Keeping a house clean and tidy can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple habits, it can become a manageable part of your weekly routine. Here are 10 tips for keeping your house tidy weekly:
1. Create a cleaning schedule
Set aside a specific time each week to clean your house. This will help you stay on top of your cleaning tasks and prevent things from getting out of control. Check out my cleaning schedule and cleaning task checklist here.
2. Declutter regularly
Go through your house and get rid of anything that you don't need or use. This will help you keep your space organized and tidy. Not sure where to start? Take a look at this list of items that people often forget to purge or these 3 quick tasks that you can tackle right now.
3. Make your bed every morning
This simple task can help set the tone for the day and make your bedroom look instantly tidier. And why not put away any stray items on your nightstand or any clothes tossed over the back of the chair while you are at it? And just like that, you have created a nice, clean space to retreat to at the end of a busy day.
4. Do a load of laundry each day
By staying on top of laundry on a daily basis, you can prevent a buildup of dirty clothes and ensure that you always have something to wear. And, one load to wash, dry, and fold daily is much quicker and less daunting than all 7 loads on a late Sunday afternoon. Still not convinced? Take a look at this post, where I talk all about how we tackle laundry at our house.
5. Clean up as you go
Don't underestimate the power of this seemingly obvious and simple habit. Whenever you finish using something, take a few seconds to put it away. This will prevent clutter from building up and make cleaning easier in the long run.
6. Use appropriate storage solutions
Invest in storage solutions like baskets, bins, and drawer inserts that fit your space to help keep your belongings organized and tidy. When everything has a proper place and can be stored in a way that makes it easy to access and easy to put back, you are more likely to do so.
7. Clear off and wipe down high-use surfaces daily
Clear surfaces like countertops, tables, and vanities each day. Then use a damp cloth to do a quick wipe down. This will prevent clutter, dust, and grime from building up.
8. Sweep or vacuum floors regularly
A quick pass with a broom or vacuum cleaner will help keep your floors clean and prevent dirt and dust from accumulating and being dragged around from room to room. There is nothing like dust bunnies in the corner or crumbs under the table to instantly contribute to a feeling of untidiness.
9. Clean as a team
Everyone in a household contributes to messes in one way or another; therefore, it is important and fair to get your family or roommates involved in cleaning tasks. This will also make the job faster and more manageable for everyone. If you need some pointers, take a look here for some additional tips on how to teach kids how to become organized.
10. Take breaks and break down larger tasks
Don't try to clean your entire house in one go. Take breaks and tackle one room or task at a time. Not only does this maximize the use of those small pockets of time during your day, but it also helps prevent burnout and frustration.