Keeping your home neat and tidy doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be quite enjoyable and stress-free with a little planning and a sprinkle of creativity. Let’s dive into these ten tips that will help you maintain a tidy home in a simple and effective way.
1. Purge Items Regularly
The process of decluttering is an essential step towards achieving a tidy and organized home. One effective approach to managing your belongings is the “1 in 1 out” rule. This means that when you consider acquiring a new item, whether it’s a blouse for your wardrobe or a decorative piece for your home, you simultaneously commit to donating or selling a similar item that no longer holds value or brings joy to your life. This practice not only prevents unnecessary accumulation of possessions but also encourages a mindful approach to consumption.
In addition to the “1 in 1 out” principle, regularly evaluating your belongings is crucial. Take the time to assess each item and ask yourself pertinent questions such as whether you have used it in the last six months and if it continues to bring joy into your life. By adopting this habit, you can gradually release items that no longer serve a purpose, creating space for things that truly enhance your daily life.
It’s important to acknowledge that a reduction in clutter directly translates to a decrease in the time and effort required for cleaning and maintenance. Embracing minimalism and consciously parting with unnecessary possessions can lead to a more streamlined and manageable living space, ultimately contributing to a sense of tranquility and well-being within your home.
2. Create Space for Items
This one was a game changer for me. In fact, I still have this aha moment on the regular when I find myself cleaning more than usual or having the thought of nonstop cleaning. If you have piles of clothes, clutter, random items consistently in places – it is most likely because it has nowhere to go. Clean out your closet, storage, and drawers to make space for the new stuff! This helps prevent clutter from accumulating.
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize. Invest in storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, and storage bins to create a well-organized environment. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so find what works for your lifestyle and habits. Use labels and dividers to keep items in their designated place, and make sure to put things back where they belong after use.
Have a place for everything and it will allow a system to the madness.
3. Have a Cleaning Schedule
Maintaining a clean home is easier when you have a schedule. Create a list of daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks. Break them down into manageable chunks, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. This can be a physical cleaning calendar, list in your notes section of your phone, a fun app, or your monthly planner.
When your house is a disaster, it can feel like an overwhelming task to accomplish everything at once. Can you relate to this? The thought of tackling everything seems unattainable and in return you quit halfway or put it off entirely, causing you frustration and anxiety.
I breakdown my schedule by a room/area of the house and day of the week. For example, Monday is upstairs bathrooms, Tuesday is my bedroom, Wednesday is kids room, Thursday guest room, Friday is main floor, Saturday is basement/lower level, and Sunday is for laundry room and storage. By breaking it down, it makes the goal achievable and maintainable. When the laundry room has gotten out of hand, I can relax and say “I will deal with it on Sunday. Just focus on todays task.”
When it comes to the daily task of your bedroom, for instance, put an hour on the schedule for completion. If you are having trouble actually getting started – visual the outcome and how that will make you feel vs. the actual chore itself.
Please Note: There are some chores that will just have to be done daily – no getting around it. It can feel like groundhog day, but honestly it does help when you just accept it, embrace it, and make it fun! The “everyday” tasks for me are dishes – loading and unloading, one load of laundry – wash, dry, fold, put away, and making my bed.
4. Set a Timer
Sometimes, the thought of cleaning for hours can be intimidating. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can make a big difference when it comes to motivation and productivity. By setting a timer and focusing on a specific area for a short period, you not only make the task more achievable, but you also create a sense of urgency and momentum that can help overcome any initial resistance to getting started. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a short burst of focused cleaning.
Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and tackle a specific cleaning task during that time. This can be great for morning cleaning, before bed clean up, when you’re feeling a little unmotivated or lose focus quickly, and when you are short on time. Have a lotted time for each room in your house, maybe some fun music, and ready-set-go!
From tidying up a living room to organizing a messy desk, setting aside dedicated time slots for cleaning in various parts of your home can make the process feel less daunting and more manageable. Additionally, involving family members in this approach can turn cleaning into a fun and collaborative activity. You can play energetic music, set individual timers for different rooms, and turn the whole process into a lighthearted challenge. For children, especially, setting a timer for a short burst of cleaning can make it feel like a game, motivating them to participate and making the task feel less overwhelming.
By making cleaning a timed, focused activity, you can transform it from a daunting chore into a manageable and even enjoyable part of your routine, creating a more positive and organized living environment for you and your family.
5. Hire a Cleaning Service
Sometimes we all need a little support, and that’s okay! If you’re not a fan of cleaning, consider hiring someone who enjoys it. Whether it’s a biweekly, monthly, or one-time task like laundry, or even a professional organizer, it could be worth the investment. I understand that this isn’t feasible for everyone, but if possible, you could try reallocating funds from another area or expense to make room for a cleaning service.
Not only does this give you more free time and ensure your home is consistently clean, but it can also serve as a motivator. Personally, I find that knowing the cleaning service is coming prompts me to tidy up even more, and it helps me stay on top of keeping my house organized.
Remember, there’s no shame in seeking assistance to maintain a clean and organized living space, and doing so can bring peace of mind and a sense of control over your surroundings. If you’re able to make it work within your budget, exploring the option of a cleaning service could truly enhance your quality of life.
6. 10 Minutes in the AM & in the PM
Devoting just ten minutes in the morning and ten minutes in the evening to tidying up can truly transform your living space. This small commitment yields great results in maintaining a clutter-free environment.
Incorporating this simple routine into your daily schedule consistently will lead to a remarkable reduction in clutter and a more organized living space. By dedicating just a few minutes of your time each day, you can effectively prevent the accumulation of unnecessary items and promote a sense of order and cleanliness throughout your home or workspace. This approach not only simplifies your daily life but also contributes to a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, helping you feel more relaxed and focused in your surroundings.
For me the 10am/10pm is typically used on my main floor. It is the kitchen/living area where I am making sure I have counter tops wiped and decluttered, blankets folded, pillows fluffed, coats and bags hung, etc, but allocate it to an area of your house where you feel is most “lived-in” daily.
Honestly, once it becomes the norm, it is so easy and I do not even think about it. Consider making this a non-negotiable routine. When your brain tries to convince you that you’re short on time or your feet hurt from a long day, remind yourself that not doing it is not an option. Allocating these short intervals to tidying up can instill a positive habit that will contribute to a more serene and enjoyable living environment.
7. Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
Remember, keeping a tidy home is an ongoing journey, and it’s completely normal to experience occasional setbacks. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, focus on making progress, not striving for perfection.
I bring this up because I’ve always placed high value on maintaining a clean and organized home. Yet, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges in upholding this standard at various points in my life. At one stage, a traumatic family event left me feeling deeply depressed. I’ve come to believe that the state of your mental health often reflects in the cleanliness of your living space. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, my home tends to fall into disarray. Once this happens, it can seem like a daunting task to restore order. During my recovery from depression, I recall frequently thinking, “I can’t do this,” or being overly critical of myself when I set out to accomplish a thorough cleaning and fell short.
It’s okay! Taking small steps each day will bring you closer to your goal. We often crave instant results and can be hard on ourselves when we fall short. But remember, the daily efforts we make are for our future selves. If it holds significance for you, it will happen, and you will achieve it – just give yourself time and grace.
Furthermore, don’t hesitate to seek support. On tough days or weeks, I open up to my husband and ask for his help. Don’t hesitate to enlist the support of your mother, sibling, or best friend to help motivate you. Our loved ones are there to stand by us, and we all experience similar struggles and understand the challenges.
Keep in mind, the objective isn’t flawless perfection, but rather taking steps towards a happier and healthier you.
8. Never Leave a Room Empty-Handed
As you move from one room to another, make it a habit to carry something with you that needs to be put away. Establishing this as a regular practice can significantly streamline tidying up and maintaining a clutter-free environment.
I use this when I am going to the third level and see shoes on the stairs, or perhaps going down in the morning and see a glass of water from the night before. Embracing this simple yet effective approach fosters a sense of order and efficiency, making it easier to stay on top of household organization. So, whether it’s a stray item that needs returning to its rightful place or an object awaiting a designated storage spot, seize the opportunity to enhance the overall tidiness of your home as you transition from room to room.
Ultimately, by integrating the practice of carrying and returning items as you transition between rooms, you not only create a more organized and efficient living space, but also cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and gratitude for the items that accompany you on your daily journey through the different areas of your home.
9. Put Laundry Away Immediately
The “laundry chair” syndrome, a common struggle for many, presents an opportunity for a positive change. Instead of allowing clothes to pile up in a chair or on the bed, consider the satisfaction of immediately folding or hanging your laundry and putting it away once it’s done. This simple yet effective practice not only prevents your living space from becoming overwhelmed with clothes, but also contributes to a more organized and visually appealing environment.
This should definitely be another one of those non-negotiables. Folding and putting away laundry immediately after the clothes are dried is a great way to show yourself some love. Why? Because it’s a challenge to make putting laundry away fun and enjoyable. Therefore, it often becomes a procrastinated task we consistently put off. By taking the initiative to put it away right away, we are not allowing our brain to talk us out of it or make excuses. We are simply doing it without overthinking it.
By taking a few extra minutes to put away your clean laundry right after it’s done, you can maintain a sense of order and tidiness in your home. Embracing this approach can greatly improve the overall ambiance of your living space, bringing joy and tranquility into your surroundings.
10. Have People Over Regularly
Inviting guests over can truly serve as fantastic motivation for keeping your living space in impeccable condition. It not only gives you a reason to thoroughly clean and organize your home, but also provides an opportunity to relish the company of friends and loved ones. Hosting a regular couples game night or a slumber party can be a delightful and engaging way to uphold a clean and organized household.
Knowing that you have guests coming over on a consistent basis can act as a gentle nudge to stay on top of your cleaning routines and ensure your home is always welcoming and presentable. Embrace the idea of hosting regular gatherings, and allow the anticipation of enjoyable get-togethers to inspire you to maintain a clean and inviting living environment.
Incorporating these ten tips into your daily routine will undoubtedly make the journey to a tidy home enjoyable and sustainable. These practical strategies are designed to bring positivity and efficiency to your cleaning routine. Embrace consistency over perfection and enjoy the satisfying results. Happy tidying!
Sunkissed Soul 
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