I recently read an article on the things that people who live long lives do. And on the list of tips, was organizing their home to support healthy habits that in turn improved their health and longevity.

This resonated with me. As a decluttering coach, I know the impact feeling, and being, disorganized can have on your health. And see the positive changes that come from decluttering and organizing your home. Not just feeling less stressed and less overwhelmed but actually contributing to a happier and healthier life.

I organized my kitchen and it was a game changer

I applied this thinking to a recent situation with one of my daily habits. I enjoy healthy smoothies each morning but I found that I had slipped into feeling that I couldn’t be bothered making them every morning as I had to remove several other kitchen gadgets out of the cupboard in order to reach my smoothie maker. I was also put off by the amount of frozen food packed on top of my frozen fruit in the freezer. Not really big obstacles to overcome but enough to waylay my good intentions and clearly the organization of my kitchen was not supporting my healthy eating habit.

So I decluttered my cupboard, got rid of my unwanted gadgets and stored my smoothie maker and accessories at the front where it was easily accessible. I made a list of my frozen foods, created a meal plan and used up a lot of the food in my freezer. I then stocked one drawer with the frozen ingredients I needed. I also cleared a shelf in a kitchen cupboard where I used labeled storage jars for all the seeds and powders I like to add to my smoothies. Now it is easy to make them and I start my day the healthy way I consciously and intentionally wish to do so. My decluttering and reorganizing of my kitchen was now supporting my healthy eating habits.

Imagine applying this to all areas of your home and life.

When your home is organized and items are quick to find and simple to store, then life is much easier. Think about if you want to go running. If you only have to open a drawer and all your sports gear is right there and your running shoes are on a rack by the door it is super easy to go running. If your desk is clear of clutter and you have a designated work space then you will be able to sit down and write or achieve work goals.

Want to do the same in your home? Here is my 8 step process.

How to organize your home to support your habits.

Take a notebook and write down the answers to:

• First of all, what are your healthy habits or goals you wish to achieve? Make a list of the habits you wish to develop such as healthy eating, daily meditation or regular exercise.
• What blocks or obstacles do you have? What stops you doing these habits? There is usually a solution to each problem.
• What areas of your home have clutter or are disorganized? Take stock of the areas in your home that would support your habits and make a detailed list of the clutter and storage solutions needed to organize that space.
• Make a detailed plan of each habit, the area of your house and your desired outcome.Be clear on what needs to be done to support your habit development.
• Focus on your why. How will you feel to simplify and organize your home? How will it feel to be intentional and consistent with your habits?
• Make a plan and timetable to clear and organize. Clear your clutter. Organize your space. Restock what you need. Clear any distractions such as removing the TV from your bedroom to improve sleep.
• Time block space in your calendar for each habit to ensure you prioritize and focus on each one.
• Remember you may need to refine your home organization a few times in order to make it work for you and support your habits.

How that might look:

Habit: Running 3 times per week.
Obstacles: Can’t find my running clothes easily. It takes time to shower and get ready.
Area: Organize and declutter a drawer with all my running clothes and accessories in one place.
Declutter and organize toiletries for a quick shower.
Declutter and organize a wardrobe to easily find outfits.
Create a designated place near the front door for running shoes.
Declutter and stock the laundry room to ensure I always have clean clothes.
Plan: This weekend I will reorganize my drawers and organize my sports clothes (Saturday). I will clean and declutter my bathroom (Sunday). Purchase any missing items. Organise the laundry room and wash clothes 3 x per week.
Why: It seems like a lot of work but I will feel organized and be able to reach my running goals. WhenIi run I feel energized, destressed, and my mood is more positive. I also feel healthier and stronger. When I run more, I eat more healthily and drink more water.
Goal: Running 1 hour Monday, Wednesday and Friday @7.30am.

Organizing your home can have a significant impact on your ability to start and maintain healthy habits. By following these simple steps you can simplify your life and create a home environment that supports your healthy habits.