A clean home is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also promotes physical and mental well-being. However, maintaining cleanliness amidst the chaos of daily life can be challenging. Whether you’re a neat freak or someone who struggles to keep things tidy, these tips and tricks will help you achieve and maintain a clean and organized living space without feeling overwhelmed.
Develop a Cleaning Routine
Consistency is key to keeping your house clean. Establish a cleaning routine that suits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer daily, weekly, or monthly tasks, having a schedule will prevent chores from piling up and make cleaning more manageable. Creating cleaning systems that work for you, your family and your circumstances.
Did you know it is easier to keep your house clean than clean your house? Do you believe me? Have you heard the phrase ‘cleaning house while the kids are growing is like shoveling snow while it’s still snowing’. That feels so true but sometimes you have to shovel snow while it’s snowing so you don’t get buried.
Cleaning while the kids are home keeps you from getting bogged down in the piles and messes. Doing a little each day saves us down the road.
Check out this Cleaning Schedule.
It is full of ideas, they will open your mind to what will work for you.
Did you know the only way to get more time in your day is to do something today that will save you time tomorrow? Getting all the dinner dishes done the night before saves you time tomorrow. It’s not usually something we want to do but doing it anyway is a great way to manage our brains and take control of our lives.
Declutter Regularly
Clutter not only makes your home look messy but also creates obstacles to cleaning. Take time to declutter regularly by getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Donate, recycle, or sell things that are in good condition, and throw away anything that’s beyond repair. It is easier to clean when you have a clutter-free home. It is also easier to maintain a home that is free of stuff.
What is something you can edit and declutter today? It could be a small space like the junk drawer, or your closet. If you don’t have a lot of time it could even be your sock drawer. Set a timer and see what you can declutter in 15 minutes. You’d be amazed. Whether it’s junk / trash or something you can donate. Getting it out of your home frees up mental and physical space.
Have a basket or space in your home where you can put items to be donated. Be sure to donate regularly, don’t let the pile get too big and don’t put the items in your car and drive around for weeks with the items in the trunk. Dropping items off at Goodwill gives you a huge dopamine hit and feel lighter when you make that donation.
Invest in Storage Solutions
Effective storage solutions can help you maximize space and keep clutter at bay. Invest in storage bins, baskets, shelves, and organizers to neatly store items like toys, clothes, books, and household supplies. Labeling containers makes it easier to find what you need and maintain organization.
Finding storage solutions is a fluid process meaning you can’t and shouldn’t do it all at once. Focus on one room or space at a time. If that feels like too much choose a drawer or shelf. Storage solutions are unique for each of us. We all have different needs so identify your pain point and start there. If it is locating your kids shoes get a shelf or a basket for shoes. If it’s the junk drawer look for bins to help keep it organized.
Clean as You Go
One of the simplest ways to keep your house clean is to clean as you go. Instead of letting dishes pile up in the sink or clothes accumulate on the floor, wash dishes after meals, put things back where they belong after use, and tidy up as you move from one room to another. This habit will save you time and prevent messes from escalating.
It might feel like you’re cleaning all day but it wont fee like you have a 4 hour task at the end of the day. I preferred to pick up toys while kids are napping or put dishes in the dishwasher after each meal. Folding and putting away laundry as it gets done saves you from laundry mountain that takes hours to fold and put away.
Focus on High Traffic Areas
Prioritize cleaning high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. These areas tend to accumulate dirt and grime more quickly, so regular maintenance is essential. Wipe down surfaces, sweep or vacuum floors, and clean bathrooms regularly to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
Sweeping or running a quick vacuum in the traffic areas only takes a minute but keeps dirt from making its way to the rest of the house. During cold and flu season wipe off light switches and door knobs to keep germs in control. Wiping off the handle to the fridge and grime off of the kitchen wall will help you keep things in check. You wont need to be as vigilant in other spaces in your home.
Use Multi Functional Cleaning Products
Streamline your cleaning routine by using multifunctional cleaning products that can tackle multiple surfaces and tasks. Look for all-purpose cleaners, microfiber cloths, and multipurpose tools that are effective yet gentle on different surfaces. This will save you time, money, and storage space.
If vacuuming isn’t your thing maybe invest in a Roomba. Something that will do the work for you. You could also buy a wet dry vacuum that mops and vacuums at the same time.
Establish Daily Habits
Incorporate simple daily habits into your routine to keep your house clean effortlessly. Make your bed every morning, wipe down kitchen counters after meal preparation, and do a quick tidy-up before bedtime. These small actions can make a big difference in maintaining cleanliness and organization.
There are so many things you can do today that will save you time tomorrow. They don’t have to be big tasks, small steps to big results. Doing a little more today helps your tomorrow start off on the right foot.
Delegate Chores
Keeping your house clean shouldn’t fall solely on one person’s shoulders. Delegate chores among family members or roommates to share the responsibility and lighten the workload. Assign age-appropriate tasks to children.
Working together makes big tasks not so big. It also teaches family the importance of contributing and being involved in the family. You do not have to do it all.
Set Realistic Expectations
Perfection is not attainable, nor is it necessary. Set realistic expectations for yourself and accept that some level of mess is inevitable, especially in a busy household. Focus on maintaining cleanliness and functionality rather than striving for perfection.
If you get caught in unrealistic expectations you’ll deal with a lot of discouragement and frustration. Keeping our expectations in the middle and managing our minds helps us find that magic middle. Where we are capable of more than we knew was possible.
Reward Yourself
Maintaining a clean house requires effort and dedication, so don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done. Treat yourself to a relaxing bath, indulge in your favorite dessert, or take some time to unwind with a good book. Celebrating your accomplishments will motivate you to keep up with your cleaning routine.
Rewarding yourself keeps you going. It makes life more fulfilling and fun.
Achieving and maintaining a clean and organized home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing these tips and tricks into your daily routine, you can enjoy a tidy living space that promotes peace of mind and enhances your quality of life. Remember, consistency, decluttering, and simplicity are the keys to mastering cleanliness and creating a home you can be proud of.
Doing a few things a day that helps you keep ahead of the never ending list of chores needing done. A little at a time
