Home State of Mind Insights & Findings

Home is supposed to be where people decompress, reset, and feel safe. But this national study shows the emotional role of home is more complicated. While most Americans describe their living space as positive, many also report stress, avoidance, emotional tension, and feeling “stuck” — often tied to cost of living pressure, safety concerns, and household dynamics.

Key takeaways from our national study include:

• 70% describe home as a positive space: 35% consider their home a sanctuary, while 35% say it is mostly comfortable. Only 5% describe home as draining or confining.

• Older adults are most emotionally attached: 82%+ of adults aged 45+ view their home as a sanctuary/comfortable compared to 60% of younger adults.

• Living spaces generate social avoidance: 48% avoid inviting people over due to how their home looks or feels, and 46% say it adds to everyday chaos.

• Relational & financial factors outweigh decor: 55% state household members shape how home feels, 43% cite rent/cost stress, and 42% cite neighborhood safety.

• Distraction leads coping mechanisms: When home is stressful, Americans cope by watching TV/movies (46%), cooking/hobbies (45%), or venting (41%), while only 15% clean.

• Cleanliness rarely confers life control: Just 5% agree that keeping a tidy home makes them feel more in control of their broader lives.