A malfunctioning home is like an ill-fitting shoe; it irritates at every step. In this time where we find ourselves at home a lot more, we may suddenly be aware that our home is not working as it should. It might just be adding a whole new level of discomfort. The main purpose of a shoe is to protect and support, and a house is the same. Problems arise when we forget it’s primary purpose.

The most successful homes are authentic; an expression of who the occupants are and a means for them to be their best selves. It is a tool for living, not a magazine clone. It’s not even about how much money you spend on it, but always about meeting your needs for gathering and retreating, eating and sleeping, working and playing.

We are often led to believe that the best homes should look a certain way…all the time. Despite what the magazines tell us though, there is no arrival point in creating a home. And the reality of the mess of living means it will never be static like a photo. That misconception just leaves us feeling defeated daily. So let me set you free. A home is a space where the tide of life can ebb and flow. Homes should evolve with our needs and journey with our seasons.

Here are five principles you can apply to your home on any budget to make it a more enjoyable place to be:

• Create systems

Systems may not be sexy, but they are the things that keep the chaos at bay. For a home to run smoothly there must be systems. From a psychology perspective, systems reduce the need for decision making. Less mental effort required to keep things in order means less stress and increased opportunity for success.

Systems may not come naturally to you, so feel free to steal ideas from someone else. Just as long as you find solutions that work for your unique needs. A few systems that have worked for us are: on Monday we change the towels, on Tuesday we change the sheets, and Wednesday afternoons we all do a cleaning blitz together.

Mail and school notices have a designated place to go, as do shoes and school bags. Nearly all of our life happens at the dining table so pens, pencils, and the shopping list all live nearby. Once again I want to say, there is no arrival here – just steps. Try one thing until it becomes a habit and then think about adding another.

• Remove what you don’t love

Sometimes we keep things out of guilt, obligation, or because we forget it’s even there. Our stuff becomes invisible when we live with it everyday. Take an audit of your house with fresh eyes – is there anything that you don’t like? (No, you can’t include people!) This is a great time to let it go, sort it out, or pack it away. Your great aunt won’t be visiting anytime soon so you can put that eyesore away guilt free. Even if you can’t part with something permanently, why not try putting it away and see how the feel of your room changes?

• Put something you do love on display

At a time when no one is coming to visit we get the opportunity to drop the ‘what would people think’ internal dialogue, and consider what we actually like. I am embarrassed to admit that until recently I had my gran’s teacups in a box because I was worried about the impression they made. But during this time at home I’ve realised I love them – they tell a part of my story and help me feel more connected to my extended family.

What would it look like if we got over worrying about what other people think and got on with enjoying our lives? The truth is, it is only when a space tells your story that it truly feels like it is home.

• Clean the floor and two surfaces

If your house is like a sterilised hospital room you can skip right on to the next point. But if like me, dirt and clutter seek to destroy your peace daily – here is a lifeline. Clean the floor and two surfaces in your living area and watch everything in the world get better. If I can do nothing else, this seems to be a game changer.

The creation of even one visual oasis amid the chaos inspires hope by convincing your brain that calm is real and achievable. A clean surface says “it’s going to be okay”. Magically, this little mental shift is often enough to overcome the sense of overwhelm and give back the motivation and desire to tackle the rest.

• Something special.

Often when life gets chaotic we focus on the urgent and forget the special things that restore our soul. If you are feeling stressed you need a little self care. Our homes can help. Just focus on adding a few touches that give each of your senses a little boost. This sounds superficial, but the more our senses are stimulated in a space the more we actually enjoy it. So think about what would bring pleasure to see, smell, hear and touch. Open windows, light a candle, put on some music, bring in fresh flowers, or add a soft blanket.

Nature is particularly good for our health, so look for ways to bring it in. Plants, textures, smells, light, vistas, breezes and sounds derived from nature have been proven to reduce stress. Create some little hits of happiness as you move around your space and it will increase your well being and enjoyment of your home.

In closing, these five concepts may seem overly simple, but they really are the foundation of a great home. Times like the one we are in now bring the essential things into focus and help us to see what is most important. We may realise that what we want isn’t actually what we need. Remember, even the most beautiful and expensive pair of shoes will be uncomfortable if they don’t fit you. The same is equally true for your home. If you focus on your life goals and purpose instead of a particular look you will end up with a space that is beautifully and uniquely yours.