Our homes should be the place where we can relax after a hard day at work. However, according to research carried out by fitted wardrobe specialist Hammonds, one in four of the surveyed respondents thought their home was not calming and relaxing.

To find out what the most common stressors are at home and how you can eliminate them from your abode, read on.

1. Unpleasant smells 

While 74% of UK adults feel stress throughout their lives, did you know that it could be down to unpleasant smells in the home? 

Whether you have teenagers that are going through a rebellious phase, foolishly cooked salmon the night before or your home simply smells off, that’s all going to contribute to you being unable to relax. 

To nip the unpleasant smells in the bud, invest in some scented candles or air diffusers. By having these strategically placed around the house, you can enjoy relaxing scents all day long. 

2. Untidiness 

Naturally, untidiness also causes us significant stress. No matter if it’s dirty dishes on the kitchen side or clothes strewn across the bedroom floor, seeing an untidy room makes a whopping 60% of us stressed. 

If that sounds familiar, the best thing to do is to get tidying!  As well as being therapeutic, tidying will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction that’ll help you to relax when the time comes. 

If you’re constantly battling with a mess, you may want to consider some fitted wardrobes to keep clutter at bay. 

3. Dirty windows 

Dirty windows are also reported to be a cause of stress. If your windows are laced with fingerprints, watermarks and mucky paw prints, this could be contributing to your cortisol. 

Luckily, it’s quick and easy to get your windows sparkling again. Although not quite as easy as having self-cleaning windows, to get your casements looking like new, simply grab a microfibre cloth, some detergent and warm water and get to work! 

4. Your interior design choices 

Did you know that your interior design choices may be adding to your stress levels? According to research, dark colours may not be the best if you’re looking to create a zen home that arouses feelings of calmness. 

And it's bad news for maximalists too, as this interior style is named the most stress-inducing interior scheme! 

If you’re tired of feeling on edge, opt for a neutral colour scheme that makes the most out of natural light. You should also consider pairing back your furniture to create a space that oozes serenity. 

Final thoughts…

If you struggle to switch off, the good news is that you’re not broken! By making a few simple changes and ensuring your home looks and smells clean, you can dramatically reduce stressors in your humble abode.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.