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Four Practical Ways to Turn Your House Into A Home

Sally Flower • Aug 08, 2021

I used to think that the structure or type of property you lived in made all the difference in creating a home. I believed a home needed to be a stand-alone house with three bedrooms, a backyard, a pet, a large living room flooded with natural light and the perfect island bench. Oh how wrong I was!


Yes – location, structure, size and type can play a role in converting your house into a home, but they are not the only elements.

A house becomes a home by the memories we make inside its walls. We create homes through the connections we have to the objects it holds, and how the spaces make us feel.

As Australia’s first KonMari Consultant, I have been welcomed into many beautiful homes of all shapes and sizes. From country estates and large suburban houses to small inner-city apartments, units and townhouses. And I can honestly say that it is not the structure that makes the difference, but how we use our space, how we see and connect with it.


After many years of homemaking, these are the tried and tested tips I rely on to convert a house into a home.


1. Visualise the home you want

Before madly rushing around your home with a garbage bag frantically throwing things away, or worse still heading to your local shopping mall, take a moment to work out what you want. What is important to you and your family? What kind of life do you want to live? And what type of home will help you achieve that?


For example, after multiple burnouts I have learned that to live the life I want, I need quiet time. I have a naturally active mind and need moments in my week with little distractions so I can rest. I need time to read, meditate or simply sit down without stimulation. Hence I want a home that helps me to regularly find quiet time. I need areas with fewer electronics, screen-free rooms and less visual clutter. I want places conducive to meditation and snoozing. Read 5 Ways You Can Bring Mindfulness Into Your Home.

indoor plants help working form home

Home is made by how a

house is used.

2. Turn your house into a home by decluttering items that no longer make you happy

Our homes should be a happy place, full of things that makes us happy. Removing items that don’t light us up or spark joy to use, wear or see is a great way to make your house feel more like a home. The items you declutter could be things you easily recognise you no longer like, or they could be pieces you used to love but now feel a little underwhelming.


Additionally, now that you know what type of home you want/need you can start to remove items that no longer align with your values.


If you want a clean home ask yourself, what is more important, piles of dusty excess magazines, or clean surfaces?


I recommend using both the KonMari Method™ of sparking joy and a practical focus to create the home you want. Once you start to remove items you don’t love or no longer need, you will naturally make a space that feels like you at your happiest.

Sally Flower organising the home by hanging clothes up

Unsure how to start, check out What is the KonMari Method & How To Use It.

3. Create a home by reconnecting with your objects

Once those underwhelming items are out of the house, start reconnecting with what you have. Sure, it sounds a little quirky, but all ‘reconnecting’ really means is to appreciate. Ramp up the appreciation you have for your things. Take a walk around your home with fresh eyes noticing the memories your objects hold, mindfully reminding yourself how they serve you and your family.


Maybe the sofa encourages the whole family to squeeze up and snuggle? Or maybe it was your first ‘grown-up’ purchase? Or maybe you love that it’s so old the kids can jump all over it? Whatever it is you love about your objects, ramp it up!

kermit the frog appreciating home

4. Turn a house into a home by making memories

If a home is made by the memories we make inside its walls, then it is important to make memories that are not only dishwashing, ironing and sleeping related. A few of my favourite memory-making activities are:


  • Movie nights (popcorn essential)
  • Lazy brunch or Sunday lunch (perfect patio use if you have one)
  • Make cubbies or camp in the living room with your kids
  • Turn up your favourite 90s tunes and dance all-day
  • Grow a plant
  • Print and hang some of your favourite photos
  • Take a long bubble bath (candles and wine recommended)



So there you have it, four easy ways to make your house into a home. No extension or bathroom renovation is required.

Home Sanctuary Mission

Home Sanctuary believes small changes in our environment can have a big impact on our wellbeing & lives of others.
Meet Sally.
I will show you how to make the most of your space; provide advice on how to reduce your waste and declutter responsibly.

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