Step One: Prioritize Organization

The foundation of a clean house is effective organization. I used to randomly place items without considering their designated spots, which only added to the chaos. To combat this, it's essential to invest time in organizing your space before diving into a cleaning routine. Though this can be a substantial undertaking, it's a critical step that I regret not addressing earlier. If it feels overwhelming, consider creating a list of areas that need organizing and tackle them gradually.

Currently, I still have a few small areas to sort, so I include them in my weekly cleaning tasks. If I’m unsure what to focus on, I simply note “organize one item” on my list and choose that day which task to tackle.

Step Two: Establish Simple Cleaning Rules

Implementing straightforward cleaning rules can greatly enhance your daily routine. A mantra I often repeat is “Don’t put it down, put it away.” This is particularly useful with children around. For instance, when returning from the car, I remind myself to hang up my purse instead of leaving it by the door. This rule extends to my kids, who are required to hang their coats and store their shoes before entering the house. This proactive approach alleviates the need for later cleanup.

There are numerous other habits that can simplify your cleaning process. For example, I quickly rinse and wipe down the bathroom sink each night after brushing our teeth, ensuring a fresh start in the morning. I also avoid leaving dishes on tables during meals in the living room.

To build these habits, it’s best to start with one or two and practice them consistently for a week. Gradually, you can introduce additional rules, transforming these tasks into automatic behaviors.

Step Three: Determine Cleaning Frequency

Creating a detailed cleaning list helps clarify what tasks are necessary each day. For me, daily responsibilities include washing dishes after dinner, doing a load of laundry, and sweeping up crumbs from the kids’ snacks.

I use Notion to manage my cleaning schedule, listing daily tasks at the top. Next, I outline chores that need attention once or twice a week, such as bathroom cleaning and washing bedding. I prefer to allocate these tasks on weekdays to keep weekends free for relaxation.

For instance, on Mondays, I clean the bathroom, and on Fridays, I wash all the bedding. I alternate mopping schedules, focusing on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom more frequently than my bedroom.

Additionally, I maintain a list of monthly tasks, such as cleaning the car or refrigerator, which I schedule for lighter cleaning days or weekends if I’m feeling overwhelmed.

Lastly, I have seasonal tasks that involve deeper cleaning, like washing walls and organizing seasonal clothing, ensuring everything is fresh and tidy.

Step Four: Develop a Personalized Cleaning Schedule

As previously mentioned, I use Notion to organize my cleaning tasks based on my personal schedule. Cleaning times will vary for everyone, but I prefer to handle chores in the mornings and evenings. Determine when you can commit to cleaning and create a list that fits your routine. For those living alone, your list may be shorter, which is perfectly fine!

The key is to set aside dedicated time for cleaning. Although the prospect may seem intimidating, these manageable steps can lead to a clean and organized home.

Once I adopted this system, maintaining my household chores became significantly more manageable. It has also prevented feelings of overwhelm and allowed me to stay on track. If you find yourself struggling, try implementing these strategies—I assure you that waking up to a tidy home each day is incredibly rewarding.

Explore essential cleaning habits that transformed my life in this video titled "CLEAN HOME Habits - 11 cleaning habits that CHANGED MY LIFE!"

Learn about daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal cleaning routines in "Habits for a Clean Home | Daily, Weekly, Monthly & Seasonal Cleaning Routines."