The Foundational Rule: the “everything Has a Home” Principle

I still remember the day I realized that the everything has a home principle was more than just a clever organizing tip – it was a key to unlocking a sense of calm and clarity in my own life. I was working with a client who was overwhelmed by the clutter in her home, and as we began to assign a specific place for each item, I saw the tension in her body begin to ease. It was as if the act of giving everything a “home” was also giving her a sense of control and peace. This experience solidified my belief that our physical spaces have a profound impact on our mental well-being, and that creating a sense of order can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing productivity.

In this article, I’ll share my personal approach to implementing the everything has a home principle, including practical tips and strategies for getting started. You’ll learn how to let go of clutter and create a system that works for you, not against you. My goal is to provide you with a clear, step-by-step guide to transforming your space into a true sanctuary, where you can relax, recharge, and feel truly at home. By the end of this article, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to apply this powerful principle in your own life, and be well on your way to creating a space that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit.

Guide Overview: What You'll Need

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Estimated Cost: $0 – $20

Difficulty Level: Easy

Tools Required

• Label Maker (with extra labels)
• Pencil
• Measuring Tape (for measuring spaces)
• Marker (for labeling containers)

Supplies & Materials

• Storage Bins (various sizes)
• Shelves (optional)
• Hooks (for hanging items)
• Labels (for labeling bins and shelves)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. To begin implementing the “everything has a home principle”, start by gathering a few essential tools: a notebook, a pen, and a few boxes or bins labeled “donate”, “recycle”, and “discard”. This simple act of preparation can help you feel more in control and focused on your goal of creating a serene and organized space.
• 2. Next, choose a single area or room in your home to focus on, and set a timer for 25 minutes to work on it without any distractions. This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can help you stay concentrated and make the task less overwhelming. During this time, observe the space and make note of the items that are out of place or don’t belong.
• 3. Now, it’s time to interview your belongings, a process I like to call “getting to know your stuff”. Pick up each item and ask yourself if it serves a purpose or brings you joy. Be honest with yourself, and if the answer is no, consider letting it go. This step is crucial in understanding what you truly need and what’s just cluttering your space.
• 4. Once you’ve gone through all the items in the room, assign a home for each item that you’ve decided to keep. This means designating a specific place where it will be stored or displayed. For example, if you have a bunch of keys, you could assign a small bowl near the entrance of your home as the “key station”. This simple act of assignment can help create a sense of order and make it easier to find things when you need them.
• 5. As you continue to work on your space, remember to focus on the process, not perfection. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect, but the reality is that your space will evolve over time. The goal is to create a system that works for you, not to achieve some unrealistic ideal of perfection. By focusing on the process, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and make progress.
• 6. Now that you’ve assigned homes for your items, it’s time to create a maintenance routine to keep your space organized. This could be as simple as setting aside 10 minutes each day to tidy up or scheduling a weekly “organizing session” to maintain your space. The key is to find a routine that works for you and your lifestyle, so that maintaining your space becomes a habitable habit.
• 7. Finally, take a step back and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Acknowledge the work you’ve done and the sense of calm that comes with having a more organized space. This is a crucial step in the process, as it helps to reinforce the behaviors and habits you’re trying to create. By acknowledging your progress, you’ll be more motivated to continue working on your space and creating a true sanctuary that reflects your mind and promotes serenity.

Embracing the Everything Has a Home Principle

As I work with clients to create their ideal living spaces, I’ve noticed that embracing simplicity is a crucial step in maintaining a sense of calm and clarity. By implementing customizable storage solutions, we can ensure that each item has a designated spot, making it easier to find what you need and avoid clutter. This, in turn, helps to reduce stress and increase productivity.

In smaller spaces, it’s especially important to be mindful of how we use our area. Adapting to small spaces requires a thoughtful approach to storage and organization. I often recommend using labeling and signage systems to help keep track of what’s stored where, making it easier to maintain a sense of order. By doing so, we can create a sense of flow and efficiency, even in the most compact of areas.

To keep your space feeling serene and organized, it’s essential to establish a maintenance routine. Set aside a few minutes each day to tidy up and ensure that everything is in its designated spot. This simple habit can have a profound impact on your overall sense of well-being, allowing you to focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the productivity through minimalism that comes with living in a space that truly feels like a sanctuary.

Finding Peace With Customizable Storage Solutions

As I always say, embracing the “everything has a home” principle is just the beginning. To truly find peace in our spaces, we need to consider how we store our belongings. Customizable storage solutions can be a game-changer here. By creating or finding storage that fits our unique needs, we can ensure that every item has a designated spot, reducing clutter and mental fatigue.

I’ve seen it time and time again: a perfectly organized shelf or drawer can bring a sense of serenity to a room. It’s not just about hiding clutter, but about creating a sense of purpose and place for each item. By investing in customizable storage, we’re investing in our own peace of mind. Whether it’s a handmade wooden cabinet or a cleverly designed drawer divider, the right storage solution can help us maintain our sanctuary, and our sense of calm, over time.

Labeling Serenity Efficient Closet Design and Signage Systems

As I work with clients to create their ideal sanctuary, I’ve seen how a well-designed closet can be a haven of calm. Labeling each section and shelf helps to maintain this sense of serenity, making it easy to find what you need and return it to its assigned spot. I recommend using a simple, elegant labeling system that complements the overall aesthetic of your space.

By doing so, you’ll create a sense of flow and harmony, allowing you to move effortlessly through your daily routine. In my own home, I’ve implemented a similar system, and it’s remarkable how it clears my mind, letting me focus on the things that truly matter. With a clear and organized closet, you’ll be amazed at how it can set the tone for a more peaceful and organized life.

Bringing Order to Chaos: 5 Essential Tips for Embracing the Everything Has a Home Principle

• Assign a designated spot for each item, making it easier to find what you need and maintain a sense of calm in your space
• Use storage solutions that fit your unique needs, whether it’s a custom shelf or a cleverly designed drawer organizer
• Label each storage area clearly, so you can quickly identify what’s inside and avoid clutter from building up again
• Establish a daily routine of putting things back in their assigned spot, making it a habit to maintain your newly organized space
• Regularly review and adjust your storage systems as your needs change, ensuring that every item still has a purpose and a place in your home

Key Takeaways for a More Serene Sanctuary

I’ve learned that assigning a specific home for each item can significantly reduce stress and create a sense of calm, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in your life

By incorporating customizable storage solutions and efficient labeling systems, you can transform your space into a reflection of your clarity and purpose, making it easier to maintain order and find peace

Embracing the ‘everything has a home’ principle is not just about organizing your physical space, but also about cultivating a mindset that values simplicity, intention, and serenity, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life

Embracing the Power of Intentional Space

When every object in our home has a purpose and a place, we’re not just organizing our belongings, we’re orchestrating a sense of calm and clarity that resonates deep within our souls.

Nathan Reed

Embracing Serenity: The Lasting Impact of the Everything Has a Home Principle

As we’ve explored the everything has a home principle, it’s become clear that this approach to organizing is not just about tidying up, but about creating a sense of serenity in our daily lives. By assigning a purpose and a place to each item, we’ve seen how customizable storage solutions and efficient labeling systems can transform our spaces into sanctuaries. This journey has been about more than just organizing our belongings; it’s been about organizing our minds and finding peace in the everyday.

As you continue on your path to embracing the everything has a home principle, remember that it’s a journey, not a destination. It’s about cultivating mindfulness and intention in the way you interact with your space and your belongings. By doing so, you’ll find that the sense of calm and clarity you’ve created in your home will begin to overflow into other areas of your life, inspiring a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide what items are worth assigning a home to, and what can be safely discarded or donated?

To decide what’s worth keeping, I suggest ‘interviewing’ each item: ask yourself when you last used it, if it brings you joy, or serves a purpose. Be honest – if it’s neither beautiful nor functional, consider letting it go. This simple reflection can help you determine what truly deserves a home in your space.

What if I have a lot of items that serve the same purpose, do I need to assign a separate home for each one?

When dealing with multiple items that serve the same purpose, I recommend designating a primary home for the category, rather than individual items. For instance, all your coffee mugs can reside in one cupboard, making it easy to find what you need and maintain a sense of calm in your kitchen.

How often should I review and adjust the homes I've assigned to my belongings to ensure they're still working for me and not against me?

I recommend regularly reviewing your assigned homes, perhaps every 3-6 months, to ensure they still serve you. Ask yourself, ‘Is this item still being used and loved?’ and ‘Is its current home still convenient?’ This reflective process helps maintain balance and serenity in your space, allowing you to adjust and refine as your needs evolve.

About Nathan Reed

I'm Nathan Reed. I believe our homes are a reflection of our minds—and that by bringing order to one, we can bring peace to the other. My goal is to go beyond simple tidying tips and share the psychological principles that help you create a true sanctuary. Let's build a space that calms your mind the moment you walk through the door.