On a cool day, a semi-tidy room makes my home feel claustrophobic. So, in the summer, I make it a point to ensure that my key living spaces are as clean as can be. And, turns out, there is some truth to clutter making a house feel hotter.
So, when it comes to cooling down a room, organizing the space for better flow is rule number one. Essentially, messes like piled parcels and laundry that hasn't been put away are blocking the airflow in your home. The answer to this is a quick morning reset to instantly calm the space.
So, let's talk about what your morning reset should consist of and why it even matters.
How Does Clutter Make a Home Feel Warm?
"When every surface is busy, and your eye has nowhere to rest, your brain has to work harder to process everything around you. That creates a feeling of heaviness and stuffiness, even if the room itself is cool," says decluttering expert Rebecca Kirsch.
"In contrast, open space feels calm, and calm naturally feels cooler. It’s not just about removing excess belongings; it’s about creating space for light, air and movement. I recommend decluttering your home for clear floor space, which improves airflow, uncluttered surfaces to reflect more light, and fewer possessions for less dust collecting around the home."
She also explains that there’s a psychological benefit. "When a room feels open rather than overcrowded, it instantly feels fresher, lighter, and more comfortable," she adds. "Your brain has less to process, so the space simply feels easier to be in during hot weather."
Lastree Lemene, founder of Ready Set Declutter, also finds that cluttered spaces can make a home feel warmer. "When there's a lot of visual noise, our brains have to work overtime just to process the space we're in, and that stress shows up in our bodies," she notes.
"Cortisol goes up when we're stressed and raises our body temperature, so the more stressed we are just standing in a room, the warmer that room can start to feel."
Aside from resetting your home for summer, a quick morning routine can help you restore some peace to your living spaces before the day even begins. And this way, by the time peak warmth sets in, your house is already set up to help you feel cool and calm.
How to Carry Out Your Morning Reset
"I like to keep morning resets simple because the goal is to support your day, not create another long to-do list," says organization expert Di Ter Avest. "Open the curtains and a few windows if the weather allows, make the bed, put away anything left out from the night before, and clear the kitchen counters."
She also recommends taking five minutes to rehome anything that's particularly out of place. For which, I recommend the library cart method.
Personally, as part of my morning reset, I also use the floor decluttering method to ensure all the paths around my space are clean. "Putting away yesterday's pile of mail can also make your home feel like it can breathe again," says Di. And it's exactly the kind of clutter minimalists never have.
"A morning reset isn’t about achieving a spotless house. It’s about removing visual noise so your home feels lighter and calmer the moment you walk back in," says Rebecca. "Just five intentional minutes each morning can set the tone for the rest of your day, and it’s something your future self will thank you for."
Organizers to Keep Your Home Tidy
Gustaf Westman proves that organization doesn't have to be boring. Case in point, this cute book stand that is also perfect for your vinyl styling, too.
Mail is the first thing to pile up in my entryway, so I love the idea of using a chic tray like this to keep it under control. I'd also style it with this Pes Paper Knife from Alessi for easy opening.
I'm not typically a fan of storage boxes like this, but Studio About's design makes it feel like a cool addition to contemporary shelves.
Speaking of ways to prepare for the season, I'd take this time to declutter things making your home smell stale in the summer. And for more tips to help your home move through the seasons in style, subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.
