Imagine! You’ve just had a long day at work and step through the door hoping to relax. Instead, you’re greeted by a pile of dishes, a cluttered coffee table, and laundry spilling out of the basket. Sound familiar?
A messy home can instantly add to your stress, and it’s something many of us struggle with. But keeping a clean and organised space isn’t just about scrubbing floors or folding towels. It’s about creating a calm, welcoming environment that makes you feel good to be home.
For years, I believed that cleaning was just about having a spotless home. But I’ve come to realise that true tidiness comes down to organisation. A clean home makes life easier, and you’ll be surprised how much better you feel when everything has its place.
Let’s break down how to achieve this, one step at a time with some beginner friendly cleaning tips.
Busting the Biggest Myth: Clean Doesn’t Mean Perfect
Let’s talk about a common misconception first. Many people think keeping a clean home means scrubbing every corner daily. That’s overwhelming and unrealistic. Keeping a clean and organised home isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making your space functional. Your space should work for you, not against you.
It’s about small, consistent habits that prevent messes from piling up. You don’t have to wash your windows every week, but a quick wipe of your kitchen counters every night makes a huge difference.
Step 1: Declutter First, Clean Later
You can’t clean around clutter. It just doesn’t work. It’s like trying to paint on a messy canvas. The best way to start is by focusing on one area at a time. It could be your wardrobe, kitchen pantry, or even that one “junk drawer” we all seem to have. The key is to take it step by step without overwhelming yourself. When decluttering, ask yourself, “Do I use this regularly? Do I love it? Does it have a purpose?”
For me, decluttering my wardrobe was eye-opening. I realised I had clothes I hadn’t worn in years just sitting there, taking up space. Letting go of them wasn’t easy at first, but donating what I didn’t need felt so freeing. After that, I suddenly had space for the items I actually use and love, and it made cleaning so much simpler.
Try the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring home, let go of something else. It’s a simple way to keep your space balanced and prevent clutter from creeping back in.
Step 2: Create a Cleaning Routine That Fits Your Life
You don’t need to spend hours cleaning every day. The trick is to build a routine that works with your lifestyle. Breaking chores into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel a lot less overwhelming.
Here’s some cleaning tips on how I keep it simple:
- Daily tasks: Make your bed, wipe down the kitchen counters, and do a quick 5-minute tidy-up before bed. These small actions keep things under control.
- Weekly tasks: Set aside time to vacuum the floors, clean the bathroom, and wash your bedsheets. These are the jobs that make your home feel fresh.
- Monthly tasks: Dust those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fans, clean windows, and give your pantry a good reorganisation.
I’ve found that setting a timer works wonders. I spend 20 minutes every evening tidying up. It’s amazing how much you can get done in such a short time, and it helps prevent messes from piling up.
Step 3: Use the Right Tools and Products
A good clean starts with the right tools. They don’t need to be fancy or expensive, just practical and reliable. Here are my must-haves:
- Microfibre cloths: These are magic. They pick up dust, clean windows without streaks, and don’t scratch surfaces.
- Multipurpose cleaner: I use an eco-friendly spray that works on countertops, mirrors, and even the bathroom sink.
- Baking soda and vinegar: I know it’s a classic, but these pantry staples work! They’re natural and super effective. Use them to deodorise carpets, unclog drains, or clean your oven.
- A sturdy vacuum cleaner: Invest in one that works for your flooring. I have a Kogan MX10 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner. It is a cheaper alternative to Dyson. It’s lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and cordless.
- Storage baskets: These are my go-to for keeping small items like remote controls, chargers, or makeup tidy.
Step 4: Build Habits That Stick
Consistency is key. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight, but small habits can make a big difference.
- Clean as you go: Cooking dinner? Wash dishes or wipe counters while you wait for something to simmer.
- Adopt a “one-touch rule”: Instead of tossing your jacket on the couch, hang it up straight away.
- Do a nightly reset: Spend a few minutes tidying before bed. Waking up to a clean space sets the tone for the day.
Step 5: Make Cleaning Fun
Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring. Pop on a podcast, crank up your favourite playlist, or even set challenges. Can you clean the kitchen in 15 minutes? Go!
When I’m not in the mood, I put on an audiobook. It distracts me from the task, and before I know it, I’ve cleaned an entire room.
Why It’s Worth It
Keeping a clean and organised home isn’t just about appearances. It’s about feeling good in your space. When your home is tidy, you save time looking for things, reduce stress, and even sleep better. Plus, it creates a welcoming environment for family and friends. Remember, no one’s home is picture-perfect all the time. Mine certainly isn’t! But with a little effort, and these cleaning tips, you can create a space that works for you.
Starting the journey to a clean and organised home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, find what works for you, and don’t aim for perfection.
It’s about building habits that make life easier and creating a space where you feel truly at home. So grab those microfibre cloths and get started—you’ve got this!