The secret to a tidy place: 8 simple life-changing tips
For people who have their hands full, keeping the house organized and spotless is a nightmare. Somehow, it always ends up taking a back seat on the list of endless responsibilities. But what we don’t realize is that an untidy house affects the functioning of our mind. Clutter, dirt, and a general mess are like background static noise, which adds to your stress. There’s no way to ignore it.
Of course your living space should be a calming, healthy, and hygienic environment. What’s more, the blissful feeling of walking on dust-free floors and resting on a well-made bed after work is something that everybody deserves. That’s why we’re sharing some simple tricks for busy bees that want a clean and orderly household!
#1. Everything should be in place
The first rule for an organized and tidy house is having plenty of storage space. You should have a separate spot for everything – starting from your laundry to your gadgets. Add more shelves and stock up on containers, hangers, baskets, and jars. Furniture with built-in storage space is also a good idea if you’re concerned about aesthetics. Make sure that everyone in the household knows where everything should go. And when you’re walking around, or going to a different floor, always be on the lookout. If you see something out of place, put it away immediately! By following this simple rule, you’ll soon see that cleaning your house has become a much easier process. When all your things have a designated place, there’s no chance of clutter. You’ll also be able to get tasks done much faster because you’ll know where to look for what you need.
#2. Don’t walk around with shoes on
Shoes are the carriers of all sorts of dirt, germs, and dust. So, if you want your floors to at least feel cleaner, it’s wise to leave your shoes at the door. Set a specific place in the hallway for your outdoor shoes. When you’re indoors, switch to a pair of comfy slippers. Make sure that you have another pair of flip flops for each of your bathrooms as well. This may seem annoying, but trust me, it will make a difference! Your feet won’t feel dusty every time you walk at home. It will also save you from having to mop and vacuum every day.
#3. Declutter as much as possible
Fewer things in your house mean less cleaning and more organized living. So, if you truly want a tidier living space, make sure to declutter regularly. This will make your house and your mind feel a lot lighter. We all tend to hoard things, in hopes that we’ll use it someday, but that day never comes. So, get rid of those clothes that don’t fit you, and give it to someone who really needs it! Even having a garage sale for your old stuff will be more beneficial than holding onto it. And those stacks of newspapers that you keep in your cupboard? Do some good for the earth, and recycle them! In this modern world, minimalism is considered the key to a happy life. This isn’t just some trend – there’s actual logic behind it. It’s good for the planet, for society, and for your wallet as well!
#4. Make cleaning a part of your routine
When you make a habit of something, it becomes less of a chore. And cleaning is such an integral part of being an adult, that it really shouldn’t feel like something you’re forced to do. It’s best to make cleaning a scheduled part of your day. Divide your basic daily tasks like vacuuming, mopping, washing dishes, etc. for specific times, and stick to it no matter what. We often get distracted by other things while cleaning. This makes us take more time than the task really needs. So, try to focus on what you’re doing. This will make you a lot more efficient. You can have music or a YouTube video playing, but it shouldn’t be too distracting. Leave the deeper cleaning, like washing the bathroom floors and laundry, for weekends. You could even set a specific day of the month for bigger tasks like decluttering or organizing your closet.
#5. Multiple bins
Whether we like it or not, we make a lot of waste throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to have bins for every room in your house. In fact, you might even need two for different corners of the same room. Having a separate mini bin for your desk is always helpful. You’ll have a place to throw away your sharpening peels, stapling pins, and crumpled paper. And for the kitchen, it’s a good idea to get a compost food bin. Needless to say, you should always place a trash bag in your bins first, even if they’re small. This will make it much easier to empty the trash.
You should definitely empty your food waste every day, and the others once a week. And don’t forget to give the bins a wipe, and a monthly deep clean. Trash cans are one of the most unhygienic objects in your house. So, don’t wait for them to become visibly dirty.
#6. Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner
Vacuum cleaners are a game-changer when it comes to cleaning. They’re fast, efficient, and an absolute necessity if you own a pet. Luckily, there is now a wide array of options on the market for you to choose from. Vacuum cleaners come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, and may even be automated. Many brands also have different models at different price points. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that they’re the same. These vacuum cleaners might vary in charge time, runtime, and even have different mechanisms. For example, the dyson v7 vs dyson v8 models are from the same brand, but they have very different features. The v8 actually has special filters that make it ideal for users who have allergic reactions. So, make an informed decision, based on your needs. When you have the right vacuum cleaner at hand, the investment will be worth it.
#7. Set a dumping zone for clothes
Although it’s best to clean up right away, sometimes, you just have to accept that it’s impossible. There might not be enough time to put things back in the order that they’re meant to be and so you tend to leave it for later. For tornado situations like these, designate a special dumping zone. A dumping zone is a corner, a basket, or a shelf where you can dump all the clothes you took out in a rush. So, when you come back from your party or work, you can fix it up again at your own pace. Just make sure that the dumping zone is hidden so that it doesn’t look cluttered.
This is also super useful when you have unexpected guests arriving and you need a quick clean. This should be a temporary fix though, and shouldn’t become another great task to manage.
#8. Don’t procrastinate
We’re always waiting to clear things up. But don’t do this – procrastinating leads nowhere! Make your bed as soon as you get up. This will give you a good, solid start to the day. It will also make your room look a lot tidier. Also, wash dishes as soon as you’re done eating. Don’t leave them in the sink for the next morning. Not only is this unhygienic, but it’s also a nuisance for yourself and for everyone else in the house. By cleaning at the right time you’ll be doing your future self a favour. If you leave things for later, they will just pile up and you’ll feel overwhelmed.
Cleaning can be quite difficult when you’re a busy person, but that doesn’t mean that you’re bound to live a messy life. Remember, it’s your place, so no one else is responsible for it, except for you. Engrave that thought in your head, and I kid you not – you’ll never grumble about it again.
