The new year often sparks a desire for change, but ambitious cleaning goals can quickly feel overwhelming. Instead of setting unrealistic expectations, experts recommend a series of small, sustainable habits that add up over time. These practical tips from professional organizers can transform your home without adding undue stress to your routine.
Declutter Strategically, Not All at Once
The biggest mistake people make is trying to overhaul their entire home at once. This leads to burnout and ultimately, failure. Instead, integrate cleaning into existing routines. Decluttering can be as simple as tidying the refrigerator while cooking or quickly sorting laundry as you fold it.
Professional organizer Keli Jakel suggests, “If your laundry pile is full, it’s the perfect opportunity to quickly declutter your closet.” This approach breaks down the task into manageable steps. For larger areas, commit to one section per month to avoid overwhelm.
Schedule Cleaning into Your Week
Vague intentions like “I should clean” rarely translate into action. The key is specificity: instead of a general goal, schedule cleaning tasks into your calendar.
Nicole Sachiko recommends saying, “I will clean all surfaces and floors every Sunday morning after breakfast.” This transforms a wish into a concrete commitment. Setting alarms or integrating cleaning into existing routines, such as a 10-minute reset before bed, can reinforce these habits.
Simplify Cleaning Supplies
A minimalist approach to cleaning products can save money and reduce clutter. Experts suggest sticking to just two or three versatile solutions. Distilled vinegar is effective on almost any surface, while bleach is ideal for deep-cleaning bathrooms. Windex can handle glass and windows.
Using reusable glass spray bottles adds an aesthetic touch while minimizing plastic waste. This streamlined approach makes cleaning less daunting and more efficient.
Conquer Paper Clutter Immediately
Paper piles accumulate quickly, creating visual chaos. The solution? Recycle or file documents before they hit the countertop.
MaryJo Monroe suggests setting up four folders: “to pay,” “to file,” “to look into,” and “pending.” This system keeps important papers organized and prevents them from becoming overwhelming. Processing these folders weekly ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Assign Homes to Everyday Items
Lost keys and phones waste time and cause unnecessary stress. Designate a specific spot for essential items and return them there every day.
Monroe recommends keeping phones near charging stations when not in use, and keys on a hook or in a dish by the door. Consistency is key; making this a habit eliminates the frantic morning search.
Involve the Entire Family
Cleaning shouldn’t be a solo effort. Involving family members not only lightens the load but also teaches responsibility.
Have children sort through backpacks after school, handing over papers for processing. Consider using an allowance to incentivize cleaning tasks, encouraging children to manage their own money while contributing to household chores.
Ultimately, these habits aren’t about perfection, but about creating a sustainable system that keeps your home tidy without consuming your life. Small, consistent actions are more effective than grand, unsustainable resolutions. The key is to make cleaning an integrated part of daily life, not a dreaded chore.
