What Is A Holistic Home? | What Does ‘Holistic’ Mean For Your Home?

I was recently asked, “what does a holistic home even mean?”. I completely understand this sentiment because the word ‘holistic is used to describe SO many things. Since my passion is helping you to create holistic and clutter-free spaces, I thought this is the perfect opportunity to share what the first part of that actually means.

I was recently asked, “what does a holistic home even mean?”. I completely understand this sentiment because the word ‘holistic is used to describe SO many things. Since my passion is helping you to create holistic and clutter-free spaces, I thought this is the perfect opportunity to share what the first part of that actually means.

A Whole Is Not Simply The Sum Of Its Parts

Cambridge Dictionary defines holistic as meaning dealing with the whole of something or someone, not just a part. This reminds me of the medical field where nurses and doctors are trained in “holistic treatment”. It’s about treating the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms or the physical disease itself. 

I see our homes the same way. Minimizing, decluttering and organizing can be helpful and great but they’re just one aspect- the physical aspect. What about how your environment makes you feel, what it inspires you to do, and how well it supports you? 

A clutter-free home is not necessarily a holistic home, in and of itself. Our environments are one of the main physical components of our lives. This is what you’re surrounding yourself with, so it’s an important factor in your overall happiness.

Holistic > Clutter-Free 

So, when I say a “holistic home”, I mean a space that’s not just bare and empty. Clutter-free is a part of it, but it’s not enough–your space also needs to provide a supportive vibe. It should give you the energy that you need for whatever is happening in that particular space. That might be calming energy, inspirational energy, productive energy…

For example, you might need a bathroom that feels spa-like and relaxing because that’s where you go to do self-care. You might want your office to feel inspiring and energizing with poppy colors to encourage focus and productivity.

What Do You Need To Feel Supported?  

Your needs may change from space to space but it’s still a holistic and supportive system if it’s giving you what you need, overall. It’s providing the right physical components- the layout and functionality, as well as the right mental state, etc. 

I like to use our office spaces as an example. Think of a streamlined office with tons of natural light and a few plants. Compare that to an office that feels like a cave with papers everywhere and sticky notes covering the computer screen. Where would you feel like the most professional, creative, productive version of yourself?

A huge part of creating a holistic home is creating an ambiance that supports you being the best version of yourself for that space. All of those things are part of this holistic system.

A Two-Aspect System 

The way that I teach holistic clutter-free spaces is broken into two different aspects. The first is a holistic system for getting the clutter out, to begin with. Rather than focusing on checklists, we’re considering the mental attachments and understanding the emotional process of letting things go, physically decluttering and planning for the flow and ambiance of your spaces, and factoring in our routines and habits. 

And then there’s the other aspect of living in and experiencing your space in a way that feels wholly supportive to you.

If you want more information on the holistic decluttering process, sign up for my free master class, the Holistic Clutter-Free Formula. In general, I do think creating a holistic home is the only way to go! 

Finding A Supportive Sweet Spot 

Drowning in clutter doesn’t feel good. It results in anxiety and stress, leading to arguments with people you love and your finances. But overly sterile and empty spaces have also been shown to cause tension, especially with other members of the household who don’t necessarily jive with that type of environment. 

So I think that we need to find a more supportive sweet spot where everyone can be healthy, happy, productive, and supported in their daily flow.