Discover the Hidden Strategies for Immaculate Homes!
Plus: The Key Habit of People with the Cleanest HomesPrevent Clutter as You Go
Do you find yourself trying on multiple outfits before settling on one? Using several pans to cook breakfast? Clean up and put things away before moving on to the next task. By incorporating this habit into your daily routine, you’ll have fewer things left lying around to deal with later.
Maintain Clean Surfaces
A simple wipe-down can work wonders. By cleaning up the surfaces you use after each task, you can keep your counters and glass surfaces clean and ready for use. Whether it’s wiping down your glass shower door or drying your sink after doing the dishes, a quick clean can prevent dirt buildup and keep your surfaces spotless.
Stay on Top of Laundry
Avoid overwhelming laundry piles by doing a load of laundry each day. It’s a necessary chore to keep your family clothed, so staying consistent with it will prevent buildup and save you from spending your entire Sunday on laundry.
Organize Paperwork
Mail, bills, school notes, take-out menus—paper clutter accumulates fast. Keep your countertops and workspaces clutter-free by assigning designated spots for paper items in your home. Create a system for organizing take-out menus, bills, school memos, and other important documents to keep them in order from the start.
Regularly Declutter
Clutter is a common issue in many households. You likely don’t need excessive items like 15 water bottles for a family of four or clothes your child has outgrown months ago. Maintaining an organized home becomes easier when you declutter regularly. Keep meaningful items but let go of unnecessary possessions that only add to the chaos. Rather than struggling to find space for unused items, take the time to declutter and simplify your living space.
Maintain a Clean Kitchen
Weekly Refrigerator Maintenance
If you spot unpleasant spills under your groceries in the fridge, it’s time for a clean-up. Give your refrigerator a weekly refresh to keep things clean and create an accurate shopping list for your next grocery trip.
Clean Up After Cooking
Resist the temptation to relax on the couch after meals. The longer you leave dirty pots and pans, the harder they are to clean. Rinse dishes and load the dishwasher promptly after eating to keep your sink clear and tidy.
Manage Your Bedroom
Make Your Bed
Starting your day by making the bed is a simple and effective way to set a productive tone. Even a quick straightening of the comforter can help you kickstart your day with a sense of accomplishment.
Tidy Up Before Bed
Spend a few minutes tidying your most used rooms before bedtime. Put away toys, shoes, and blankets, and prepare backpacks and bags for the next day. You’ll appreciate waking up to an organized space.
Control Clutter
Clear Surfaces
Keep your home’s surfaces free of clutter for easy cleaning and a visually pleasing environment. Avoid piling
Setting the stage for a tidy home begins the moment you walk through the door, either into the dining room table or the kitchen counter. Take a few minutes to stow away lunchboxes, coats, and mail upon arriving home. Utilizing the right organization tools can make a significant difference in maintaining order amidst the chaos of daily life. With an abundance of organizing products available on the market, it becomes effortless to corral your belongings. Stay on top of clutter by incorporating over-the-door hooks, back-of-door organizers, and under-bed storage bags to ensure that like items are stored neatly and conveniently accessible.
Having a designated place for everything plays a crucial role in creating an organized living space. By assigning specific spaces for items used daily, they become easier to locate when needed and help prevent clutter from overtaking countertops. Designate a basket for incoming mail, a folder for permission slips, a designated spot for backpacks and shoes, and a drawer or basket for chargers, keys, and sunglasses.
Establishing a routine is key to maintaining a clean and organized home. While a weekly cleaning schedule is essential, creating a long-term plan for deep cleaning tasks throughout the year is equally important. Incorporate activities like purging closets and cleaning windows into your regular calendar, spreading out tasks to avoid overwhelming cleaning sprees in the spring.
By gradually integrating these clean home habits into your daily routine, you will steadily progress towards enjoying a consistently tidy living space around the clock. For more tips on maintaining a clean and organized home, be sure to read the original article on Southern Living.