Have you ever noticed how the sounds around you set the tone for your day, sometimes without
you even realizing it? The hum of appliances, the ping of notifications, or the clatter of keys can make a tidy home feel chaotic.
That’s why a quick “Home Soundcheck” can be surprisingly calming. It’s an unexpected kind of decluttering: instead of removing
objects, you’re removing noise.
Walk through your home as the sound engineer of your space, turning down the irritations and turning up the calm.
1. Start With the
Stress Sounds
Walk through your rooms and listen for what feels… jangly. Then apply simple, inexpensive solutions right on the spot.
The keys that hit the counter too loudly? Give them a soft landing. Place a small dish, basket, or
fabric-lined tray by the door. Even a potholder or folded washcloth works. Or hang a simple Command Hook...cheap, removable, and instantly
quieter. The bathroom fan that roars like a jet engine: Clean dust off the vent cover. Dust buildup makes it louder.
Tighten the screws on the cover. Loose screws cause rattling.
The faucet that drips…and drips…and drips: Turn the handle slightly past “off.” Tie a string around the faucet so the drip travels silently down the string.
Then make an appointment with your local plumber.
A door that squeaks like it’s auditioning for a haunted house? Add a dab of olive oil, cooking spray, or petroleum jelly to the hinges. Move the door back and forth a few times and the squeak disappears.
Small sounds matter. Quieting just one of these
can
make your home feel instantly more peaceful.
2. Add Sounds That Feel Peaceful
Once you’ve softened the stressors, think about what you want to add. Perhaps...
Soft instrumental music in the background
A gentle timer instead
of a shrill beep
White noise in the bedroom or office
A playlist that signals focus time, reset time, or evening wind-down
You’re not creating silence. You’re curating a calming soundscape that supports you rather than startles you.
3. Match Your Sound to Your Moment
Different tasks call for different tones, just like lighting.
Tidying up: light, upbeat background music
Paperwork: steady, quiet
sounds
Cooking: something that keeps you moving without overwhelming the room
Relaxing: soft piano, nature sounds, or hush-level
playlists
These become your “sound zones,” helping you shift gears without resistance.
4. Pick One Signature Reset Sound
Choose one sound that tells your brain, “Pause. Reset. Breathe.” Maybe it’s:
A short chime
A soft
whoosh
A quick, familiar melody
Use it anytime you feel scattered. It’s the audible equivalent of clearing a counter.
5. Do a Weekly Tune-Up
Sounds drift. Batteries die, notifications return, and appliances develop new quirks. A quick weekly soundcheck keeps your home feeling intentional and calm.
P.S. Still Need Some Gift-Giving Ideas?
Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the presents I’m wrapping up for family and friends this Christmas:
