Today was one of those rare and magical snow days where everything slows down. The world outside was blanketed in white, our chickens and ducks were happily exploring the yard, the dogs were napping and for once, there was no pressure to rush or check off a to-do list. I sat in my new favorite corner of the house, wrapped in a blanket with a box of Cheez-Its and I found myself reflecting on the space around me. It wasn’t just the snow and a day off that brought a sense of peace—it was the realization that my home has become a place where I truly feel comfortable and at ease.
This wasn’t always the case. If I'm really being honest, I never really thought I would ever FULLY have a home that I was totally comfortable in. I have been conditioned to think "being busy is better" and that home was just a quick place to land. Over the years, I’ve lived in a variety of situations: alone in my first apartment, with roommates and my 2 dogs who shared the space in NE Philly, with close friends and ex- boyfriends, and now with my husband. Each phase of life brought its own challenges and joys when it came to creating a space that felt safe and comforting. But what I’ve learned is that no matter your living situation, making your space work for you is always worth the effort.
When I lived alone, my home was a reflection of me—my habits, my quirks, and my choices. I got to decide how much thrifted furniture I could squeeze in and absolutely adored the blue velvet curtains that sparked the nickname for this apartment's decor as "grandma chic" I had complete control over the space, but I also had to take full responsibility for keeping it tidy and functional. I started some charity work in this apartment in 2020 and FILLED the space with donated clothes from all over Bucks County that I sorted through before giving away to women in need in the recovery community. This space was my special place to protect my early sobriety, cook, create and work on passion projects and how could I forget it became a true sanctuary for myself during the pandemic- WHAT A TIME!  It was a time of learning what I valued and needed to feel truly at home.
Living with roommates, on the other hand, required compromise and communication. It wasn’t just about my space anymore; it was about shared areas and respecting each other’s boundaries. It was a season of laughter, late-night chats, and sometimes, chaos. During that time, I realized how important it was to carve out a small corner just for myself—a place where I could recharge and retreat when life felt overwhelming. There were definitely less random chairs around the house, and I mostly kept to myself in my room. I probably learned the most in our original 'House of J' about the importance of minimalism. I love to shop and thrift, but I know I don't need stuff to make me happy. And now after all of us roommates and friend have moved out, it's refreshing to see the updates my friend has made with her home for her, her husband and their adorable pup. Creating a cozy home just for YOU takes time for everyone.
Now, as I share a new home with my husband, creating a cozy and clutter-free space has taken on a new meaning. Our home isn’t just a reflection of one person anymore—it’s a blend of two lives coming together. We’ve had to navigate what we want our shared space to feel like, deciding together what to keep, what to let go of, and how to organize it in a way that supports both of us. Not letting work supplies spill into every room is probably our biggest current challenge. We will be working on full renovating the basement to give ourselves more space and I'll definitely be sharing that process!
Through all these phases of life, one thing has remained constant: the need for a home that feels like a sanctuary. And I’ve learned that the key to creating that sanctuary is doing the hard work of decluttering and organizing.
I won’t pretend it’s always easy—it’s not. But once you’ve put in the effort, something amazing happens. Your home stops being another source of stress and becomes a place where you can truly relax. It stops feeling like constant work and starts feeling like the cozy, safe space you’ve always wanted.
Today on this snow day, I was reminded of how much easier it is to enjoy my home when it isn’t filled with clutter or weighed down by unfinished tasks. There’s something so freeing about knowing everything has its place, that I’m surrounded only by the things I love and need. Less really is more. 2025 is all about less clutter, more comfort. Fewer belongings mean less to clean, less to maintain, and less to worry about. And when there’s less to do, you gain more—more time, more peace, and more joy in your home.
If you’ve been hesitating to start decluttering or organizing, let me encourage you to begin now. Whether you live alone, with roommates, with family, or with a partner, the benefits are the same: you’ll create a space that feels like home, a space where you can breathe and be yourself. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming—you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small. Tackle one drawer, one shelf, or one room at a time.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy snow days (or any day!) in a home that brings you peace instead of stress. Life is busy, and your home should be the place where you can slow down and reconnect with what really matters.
So, here’s to embracing the process of creating a clutter-free, cozy home. And here’s to more snow days spent savoring, not scrambling. Let’s make it happen.
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