10 Minimalist Hacks for a Cleaner, Calmer Home

Because peace at home begins with what we choose to keep

A calm home is not found in the size of our space or the beauty of our décor. It’s found in how we feel when we walk through the door. Peaceful. Light. Unburdened.

Unfortunately, for many, that’s not the case. Our homes often feel more chaotic than calm—and more stressful than soothing.

But there’s good news: peace at home isn’t out of reach. It just requires less, not more.

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing everything that distracts us from it. And in our homes, that means removing the excess stuff that clutters our rooms, clouds our minds, and drains our energy.

Over the years, I’ve found some simple hacks—small decisions that lead to big changes. They may seem unconventional at first, but each one helps pave the way for a cleaner, calmer, and more intentional home.

Here are ten minimalist hacks that can make a real difference:

1. Own Just 33 Items in Your Wardrobe

Project 333, created by Courtney Carver, challenges us to wear just 33 items for 3 months. That includes clothing, shoes, jewelry, and outerwear. When we reduce our wardrobe, we reduce decision fatigue. Mornings become simpler. Closets become cleaner. And we find that we never needed as much as we thought.

2. Keep Just Two Towels Per Person

One in use, one in the laundry. That’s all most of us need. This one change can free up an entire linen closet shelf—and make laundry day a whole lot easier. Guests? Keep an extra set or two in a labeled bin for when they arrive. But for daily living, two towels is plenty.

3. Use Only Essential, Versatile Kitchen Utensils

Most kitchens are filled with duplicate and unnecessary gadgets. But how many spatulas do we really need? A small set of essentials like a good knife, a wooden spoon, a cutting board, and one set of measuring cups will handle almost every meal. Clear your kitchen drawers, and you’ll be amazed how much calmer cooking can feel.

4. Ditch the Coffee Table

Coffee tables tend to collect everything—remotes, mail, magazines, and yesterday’s dishes. Removing it opens up floor space, reduces visual clutter, and invites movement and ease into the room. If you need a place for drinks, try a small side table. You might just find you don’t miss the clutter magnet at all.

5. Keep Surfaces Clear

Make it a rule: no storing items on countertops or dressers. A clear surface signals peace. It invites rest. In the kitchen, keep counters free from appliances. In the bedroom, keep your nightstand empty. In the living room, let your furniture breathe. When everything has a home, your home feels more like a sanctuary.

6. Simplify Your Entryway

The entryway sets the tone for the whole house. But too often, it’s the most chaotic spot. Shoes, keys, coats, and backpacks get dumped there daily. Simplify the space with a hook for each person and one small tray for essentials. Then remove everything else. The calmer the entrance, the calmer the welcome.

7. Own Fewer Dishes

In most homes, the more dishes we own, the more dishes pile up in the sink. Try owning just enough for one day: one plate, bowl, glass, and set of utensils per person. It sounds radical, but this single change has helped countless families stay on top of the dishes and keep their kitchens cleaner.

8. Reduce Children’s Toys to a Manageable Few

Fewer toys lead to deeper play, more creativity, and less mess. A study from the University of Toledo found that children play longer and more creatively when they have fewer toys available. Keep only the toys your children love most, and rotate out the rest. Less chaos on the floor means more calm in the room.

9. Store Items Vertically, Not Horizontally

Whether it’s in your pantry, closet, or junk drawer, storing items vertically helps you see what you have at a glance. Fold clothes so they stand upright in a drawer. Store canned goods in rows, not stacks. When everything is visible, nothing gets lost, and clutter doesn’t accumulate as quickly.

10. Designate a Donation Box (and Use It Weekly)

Place a box in a closet or garage labeled “Give Away.” Every week, drop in one item you no longer need or love. A shirt that doesn’t fit. A mug you never use. A book you’ve already read. When decluttering becomes a regular habit, your home stays cleaner—and calmer—without the need for a marathon clean-out.

A calm home doesn’t appear overnight. But these minimalist hacks can make it happen quicker than you think. When practiced consistently, they lead to something greater: a home that serves us, not the other way around.

And that’s a home worth pursuing.