'House Hushing' Offers a Stress-Free Way to Declutter Your Home
A new decluttering method called item shop hushing is gaining attention for its simple yet effective approach. Developed by German author Maren Fischer, the technique focuses on temporarily clearing rooms of unnecessary items. The goal is to reduce stress and create a calmer home environment, especially in busy shared spaces.
The concept originated in Hamburg, where Fischer introduced Hausstilleben—or house hushing—in her 2022 book, Hausstilleben: So findet die Familie zur Ruhe. She designed it as a way to bring evening quiet to households with children. Instead of permanently removing clutter, the method involves moving excess items from one room into another for at least 24 hours. Only the most essential belongings are then returned, helping break emotional ties to unnecessary objects.
Fischer recommends starting with high-stress areas, or hot spots, such as the living room, kitchen, or entryway drop zones. By prioritising these spaces, families can experience immediate relief from visual chaos. The process encourages long-term habits, shifting the focus from constant disorder to intentional calm.
Unlike traditional decluttering, house hushing does not demand instant decisions about what to keep or discard. The temporary removal of items allows time to assess what truly belongs in a space. This gradual approach aims to make decluttering less overwhelming and more sustainable.
House hushing offers a practical alternative to conventional tidying methods. By testing a simplified space for a short period, families can identify what adds value to their daily lives. The technique's emphasis on shared areas and stress reduction makes it particularly useful for busy households seeking lasting change.
