into my home. Instead, I try to focus on positive and uplifting content that enhances my mood and makes my home a happier place.
12. Outdated Technology
Technology is constantly evolving, and it’s easy to end up with a pile of outdated gadgets that you no longer use. This not only creates clutter, but it can also be a waste of money.
I’ve made a rule to only buy new technology when I really need it and to recycle or donate my old gadgets as soon as I replace them.
13. Impulse Purchases
Impulse purchases can quickly add up and create clutter in your home. I used to buy things on a whim, but I’ve since learned to be more mindful of my spending habits.
Now, before I buy something, I ask myself if I really need it and if it will enhance my life in some way. This not only saves me money, but it also prevents unnecessary items from cluttering up my home.
14. Toxins
From air fresheners to non-stick cookware, many everyday items can release harmful toxins into your home. I used to use these products without thinking, but I’ve since learned about the potential health risks.
Now, I make a point of choosing products that are free of harmful toxins wherever possible. This not only makes my home a healthier place to live, but it also gives me peace of mind.
15. Negative Self-Talk
Last but not least, one of the most important things I’ve stopped bringing into my home is negative self-talk. This might not be a physical item, but it can have a big impact on your happiness and wellbeing.
I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. This not only boosts my mood and self-esteem, but it also creates a more positive and uplifting atmosphere in my home.