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From Mayhem to Momentum: Using the Science of Habits to Reclaim Your Home

January is over, and if your New Year’s resolution to "get organised" has already hit a wall, you aren’t alone—and you aren’t the problem. The problem is your system, or lack thereof!

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear argues that "you do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems." Big goals (like "I want a clean, decluttered home") are often overwhelming. Systems, however, are the small, repeatable actions that keep the house moving even when life gets chaotic.

At Mom of Mayhem, I believe that a calm home can be built through the psychology of small habits. Here is how to use the core principles of Atomic Habits to finally accomplish your goal of a calm, tidy home you can enjoy.

1. Habit Stacking: Finding Your "Cue"

The easiest way to build a new habit is to "stack" it onto an existing one. You don't need more willpower; you just need a better cue. Use this formula: After [Old Habit/Current Habit], I will [New Habit].

Choose a daily "cue." For example, while the kettle is boiling for your morning tea, you could sort through the counter clutter, return items to where they belong. By the time your tea is ready, the counters are clutter free!

2. Making it Easy to Finish

Stop relying on self-control and start setting your home up for success. The secret to a tidy home is making the right choice the easiest one to make.

I recommend creating a permanent "Donation Station" so items can exit your home without effort. Use the Oxfam x An Post donation bags for this. Keep one in a high-traffic spot like the utility room. When you find an item during your daily reset, it goes straight in the bag. Once full, you simply drop it at the post office or hand it to your postman. No messy car boot required!

3. The Four Laws of Behaviour Change

To make a habit last, James Clear suggests following these four laws:

Make it Obvious: Visual cues prompt action. For example, keep your donation bags where you can see them to remind you to declutter as you go.

Make it Attractive: Pair the work with something you enjoy. For example, only listen to your favourite podcast or playlist when you are doing your daily tidying.

Make it Easy: Break down the barrier to entry. For example, follow the Marie Kondo principle of starting with clothes rather than sentimental items. Clothes are less emotionally loaded, helping you build "decluttering momentum."

Make it Satisfying: Habit creation requires an immediate reward. For example, this could be five minutes of quiet, a favourite snack, or the financial "win" of seeing your balance grow from listing an item on Vinted. This reward is what tells your brain: "This was worth it; let's do it again tomorrow."

4. The "Time and Place" Rule

Once you’ve started decluttering, you need a system to maintain those gains. This is where you define exactly when and where an action happens to remove effort and mental load.

Follow The Organised Mum Method (TOMM), created by Gemma Bray. By assigning a specific room to a specific day, you remove the overwhelm of "where do I start?" The decision is already made for you. State it clearly: "On Monday at 10:00 AM, I will spend 30 minutes in the Kitchen." Because TOMM limits the work to 30 minutes in one space, it prevents the "freeze" response we get when a task feels bottomless.

Let's go!

The science shows that sharing your goals makes you more likely to achieve them. What one habit are you going to try stacking this week? Whether it's clearing the mail while the kettle boils or setting up your first Donation Station, let me know in the comments below so we can cheer each other on!

Ready to put these tips into practice?

If you'd like to get started, message me for my 7-Day Kickstart Challenge. It’s just a simple, day-by-day way to help you find your momentum!

  • DM me "KICKSTART" on social media and I’ll send it over.

Need a Hand Building Your Momentum?

If the mayhem feels too heavy to tackle alone, I’m here to help. At Mom of Mayhem, I specialise in helping busy families design custom systems that actually work for their unique lives. Whether you need a hands-on decluttering session or advice on where to start, let's clear the path together.

Ready to get started? Use my online booking system to schedule your FREE consultation call today via my website or social media!

Image credits:


Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear

The Organised Method - There’s More to Life than Housework!

 
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