Hey friends! I’m back to chat about one of the best ways I’ve found to keep your home looking (relatively) tidy and clutter-free: establishing simple daily habits.
I know, I know – habits can feel like a chore and who needs another thing to add to the daily to-do list? But staying on top of clutter and mess really does require regular maintenance and upkeep. The good news? It doesn’t have to take a ton of time or energy if you focus on small, easy habits.
As someone who has struggled with keeping on top of organization in the past, I’ve learned firsthand that the best approach is to do a little bit every single day. When you let things pile up and only tackle organizing in marathon sessions every so often, it’s way more frustrating and overwhelming! Plus, it’s much easier to maintain a tidy space than dig your way out of chaos.
So what are some of the daily habits that have worked for me and countless other women seeking an organized, clutter-free home?
Here are my top suggestions:
1. Make Your Bed
This habit takes just a minute or two but sets the tone for a productive, tidy day. You start your morning with a small sense of accomplishment rather than facing a messy bedroom.
2. Quick Morning Tidy
After breakfast, do a speedy tidy up to get the day started off right. Put away dishes, wipe down counters, pick up the living room, and sweep if needed. This helps you feel in control. If you don’t have much time for this, set aside just 5-10 minutes and tidy up/declutter what makes the most difference for you.
3. Deal With Paperwork ASAP
Don’t let mail, notices, and documents pile up! Open mail when it arrives and immediately sort, file, or shred items. Don’t give paper a chance to accumulate.
4. Put Things Back Where They Belong
Get into the habit of putting items back in their designated spot after using them so things don’t end up strewn about. The ‘one touch’ rule keeps clutter contained. This one is my favorite suggestion, by the way. And, if you get others in your household to do the same, it’s even better!
5. Do a Daily Declutter
Spend 15 minutes per day decluttering problem areas that tend to get messy like the mudroom, playroom, laundry room, etc. Toss or donate unnecessary items.
6. Reset Before Bed
Take a few minutes in the evening to tidy up rooms, put away toys, fold blankets, and restore order before bed. This resets the home for the next day.
7. Deal with Dishes Before Bed
Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink! This leads to waking up to a messy kitchen. Handle dishes as you cook, or do them before bed.
8. Assign Chores
To prevent chore chaos, designate daily and weekly chores for each family member. Rotate chores so the workload is shared. Check them off as they’re completed.
9. Do Laundry More Often
Don’t let dirty clothes pile up! By doing smaller loads of laundry every 2-3 days, it stops laundry from becoming an overwhelming task.
10. Set a Daily Timer
Use a timer to make tidying habits feel more manageable. For example, set it for 10-15 minutes during the commercials of a TV show for a quick tidy session.
11. Prep Your Bag/Lunch the Night Before
Preparing for the next day ahead of time prevents last-minute morning madness. Pack lunches, backpacks, and bags the evening before.
12. Clean as You Cook
Wash used dishes, wipe down counters, and put ingredients away as you cook so you don’t face a disaster area once dinner is done.
13. Schedule Home Organization Time
Add home organization tasks like cleaning out closets to your calendar and treat this blocked time like an important appointment. Consistency is key!
14. Do a Weekly Home Reset
Reclaim order on the weekends with a refresh. Change linens, tidy rooms, vacuum, tackle an organizing project, pay bills, and prep for the week ahead.
15. Purge Seasonally
Do a seasonal decluttering session each season to clear out clutter and items you no longer need. Donate or sell usable items.
You don’t have to dedicate hours or even tackle major overhauls to get your home looking its best every day. Focus on sticking to these small, consistent habits and clutter doesn’t stand a chance!
An organized home starts with simple daily discipline. And if you slip up some days, don’t sweat it! Just get back on track the next day (or sooner!).
What are your best tips and daily habits for maintaining a tidy home? Share in the comments below, I’d love to hear!
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