I Stopped Trying to Do It All: What Really Changed My Home (and My Life)

For years, I thought the key to a calm, happy home was doing everything more efficiently.

I’m Eliza—mom of two, former professional home organizer, and someone who spent a long time trying to hack her way to peace. I chased self-development books and organizing systems. I made lists, color-coded charts, and tried to optimize every inch of my house. I believed that if I just did things better, I’d finally feel in control.

And you know what? Some of it helped. But eventually I'd end up tired, burned out, and wondering why I still felt like I was drowning.

It wasn’t until the last couple of years that something really shifted.

I realized it’s not about doing so much effectively.It’s about not doing it all—especially not alone.

I stopped chasing efficiency and started going to therapy. I had honest, sometimes hard conversations with my husband about the mental load and the invisible work I was carrying. We started using the Fair Play system to create more balance, more teamwork, and less resentment.

I began focusing on joy—not just getting through the day, but finding little ways to enjoy it.

And while I’m in a better place now than I was almost a decade ago when I first became a mom, I’m still human. I still have days when the laundry’s piled up and I can’t think straight. But now I know I’m not alone—and I don't need to act like everything’s perfect.

Here’s what I believe now:

• You don’t need to do it all.

• Life is messy.

• Clutter happens.

• And the more we can let go of what’s not essential, the more space we make for what really matters—our people, our peace, and the moments we don’t want to miss.

This isn’t about giving up. It’s about letting go of the pressure to be everything to everyone, and instead choosing to build a life that feels real, connected, and joyful—even if it’s a little cluttered along the way.

So if you're in a similar season—welcome. You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You're not alone. And I'm glad we found each other! **Disclosure, I did use AI to help me edit this, because im a bit more of a talker than a writer....