Mini guide for home
This guide is about creating a home life that suits you, from the space you live in, to who you share it with, and how it feels day to day. Whether it’s organizing your space, deciding where you want to live, or figuring out how to make things work better with your roommates or family, let’s make your home life feel more intentional and more like "you."
Step 1: Reflect
Start by getting honest about your current home life. Beyond just the decor, let's look at where you live, who’s there with you, and how it all makes you feel.
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Are you happy with your location—do you love your neighborhood, or are you itching for a change? Maybe you’re in the city but dream of somewhere quieter, or maybe you crave more excitement. Your environment matters a lot.
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Whether you’re living solo, with family, a partner, or roommates, how’s it all working out? Do you feel supported and comfortable, or are there things that need adjusting? A good living situation should add to your life, not add stress.
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Is home a place you feel safe and relaxed, or does it feel chaotic, cluttered, or even just “meh”? Your space should help you unwind and recharge, so if it’s not, let’s identify what’s getting in the way.
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Big or small, your space has a lot of potential. Are you making it work for you, or are there areas that are underused (or overused)? It might be time to reimagine that cluttered corner or find better storage solutions.
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Shared living is all about compromise and communication. Are you navigating it well, or is there tension? Reflect on how your relationships at home are impacting your comfort and what could improve them.
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Does your space reflect who you are and what you love, or does it feel like someone else designed it? Think about what’s missing—whether it’s warmth, personal touches, or just some basic comfort elements.
Step 2: Identify
Let’s pinpoint the changes that could make your home life better—whether that’s finding a new place, making a current space cozier, or navigating relationships with those you live with.
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Is where you live working for you, or have you outgrown it? If it doesn’t support your lifestyle—whether it's a noisy neighborhood when you crave quiet or a lack of amenities—you might need to think about a move.
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Maybe you’ve always wanted to live alone, but haven’t had the chance. Or maybe you’re ready to live with a partner or find roommates to share the costs (and the fun). Reflect on what kind of living situation would best suit your current needs.
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Is there a room or area you can’t stand? Start there. It could be the kitchen that always feels cluttered or the living room that doesn’t feel welcoming. Focus on one area at a time.
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If something’s not working—whether it’s shared chores, noise levels, or space boundaries—talking about it can help. Identify what needs a conversation so you can make shared living more enjoyable.
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If you’re always searching for things, or your space just doesn’t feel right, it’s time to reorganize. Start small, like decluttering a drawer or adding more storage to the closet.
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Your home should be a reflection of your personality. Whether it’s adding color, artwork, personal photos, or quirky decor, think about how you can make your space feel like your own.
Step 3: Create an action plan
Let’s get specific about the changes you want to make. Whether it’s finding a new place, redecorating, or working on better communication with housemates, start small and build from there.
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Address a key issue in your current home: If there’s a nagging issue—like clutter in the living room or tension over chores—deal with it first. Declutter, organize, or have that overdue conversation.
Add a personal touch: Bring some “you” into the space. This could be hanging a piece of art, rearranging furniture, or finally putting up those photos that have been sitting in a drawer.
Re-evaluate your living situation: Take a realistic look at whether your current location or who you live with is still a good fit. If not, start exploring options, even if just casually.
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Make a shared living plan: If you’re living with others, sit down to set expectations—chores, schedules, shared costs. Make sure everyone’s needs are heard so things run more smoothly.
Organize a major clutter zone: Tackle one big project—like the garage, pantry, or that “junk” room. Clear it out and reimagine how you could use the space in a way that serves you better.
Scout new places if needed: If your current place isn’t working, start looking for something that fits better. Take note of what matters—location, size, amenities—and see what’s available.
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Relocate if it’s right: If your current environment isn’t working for you and you’re ready, make the move. Find a place that suits your needs—whether it’s a bustling city, a peaceful suburb, or somewhere close to nature.
Create a sanctuary: Make your home a true retreat. Invest in comfort—like better furniture, cozy textiles, or that home improvement project you’ve been putting off. Make it a space you look forward to spending time in.
Keep relationships balanced: If you live with others, check in regularly about how things are going. Are boundaries being respected? Are shared responsibilities still fair? Open communication is key to keeping a peaceful home.
Step 4: Regular check-ins and accountability
Creating a home that feels great is ongoing, not a one-time fix. Here’s how to keep your space and relationships on track.
Monthly tidy-up and reset: Spend an hour each month to declutter, clean, and make small tweaks. A little regular effort keeps the place feeling fresh and avoids build-up of mess or stress.
Seasonal review: Every season, check in—are you happy where you are? Does the space still meet your needs? Could you make a small update to bring new life into your home?
Housemate check-ins: If you share your space, have a regular chat—every couple of months—to make sure everyone’s still happy with the arrangement. It keeps tension from building up and everyone on the same page.
Keep a vision board: Have a board or folder with images and ideas for how you want your home to feel. Use it to keep yourself inspired and intentional about future changes.
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Example action plan for home
Here’s an example of how someone could use this guide:
Current situation: You live with roommates, but the shared space feels cluttered, and you don’t feel fully comfortable. You’re also questioning if this city is the right fit for you long-term.
Reflection:
The living room is always messy, and it stresses you out.
You feel like you’ve outgrown the busy city lifestyle and are longing for more peace.
Action plan:
Short-term: Talk to your roommates about setting up a shared cleaning schedule. Add some personal touches to your room to make it feel cozier, like hanging up artwork and getting new bedding.
Mid-term: Organize the shared living room with your roommates—maybe add a bookshelf or some storage to reduce clutter. Start casually exploring options for moving somewhere quieter in the next year.
Long-term: Plan a move to a smaller town or suburban area that offers the peace you’re looking for. Invest in making your new space feel like a true retreat—comfortable furniture, plenty of light, and no clutter.