Living with intention: Planning for the future
4 minute read
What Does It Mean to Live with Intention?
Living with intention means making conscious decisions about how you spend your time, energy and resources. It’s about pausing to ask, “What do I really want from this space, this day, or this season of life?” rather than simply going through the motions. Intentional living helps us align our daily choices with what matters most to us, rather than letting life happen by default.
In the context of our homes, living with intention means creating spaces that serve us rather than spaces we serve. It’s about curating our environments to reflect our values, priorities and future aspirations. It’s also an opportunity to consider the legacy we are creating — what we want to leave behind, both in terms of physical belongings and the emotional impact our homes have on ourselves and those around us.
APDO member Julie Stevens shares her thoughts on living with intention and how it might affect your future legacy.
Why Does Intentional Living Matter?
Our surroundings have a profound impact on how we feel, think and behave. Clutter, disorganisation and excess can weigh us down emotionally and mentally. When we choose to be intentional, we make room for what truly matters — not just in our homes, but in our lives.
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but intentional decisions made today create the foundation for the life we want to lead. Whether it’s downsizing possessions, reorganising rooms or setting new habits, small intentional changes can lead to significant transformation. In terms of the legacy we leave behind, what stories do we want our homes to tell? What values do we want to pass on to those who come after us? The way we care for our homes and the decisions we make about what we keep can speak volumes about what we treasure most.
What Might Motivate You to Live with Intention?
Everyone’s motivation will look different, but here are some common reasons that inspire people to embrace intentional living:
- Clarity and Calm: A streamlined, clutter-free home creates mental space and reduces daily stress.
- More Time and Energy: Owning less and being organised means spending less time tidying and more time doing what you love.
- Aligning with Values: Perhaps you want to live more sustainably, or prioritise family time — living intentionally helps your home reflect those values.
- Planning for Life Transitions: Whether preparing for retirement, welcoming a new family member or simply making life easier as you get older, being intentional about how you organise and maintain your home sets the stage for your next chapter.
- Creating a Legacy: The choices you make about what to keep, display, or pass on can be a powerful way to communicate your story and values to loved ones. What possessions will carry meaning for others? What kind of atmosphere do you want your home to convey?
Understanding your why can give you the motivation to stay on track when the process feels challenging.
How to Make Intentional Decisions
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple process to help guide intentional decisions for your home:
- Pause and Reflect: Take time to consider what matters most to you. What do you want your home to feel like? What role should your space play in your life? Journalling your thoughts can help clarify your vision.
- Set Clear Intentions: Create a vision for your home. It could be as simple as “I want a living room where I can relax without distraction” or “I want my kitchen to make healthy eating easier”. Having a clear intention acts as a guiding principle when making decisions.
- Prioritise Your Needs: Once you have your vision, break it down into practical priorities. Do you need more storage, better organisation systems or simply to let go of what’s no longer serving you? Understanding your priorities helps you focus on what will have the biggest impact.
- Consider Your Legacy: As you make decisions, think about what you’re leaving behind. Are you holding onto items out of guilt or obligation? Which possessions tell a meaningful story? What could be passed on to future generations, and what would simply become a burden for others to sort through?
- Start Small: Tackle one room or one category at a time. It could be your wardrobe, kitchen cupboards or paperwork. Ask yourself with each item, “Does this support the life I want to create?” If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go.
- Create Habits: Small, consistent actions — like a 10-minute tidy each evening or setting a weekly decluttering goal — help maintain your intentions without feeling like a burden. Building habits creates momentum and makes intentional living a natural part of your routine.
- Embrace Progress, Not Perfection: Living intentionally is a journey, not a one-time task. Celebrate small wins and give yourself grace when progress feels slow. What matters most is your commitment to making thoughtful choices.
- Revisit and Adjust: Life evolves, and so do our needs. Regularly check in with your intentions and make adjustments as needed. What served you a year ago may no longer fit your life today — and that’s okay.
The Ripple Effect of Intentional Living
Living intentionally isn’t just about the present — it’s an investment in your future self. When your home is arranged and maintained in a way that supports your lifestyle, it creates a positive ripple effect. You might find you have more patience, creativity or energy. You might discover that letting go of excess opens up space for new opportunities.
Beyond your own wellbeing, intentional living can leave a lasting impact on those around you. Whether through thoughtfully chosen heirlooms, a home that feels welcoming, or simply the example of someone who lived with purpose, your choices can inspire others for years to come.
Conclusion: Your Intentional Future Starts Today
Planning for the future begins with the decisions you make today. Living with intention doesn’t require a drastic overhaul — it’s about making small, thoughtful choices, one step at a time.
By approaching your home with purpose, you’re not just creating a tidier space — you’re shaping a life that feels more aligned, fulfilling, and ready for whatever the future holds.
What small intentional decision could you make today to begin creating the home — and life — you truly desire? If you would like a Professional Organiser to help you find ways to live with intention in your home, check out APDO'S Find an Organiser Directory today.
